Community-based concerns heard at April borough council meeting

The April 9 meeting of the Home Rule Borough of Edinboro was presided over by Mayor Aaron Gast, and included Deputy Mayor James Kiley, Borough Manager Kevin Opple, council members Mary Ann Horne, Patricia Davis, Nathan Latimer, Alyssa Dobson and Fred Langill, as well as Finance Director Jason Spangenberg and Solicitor Tim Wachter.

Casey Ponsoll was the first community member to speak, arguing against the decision that required him to remove custom “For Rent” signs from various Edinboro properties. Ponsoll argued that some of the signs had been standing for 15 years and expressed the futility of replacing them with the orange and black rental signs that can be found at standard hardware stores. He urged the council to revisit the signage codes and amend them as necessary so Edinboro landlords can advertise as they please.

Debbie McKelroy was next, asking for a replacement speed limit sign to be installed on Maple Drive as the previous one did not survive the winter. She also recommended that crosswalks all over Edinboro be properly repainted, “so it wouldn’t be a free-for-all across town.” The council said a painting schedule will be released when the temperature is a steady 50 degrees or higher. 

Murray Steinberg stood to speak after McKelroy, requesting a schedule for the water line construction that is due on Davis Drive. Worried the construction would block driveways and create problems for the neighborhood, Steinberg was responded to by Gast, who said the contractors have been courteous with homeowners as they work their way down Route 99 towards Davis Drive and Raspberry Lane.  

Opple then announced a meeting on April 18 for homeowners applying for a 2018 Façade Improvement Grant from the township, an award that goes into making their storefronts more attractive. To be considered, business owners need to provide the borough with a completed application and quote from a contractor for the desired updates. The application can be found online at edinboro.net. 

Borofest 2018, taking place April 26, was mentioned by Opple, who said he met with the EUP students planning the cornhole, wing contest and other scheduled events. The borough manager expressed some frustration about miscommunications with the students but said, “I think we’re moving forward.” 

Edinboro will be closing the street behind John’s Wildwood Pizzeria for the festival, as well as providing Port-A-Johns. Langill took a moment after Opple’s review to commend the newly instated borough manager for becoming “so well acquainted with the borough” in such a short time. 

After approval of the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament from June 11 to 28, along with construction plans for a subdivision on Willow Street, the meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.

Zelia Hobson can be reached at eupnews.spectator@gmail.com. 

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