NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – The Director of the Clarion County Department of Planning and Development, Kristi Amato addressed the New Bethlehem Borough Council at their February meeting on Tuesday, February 18. Ms. Amato explained the scope and purpose of the Route 28 Study, currently taking place in Armstrong, Clarion, and Jefferson County. Engineers and financial planners will use the results of the study to plan the improvements to the highway. Ms. Amato said that hundreds of travelers that use the route know more of what improvements the road needs than a group of “experts” can learn traveling the road once or twice. The input of area residents, she said, is critical to proper planning and improvement of Route 28. The Planning and Development department is conducting a series of public hearings in order to gather input from area residents. These “stakeholder interviews are scheduled throughout the Route 28 area.

Kristi Amato Clarion County Dept of Planning and Development addresses New Bethlehem Borough Council

Ms. Amato stressed several times, that the Route 28 improvement does not include any by-pass if New Bethlehem. She said that the projected cost of such a project is simply prohibitive. The possibility of such a by-pass has haunted New Bethlehem business and community leaders for years. Traffic by-passing New Bethlehem would choke the last of the commercial life out of the borough. She also reported that the survey will also study the types and purposes of the traffic on Route 28. In answering a question from Councilperson Sandy Mateer, Ms. Amato said that following the completion of the study, planning commission will develop the improvement plan. Following this, the planning commissions will be able to assist municipalities plan their road improvement needs and funding in conjunction with the Route 28 work. Mayor Barrows asked if the data gathered would be available to local governments. Ms. Amato assured the Mayor that all of the data would be in the public domain. Mr. Barrows said that he thought knowing “who” and “why” was traveling Route 28 could help localities promote themselves to the travelers.

Police Chief Robert Malnofsky reported on a rather quiet January in New Bethlehem. He said that the police officers had issued 8 citations, 6 warnings, and only 1 criminal arrest in the first month of the year. The Chief asked the Council to approve the purchase of two sets of tires for department vehicles. The Council unanimously approved his request.

Street Commissioner Roger Hilliard told the Council that winter work was going well. Other than another truck striking the light pole at the corner of Broad and Wood Streets, and the usual repair tinkering on the old trucks, not much going on.

Councilman Brian Fox reported that the Fire Department was selling the old balance scales that they had used to weigh deer. He also said that the Fire Company was painting the walls of the firehouse and buffing the floors. Mr. Fox also told the Council that the Lenten Fish Fry’s would be held on March 6th, 20th, and April 3rd.

Mayor Barrows reported that he had been busy attending meetings and socials to promote New Bethlehem. He also said that he had plans o attend the Route 28 presentation at the Library on Feb 26. The Mayor said that he was hosting a community social on Sunday February 23rd. The “meet” and “greet” will be an opportunity for council, the Fire Department, and the Police Department to visit with the community.

Councilwoman Mateer reminded the group that “Community Cleanup Day would be on April 25. Plans are to meet at the Keck Building at 9 A.M. to break into work groups. The Council recessed into an Executive Session.

MEETINGS:
New Bethlehem Borough meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm at the Alltel/Windstream Building on Lafayette Street. Folks may contact the Borough’s office to be placed on the meeting agenda.

MISSION:
New Bethlehem Borough Council fosters business, community, and personal growth within the borough while maintaining the small town appeal and family friendly environment that makes New Bethlehem such a great place to work, live and raise a family.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To learn more about Council’s Goals & Objectives, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Mission’ tab.

CONTACT:
To contact any member of Council or the Borough’s office, please visit: NewBethlehemBoro.com/about and click the ‘Council’ tab. You may also ‘like/follow’ New Bethlehem Borough on Facebook for the latest news/announcements: Facebook.com/NewBethlehem

For more info, please visit New Bethlehem Borough’s website: NewBethlehemBoro.com