Oakmont Council authorizes $3 million grant application, considers committee for Allegheny River Boulevard brick repairs

Oakmont Borough Council voted to authorize borough staff and engineers to prepare and submit a $3 million grant application, with a proposed $1 million local match, for brick repairs and related improvements on Allegheny River Boulevard.

Council members said the borough has discussed boulevard brick repairs for roughly two years and that some brick work would proceed this year regardless of the larger grant decision. The council agreed to gather detailed cost estimates, consider bond options and tax effects, and explore forming a small committee to work with consultants and engineers to refine project scope before final design and bidding.

One councilor said the borough has "a fair amount of cash on hand for this current year" and that alley options will be reviewed in today’s follow-up meeting; another emphasized the need to convert long-discussed concepts into current-dollar figures. Council moved and approved authorizing the application so engineers could prepare the grant packet.

Why it matters: Repairing Allegheny River Boulevard would address long-standing deterioration and could require significant local matching funds if the grant is successful. Council members framed the authorization as a step to get better cost estimates and to determine whether a bond or other funding source will be necessary.

What’s next: Council will schedule an information meeting or evening session to review cost estimates and bond/tax implications, invite consultants (including the project contact Jess) and allow public attendance by Zoom or in person.