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Borough: Freight House fire caused by squirrel; PennDOT projects and property funding gap discussed
Summary
Manager Michael Hart said investigators determined a squirrel chewed wiring and caused the Freight House fire; insurance will release funds for repairs. Hart also updated PennDOT Phase 4 planning, noted a funding shortfall for property acquisition the borough will not cover, and said PennDOT plans work on Mull Avenue.
Borough Manager Michael Hart told council that multiple fire inspectors and the borough’s insurer determined the cause of the Freight House fire was a squirrel chewing on wires, which shorted and ignited the building; because a cause was found, the insurance company will release funds so repairs can begin.
Hart also updated council on PennDOT’s Phase 4 planning for a roadway project that had been set to LET in May 2026 but lacks secured property acquisitions; he said the Redevelopment Authority indicated it has limited funds available to acquire and demolish two homes and that the borough will not provide additional money. Hart said PennDOT discussed using an alley behind homes on Shillington Road, which would remove parking for those residents. Hart added that PennDOT has decided to reconstruct and pave Mull Avenue from Penn Avenue to Papermill Road and that he has a meeting with PennDOT and its contractor scheduled for next week.
Council did not take formal action on these planning updates at the April 10 meeting.
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