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W.O. Plans Infrastructure Improvements in ’21
By Sarah Turnbull
The Tube City Almanac
January 25, 2021
Posted in: White Oak News
White Oak Borough is planning to pave all or part of more than a dozen streets this summer as it tackles infrastructure improvements.
At last week’s meeting, Manager John Palyo presented a list of streets targeted for repaving, including Andrew Drive, Main Street, Maple Drive, Laurel Lane, Circle Drive, Midway Drive, Stepanik Road, Chesapeake Street, Longvue Drive, Glass Street, Terrace Drive and Sunset Drive.
The borough is also targeting four properties for demolition, including two properties on O’Neil Boulevard and one each on New Jersey Street and Capitol Street, Palyo said.
In other business, Councilman George Dillinger, who chairs the finance committee, encouraged other members of council to be mindful of the $7.2 million bond that the borough issued in 2019 for infrastructure projects.
“We have a 15-year timeline with a 2 percent interest rate every year,” he said. “It’s like a mortgage.”
Councilman Ken Hillman said the money is targeted for new electrical and HVAC systems at the municipal building and public works building, as well as new restrooms at the White Oak Athletic Association and a new pump at Heritage Hill swimming pool.
The funds from the bond issue are currently being held in an account, and he asked whether they could be invested until White Oak needs them. “We won’t get all of those improvements done in 2021,” Dillinger said.
Council approved a contract with Witmer Public Safety Group to purchase 14 new pistols and related accessories for the police department. Councilman Lou Bender, who chairs the public safety committee, said the department should receive them within 90 days.
In addition, council voted to eliminate a crossing guard at Frances McClure School but will keep a crossing guard on Lincoln Way; and council approved advertising the sale of lots on Lower Heckman Road.
The next council workshop meeting will be held 6:45 p.m. Feb. 8 at the White Oak Athletic Association. Members of the public are welcome, and social distancing rules are in place.
Sarah Turnbull is a freelance writer in Irwin. She can be reached at sarahturnbull323@gmail.com.
Originally published January 25, 2021.
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