Part of West First Street Property to be Demolished

Trina Illig, Blair County grants coordinator for Community Development, was present at the Williamsburg Borough Council meeting via conference call to give an update on the 424-26 W. First St. property.

For the past years, the borough has taken control of the 424 W. First St. property and has worked with Illig to funnel grants into managing the property. Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds have been used to remove the 424 W. First St. part of the duplex and restructure the 426 W. First St. side.

Stiffler-McGraw gave an engineering estimate of $30,000, which will be covered by CDBG funds,

Councilmember Bruce Hamilton made a motion to award Stiffler-McGraw the engineering contract for the property. Councilmember Jim Foreso seconded and the motion passed.

An engineering report will give the borough a better estimate on the use of grant funds to restructure the 426 W. First St. property.

Illig said that she expects demolition to be done by the end of 2020, and that the engineering report will show “how fast CDBG can move with project.”

Councilmember Foreso made a motion to accept the required CDBG subrecipient agreement between the Williamsburg Borough and Blair County, with Councilmember Hamilton seconding. The motion passed.

Borough Manager Joe Lansberry told council members that there is a stormwater problem on Mill Street. He said that when it rains heavily, the banks erode, causing damage to a resident’s property. Manager Lansberry got an estimate for extender pipes and a storm drain of $2,200. Councilmember Ed Patterson made a motion to instruct Lansberry to make the purchase. Councilmember Hamilton seconded and the motion passed.

Mayor Ted Hyle said the police and fire departments will be participating in the “Light Up the Cove” event planned for Friday, May 8. The police and fire trucks will be at the John C. Bolger Funeral Home to “Light Up the Cove” to show thanks for the many community heroes in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The borough council encouraged residents to participate at 8:20 p.m. Friday by turning lights on and going outside to clap and cheer.

Borough members were presented with the auditor’s report. Councilmember Patterson praised all those involved for a “job well done.”

Council also changed membership in the Recreation and Community Affairs Committee. Those now on the committee include Jim Foreso, Dennis Hammel and Bruce Hamilton.