Sugarcreek will have presence at hearing on Route 8 corridor

By WILLIAM STEVENS
Staff writer

Sugarcreek Borough Council members on Wednesday discussed the news that a public hearing will be held Feb. 8 regarding the proposal to turn the Route 8 corridor between Franklin and Barkeyville into a two-lane highway.

At the behest of borough solicitor Brian Spaid, council decided to have someone from the panel act as a representative at the hearing.

“It would be good to have as many voices as possible from the political side,” Spaid said.

Council member Howard Barger said he agreed, and council said it will choose a representative prior to the hearing.

The time and place of the meeting has yet to be determined.

Venango County commissioner Chip Abramovic attended the council meeting, and he said his door is always open for council members should they need anything from the county planning commission.

In an attempt to strengthen the bond with local municipalities, Abramovic said he will make the rounds at other municipal meetings as well.

Abramovic said some people aren’t even aware who he is and he would like to build a relationship with municipalities moving forward.

In other action Wednesday, borough police chief Matt Carlson provided council with an update on the no-parking sign, or lack thereof, at the intersection of Elm and Egbert streets.

The area viewed was 231 Elm, which is the corner home; and 227 Elm.

Carlson said in some instances vehicles turning west onto Elm come around the corner and end up in the oncoming traffic lane.

“The issue here is the neighbors are opposed to preventing parking on the northeast end,” Carlson said.

“We would be depriving them of 130 feet of parking, and there is over 200 feet of sight distance (in the area surveyed),” the chief added.

Carlson concluded it would be best to leave the area alone since there have been no issues with accidents at the intersection.

Council will next meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7.