N. Strabane focuses on building at current site
North Strabane Township has grown exponentially since the municipal building was constructed in 1977. The facility is too small to meet current needs, but the location at 1929 Route 519 has proved to be a good one.
“We’ve focused our efforts on this site,” township Manager Frank Siffrinn said from his office Wednesday. “Geographically, we’re in the center of the township.”
Plans for a new municipal facility and a public safety building are moving forward. Several sites were considered near Route 19, including a location at the intersection with 519, and the site of the current fire station. But with the Eighty Four area growing – sewer lines are being extended and subdivision applications are pouring in – the current location is ideal, said Siffrinn.
In September 2015, Gateway Engineers, with assistance from the five-member building facilities committee, crafted a strategic facilities plan to assess present and future building needs.
The priority is a public safety building that will house police, fire, ambulance and emergency management departments. The police department is currently in the municipal building.
Crews could break ground as early as fall 2017.
Once the committee makes a formal location recommendation to the board of supervisors, the next step will be to vet and hire architectural and engineering firms. Then the cost of the project will be determined.
Siffrinn believes the township will finance the buildings by extending a current bond issue that was used in 2012 for construction of the municipal park. The township pays $890,000 a year in principal and interest toward the 15-year bond.
“With a building with a life expectancy in excess of 50 years, future generations should have some role in helping,” Siffrinn said. “It shouldn’t be a burden shouldered only by current residents.”
The board of supervisors will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday.