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Jersey Shore addresses Lawshee Run issue

JERSEY SHORE — Borough council once again is taking steps to repair the troublesome Lawshee Run culvert situation.

During its regular monthly meeting Monday, it was agreed to put up matching funding of $250,000 to obtain grant money for the $4 million rehabilitation work.

Over the years, sidewalks, street areas and culvert walls have deteriorated, despite repair work.

The crumbling infrastructure also is creating potential vehicle traffic problems.

“It’s a nasty little piece of infrastructure running through the heart of the community,” council President Mike Zellers said. “There is no easy, cheap fix to it.”

Borough Manager Joseph Hamm estimated the project will cost about $3.7 million to construct and another $300,000 in engineering and design work.

The borough is eligible to apply for at least two grants for the work, including funding under the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Flood Mitigation Program.

Voting to approve the matching funds were Zellers, Sean Simcox, Janet Barnhart, Paul Garrett, Barb Schmouder, Matthew Haag, Kenneth Scheesley and Marguerite Dyroff.

In other action, council agreed to advertise bids for paving this summer.

Plans call for paving parts of Walnut, Church and Campbell streets as well as Pennsylvania Avenue and McClintock Alley.

Council denied a request from the Jersey Shore High School Boys Soccer Boosters to use the Thompson Street Recreation Field. Some council members expressed reservations about wear and tear to the field.

Council took no action on a Federal Emergency Management Agency request to buy a floodprone property at 420 N. Lincoln Ave.

Simcox reported to council that five people are being considered to fill the vacant police chief position with the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department.

“We are looking to fill the position as soon as possible,” he said.

Council heard a presentation from Emily Diehl, of Larson Design Group, regarding a transportation plan for the borough.

Diehl said the borough could take any of various steps to make Jersey Shore more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. Erection of signage and safety improvements at busy intersections were among the developments discussed.

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Board of Directors Chairman Jerry Walls said the initiative could potentially reap great benefits for the community, including making the borough attractive to young professionals.

A public meeting to solicit comments about the plan is set for April 26.

In other matters, council:

• Discussed an ordinance allowing structures of 600 square feet or less to be constructed in the borough’s flood zones. Presently, structures of 200 square feet or less are allowed to be built in those areas.

• Hired 20 personnel for temporary seasonal work as lifeguards and concession stand workers at the community pool.

• Voted to purchase a used dump truck from Loyalsock Township for $60,000.

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