Mt. Lebanon requests $500k grant to improve Washington Road business district
writer@thealmanac.net
The Mt. Lebanon commissioners are asking the state for a $500,000 grant that would help the municipality fund upgrades to make its central business district on Washington Road more pedestrian-friendly.
The commissioners voted during their Aug. 28 meeting to submit the grant proposal to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
The DCED awards funding to communities to be used to bolster businesses and thereby enhance quality of life for residents. If awarded, Mt. Lebanon would use the money to improve the business district’s walkability by upgrading sidewalks and street lighting.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners unanimously voted in favor of the approval of a conditional use request that would allow a medical facility at 302 Castle Shannon Blvd. for Roots Chiropractic. A public hearing to discuss the conditional use has been set for Sept. 25.
A bid for the Mt. Lebanon Golf Course bunker replacement project was unanimously rejected after it came in above the budgeted amount. Plavchak Construction Co., Inc. was the sole bidder on the project, exceeding the $67,000 budget for the removal and replacement of existing sand bunkers on the course by more than $20,000. The project will be rebid.
The commissioners also announced a new internship pilot program that gives interested Mt. Lebanon students an opportunity to experience local government beyond the Junior Commissioners program. Students will be given the opportunity to shadow local officials and department heads, get a peek at the budgeting process and participate in community engagement.
Three students have been chosen for the internship positions, one for the fall semester and two for the spring. They’ll work under the supervision of Ian McMeans, assistant township manager, and alongside the fall and spring junior commissioners.