Board refuses Triple Crown surety reduction, hears updates on Sheets property and canal detours

The East Manchester Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 6 to deny Triple Crown Corporation’s request to reduce a construction surety to $28,495 after the township engineer reported substantial remaining work.

Byron, the township engineer, told the board that the remaining scope included about 738 linear feet of sidewalk and approximately 2 acres of seeding and mulching — figures that, he said, did not support the requested reduction. "He recommends that the surety not be reduced as requested," the solicitor relayed, and the board moved and seconded a motion to not act on the reduction at this time; the motion carried with recorded assent.

The meeting also included an update on the Sheets property: staff said a Sheets representative indicated demolition of the old Sheets building may occur once the new facility has occupancy, and that underground tanks are the most likely items to be removed. Staff stressed that final plans and the buyer's proposed use could change the scope and that demolition details remain tentative.

Separately, staff reported on the canal betterment project: a phone call indicated possible detours in March or April; exact detour plans will be brought to the board when available.

Next steps: The engineer’s recommendation leaves the surety at its current level until additional work is completed or further information is provided. Staff will return with more detailed detour plans and any demolition permits or land‑development filings as proposals firm up.