Positive changes underway in Susquehanna

As the Haynes Building in Susquehanna Depot is being demolished, American Legion Post 86 has expressed interest in purchasing the property.

Post Commander Gene Stewart told the borough council at the Wednesday, Jan. 11 meeting, of the organization’s interest of purchasing it “if and when is becomes available.”

Citing the considerable work and donations the Post has contributed to the borough, Stewart said the organization would like the first option to purchase the property. The property would also then be placed back on the tax rolls, Stewart said.

Stewart, along with fellow Legion member Brian Delaney, also discussed cleaning debris from the creek bank behind Main Street after the demolition is complete.

Councilman Roy Williams said, “(Post 86’s) record with the community speaks for itself as far as community commitment.”

Williams also asked to the Legion members to bring their plans for the property to council.

Stewart did say the organization would like to keep the pillars in place, if possible, and work with the borough in developing a nice Main Street in the town.

Due to its proximity to other structures, the Haynes Building demolition is being done by hand.

That wasn’t the only positive news to come before the borough council.

Development of the Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park is moving forward. With a DCNR grant approved, work is expected to begin this summer.

The park will include a one-mile walking trail, volleyball courts, pavilion and an ice skating rink.

Borough secretary Margaret Biegert spoke about plans for a downtown “redesign.”

Some carryover funds were reassigned in the budget to begin the process of developing renderings for a redesign.

Council discussed the resurgence in community pride and revitalizing family-friendly neighborhoods that have been bolstered by the borough’s strong code enforcement program.

“Neighborhoods are being restored,” Biegert said.

Williams –who heads up the borough’s codes department – spoke about the blight removal in the town that has come at “no cost to the taxpayers.”

The blighted properties have been removed utilizing Impact fee funds, grants, or at the expense of owners, Williams said. The borough has shoulder only a few legal fees associated with some of the removals.

In keeping with revitalization and restoration efforts in the community, the borough enacted an abandoned vehicles ordinance.

Council approved the purchase of vests for the police department. Total cost is $614.

Council also discussed employee payment for holiday time, and amended the employee manual so the policy would clearly cover not just full-time employees which the borough does not currently have.

The Susquehanna Borough Council meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the borough building.