Lewisburg hires contractor for second phase of Kidsburg project
Apr. 18—LEWISBURG — A Muncy firm will be the contractor for the second phase of the Kidsburg construction project in Lewisburg.
At Tuesday night's public meeting, the council members awarded Big Rock Paving LLC the contract for $323,639. Once the state Department of Conservation and Economic Development approves the contractor, Big Rock is expected to start the project this summer and finish in the fall.
"We have a $300,000 grant from DCNR, which will cover the lion's share of construction costs," said borough Manager William Lowthert. "The borough is responsible for the engineering costs and anything over the $300,000 grant."
The second phase will pick up where the rail trail ended at the edge of Bucknell near South Sixth Street and take it to St. George Street. It will extend the flood plain restoration around the bend to the railroad bridge and will install handicapped parking space and adult size swings in the area along James Alley, said Lowthert.
As part of the project, the council members approved an easement with Bucknell University for the installation of a 10-foot-wide multi-use pedestrian pathway along South Sixth Street, the removal of legacy soils from the floodplain and the restoration of the stream bed on the southwest side of Bull Run along South Sixth Street.
The first phase of the project was completed in 2022. The first phase consisted of the installation of a nature play area, extending the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail to the edge of the Bucknell University campus and stream restoration. Playworld also donated a first responder-themed playground at the park.
The borough council also approved two change orders for the Piers Art Park Project between Lewisburg Borough and Gutelius Excavating Inc.: one increasing the project costs by $750 to extend the maintenance bond from 12 months to 18 months; and another reducing the project by $26,456 for additional work needed in relation to the stormwater pipe crossing of the railroad tracks and for removal of the four solar lights from along the walking path. Both are contingent upon full execution of an easement agreement with the Lewisburg and Buffalo Creek Railroad Corporation.
Original plans to install a new water line within the old one could not occur, so a larger portion of land is being distributed. The corporation asked for a longer bond, said Lowthert.
In other business, the borough council:
* Approved the Lewisburg portion of the multi-municipal tar/chip/sealing streets project to Midland Asphalt Materials Inc. in the total amount of $58,194. This means $53,424 will be paid to the company and $4,770 will be paid to East Buffalo Township for reimbursement of stone costs.
* Announced an intention to apply for the state Department of Community and Economic Development and Commonwealth Finance Agency's Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Grant for solar lighting along the internal path at the Piers Art Park and the borough-owned mixed use path between Market Street and the Buffalo Valley Trail Authority.
* Instructed the borough solicitor to prepare an amendment to the social gathering ordinance and advertise it.
