First Posted: 4/9/2015
AVOCA — Council approved a loan resolution needed for a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) application in attempt to construct a new borough building.
The resolution, according to council vice president John Boone, is to show the USDA the borough is able to handle debt that will come with the construction of the new building to be located on the corner of Main and Vine streets where the old Ss. Peter and Paul Church once stood. That building was torn down in early 2014.
The church building was closed by the Diocese of Scranton in the fall of 2011 after the congregation merged with another church in Avoca and the building was sold to the borough for $144,000. The borough then elected to tear the church building down to make way for a new municipal building.
Prior to the monthly council meeting, a work session was held and included an update on the condition of Plane Street.
Mark Polizzi, a representative from Pennsy Supply, and Paul Smith, a representative from PennDOT, were on hand to explain the situation and when they anticipate the road will be open.
“Where we are right now, it will be a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of three weeks before it’s open,” said Smith. “The earliest we can get it open is two weeks and I don’t want to just hang my hat on exactly two weeks, but it won’t be any more than three weeks. By May 1, the road will be open.”
The street was closed several months ago due to construction on the Interstate 81 overpass, pedestrian walkways, utility changes and sewage drainage improvements.
Smith said everything is completed except the bridge work.
“We’re in the final stages of it so it shouldn’t be long,” said Smith.
Polizzi said the harsh winter months did not help the process.
“The winter didn’t help in there,” said Polizzi. “You can’t pour concrete when it’s 20 degrees out and expect to do a good job.”
Other motions approved included:
• The consideration of LED street lights which council will look at in greater detail.
• A $100 donation to Greater Pittston Meals on Wheels.
• Completion of the 2014 Avoca Borough annual audit.
The next council meeting is Thursday, May 14 at the Avoca Borough building at 752 Main St. A work session will tbe held at 6:30 p.m. and the regular meeting will follow.
