Council authorizes $500,000 CDBG application to fund accessible curb ramps

The Borough Council voted to authorize submission of a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to construct accessible curb ramps designed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Council member (speaker 6) introduced the resolution “authorizing the submission of the community development block grant application for certain designated construction of accessible curb ramps in the amount of $500,000 in order to revitalize the infrastructure of the borough and to meet the current Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.” A second was recorded and the motion was approved by voice vote.

Members pressed for clarity on which intersections would receive ramps. One council member asked whether the list of locations is final and noted that some crossings on their ward still lack safe access. A borough staff member (speaker 7) said the county’s CDBG program limits on-the-fly changes but that staff can take requests and prioritize particular intersections; staff listed streets currently slated for ramps including Wood Street, Cherry Street, Market and Alley (near 311 Market), Spring Street and Queen Street.

Staff said the batch of ramps covered by the application must be finished by March of next year under program rules. The staff member also reported that PennDOT has agreed to finish ramps on Mill Street, which staff said will reduce borough construction costs for that corridor.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote. The next steps recorded at the meeting were to submit the CDBG application through the county and to continue meeting with staff to note specific intersection priorities.