The Perkasie Borough Council agreed to provide some money for the installation of four new 70-foot wooden light poles at the Pennridge Little League field.
The request came from the Pennridge Little League (PLL), which runs the field with the borough. It came after the PLL's plan to put in LED lights showed that the existing 25-year-old poles were in bad condition and needed to be replaced.
The decision allows for $39,000 for labor and equipment expenses. However, the council said no to an extra $15,000 for poles, steel cross arms, and electric materials, as it would have to come from the trail maintenance budget. David Ritter from the PLL also mentioned that the league could pay for these through fundraisers and existing revenues.
Council also awarded a $73,000 contract to T. Schiefer Contractors, Inc. for demolishing, improving the site, and installing the Timber Pedestrian Bridge at Lenape Park. The remaining $77,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will go towards covering extra expenses. Coaxum stated that the new bridge will be bigger and stronger than the old one.
The council approved $70,000 for a new asphalt pad at the skate park. Lauren Moll, the Park and Recreation Director, mentioned that the current pad is 20 years old, cracked, and not safe to use. Construction is expected to start in May.
Assistant Borough Manager Linda Reid reported the closure of Chimayo Gallery and Shop due to the retirement of owners Alix Stoll and Priscilla Gray-Stoll. She said that Bloom Flower Co. will take over the space and that the borough is talking with an aesthetician to move into Bloom Flower Co.’s current space. Reid also announced new business openings, including Stag Artisan Coffee at 410 East Walnut Street, Perkasie Auto behind U.S. Gas on Fifth Street, and Makers on Market at 530 West Market Street.
Council member Steve Rose revealed that the borough secured $2.1 million in grant funding for the Park Avenue improvement project. This includes road resurfacing from Jefferson Drive to Ridge Road, sidewalks, stormwater improvements, and more.
The next Perkasie Borough Council meeting is on April 1 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit perkasieborough.org.
