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Council committee clears RiverLife barge to berth at Allegheny Landing for summer
Summary
A standing committee approved a resolution authorizing access for a RiverLife barge at the Allegheny Landing Dock for a seasonal, publicly accessible platform contingent on final permits; RiverLife said the installation would be solar-powered, ADA-accessible and staged for late spring through October.
Council members on the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee voted to recommend approval of a resolution authorizing RiverLife to use the Allegheny Landing Dock for a seasonal barge platform (Bill 17‑51).
The vote advances a plan RiverLife described as a modular, movable barge with an accessible drawbridge, solar-powered concessions and a public-access platform that the organization hopes to open late May or June and operate through October, pending final permits.
RiverLife representative Gavin told the committee the barge would be sited at the restored Allegheny Landing Dock and would be free to the public when staffed. "The intent is to have that sighted at Allegheny Landing," Gavin said, adding the concession area would be solar-powered and the gangway would function like a drawbridge to provide accessible boarding. He said the barge is made of 10 modular sections so it can be reconfigured and potentially moved to other neighborhoods in future years. He also said the unit would be stored over the winter at an operator's facility in Catanning.
Council members asked about operational and safety details. Councilperson Warwick, chair of the committee, noted Director Hornstein's absence and asked RiverLife to explain permitting and timing. Gavin said RiverLife had pursued "novel permitting processes" for a river-based installation and that the summer timeline depended on those approvals. Councilmember Coghill and Councilmember Wilson asked about gangway design, pilings, storage and vendor selection; RiverLife said the gangway would be attached to the barge, pilings ("spuds") would penetrate the riverbed and anchors would supplement them, life rings and an AED would be onboard, and vendors for concessions were selected through a bid process not yet publicly announced.
The resolution authorizes the city to enter agreements to allow access to the RiverLife barge "at no cost to the city." Committee members voiced support for the project’s potential to increase public river access and draw visitors to the city. The committee recorded an affirmative recommendation by voice vote.
RiverLife and city staff said final placement and opening remain subject to outstanding river, state and federal permits and to any operational requirements from public safety and river rescue teams.
