January 2015 Newsletter

West High Street Development in 2015

The Borough is preparing for significant changes on West High Street this year, including:

• Bridge Replacement: The bridge near the Sheetz store will be replaced. Traffic will remain open with one lane regulated by a temporary signal, and the Ghost Town Trail under the bridge will stay open. The project includes new sidewalks and a turning lane for New Germany Road.
• New Sheetz Store: A new store and gas pumps will be built on the site of Falchini Beverage. Seven existing buildings will be razed to make room for this project, which spans between Triumph Street and the Fastenal building.
• Falchini Beverage Relocation: Falchini Beverage is moving to the opposite side of West High Street. Two older rental houses have been razed for the new construction.
• 1st Summit Bank: A new branch office is being constructed at Marian Street, the site of the former Gulf station.

Borough Metering System Update

A new multi-space metering system has been installed in the Penn Eben parking lot.

• Details: The new system replaced 22 digital meters that were moved to other areas of town.
• Operation: It is battery-powered with a solar panel and accepts quarters and $1 bills only. Users must print a receipt to place on their dashboard.
• Reasoning: The upgrade was made after the Borough experienced maintenance issues with the previous digital meters.

Downtown Truck Traffic

The newsletter addresses concerns regarding truck traffic on High Street and Center Street.

• Authority: The Borough has no authority to restrict truck traffic as these are state-owned roads managed by PennDOT.
• Options Considered: The Council considered taking over the roads to impose restrictions, but legal analysis showed this would not allow for weight limits without proof of damage or safety concerns.
• Jake Brakes: Restrictions on jake brakes are not permitted because the grade of East High Street is too steep.
• Conclusion: While truck traffic is a recognized problem, no regulatory solutions are currently available to the Borough.

Stormwater Management

New stormwater fees have been enacted and appear on bi-monthly utility bills. These funds are reserved for stormwater projects to address localized flooding.

• West High Street: New basins will be added near Park Street and along Rowena Drive.
• East Triumph Street: A new drainage system will be installed east of Caroline Street to address standing water.
• Fairgrounds Area: A new drainage system will be constructed on Beech and Julian Streets.
• Future Projects: Design is beginning on a broad, multi-million dollar stormwater improvement project for the town.

New Businesses

The following businesses have opened or are highlighted in Ebensburg:

• Ebensburg Fitness: 313 W. High Street
• Applebee's: 222 Jamesway Road
• Crafty Cousins: 925 Rowena Drive (Scrapbooking, Cardmaking, Supplies)
• Matthew's Party Tattoo and Body Piercing North: 117 S. Center Street
• Fox's Pizza Den: 1104 W. High Street

Community Services & Facilities

• Two more signs are planned for North Center Street and South Center Street.
• Yard Waste Dumpster: The collection dumpster is moving to the rear of the YPCC in 2015 to improve access and security.
• Pool Rates (2015 Season):
  • Opening: May 23, 2015.
  • Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00 p. m. - 8:00 p. m. ; Sun 12:00 p. m. - 6:00 p. m.
  • Resident Rates: Individual (19-64) $120; Child/Senior $100.
  • Non-Resident Rates: Individual (19-64) $150; Child/Senior $130.
  • Daily Admission: Adult $6. 00; Child/Senior/Twilight $4. 00.

2015 Event Calendar

• Feb 28: Wine Time in the Mainline (Young Peoples Community Center)
• Apr 25-27: 17th Annual 'Art in Bloom' Spring Art Show (Cambria County Courthouse)
• Apr 25: HeartChase (Young Peoples Community Center)
• June 25: 11th Annual 'Wheels & Wings' (Downtown Ebensburg)
• July 24: Downtown Shutdown (Center of Downtown Ebensburg)
• July 25: Ebensburg Homecoming (Ebensburg Area & Lake Rowena)
• July 25 - Sept 19: Farmer's Market (Penn Eben Park, Saturdays)
• Aug 7, 14, 21, 28: Concerts in the Park (Penn Eben Park)
• Sept 6-12: Cambria County Fair (Cambria County Fairgrounds)
• Sept 26: 24th Annual PotatoFest (Downtown Ebensburg)
• Nov 26: 6th Annual Ebensburg Turkey Trot (Downtown Ebensburg)
• Dec 4-6: 10th Annual Dickens of a Christmas (Downtown Ebensburg)

Borough Council

• President: Doug Tusing
• Members: Susan Barber, Cecilia Houser, Theresa Jacoby, Dave Kuhar, Joe Lutz, Joe Miller
• Mayor: Randy Datsko