7TH ST. BRIDGE TO BE MOVED
Coudersport Borough bracing for the project
By Travis Moshier Endeavor News

History has its price, and no one knows just how much it will end up costing Coudersport Borough in the Seventh Street Bridge replacement project.

The borough has been working on replacing the green bridge on Seventh Street since 1986, and somewhere along the way one of the inspectors or surveyors declared that it was a landmark, explained Borough Manager Marlin "Mud" Moore.

Being historic, the bridge must stay intact, whether it will be used or not. "They told me we could put it in our front yard as long as it is visible," Moore said.

The current plans call for a little more use out of the bridge, although not much.

The bridge will be moved to Fourth Street to replace that bridge, which has been closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic for years. The green bridge would be made strong enough that it would not have to be posted, but it would only be used for vehicles in emergency situations, Moore said.

Councilman Wayne Hathaway asked what percentage of the money was going toward the relocation of a bridge that will never be used.

Moore said he did not know the percentage, only that the entire project is slated for $2.1 million.

Hathaway brought up what he called the "Seventh Street Bridge Fiasco" after noticing some new recommendations.

"Everything was going along quite well," he said. "Now suddenly we could save $50,000 by replacing the Fourth Street Bridge and upgrading the Seventh Street Bridge?"

Moore explained that the original grant that was sought in 1986 was for the Fourth Street Bridge, but the Seventh Street Bridge was added after discovering it was also bad.

"We told them then it had to be Seventh Street Bridge (that was replaced) because that gets the majority of traffic for CARP," Moore explained, adding that the residents on Woodlawn Avenue didn't want the traffic.

Hathaway pointed out that those residents are "going to end up with a bridge and traffic whether they want it or not," but said that his main question was why did it take 20 years to find the savings. No one knew the answer.

"Ten years ago the Fourth Street replacement would have worked," said Moore, explaining that too much had been spent on architectural fees and studies to make the savings an accurate figure.

"What bothers me is that it sounds like they want to start all over again and it will be another 20 years," said Gerry Chitester.

Solicitor Dan Glasmire said he believes the $50,000 is "an illusion," that ignores the amount of money already spent on the current plan and the new plan would be starting over from scratch.

Something the council is looking to scratch is the West Street boulevard.

Hathaway explained that the width of the street is not adequate for that type of street.

Councilman Brian Phelps pointed out that the borough could pull out one of the curbs to find out how much of the project the borough crews can do themselves. Once they know that, they can get free estimates from any of the contractors in town for the various projects.

One of the things Moore said he would like to do is save the trees, possibly putting them in the arboretum. He also said he had talked to six or seven people and five of them said they liked the beauty of the street.

Moore expressed interest in gathering public opinion on the project.

Tom Majot proposed a property exchange with the borough involving his 2.5 acres on Vine Street and the "postage stamp" next to Sheetz on Chestnut Street. Majot said he would trade the properties with nothing attached.

The postage stamp currently contains the C&PA Railroad caboose and the Coudersport Arboretum. Sheetz has been serving the community for 20 years and could use the property to expand the store and provide more parking, Majot explained.

The borough would be receiving the property on Vine Street, formerly containing modular trailers and parking spaces for Adelphia, which is next to a piece of property that the borough already owns.

"You could build a whole tree farm out there if you want," Majot said.

Glasmire recommended that the council take a serious look at the offer.

The council will have to hold on to a $10,000 grant for additional sidewalk and other work to the arboretum while the offer is considered by the property and equipment committee.

Louis Karija pointed out that the caboose, arboretum, memorial and depot tie together.

"What does council get out of this," Karija later asked. There is no additional money or equal U.S. Route 6 frontage, he said, pointing out that the arboretum would then be located off the beaten path.

The council also appointed Ron Angood to the civil service committee as recommended by the committee members. Angood takes the seat vacated by Louis Schaab.

Council plans to inspect the newly completed footbridge connecting CARP with the Coudersport Mobile Home Park, which has been estimated at $875. The inspection and seal will help with liability issues, Moore explained.

The council will meet next at 7 p.m. March 19 at the meeting room on Damascus Road.