The talents of Bradford’s skateboarding and bicycling youth
could be harnessed for community benefit, a Congress Street
resident suggested to Bradford City Council on Tuesday.

Dr. Brian MacNamara addressed council at Tuesday’s meeting about
an ongoing problem with the city’s youth riding bicycles and
skateboards on sidewalks in the Historic District.

“I agree with Diane DeWalt,” he said, mentioning a comment the
Main Street Manager made at the council meeting May 8, “I don’t
think signs posted in the District will be of much use.”

He suggested that perhaps the school district could become
involved, making students aware of what is legal for outdoor
recreation.

“Young adults make up 75 percent of our population,” he said.
“They are looking for some recognition. We should try to come up
with a competition. Some are very talented. It might encourage them
to practice at the park.”

MacNamara added that area agencies may be interested in becoming
involved in such a fitness-promoting activity, and maybe vendors
could come on board to make it become an event.

“It could serve to be inclusive,” he said. Such an event could
draw people from all around the area to watch or to participate, as
sports such as the X Games have grown in popularity.

“I would just like to make that suggestion. In light of the
headline to the story, maybe we should call it ‘The Punk Games,'”
MacNamara said, referring to The Era’s headline of “Those Young
Punks!” for the May 8 council meeting.

Also at the meeting, council approved an economic development
loan of $30,000 to John Kohler, who is buying some buildings on
Bedford Street.

Kohler explained the buildings are “the ugly buildings” just
past the railroad tracks on Chestnut Street. He plans to renovate
them and has a contract to bring in Fastenal, a store that will
sell industrial supplies.

“With it comes two and a half jobs,” he said, explaining there
will be two full-time workers and one part-time.

Much of the renovation will be done with private investing,
Kohler said.

In other business, council authorized a performance agreement
and a blanket right-of-way with National Fuel for service to be
provided to the 13 new homes planned for Onofrio Street Phase
III.

According to the resolution passed, National Fuel has agreed to
install gas pipelines to provide gas service to the new homes and
has requested a refundable deposit of $8,910.25, which will be
returned after seven of the new homes have been connected.

Council also approved:

* purchasing two refuse packers from McNeilus Truck and
Manufacturing for $280,644 if all bid requirements are met within
three days; if not, the bid will be awarded to R&R Truck Sales
Inc.;

* authorizing solicitor Mark Hollenbeck to secure financing to
lease two new refuse packers for $280,644; and

* paying $1,000 to Charlie’s Cycle Center in Limestone, N.Y.,
for the purchase of a six-wheel all-terrain vehicle for the city’s
parks department.

Councilman Tom Riel said the Cycle Center donated $2,500 of the
cost of the ATV to the city, and that the vehicle can be used by
the fire department if a rescue is necessary in rugged terrain.

The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be at 7 p.m.
June 12.