In a report to council by Borough Engineer Alberto Jarquin announced the Crafton Boulevard project is close to completion.
“Essentially, the project is in its final stages as it relates to the rest of the curbs on the hillside of Crafton Boulevard up toward Clearview,” said Jarquin, during the Sept. 8 council meeting
Landscaping for the parking area of the school and the phase I streetscape should begin within the next two weeks. All other areas of the project will be planted with grass until funding for landscaping and lighting is acquired.
During the landscaping, the area is set to be paved. These final touches should be complete by the end of October if weather permits, he said.
As for the Clearview Extension, a permit from PennDOT has been granted to improve the sight distance at the intersection. This should begin in early October and be completed in about a month.
Firework law
The Pennsylvania fireworks law was recently amended and is changing the way cities, townships and boroughs are able to permit or prohibit consumer fireworks. Stephen Korbel, the solicitor for Crafton Borough, advised council that members had three options under the new law.
The borough can either prohibit consumer fireworks, permit fireworks to be used at any time or permit fireworks to be used only on select days. No matter the decision, fireworks can only be set off 150 feet away from any building or vehicle.
Recent grants
Crafton was recently awarded $250,000 from the Community Conservation Partnership Programs. The grant will be administered through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and will be used in Phase I of renovations to Linwood and Noble Park.
The total project is estimated to cost $500,000. The borough has submitted for further grant funding from the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program for another $250,000 to complete the renovation project. The borough also recently received a grant for a new leaf vacuum in the amount of $65,000. The money is from the Department of Environmental Protection.
Fall events
Both Crafton and Ingram boroughs will be holding community celebrations on Saturday, Sept. 24. Crafton’s Fall Festival in Crafton Park runs from noon to 8 p.m. Ingram Community Day will run from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Foster Park with a rain date set for Sept. 25.
The third annual Haunted Crafton Audio Tour will run from October 22 - 31. The tours are self-guided driving experiences through the spookiest areas of Crafton. Residents can register to participate at craftonborough.com.
– Freelancer Alice Crow compiled this report.