South Williamsport has a new borough manager, Maria Maddy, following the retirement this week of Steven W. Cappelli, who assumed that position in 2018.

“Steve did a lot for the borough,” Maddy said in a telephone interview from the South Williamsport Community Center, 545 E. Central Ave.

Because of his advocacy for a Community Center, the borough has a modern and energy efficient home for the borough administrative offices, with event space that is rented out for parties and special occasions.

“It really is his legacy,” Maddy said.

Cappelli also served as public safety director.

Now, longtime Mayor Marlin Angelo will oversee the police department, she said.

Cappelli apparently retired on his own terms telling John Beauge of Pennlive.com that “it was time.”

“The borough council remains intact with nine members,” Maddy said.

The next council meeting is 6 p.m. on June 8. There is a new interim solicitor as Joseph Orso has resigned. A full-time solicitor will be appointed, Maddy said.

Astute at municipal governance, Cappelli brought a wealth of experience from serving as a Williamsport councilman, mayor of Williamsport, authority chairman over water and sanitary issues, and as a state representative in the House.

Such connection to state and federal government resources and understanding of how upper-level government could benefit municipal government, enabled him to help forward the borough’s many projects, such as those related to street paving, equipment purchases, levee accreditation, K-9 and police equipment and training, and overseeing the police alliance with DuBoistown for full police coverage in the neighboring community.

During his tenure, Cappelli has been a strong advocate for a safer and more efficient community, often on the frontlines during emergencies involving the public, including being a trusted source to provide media and public with information when there were lockdowns in the South Williamsport Area School District, or urging tougher dog laws when there were aggressive dogs chasing and biting people. He was an advocate for commercial and residential growth, going to bat as buildings deteriorated and when codes enforcement was needed.

He was an advocate for more senior and affordable housing in the borough and was always proud to be manager of the host community of the Little League World Series in August, and events such as this year’s 79th South Williamsport Mummers’ Parade at 2 p.m. on Oct. 17, or the annual Christmas toy distribution by the borough police.

“He will be missed,” Maddy said, adding that her intention now is to “carry on with that same commitment Steve had” to serving the people of South Williamsport and the community-at-large.