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Borough weighs alternatives for pedestrian bridge grant and discusses creating 501(c)(3) for July 4 festivities
Summary
Council learned that DEP concerns over flooding and elevation may push a Scottsdale Road pedestrian bridge project to Broadway Avenue or prompt a multi-use trail alternative; council also discussed appointing co-chairs for July 4 planning and exploring a 501(c)(3) to accept grants and donations.
Borough staff told council on Feb. 10 that a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection review of a planned pedestrian bridge (originally proposed at Scottsdale Road) identified elevation and potential flooding issues that may prevent construction at that exact location.
Manager reported that the project’s leadership is with a neighboring borough and that the borough is monitoring a roughly $100,000 grant from 2023. "The problem is in that discussion and review, the elevation between Scottsdale Road and Broadway, we would end up with some flooding issues potentially," the manager said, adding that shifting the crossing to Broadway Avenue or creating a multi-use trail connection that improves Baltimore Pike and Kent Park access are possible alternatives.
Council also discussed event governance for the borough’s 250th anniversary Fourth of July events. The manager recommended appointing two council co-chairs (naming Vice President Suzanne Bridal and Councilwoman Wiley) to lead the Clifton Knights Fourth of July committee for fireworks and parade planning and suggested council consider establishing a 501(c)(3) to solicit and manage outside funding. The solicitor offered to consult on nonprofit bylaws and said staff could follow up before any formal establishment.
Why it matters: DEP concerns could change both project costs and the scope of pedestrian access improvements; establishing a 501(c)(3) would alter how event donations and grants are received and administered and could reduce direct impacts on the borough’s operating budget.
Next steps: Manager and neighboring borough staff will continue coordination on the pedestrian project and return recommendations; solicitor will advise council on the legal steps and bylaws needed if the borough pursues a 501(c)(3) vehicle for event funding.
