ASHLAND - The third phase of the Ashland Streetscape project will begin in September after Labor Day, according the Borough Manager Thomas W. Joyce at Wednesday's Ashland Borough Council meeting.
Heim Construction Company LLC, Pottsville, submitted the lowest bid of $187,575, which was accepted by the council in July pending review by the borough engineer and solicitor.
The project is funded through a state Department of Community and Economic Development Grant of $250,000. In addition to construction fees, the grant will also pay for legal and engineering fees, audit fees at the end of the project and any other related costs.
The project includes both sides of the 400 and 500 blocks of Centre Street and involves replacing sidewalks and curb cuts for handicapped accessibility, and removing two trees, similar to the work done on the 200 and 300 blocks of Centre Street. In order to improve visibility at intersections, 16 parking meters at the corners will be removed in the project area.
"Heim is in contact with the engineer and they're ready to go. The project shouldn't take long," Joyce said.
In other business, two 11-year-old Ashland girls were recognized by the council as Citizens of the Month for August.
Council President Frederick Spieles read a resolution explaining the reason for the honor they received.
"We wish to recognize two young residents of our community, Cassandra Adams and Serenity Malick, for their thoughtfulness in their attempts to clean and unclutter Oakland Park. We appreciate their endeavor and take this means to acknowledge their labor and assistance toward the respectability of our parks.
"Now therefore, on behalf of the Ashland Borough Council and Ashland borough residents, we wish to express our sincerest gratitude to Serenity and Cassandra for their charitable effort and to encourage their continued support and interest in all aspects of the preservation of our community and our neighborhoods."
Spieles presented each girl with a commendation to the applause of their families, friends and all others in the room. Both will enter the sixth grade later this month in the North Schuylkill School District.
Mayor Dennis Kane said, "I am a very firm believer that for every bad kid you see on the street, there are 10 kids who are doing good."