A major wireless service provider is looking to install a communications tower in Blairsville, but the borough will seek community input before a decision is made.
Borough manager Tim Evans said Verizon Wireless is seeking approval to erect a communications tower in Blairsville. A public hearing is set for 7 PM on May 15th, following the regular six o’clock council meeting.
At the meeting the public will have a chance to voice their opinions, with a decision expected to be rendered during the June 19th council meeting.
In addition to the Verizon tower, the public hearing will also discuss the purchase of a South Stewart Street property by CrossRoads Community Church. If purchased, the property would be demolished and replaced with additional parking for the Church.
In other news, the council discussed ongoing issues throughout the borough, such as the dumping and improper disposal of appliances like televisions and microwave ovens. And, in addition to a prevalence of rolling-stops at various intersections, council member Ron Evanko cited speeding issues, such as with vehicles coming onto Walnut Street from Route 22.
Chief of Police Michael Allman said enforcing speed would be easier if local police could use radar in Pennsylvania:
“Because of [local police in] the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania not using radar, it ties our hands. We have to sit their with antique devices such as VASCAR or stop watches, and, every other state in this country has passed that. Where I come from in West Virginia, in 1979 and 1980, I was running moving radar. I was certified radar instructor, can’t even use it in this Commonwealth.”
The use of radar speed enforcement by local police is the focus of a resolution that was passed by the Senate in November, and which is currently awaiting approval in the House.
Chief Allman said also that he would like to conduct a study seeking to eliminate parking on North Walnut Street, as was done on South Walnut. He said complaints of vehicles parked on the sidewalk there are common, as are accidents like mirrors being clipped. There is no word yet on when the study might be conducted.
Lastly, the council voted to appoint Denise Dunmire to the Code/Appeal Board and to the Zoning Hearing board, both of which still have vacancies. Manager Tim Evans said the Code/Appeal Board cannot function properly with vacant seats, and the council encourages community members to apply.
