Rostraver authority seeks rate increase
Rostraver Township Sewage Authority requested a rate increase, but township commissioners unanimously agreed Wednesday to ask for more detailed information before taking action.
The increase would fund infrastructure improvement costs. Rates would increase from $35 to $65 a month for District 1 residents, which includes the Sweeney Plan and the Collingsburg area of the township. Monthly rates would increase from $60 to $65 for remaining township residents.
Commissioner Devin DeRienzo said rates could be increased over a five-year period. However, he noted the authority seems to request increases frequently, and the commissioners have not received a report they requested detailing the reasons for those requests.
More improvements are coming to John DiVirgilio Sports Complex. Supervisors passed a resolution to apply for a state Department of Conservation and National Resources grant, in the amount of $160,000, for Americans with Disabilities Act improvements to the park. Improvements would include paved handicapped accessibility to all four ballfields and a mile-long paved walking trail.
Phase 1 improvements, expected to be complete by June, include handicapped-accessible sidewalks, handicapped parking and a handicapped bathroom. That project is being funded with a grant from the Greenway, Trail and Recreation Program. Other improvements this year are upgrades to the lighting and switches, and painting the press box to get ready for the Pennsylvania Little League Baseball State Championship, hosted by Rostraver Township Youth Baseball, July 24 through 31.
In other news, commissioners approved a subdivision off Plaza Drive and Route 51, near the Willowbrook shopping plaza. The subdivision will include a 6.15-acre buildable lot, a 10.24-acre lot to separate the existing shopping plaza, a 1.31-acre nonbuildable lot that will be used as management area and a 0.35-acre residual lot.
Commissioner Pat Egros said construction on Route 51 between Vernon Drive and the Fayette County line will began this week. During the two-week project, township police will be strictly enforcing speed limit in the construction zone.