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Hughesville officials to put violators of sidewalk ordinance on notice

By Mike Reuther 3 min read

Hughesville property owners in violation of the sidewalk ordinance are being put on notice, borough council decided during its recent meeting.

Warning letters will be sent to property owners who were required but have failed to take steps toward replacing or fixing sidewalks by 2023 and 2024.

Borough officials did not reveal a figure for how many property owners would be notified.

However, Councilman Jerry Daugherty said, "There are quite a few."

The borough identified sidewalks throughout the borough in need of upgrades and established different timelines for completing the work for four areas of the community.

Those property owners being put on notice are those required to fix or replace sidewalks during the initial two years covered under the ordinance.

Some residents have notified council that financial restrictions make it difficult for them to pay for needed sidewalk upgrades.

But borough officials agreed many property owners have delayed required sidewalk upgrades long enough and will have letters sent to those in violation.

In other matters, council once again discussed establishing an ordinance restricting the location of data centers in the borough.

Council was advised by legal council in August that while it could not prohibit a data center from being in the borough, it could restrict it to certain zoning areas.

Borough officials agreed that land zoned as industrial would likely be the best spot for a data center.

Daugherty noted that the borough has limited space for accommodating data center operations.

"I would think industrial (zone) would be least impactful to citizens," Councilman Dan Gale said. "Near the CS (Construction Specialties) area might be the less impactful spot."

Council discussed what steps to take with a property at 120 Crawley St. in violation of the borough zoning code.

Neighboring property owners have issued complaints about the residence referred to by one borough official as "an eyesore" in the community.

Cale noted that the site could be cleaned up by the borough with the property owner billed for expenses. The other option could be to place a lien on the property.

Council President Andrew Mook said a site cleanup could set a bad precedent by encouraging others to do nothing about their problem properties.

Council approved its minimum municipal obligations for 2027 toward pensions for police, $94,548, and non-uniformed employees, $46,144.

Council voted to donate $2,500 to the community library and $1,500 to the East Lycoming Recreation Association.

Karen Starr, of the Lycoming League of Women Voters, asked permission to locate a banner in Hughesville.

Borough officials agreed they need to further consider the request to decide where to erect it.

Council met in executive session following the meeting to consider personnel matters.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 at the municipal building.

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