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Residents urge council to pursue ATV trail connections, raise concerns about Rite Aid closure and accessibility
Summary
Public comment covered three items: riders and businesses urging ATV trail connectors to bring visitors downtown, a resident warning of impacts from a slated Rite Aid closure, and Bob Mecha of Life and Independence for Today (LIFT) urging full ADA compliance on future projects.
During the public-comment portion of the May 19 meeting several residents urged the council to pursue connections that would allow off-road vehicles to reach town from regional trail networks. A frequent commenter described a recent ATV event that drew more than 1,000 participants and said PennDOT has become more receptive to opening roads that function as trail connectors when the route serves a legitimate connector to off-road trails; the commenter said bringing riders downtown would benefit local businesses.
Ben, a resident, reported seeing a sign that the local Rite Aid is closing and said the loss of the pharmacy would pose a hardship for older residents who rely on prescriptions and personal-care items; he urged the city to explore attracting another pharmacy or retailer for the leased space.
Bob Mecha, executive director of Life and Independence for Today (LIFT), spoke in support of accessibility, praised recently completed accessible playground and elevator projects and requested the city involve LIFT on future accessibility planning. Mecha said staff assured him that any new pool would be ADA-compliant.
Councilors and staff asked for maps and details before making commitments on ATV connectors and said private leases and trail access agreements would need review; no formal action was taken during the meeting.
