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PennDOT to upgrade Loyalsock Avenue railroad crossing at no borough cost; driveway and zoning ordinance changes tabled
Summary
Council approved a PennDOT railroad-crossing upgrade at Loyalsock Avenue to be performed at no charge to the borough. Council also discussed—but tabled—motions to draft a driveway ordinance and to identify zoning amendments to ensure MS4 impervious-surface compliance.
Montoursville Borough Council approved PennDOT authorization for railroad crossing upgrades at Loyalsock Avenue and deferred local ordinance work that would create driveway and sidewalk permitting rules.
Borough Manager Donna M. Taggart told council PennDOT will perform crossing upgrades at zero cost to the borough because the work is funded from federal allotments. Council approved the PennDOT authorization on a motion by Donald Konkle and second by Donald Boyles.
Separately, council discussed authorizing the solicitor, engineer and borough staff to prepare a driveway ordinance and to identify necessary zoning ordinance amendments to ensure new driveways or sidewalks do not violate maximum impervious-surface MS4 requirements. Mrs. Emick asked that the item include the Zoning Board, Planning Commission and codes staff in future drafts. Initial motions were rescinded or withdrawn and both items were tabled for additional review and inclusion of stakeholders.
Why it matters: PennDOT's upgrade avoids local capital expense for a railroad crossing improvement, while the zoning and driveway items relate to stormwater-management obligations under MS4 rules and could change permitting and enforcement for residents.
What’s next: PennDOT will proceed with crossing upgrades; staff and relevant boards will be asked to draft ordinance language and return to council for future consideration.
Speakers quoted or paraphrased include Donna M. Taggart and Misty Emick.
