Kittanning Revitalization Contractor Back to Work

by Jonathan Weaver

Phase II of the Market Street revitalization project resumes today in downtown Kittanning.

County Planning and Development Program Managers Tom Swisher and Sally Conklin said work along Market Street by M&B Services of Clarion will start right away.

“Actually, they’re going to start with some inlet work (today) so some parking (will be impacted today). That’ll be on the north side of Market,” Swisher said.

Sidewalk work will then resume March 15.

“(M&B Services) is planning on doing most of the work over the next month-in-a-half to two months,” Swisher said. “You’ll see most of the streetscape elements finished by the end of April – concrete, planters, street lights.

“It’s good to see progress keep getting made.”

A clock has also been designed for a space near Citizens Bank, and a five-figure donation has been received, but the agreement is still being “ironed out,” according to Conklin. Plans are also to implement that clock – dedicated to county veterans – this Summer.

Conklin added that the goal is to have Phase II complete before the Fort Armstrong Folk Festival in August.

Regular construction updates are being sent to Market Street businesses affected by the revitalization to prepare them for any lane or parking closures. Walkers are also urged to be on the lookout for any closures or re-routing.

“I think (businesses) are all anxious to get the (revitalization) done and see the final product,” Swisher said.

Construction crews were planning to be back in town this month, but the humid, dry weather will help crews complete more.

Crews also found an unknown meter vault in the 200 block of Market Street.

Revitalization construction began three years ago.