CLEARFIELD – One of the major topics of the Clearfield Borough committee meeting on Thursday was the continuing construction happening on Cemetery Road, which has now created both traffic and roadway issues.
Solicitor F. Cortez “Chip” Bell, along with Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott, acknowledged that the construction to pave the roadway from Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub to the cemetery is not on schedule, and they also discussed the issues that have come because of the heavy traffic.
Specifically, the discussion was about the 12th Street damage from the heavy equipment and trucks, which has caused part of the roadway to collapse. The damage has been noted as starting at Daisy Street; however, the most severe damage has been to 12th Street.
The borough has elected to keep Cemetery Road closed currently, and Stott acknowledged the hope is to have the paving part of the project completed by the end of this paving season, but for the moment, the road will remain fully closed with possible light traffic allowed at a later time.
More construction was discussed as the downtown Sheetz, located at the corner of Front and Nichols streets, has already been slated for renovation. Clearfield Borough announced the planned renovations are to begin the week of Sept. 21, and once construction begins, the store will not be open.
When asked whether the store will have a mobile area that will serve coffee, as it is a popular morning stop for many in the area, it was revealed the store will not have any business, and access to the area will be limited to just the construction workers.
Also, on Thursday, it was announced that the borough is still planning to hold Trick or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Council noted that last year, traffic became an issue as parents were driving their kids from one end of the block to the other, with flashers on, but were obstructing traffic. Residents that want to participate in this year’s Trick or Treat are asked to turn on their porch light for the kids.
Trick or Treat plans could change though due to the COVID-19 crisis. Parents are also asked to be present with their kids while they’re walking to houses, and council noted that both the fire and police departments will be out, as well.
In other business, the borough:
- received $117,000 in CARES Act funding from the county, which Scott believes is going towards recovery on lost tax revenue.
- plans to advertise vacancies on its boards and authorities. This will include the Clearfield Municipal Authority, Planning Commission, Shade Tree Commission, UCC Joint Board of Appeals and Zoning Hearing Board.
- will review a letter requesting opposition to the possible closure of Lock Haven University’s Clearfield branch campus and assistance in urging the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education to find an alternative means of obtaining financial sustainability.