Swarthmore council backs $45,000 DCED grant application for amphitheater stairway

The Borough Council of Swarthmore on June 8 unanimously endorsed a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant application from Swarthmore Town Center (STC) to repair and replace worn and eroded stairways that connect Park Avenue to the Central Park amphitheater.

Virginia, the general government committee chair, read the resolution and said the grant application seeks $45,000 to install grounded steps and ADA-compliant handrails, level an existing amphitheater stair, and reuse salvaged bluestone pavers from the Veterans Memorial project. "The borough shall have no financial responsibility for the project," she said while reading the measure.

The resolution specifies that STC will serve as project manager, contract directly with designers and contractors, and be responsible for payments if the award is made. Council members questioned whether the borough would have input on the final design; staff said the current scope is limited to leveling and stabilizing existing steps and that a design by Doug Harnsburgger has been circulated for review.

Council members also discussed project timing and procurement. Staff said the project will be bid, must comply with prevailing-wage rules, and that the borough expects a grant decision from DCED by early July with a target construction kickoff in late October.

The council moved, seconded and adopted the resolution without recorded opposition. The measure was framed as an endorsement of STC's application rather than an award of construction funds to the borough.