[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6191122,"mediaKeyId","5024165-adb0c956790857dc259f77e2a511578a","parentId",5024165,"title","Council adopts resolution to apply for $250,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant for Veterans Trail Ridges","audioSeconds",95,"startMs",2121000,"endMs",2216000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024165-adb0c956790857dc259f77e2a511578a&start=2121&end=2216","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024165-adb0c956790857dc259f77e2a511578a/thumbnail_2121000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6191122/Franklin-Park/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Council-adopts-resolution-to-apply-for-250000-Greenways-Trails-and-Recreation-Program-grant-for-Veterans-Trail-Ridges","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191122-a2fc260e00d4990087898ab2ff6f1e55/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190357&Signature=UDbH7nQwH0CNGuJqNO6lx9un-7IN8yNgorhAtvBQFaQM6tlmLc6A9NePbqqeqJu~FE~idrGqshzKde~cbjrUayl4EqBifYjRG9Vwr6qjEyFBee3Vdw9RyY2dVpJ48fXe8d7j~Ehvfv0a7p2lcbIxTxBv8SEnpFxf1Eflvlee6JipxUqOXA6Ru33ypIIgH8LY~6KuVQryLHOWCgvxfMyOUkU2FZuiwXBD1PJN3QF-I5P7RsZL7DLU4s9w5~~vm6qlIs6leqEovK3KZceibqF0pSNDSB5RNWgy9q-D8Y8VW5w1a29T4kN3SmkyyY3VrPEdjawazB7C9AwS-LIc34uEZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Franklin Park Borough, PA","date","2025-06-19T17:18:20Z","article","Franklin Park Borough council voted June 18 to adopt Resolution 1384 of 2025 authorizing the borough to apply for $250,000 from the Commonwealth’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) to support Veterans Trail Ridges work in Blueberry Hill Park.

Councilman Yonker summarized the resolution for the record as a GTRP grant application in the amount of $250,000 to be used for Veterans Trail Ridges in Blueberry Hill Park. The motion to adopt Resolution 1384‑2025 was seconded and approved by voice vote; council recorded an affirmative vote.

Why this matters: GTRP grants fund trail and park projects; if awarded, the funds would be applied to trail work in Blueberry Hill Park that council identified in the application. The resolution authorizes the borough manager to submit the application and to enter into the required grant agreement and related activities.

Next steps: Borough staff will submit the GTRP application and follow PennCommonwealth grant procedures; if the grant is awarded, staff will return with documents and implementation steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 18 2025 Borough Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Franklin Park council voted to adopt Resolution 1384‑2025 authorizing a $250,000 GTRP grant application to fund Veterans Trail Ridges work in Blueberry Hill Park and related trails.","taxTitle","Franklin Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71360,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6191126,"Residents press borough for street repairs and pickleball planning; staff points to upcoming recreation plan",278,103000,381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024165-adb0c956790857dc259f77e2a511578a&start=103&end=381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024165-adb0c956790857dc259f77e2a511578a/thumbnail_103000.jpg","/articles/6191126/Franklin-Park/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Residents-press-borough-for-street-repairs-and-pickleball-planning-staff-points-to-upcoming-recreation-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191126-5802e3996c516ad8a26aea380a3c4fdb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190357&Signature=OHEahUJQ80bn8mCSBQTkXzOPmoHJjq0FXTXw13wutVDtEk4uV6KtBJMGLxdfYpX2TZ534MYi-AVMCQV2BOkBV2lG-JBF6cY1JvA4FbIEGKgVkrh00iYoT0IWsiC5WUzPEPrAVbmLjM8rZsYgaS73IAfiLnSLeggn~jUwXllWutxR4~wJfw-ethBDcMW6Gmw2kYDnQBknrQ11Ge8JToT650byjGt36Nz9AZcYxW5x7jKj4oz7FAl00xlSpAH5fznTBvNwTrNgZBs6JBQ2A6kR8SgEeKtCwmZMTjwC0qYKToL7JxO3dkRNwbXrJEjUH8suzLImr2uby4MopFS20QCAGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two residents addressed the council during the public-comment portion of the June 18 meeting to press for more road repairs in Settlers Walk and to ask about recreation planning for pickleball courts.

Paul Rechenmacher, representing the Settlers Walk homeowners association and identifying his address as 1714 Holmes Drive, described recurring cracked asphalt and patches that have degraded after recent rains. He said prior patch work had not held and asked whether any upcoming paving or maintenance plans would address the neighborhood’s conditions. Borough staff responded that Public Works previously met with HOA representatives and can be asked to inspect and address specific trouble spots; staff said the borough is examining all streets and noted that work done earlier this year had addressed several deep potholes but that rain and timing have affected outcomes.

On recreation, Rechenmacher urged the borough to consider a pickleball event area on the Blueberry Hill field, citing strong local interest and asking residents to participate in planning. Borough staff said a comprehensive recreation plan is being prepared and encouraged residents to participate in that process so demand for pickleball is documented.

Why this matters: Residents said localized pavement distress is causing safety and maintenance concerns in their neighborhood, and they requested a clearer path to problem resolution. Officials advised that while the borough is reviewing all streets, specific Public Works follow-up would be the practical next step. Recreation planning could determine whether dedicated pickleball courts or temporary event space are added to borough parks.

Next steps: Public Works will review the Settlers Walk locations identified by the HOA and respond to the resident with planned actions; borough staff will publish the comprehensive recreation plan and solicit resident input to document demand for facilities such as pickleball courts.","Settlers Walk HOA and other residents raised pavement condition concerns and asked about pickleball courts; borough staff said Public Works can inspect specific areas and urged participation in a forthcoming comprehensive recreation plan.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6191131,"Council approves conditional use for rooftop solar arrays at Wexford property",675,1393000,2068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024165-adb0c956790857dc259f77e2a511578a&start=1393&end=2068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024165-adb0c956790857dc259f77e2a511578a/thumbnail_1393000.jpg","/articles/6191131/Franklin-Park/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Council-approves-conditional-use-for-rooftop-solar-arrays-at-Wexford-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191131-e56f11d77a8ab9d12a91c8cb7d12886d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190357&Signature=UCpdOD18kfV5ydFwg48nzbPysRmVs1Iq-659jNcixvyC12eWD3VRJUyqonPqKhZZ~b4q6Se-rThrwLLmRhXuIExB2CcZ1ZZhViZVEkAST~H~TqtG8Y8j0djsvYHo0K7mU3WFg5OluV9rZGQIPjdXmvuyuDtYsAc7qP6NHL3CS05uHANsQ7y3qpruMJUa7Vl0fbDCG0e83S92hhMpb5dwmAYwIpirEbt7jvZJBzMakU79PIkbEwK6jfwUqnJ4Zm0UIRQhdQztm2D1MNTYzmSChz5W135cwxIalvgDFdMIviyj9vrBgiNxJAeDeE6BIcVpepoSNUJvAeCkuF0-MiByXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Franklin Park Borough council approved a conditional-use application June 18 allowing rooftop solar panels on two accessory sheds at 2644 State Game Lands Road in the R‑1 zoning district.

The applicant, Carol Mandera, and her son, Tom Mandera (who the applicant identified as the family’s solar expert), described the project as a grid‑tied microinverter system without batteries that will reduce electricity costs for the family property; the panels will be mounted on two existing outbuildings (a 12×12 shed and a 25×15 shed). The planning commission had recommended approval at its May 20 meeting, subject to conditions in the staff report.

Staff listed preliminary exhibits into the record, including the revised application, relevant zoning ordinance sections relating to solar (zoning text exhibits submitted with the application), proof of publication and neighbors’ notices. The application packet noted the larger shed would not exceed the 75% coverage requirement that the planning commission recommended; the applicant agreed to reduce the coverage from an 80% target to the 75% allowed by staff and the commission.

Council then moved to approve conditional-use application CU‑25‑05‑01, contingent on compliance with the building inspector/zoning officer staff report dated May 27, 2025; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote. The borough advised the applicant she would receive written confirmation and the staff report copy the following day and that next steps include building and electrical permits.

Why this matters: The decision allows small-scale, accessory-building solar installations on a 9.53‑acre family property in a residential zone, using roof-mounted, grid‑tied panels without batteries, and it enforces the planning commission and staff conditions before permitting and construction stages.

Next steps: Applicant must obtain building and electrical permits and comply with any conditions in the staff report before installation may begin.","Council granted conditional-use approval for roof-mounted solar arrays on two accessory sheds at 2644 State Game Lands Road, contingent on compliance with building and zoning staff conditions; planning commission had recommended approval with conditions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6191136,"Franklin Park council advances information campaign on home rule study commission ahead of November ballot",2343,2453000,4796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5024165-adb0c956790857dc259f77e2a511578a&start=2453&end=4796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5024165-adb0c956790857dc259f77e2a511578a/thumbnail_2453000.jpg","/articles/6191136/Franklin-Park/Allegheny-County/Pennsylvania/Franklin-Park-council-advances-information-campaign-on-home-rule-study-commission-ahead-of-November-ballot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6191136-30e4a0808224a07e25683502b38a2f9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190357&Signature=nttLCQAR3Zocq1AYmMFrBpCmg7SA7O0~wS9rRTGg42mjG2faptJzSLVc2Y-RChxeI7WVa3W4~b2cn88H67yc-u5BVDrSYco23DSsQvOYcWBnREsUY6QDKUZB6kFjxwqDaD6kOLI3vLdLcMHDwb~0dNEG6IIooDzcDgB1T0~skIqiOSnew3iALz7I1PEpDOvHDJsYmgK4hv9OJPBSgrMO6sxH4hy~QuJ98CWtlq9iKHHJ7KlqTutkvB5A~tyKVs9EDhBE0QrGefWR5v~m2pVt9nGVHvZ7tQqux~s5tzEo6b~48b3F~GsMc2XmB-AZYkl9Xrawj6MvQ7fHYIuDrFQIMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Franklin Park Borough leaders presented background and answered resident questions June 18 about a proposed government study commission (GSC) question that, if placed on the Nov. 2025 ballot, would authorize voters to elect a commission to study whether Franklin Park should draft a home rule charter.

The presentation, led by borough staff and accompanied by slides sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), laid out a two-step, referendum-driven process: first, voters would approve whether to form a study commission and elect up to seven commission members; second, if the commission recommends pursuing a charter, it would draft a proposed charter for a later public referendum. Borough officials stressed that placing the question on the ballot only authorizes investigation — it does not adopt a charter or change taxes.

Why this matters: Borough staff and several council members said deficits and aging infrastructure were key reasons to evaluate options. Presenters noted the borough has used reserve funds to cover shortfalls in recent years and that future stormwater and capital work would pressure the budget. Officials described home rule as a tool that would shift some municipal authorities from state code to a locally drafted charter, but they emphasized statutory limits and voter approval steps.

The presentation summarized a likely timeline tied to the November 2025 election: August 2025 petition and nomination activities, certification and oath for elected commission members shortly after the election, a nine-month period for the commission to decide whether to proceed, and up to an additional nine months (18 months total) to draft a charter if the commission votes to pursue one. Staff said the ordinance before council (Ordinance 693 of 2025) would set the commission size at the seven-member minimum allowed under state law and would be advertised for possible action at the July 16 regular meeting.

Council members and residents focused questions on fiscal effects, checks in the process and what powers a charter would enable. Borough staff said home rule does not permit “inventing” new taxes without conforming to state limits; they cited examples such as real estate transfer-fee adjustments used by some nearby home-rule municipalities to alter revenue mixes. Staff provided the borough’s reserve policy benchmark (roughly 16–17%) and warned that sustained reserve draws could affect bond ratings and borrowing costs.

Multiple residents and elected members took part in the Q&A. One resident asked whether the commission process could be used to raise taxes; council members responded that the process contains multiple voter checkpoints and that the commission itself would only produce a draft for another public vote. Another resident said the borough has used reserves in recent budget cycles and urged exploring new revenue sources. Council members said options and outcomes would be for voters to decide if the study moves forward.

No formal adoption of a charter or new revenue measure occurred at the meeting. The ordinance to place the GSC question on the ballot was introduced for advertisement and potential action at the July 16 meeting; the next formal step would be council action to place the question on the November ballot.

Looking ahead: If voters approve formation of a government study commission in November, the borough expects the commission to organize quickly and publish public meetings and materials; if the commission later proposes a charter, that draft would itself be subject to a public referendum before taking effect.","Council held an informational presentation on the process, timeline and potential financial implications of placing a government study commission question on the Nov. 2025 ballot; no charter or taxes will be adopted by tonight's action.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts resolution to apply for $250,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant for Veterans Trail Ridges

Residents press borough for street repairs and pickleball planning; staff points to upcoming recreation plan

Council approves conditional use for rooftop solar arrays at Wexford property

Franklin Park council advances information campaign on home rule study commission ahead of November ballot