Credit: Google Maps street view
The Perkasie Borough Council Monday evening endorsed a new Re:vivals neighborhood center, which will provide a range of educational, employment and other services for community members.
The center will be located at 401 Arch Street, which currently houses a historic church building. Re:vivals is seeking a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant to fund the renovation.
According to the borough’s letter of support, the new neighborhood center will offer a variety of programs and services, including after-school programs, computer labs, homework help, STEM activities, job training, career counseling, health education programs and fitness classes. Re:vivals Senior Director Jason Black added that the center could serve as a safe after-school space for students and foster community cohesion.
Following some discussion, council approved the letter of support for the center’s DCED grant application.
Public works projects
In his report, borough engineer Doug Rossino announced that excavation of the Timber Pedestrian Bridge will begin on Monday, with bridge installation expected by the end of the week. He also gave an update on PennDOT’s 5th street resurfacing project, with maintenance work scheduled for this year and paving scheduled for 2025. Borough manager Andrea Coaxum clarified that the resurfacing is not a “full width mill and pave” but instead a sectionalized maintenance project.
Council also approved a PennDOT Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) report on the installation of a crosswalk at the intersection of Ridge Avenue, Arch Street and North 9th Street to enhance pedestrian safety. Council additionally awarded a $49,800 contract to Bray Brothers Inc. for milling, base repair and paving of the Lenape Park Skate Park.
Police Community Relations program
In his report, Police Chief Robert Schurr announced that the borough and Bedminster Township received a $200,000 grant for their joint Police Community Relations program. The grant will fund the hiring of two Civilian Community Relations Specialists, who will provide services to crime victims and crime prevention programming.
In her report, Park and Recreation Director Lauren Moll revealed that the Menlo Aquatic Center is fully staffed for the upcoming season. She added that memberships are down from last year but expressed hope that the difference could be made up in the coming weeks due to the extension of the early bird period until the end of the month. She also highlighted some upcoming events, including a Menlo Open House on April 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. and a Lenape Park clean-up on April 20 at 9 a.m.
In his report, youth councilor Logan Wilcox mentioned some recent school events, including the premiere of the Pennridge Musical and the recent SkillsUSA competition for tech students. He also announced that the high school wrestling team finished fourth in the state and that the hockey team won the AA state championship.
Wilcox additionally reported on a newly-proposed high school bathroom policy, which would allow students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity. Wilcox acknowledged the community opposition to the policy but explained that the district cannot legally prohibit students from using their preferred bathroom. He said that the school board will vote on the policy in the near future.
Council also approved the annual Good Time Motorvators car show at the Lenape Park Skate Pavilion on May 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m, with a rain date scheduled for May 27.
The next Perkasie Borough Council meeting is on May 6 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit perkasieborough.org.
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