Butler council to explore Main Street redevelopment with an estimated $50,000 planning study

The Borough of Butler’s mayor and council said they will explore a possible redevelopment of portions of Main Street, with an initial planning study estimated at about $50,000.

Borough Administrator Matthew Guilder told the council and attendees on March 3 that the borough is in preliminary discussions to assess public interest and that letters inviting affected property owners had been sent. Borough Attorney Robert Oostdyk explained the legal and procedural steps for pursuing redevelopment, and Mayor Martinez said a study would be the first required step.

The discussion drew property owners from several addresses on Main Street — listed in meeting records as 69–73, 84, 150, 160 and 180 — and residents from Plane Street. According to the meeting minutes, those present were "mostly in favor" of starting the process. Guilder told the council the borough budget should be finalized in the next month or two and that he would contact planning consultants to begin the study if the council directs it.

The council did not take a formal vote on redevelopment at the workshop; the session’s public comment portion concluded after attendees spoke and the council moved on to other agenda items. If the council approves payment for the study, the borough would next solicit planners to develop concepts and possible regulatory steps, including any designation or redevelopment area procedures required under state law.

Officials provided no timeline for when a study contract would be awarded, and no dollar source for the study was specified in the minutes. Next procedural steps would be subject to future council approval and budget availability.