At Berlin Borough Council’s most recent meeting on Aug. 12, Councilman Andy Simone provided an update on ongoing road work in Berlin as part of committee reports.
He explained that the contractor for construction on White Horse Pike and Route 30 temporarily pulled out, but has returned and should finish the project by the end of August.
“If you see the spillways of concrete and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ramps that are being installed, that process is in continuation,” Simone noted.
He also said construction on Pineview Avenue continues and that new curbs and driveways have been installed. Once that work is finished, crews will improve the downtown area near the New Berlin Diner.
During his report, Mayor Rick Miller shared that issues with permits for the revitalization of the Kmart area have been cleared and “some exciting things should happen there soon.”
“I hope we can revitalize that shopping center and bring some life over there,” he said.
Council for the second time tabled an ordinance that amends the definition of trailers and camp cars. A public hearing and potential adoption of the ordinance will happen at a time to be determined.
Council also introduced three new ordinances, one to supplement the salaries code, another to release affordability controls for certain units at Carriage Stop Apartments, and a third to amend rules and regulations for operation of the borough police department. There will be a public hearing and a vote on these ordinances at the next meeting, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m., at borough hall.
For resolutions that were passed, council authorized the purchase of a police vehicle and a Ford dump truck. Simone said earlier in the meeting that officials are considering the purchase of a street sweeper, in part to keep stormwater runoff clean.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Helen Quammen spoke on behalf of senior citizens in New Freedom Village who have been injured picking up their mail.
“We need those mailboxes on our doors,” she said, before she asked council members whether anything can be done about the situation.
Solicitor Howard Long suggested talking with the Berlin postmaster to see if mailboxes at the end of the village driveway could be moved closer to residents’ doors.
“We can approach the postmaster in Berlin and ask whether that switch could be made,” Long responded.
The next council workshop and meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9 at borough hall. The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the regular session will start at 7 p.m.
