SEPTA contractor agrees to rebuild damaged kayak launch; borough favors 12‑foot replacement

Borough staff told the council that equipment driven by a SEPTA contractor during a viaduct repair project damaged the borough kayak launch at Rotundo Park. The contractor (J.D. Ecman) has committed to rebuilding the launch at project closeout.

Mr. Truman said the lease with SEPTA had prohibited heavy machinery on the launch, but the contractor later drove equipment across it. In return, the contractor has proposed to rebuild the launch stronger and wider; staff recommended a 12‑foot width (the existing launch is 8 feet) as an appropriate compromise between accessibility and avoiding use as a motor‑boat ramp. Fire and rescue personnel told council a 12‑foot width should accommodate their trailers and rescue trucks.

Staff said the contractor had offered to build a launch as wide as 22 feet, but the borough prefers 12 feet and plans to install removable or collapsible bollards to prevent misuse. Council asked staff to specify the launch base construction (so it supports vehicle access) and to draft a resolution for formal council consideration at the next meeting so that the rebuild can be approved and inspected through borough engineering review.

No formal vote was recorded on June 9; staff said SEPTA’s contractor will rebuild upon completion of the viaduct project and that staff will return with a resolution and specifications.

The borough also discussed event coordination: staff said the Skookol (river sojourn) group and borough and SEPTA had coordinated access so paddlers could use the river next week as planned.