Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bellefonte council weighs CDBG-funded accessibility upgrades for Talleyrand Park suspension bridge
Summary
Councilors debated whether to use $284,208 in CDBG funds to add ADA-compliant ramps and replace the suspension-bridge decking at Talleyrand Park, with estimates showing a likely local funding shortfall and differing views on long-term maintenance costs.
Borough staff briefed the Bellefonte Borough Council on a proposal to use three years of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding—"which in total equate to $284,208"—to improve the Talleyrand Park suspension bridge, including replacing degraded timber decking and adding ADA-accessible switchback ramps on both sides.
The staff presentation said Barton and Lagudas prepared design documents and that the design and project-management award totaled $62,000, of which about $19,800 has been spent. Staff said those design costs would have to be repaid to CDBG if the borough abandons the project.
Construction estimates vary by material and framing. Staff cited a range of roughly $230,000 to $290,000 for ramps depending on framing choice; replacing the deck with timber work was estimated at about $30,000, while fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) decking was estimated at about $78,000 and would provide an integrated non-skid, ADA-compliant surface. After subtracting the $62,000 design allocation, staff said the borough would have about $222,208 of CDBG construction funds remaining and likely need additional local match if it proceeds.
Council discussion split on priorities. Some members urged moving forward to provide more direct, equitable access across the park, arguing that a circuitous ADA route currently requires some residents "to go around" and that direct access would equalize park access. Another group pointed out that the train-track-side walkway installed in 2019 provides ADA access to the park and argued the CDBG money could be used on other needs if the bridge ramps are not essential.
Several councilors favored FRP decking despite higher upfront cost because it reduces long-term maintenance compared with timber. One councilor recommended updated stream and storm modeling before adding additional piers for ramps, warning that debris accumulation around piers in a floodplain could create new flood risks.
Staff asked council for a directional signal rather than an immediate formal vote; no final decision or formal action was taken. Staff said it will return with refined alternatives and noted that repurposing the CDBG allocation would require confirming eligibility (LMI or disability qualifiers) and potentially conducting a resident survey.
Next steps: staff will present refined options and cost estimates to council and may explore additional grant opportunities or local match options if council signals to continue.
