A brief hearing before the Bradford City Council meeting Tuesday confirmed the areas in which funds would be used from the 2023 Community Development Block Grant.
Sara Andrews of the Office of Economic and Community Development said this year’s allotment is $309,092, which is an increase of only $91 from last year. “We determined three activities for it,” she said.
The first was a second phase of improvement at Callahan Park, to which $190,000 would be allocated. The work will include removing the smaller pavilion at the park and replacing it with two smaller ones, putting in new restrooms and new amenities and reconstructing the parking lot, which includes paving and marking lines. A sidewalk will be replaced and signs will be installed at the entrance. The total work, she said, was estimated at $912,930.
“We’re working toward getting it paid for,” Andrews said, adding she’s applied for a Greenways grant, too. “We will likely design it next year with construction in 2025.”
The second activity will be $50,000 toward blight remediation in the Third Ward project area, which she said should cover five or six blighted properties.
The third activity was $15,000 for a single family housing rehabilitation program for lead-based paint testing and abatement.
She mentioned a three-year plan, where they plan to continue blight remediation, housing rehabilitation and might use a second year of funding to help with the Callahan Park improvements.
“We’re accepting public comments until Oct. 10,” she said.
At the beginning of the council meeting, Councilman Tim Pecora, who oversees accounts and finances, gave a brief update on the city’s minimum municipal obligation for pensions, which totals $500,251.
Bradford Area Public Library Executive Director Rebecca Feightner addressed council with an update about the library’s financial state. “What I get from you is $25,000 a year,” she said, adding that it has been the same for several years, but she isn’t complaining.
“You should be commended for supporting us,” she said. However, changes are coming in state funding, which could mean a loss of money if Bradford library doesn’t get more local support.
In 2019, Bradford Area School District stopped giving funding to support the library, she said. The communities of Duke Center and Rixford had stopped giving money to support the Port Allegany library, and they were removed as part of the service area. “If the (residents) come to our library, we have to charge them for a library card” and they can’t have access to the online services.
That’s not a situation Bradford library wants to be in, Feightner said.
“We’re hoping other municipalities step up so we don’t have to deny services to anyone,” she said.
Councilwoman Karen Costello-Pecht asked, “Won’t the school district reconsider?”
Feightner said no, and added that the library wasn’t given a reason.
Mayor Tom Riel said, “I’m wondering why a governing municipal body with more money than any other would cut off funding.”
Feightner replied, “I think it’s shortsighted.”
Despite the lack of support from the school district, the library still works with students.
Also at the meeting, council passed several measures including advertising for the purchase of a new rear-loading refuse packer, and approved a facade improvement grant of $5,000 to Todd Hennard for work on 45 Main St.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 10.
