Johnstown Redevelopment Authority awards contract to demolish former Sheesley Supply Co. structures
Johnstown Redevelopment Authority has awarded Earthmovers Unlimited Inc. the contract to demolish a blighted industrial structure near the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail, as well as a quonset hut steel building on the site, he said.
'We'll definitely see an improvement down there,' McCann said.
The JRA awarded Earthmovers the contract for the work at a cost of $217,630 at Tuesday's meeting.
It's possible that crews will begin remediation in the next 10 days, McCann said.
The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies announced in November that it had provided $404,000 for demolition and environmental remediation of the property on the 800 block of Horner Street.
The Conservation and Recreation Authority, which owns the industrial site, has worked for years to remove the blight, and members were happy three months ago when the needed funding came through.
Cliff Kitner, CCCRA executive director, described the assistance as a blessing and said the land will, for now, be turned into a green space.
In a related matter, McCann told the board that the Johnstown Fire Department training site, which borders the trail in the Horner Street area, will soon receive a waterline from Pine Street to the former Dynacom property.
He said the supply from the Cambria Somerset Authority will be located along the side of the trail, and contracts for the grant-funded work will be awarded next week.
CCCRA members discussed preparation of an easement for the waterline at the January meeting, board Chairman Thomas Kakabar said.
Regarding repair work on the Ghost Town Trail between Ebensburg and Twin Rocks, Kitner said the project has been built through cooperation of the Pennsylvania and Federal Emergency Management Agencies, and the next step is reviewing the work.
When Hurricane Debby swept through the region in the summer, the storm destroyed several sections of the trail, especially in the Twin Rocks area.
Initial estimates put the repair amount at about $400,000, but Kitner said Friday that the project is now projected to cost nearly $1 million.
Any money the authority expenses for the work will be eligible for reimbursement through the state and federal agencies.
'We're just moving forward,' Kitner said.
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