Published: February 15, 2009 11:24 pm      

Summerhill ‘ready to replace’ sidewalks

SUMMERHILL — Those living in this small community will have an easier time visiting neighbors when new sidewalks are installed throughout the borough.

“We are committed to this,” said Brett Neff, Summerhill Borough Council president, at last week’s meeting. “We are ready to replace our sidewalks.”

Although the borough continues to shop for grants to fund the work, council already is lining up a bank loan and is ready to start construction.

“We will have our numbers at our next meeting,” Neff said.

“We are looking at $300,000, based on past replacement. We figured it high to be safe. Hopefully, it will come in lower.”

Neff expects to have the replacement project ready for bid advertisements in March.

Construction would begin soon after a bid is awarded.

Virtually every street in the residential areas will receive new sidewalks and curbing.

Second Avenue will have sidewalks on both sides replaced. First Avenue residents will be surveyed to see if they would favor eliminating the sidewalk on one side, while replacing the sidewalk across the street.

Station Street also would have one sidewalk eliminated and the other replaced.

Market, Bridge and Croyle streets all would receive new sidewalks, and new sidewalk and curbing is planned for the entire circumference of the community park.

Borough resident Dan Penatzer, who is Ebensburg Borough manager, urged council to investigate funding available as part of the federal stimulus package.

“There are some more grants out there,” Penatzer said, volunteering to help council with paperwork. “Now is the time to get them.”