Ebensburg Bulletin Newsletter

Survey Results and Community Feedback

The July 2010 issue of the Ebensburg Bulletin highlights positive feedback from the 2010 Citizen Survey. Key statistics include:

• 95% favorable rating for the Quality of Life in Ebensburg.
• 99% feel safe from violent crime and fire; 94% feel safe from lesser property crimes.
• 90% support new sidewalks, street trees, and Penn Eben Park improvements.
• 92% agree the borough is headed in the right direction.

Swimming Pool Project: The proposed swimming pool project was a major topic. While 64% of residents supported the project and a small tax increase to fund it, 22% supported the project but opposed the tax hike, and 13% did not support the project at all.

Borough Manager Dan Penatzer noted that the survey is conducted every four to five years. He highlighted improvements made since the last survey, including two monthly recycling days, concerts in the park, a fitness center at the YPCC, and a skate park. New suggestions being worked on include expanded programming for adults/seniors, improved snow removal methods, and a registry for event volunteers.

Project Completed: Sidewalks and Streetlights

A major infrastructure project on North Center Street and East Highland Avenue has been completed. The contractor finished the sidewalk project weeks ahead of schedule.

• Features: New Victorian streetlights have been installed between Sample Street and Highland Avenue.
• Future Plans: New hybrid elm trees will be planted in late October. These trees were chosen because they are as large as American Elms but not susceptible to disease.
• Upcoming Projects: The Borough Council is seeking funding for a sidewalk project along East High Street and Rowena Drive between downtown and Lake Rowena. This project qualifies for special grant funding and is hoped to move forward in 2011.

Survey Complaints and Responses (Page 2)

The bulletin addresses three common complaints from residents:

1. Need for More Stores Downtown: The document explains that Ebensburg has shifted focus from retail to a service center. While vacancy rates are low, the storefronts are filled with professional offices rather than retail shops. The borough encourages residents to support existing businesses.
2. Too Many Trucks in Town: Residents complain about dirty and loud trucks on residential streets. The Borough Council cannot restrict truck traffic on state-owned roads (High Street and Center Street) without a formal engineering analysis proving damage to utilities or safety hazards. Additionally, restrictions on "jake brakes" are not permitted due to the steep grade of East High Street.
3. PotatoFest Duration: A committee of volunteers manages PotatoFest in September. They have considered extending the event to two days but decided against it due to the immense labor, cost of entertainment and food, and security needs. They believe attendees will choose one day to attend regardless of the duration.

YPCC Programs and Snowplowing (Page 3)

YPCC Growth and Challenges: The Young People's Community Center (YPCC) has seen tremendous growth over eight years, expanding from youth-only programs to include health and wellness facilities for all ages.

• Basketball Leagues: Youth basketball has grown from 30 to 80 teams. The YPCC is accommodating special needs participants and recruiting volunteer coaches.
• Disorganization Issues: The rapid growth has led to scheduling conflicts and forfeiting issues. The YPCC is asking participants to strictly enforce rules regarding game cancellations and deadlines to improve organization.

Snowplowing Complaints: Public works employees faced an unusually high number of complaints during a harsh winter with heavy snowfall.

• Issues Raised: Residents complained about streets not being plowed curb-to-curb, alternate sides not being cleared after cars were moved, and snow being deposited into driveways.
• Response: The borough explains that plowing takes approximately four hours per street with two trucks. Priority is given to main routes, and smaller streets may wait longer. Crews work overtime and on holidays during heavy snow.

Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities

Free Concerts in the Park: Concerts are held every Friday in August from 6pm to 9pm in Penn Eben Park.

Dickens of a Christmas: Organizations interested in participating in the Dickens of a Christmas event (December 3-5) must submit their information no later than September 3rd. Contact the borough office at 472-8780 or visit www. ebensburgdickens. com.

Volunteer Opportunities: The borough is seeking volunteers. Interested individuals can call the Borough Office at 472-8780 or email cstrugala@ebensburgpa. com.

Borough Council and Contact Information

Borough Council Members:

• President: Deborah Nesbella
• Vice President: Doug Tusing
• Members: Susan Barber, Terry Illig, Dave Kuhar, Joe Lutz, V. Joseph Miller, Zachary Ambrisco (Junior Councilor)
• Mayor: Randy Datsko

Street Resurfacing: The Borough Council approved approximately $55,000 for street resurfacing this year. Streets to be resurfaced include:

• Randolph Street (between Spruce and Beech)
• Beech Street (between Randolph and Highland)
• Maple Springs Court
• Ann Street (west of Julian Street)

Contact: Ebensburg Borough 300 West High Street Ebensburg, PA 15931 (814) 472-8780 www. ebensburgpa. com