Hermitage to Invest $11M in Infrastructure
By Gary Gula, assistant city manager
HERMITAGE, Pa. – The city of Hermitage, Pa., will see major investments in 2019. With the support of the board of commissioners, dynamic relationships with state agencies and an innovative staff, in excess of $11 million will be invested in capital infrastructure projects.
Major projects in the neighborhoods, the business corridor and recreational facilities are made possible through partnerships with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Finance Authority and the city’s capital budget.
A $4 million project on State Street – Business U.S. Route 62 corridor – will include paving drainage, ADA access and traffic signal replacement. The project will result in improvements to the 1.7-mile stretch through the business corridor. A $4.5 million project, constructing a roundabout, will take place at the intersection of U.S. 62 and Business 62. Further east on U.S. 62, with the assistance of a $200,000 grant, the city will replace outdated traffic signals.
The Neighborhood Investment Program, a comprehensive reconstruction initiative, will move on to Phase I of Block 6 of the program in the area of Carroll Lane and Michael Lane. In 2019, $525,000 has been appropriated for Phase I.
The city initiated the program in 2008 as a strategic approach to maintain functionally sound infrastructure in the older, established neighborhoods. The city staff has coordinated the project with Aqua Pennsylvania, which is making a significant investment replacing the waterlines. The city also has planned a $430,000 stormwater and roadway project on South Darby Road between Virginia Road and Miller Road and a $550,000 project to improve Freedland Road in the industrial corridor.
Consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Recreation Plan, 2019 will see more than $1.2 million in recreation investments. The city’s staff was successful in leveraging $863,000 in grant funds.
Two major projects, totaling $450,000, will expand the recreational facilities and programming capabilities at the Hermitage Athletic Complex to include more open playfields and an extension of the existing trail system. A maintenance and youth- sports storage facility also will be added. The staff worked closely with state Sen. Brooks and Rep. Longietti to secure $325,000 for these projects.
The city received $538,000 from the state for the $590,000 Thornton Avenue/Forker Boulevard bike lane project, which will connect to the recently completed project in the city of Sharon. This will improve the safety of the intersection and provide safe access to Buhl Park. Building on the partnership with Buhl Park, the city provided $110,000 to help fund restroom renovations.
This year the Hermitage 2030 Comprehensive Plan will be completed. It will feature a vibrant and walkable city center, safe and pleasant neighborhoods and prosperous economy. The plan’s goals and objectives will be used as a guide for development and a reference point for future budget decisions and capital improvement priorities.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
