News

March 4, 2008

Gambling cash eyed for roadwork

Bear Creek Township’s plan to fix culvert was resubmitted, is under consideration.

BEAR CREEK TWP. – The township’s proposal to use state gambling funds for roadwork is back on the table, the Board of Supervisors announced at the monthly meeting on Monday.

After announcing in February that it had fallen out of consideration, Supervisor Gary Zingaretti said a plan to repair a culvert under Old East End Boulevard was resubmitted and has been put back in the running for millions of state dollars for economic development from gambling revenues. Several other proposals from the township might also be reconsidered, he said.

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to get it, but at least we’re being considered,” he said.

Construction and development issues pervaded much of the discussion during the meeting.

Solicitor William Vinsko said Ridge Road, where residents have complained of traffic speeding off Route 115, can be made one way by a board vote. Supervisors said the process of doing so might be “too extensive,” but that it wouldn’t occur without a public input session.

Aqua Pennsylvania submitted a conditional-use application to build a water tower adjacent to Route 115, but it will require a height variance from the zoning board, Vinsko said. The tower is part of a project to remedy a groundwater pollution issue near the Trailwood development.

Residents complained that the water company is pushing for commitments to the new waterline by March 14, though the project plan isn’t complete and will require months to receive permits and approvals. Supervisors said some residents aren’t returning the letters and plan to get lawyers.

Vinsko suggested the board could direct him to write to the PennDOT asking that the deadline be extended.

Supervisor Joseph Masi raised concern over criminal activity at the Casino Motel, where two major arrests have occurred in the past six months. Reprimanding the operators would be difficult because it’s already in existence, Vinsko said, but suggested the board could send correspondence addressing its concerns.

The board will hold an executive session today to discuss moving forward with the sewage-treatment litigation with the state Department of Environmental Protection and plans to meet with DEP officials.

Vinsko recommended withdrawing a 2003 lawsuit against an engineer and a surveyor because the costs to move forward, such as paying experts’ and attorneys’ fees, outweigh the potential award of up to $10,000. He called it “throwing good money after bad money.”

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