Ford City Sidewalk Replacement Begins
Sidewalks were beginning to be implemented along 3rd Avenue in Ford City Borough last week. Homeowners still not connected to the new sewage system could have their water turned off if Ford City Borough Council elects to strictly enforce a Borough ordinance.
by Jonathan Weaver
Ford City residents are again seeing construction vehicles outside their homes this summer, but they are being used to restore sidewalks to the Borough.
As reported by the Ford City Borough Municipal Sewage Disposal Authority last month, Board members were awaiting confirmation for a loan from S&T Bank at last month’s meeting to officially begin sidewalk replacement. That loan has been received according to Engineer David Nichols.
“The sidewalk replacement project is moving ahead,” Nichols said. “Notice to proceed was issued April 16.”
Three-fourths of the $1 million loan – $745,000 – will ultimately go to Santamaria Landscape and Cement of Apollo contractors for their work. Contractors are under a 90-day contract.
Board members authorized a more-than $9,500 payment be made to Santamaria for concrete curb removal and replacement done along 3rd Avenue. Curbs will also be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Final completion date is now scheduled for September.
A $2,813 change order due to a delay for a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Highway Restoration Bond resulted in an additional 30-day contract period.
An additional account will be established at S&T Bank for payments
Board members meanwhile are still awaiting approval from the Department of Environmental Protection in terms of change orders for the sewer separation project conducted by S&E Utility Contracting of Jeannette. That approval is contingent on a final payment from PENNVEST.
Superintendent James Smerick said he was particularly worried about sidewalk replacement along 5th Avenue, where a majority of the remaining homes are located.
There are 29 homeowners still not connected to the new sewage system, eight of which receiving assistance from Armstrong County. Smerick asked Jennifer Bellas at the County Planning and Development office to help speed up those residents.
Smerick suggested sending a ‘threatening’ letter with the current ordinance to the other 21 homeowners.
“Whatever (the consequence), make it threatening enough to get these people moving,” Smerick said.
This would be the third letter sent out to residents.
“The majority of them are along 5th Avenue and there are some on 6th (Avenue),” Smerick said. “As far as the way the contract is moving, we have a little bit of time, but we have to make them aware the sidewalks are going in and any damage to those sidewalks will be the homeowner’s responsibility while they tie in to the sewer.”
He added many houses are for sale and the Authority could put a lean on the property until action is taken.
Board Vice-President Terry Stinson advised quick action should be mandated.
“I wouldn’t give them any more than 30 days,” Stinson said.
Solicitor Frank Wolfe advised the Authority get away from fines.
“One of the problems with fining people is they can go on and on and on. Do you think (District Judge) Gary Decomo would put someone in jail for this? I don’t see that happening. It’s just not going to work” Wolfe said.
Wolfe instead advised the Sewage Authority to physically enter the residents and implement the changes as allowed by a legal statute. He said if homeowners interfere, they would be charged with a misdemeanor.
“You have a lot of power to make these people comply,” Wolfe said. “Whether we want to go that far, I don’t know because you’d have to advance (payment).”
The Sewage Authority can also shut off their water. Wolfe will ask Ford City Borough Council about implementing that penalty possibly as soon as tonight’s meeting.
Uncategorized | jweaver May 14, 2012
By sickofpayingforit, May 14, 2012 @ 1:56 PM
I don’t know…….I guess I get the fact that it needs to be done, but…….I cringe when I read about the government making plans to impose their will on private citizens. Why should the government be able to tell anyone what they have to do with their house? What is the point of even buying a house when the school board extorts an annual premium from it, then the other politicians congregate and discuss what you are and aren’t allowed to do with the house. Then, if you don’t comply, they talk of entering your private property? Just wait until the REAL figures are realized from his Taj Mahal that is being finalized. This sidewalk/sewage situation will be a drop in the bucket once they start to hike our taxes to pay for that unneeded monstosity!
By Interesting, May 15, 2012 @ 4:05 AM
Talk of sending “threatening” letters is ridiculous, as is talk of entering people’s homes to facilitate the changes against their will. No need to send a threatening letter; there have already been two letters sent according to the article. Send out one more letter that explains the water will be turned off by such and such date and will not be turned back on until the residence is in compliance with the ordinance and any sidewalk repairs have been made. Then stick to it.
And……since we are told that “iron sharpens iron” I must point out that a “lean” will not be put on the property but perhaps a “lien” would be. Additionally, the authority could potentially enter the home of the “residents” which would be referred to as their “residence.”
The English language is funny….if you spell soap s-o-a-p why do you spell rope r-o-p-e???
By JornJensen, May 15, 2012 @ 5:38 AM
This must be ‘shovel-ready’ work. I feel sorry for the people of Ford City - especially seniors on fixed incomes - how will they be able to pay? I think going to jail might be the best alternative - heard they’re getting the air conditioning fixed.