Council Talks About Possible
New Development Project
By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director
Bradford City Council is asking the Department of Environmental Protection to revise the sewage facilities plan for a possible development on the former site of Micale Construction.
The developer, Tarport Properties, has said possibilities for the development include a 73-unit hotel, a restaurant and an auto parts store.
Bisett owns the land in question, and is working with the developer, who is new to the area.
During Tuesday's meeting, Bradford resident Dave Newman questioned council about the proposed development.
"I don't understand how the council can agree to this," he said. "Economic development is great, but that infrastructure in the whole area ..I don't know, right now, if this is such a bright idea."
Mayor Tom Riel tried to explain that Forman Street would not be the only entrance to the property, adding that the map hasn't been made public yet because it's still in the very preliminary stages.
Still, Newman said, "I don't see it being too bright a move at this point …Increasing the traffic in that area isn't going to do anything but further deteriorate what is now in the master plan as one of the main gateways to the city."
Riel again said that council has seen the plans, while Newman hasn't, and on Tuesday council was just approving the sewer plan.
"Hey, we're going to welcome a proposed $15 to $20 million development and the taxes that go with it," Riel said. "I don't know the last time the city's received something like that and I think we should greet it with open arms."
OEDC Executive Director Sara Andrews added that the city "may be able to use that private development to garner some state grant money to do Forman Street as a streetscape project."
She also said the state wants to see private investment when deciding on projects for grant money.
In other matters Tuesday, State Street resident Phil Rankin asked why some properties on State and Center streets are still in deplorable condition.
"I believe our current code enforcement program is obviously not working," Riel said, "but we as a council, as a city, are taking steps to address that."
Fire Chief Boo Coder added, "Sometimes it isn't just black and white. You have to pound and pound and pound to get these people to do the right thing."
Coder also addressed a rumor concerning the Congress/Elm street building owned by Edna Hallock that was destroyed by fire Friday and torn down Saturday.
He said Hallock's insurance company, not the city, will pay for the demolition.
Councilman Ross Neidich thanked all the area firefighters who helped city firefighters on Friday. Departments who assisted were Bradford Township, Derrick City, Lewis Run, Lafayette Township and Corydon Township.
Also during the meeting, Riel thanked Josh Hatcher and members of Open Arms Community Church and Grace Lutheran Church, members of the general public, Police Chief Mike Close for helping clean up several city streets on Saturday.
Riel was also among the group that helped with the cleanup that included about 40 tires, a couple of shopping carts and a "well-used recliner."
In all, Riel said, they got about four or five Dumpsters full of debris.
And, they're doing it all again this Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at Grace Lutheran.
"So if anyone would like to contribute to help make Bradford a better, cleaning looking community we welcome you to join us," Riel said.
WESB/WBRR News Director
Bradford City Council is asking the Department of Environmental Protection to revise the sewage facilities plan for a possible development on the former site of Micale Construction.
The developer, Tarport Properties, has said possibilities for the development include a 73-unit hotel, a restaurant and an auto parts store.
Bisett owns the land in question, and is working with the developer, who is new to the area.
During Tuesday's meeting, Bradford resident Dave Newman questioned council about the proposed development.
"I don't understand how the council can agree to this," he said. "Economic development is great, but that infrastructure in the whole area ..I don't know, right now, if this is such a bright idea."
Mayor Tom Riel tried to explain that Forman Street would not be the only entrance to the property, adding that the map hasn't been made public yet because it's still in the very preliminary stages.
Still, Newman said, "I don't see it being too bright a move at this point …Increasing the traffic in that area isn't going to do anything but further deteriorate what is now in the master plan as one of the main gateways to the city."
Riel again said that council has seen the plans, while Newman hasn't, and on Tuesday council was just approving the sewer plan.
"Hey, we're going to welcome a proposed $15 to $20 million development and the taxes that go with it," Riel said. "I don't know the last time the city's received something like that and I think we should greet it with open arms."
OEDC Executive Director Sara Andrews added that the city "may be able to use that private development to garner some state grant money to do Forman Street as a streetscape project."
She also said the state wants to see private investment when deciding on projects for grant money.
In other matters Tuesday, State Street resident Phil Rankin asked why some properties on State and Center streets are still in deplorable condition.
"I believe our current code enforcement program is obviously not working," Riel said, "but we as a council, as a city, are taking steps to address that."
Fire Chief Boo Coder added, "Sometimes it isn't just black and white. You have to pound and pound and pound to get these people to do the right thing."
Coder also addressed a rumor concerning the Congress/Elm street building owned by Edna Hallock that was destroyed by fire Friday and torn down Saturday.
He said Hallock's insurance company, not the city, will pay for the demolition.
Councilman Ross Neidich thanked all the area firefighters who helped city firefighters on Friday. Departments who assisted were Bradford Township, Derrick City, Lewis Run, Lafayette Township and Corydon Township.
Also during the meeting, Riel thanked Josh Hatcher and members of Open Arms Community Church and Grace Lutheran Church, members of the general public, Police Chief Mike Close for helping clean up several city streets on Saturday.
Riel was also among the group that helped with the cleanup that included about 40 tires, a couple of shopping carts and a "well-used recliner."
In all, Riel said, they got about four or five Dumpsters full of debris.
And, they're doing it all again this Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at Grace Lutheran.
"So if anyone would like to contribute to help make Bradford a better, cleaning looking community we welcome you to join us," Riel said.
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