-CRAFTON-
By Abbey Sullivan
Crafton's council discussed the most recent updates to the borough's ongoing parks master site project March 10.
Improvements will include a potential walking loop in Crafton Park and dog park in the public works property near Chartiers Creek.
Council will soon vote to pursue a grant for the project and the head consultant will present the full plans at the next council meeting, according to Councilwoman Kirsten Compitello.
“We are still working on finalizing what the actual changes and the specific costs will be, but we’re looking mainly at improvements mainly to Linwood and Noble Park,” Compitello said.
Council has taken up a six-month effort to rework Crafton’s parks and recreation system in this master site project. Officials began polling residents in November 2021 to determine the areas in need of the most attention, and in December 2021 displayed the initial concepts to the public.
Since December 2021, project steering committee members have drafted park plans to present to council for review and acceptance with hopes of construction beginning as early as April 2022.
Further details about the parks project can be found in the "Crafton Courier" newsletter and on the borough’s website.
Council’s March 24 meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. instead of 7:15 p.m. to account for the consultant’s presentation.
Wage increase
Pool and summer help public works wages will be increased for the incoming seasons.
To help account for the wage increases, plans are in place to increase pool entry fees to non-Crafton residents only.
Head lifeguard wages increased from $10 to $16 per hour; lifeguard wages from $10 to $15 per hour; cashier wages from $7.75 to $10, among others. Park laborer wages increased from $10 to $15 an hour for first-year non-union summer help jobs and from $11 to $16 for returning non-union summer help jobs.
Road issues
Mayor Coletta Perry addressed recent road closure issues within Crafton, including large tractor trailer trucks passing through unfit roads. There are now plans in place to add “no trucks allowed” signs to existing detour signs.
Council also addressed concerns brought by the borough fire chief about vehicles parking too close to corners.
Police will start issuing warnings to vehicles found parked improperly in this manner.
Grant application
Crafton is currently seeking out a Local Share Account Statewide Grant, a state grant that focuses on improving residential quality of life.
The potential grant for $140,000 will be put toward the purchase and installation of borough-wide lightning, as well as landscaping improvement.
Commission vacancies
Council President John Oliverio discussed the ongoing commission vacancies and stressed the need for continued resident outreach to fill the positions.
“I encourage residents to check these [openings] out. I think it’s important from an engagement standpoint. This is really a great way to have a voice in the community,” Oliverio said.
Borough commission openings can be found on the borough’s website, along with the application. Completed applications are due by March 21.