Sharpsburg News

Sharpsburg Happenings :

Summer 2007 Newsletter Sharpsburg Community Events Calendar Lauri Ann West Library - Sharpsburg Branch Update-Work Begun on New Location! Boat Ramp Project Christmas Parade scheduled for November 22, 2008. PennDot Notice - Spring/Summer Repairs on Route 8 in 62nd Street Area Book Sale Results Please Sharpsburg Officials

13th Street Boat Ramp Project

In July 2006, work began on the 13th Street Boat Ramp Project in Sharpsburg. This project is funded through grant money from the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development, the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The project is occuring in two phases. Phase One of the project ended on June 30, 2007, and Phase Two began on July 1, 2007 and extends until December 31, 2008.
	Above: View of the Boat Ramp prior to reconstruction.
	The overall purpose of this project is to create a free, public access boat ramp for Sharpsburg as well as other boaters in the region giving access to over 30 miles of navigable waters of all three (3) area rivers. This area will be used for other recreational purposes as well, including a handicap accessible fishing dock, parking area for fishers and boaters, kayak tree, and a pavillion area to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenic view of the Allegheny River.
Above: Palmieri Contsruction begins to pour concrete for the new boat ramp.
The first phase of the project consisted of the construction of a new boat ramp as well as a retaining wall to avoid erosion of the riverbank. The Pittsburgh Job Corps Center has so greatly offered to assist in the construction of this project by using the process as a way of training students in the heavy equipment operating class. This helps alleviate some costs for the borough. In addition, Duquesne Light installed 7 lamp posts with working lights as part of their employee training program.
Year two of the 13th Street Boat Ramp Project involved extending the retaining wall along the riverbank, as well as paving the parking lot area.	Above: Palmieri Construction workers smooth over a portion of the newly cemented boat ramp in the summer of 2006. Below: Completion of a retaining wall took place in Year One of the project. Year Two will extend the retaining wall along the river front borough property to prevent erosion and allow for extended public access. This photo also shows a view of the newly cemented boat ramp, ready for access!
In addition, more lighting, benches, garbage cans and a pavilion will likely be installed to encourage residents and boaters to enjoy the new recreation facility. The boat ramp will be secured at night with a gate at the entrance of the tunnel leading down to the boat ramp. Signs will be posted in town and along the river to encourage kayakers to use this spot to launch their boats or stop and take a break! July 1, 2008 brought paving of the parking area and future work includes pavilion installation( early August), water line installation and sidewalk/handicapped access finalization.
Below: View of the construction site from the railroad tracks. This view shows the completed retaining walls as well as the future site of the parking and pavilion areas, which will be located next to the walls along the riverbank.	The official opening dedication of the 13th Street Boat Ramp & Riverfront park was held on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. The entire facility (ramp and parking area) is now open to the public.
	The Borough of Sharpsburg would like to thank all of its partners for their dedication to this wonderful project: Allegheny County Department of Economic Development Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Pittsburgh Job Corps Center Keystone Paralyzed Veterans Association Friends of the Riverfront

	Christmas Parade and Childrens' Festivities Set for November 22, 2008
The Annual Sharpsburg Christmas Parade sponsored by the Sharpsburg Holidays Committee will begin on South Main Street at 5 P.M. on November 22, 2008. The parade route will proceed along Main Street, bear left at the Guyasuta Statue on to North Canal Street and end at the Sharpsburg Recreation Center. Children (8 years old and under - Sharpsburg Residents only, please) can visit with Santa at the Sharpsburg Recreation Center immediately after the parade. Bring your camera as Santa is anxious to get pictures with all children (and some adults) so that we can all remember how naughty or nice that you might have been! For more information, contact Holidays Committee Members Roseann or Pat.
CONSTRUCTION - 62nd STREET BRIDGE Brayman Construction Corporation has been awarded the contract from PennDot for various repairs of State Route 8 in the vicinity of the 62nd Street Bridge. The project consists of: - Replacement or re-facing of bridge parapets - Deck joint replacement and re-sealing - Concrete repairs on bridge piers and deck. - Zone painting of the existing bridge - Approach roadway reconstruction - Installation of highway lighting and pavement markings The project will start on or around March 3, 2008 and is scheduled to be completed by November 26, 2008. Scheduled traffic restrictions are as follows: - July 14, 2008 to August 5, 2008: Southbound Robert D. Fleming (62nd Street) Bridge, including the southbound approach roadway will remain closed. Southbound State Route 8 traffic will detour via State Route 28 and Highland Park Bridge. Southbound traffic to Sharpsburg will detour via Butler Street , Bridge Street and Main Street. In addition, northbound traffic across the Robert D. Fleming (62nd Street) Bridge will be restricted to one lane and the northbound approach roadway will be closed. All northbound traffic will detour via Bridge Street into Sharpsburg. Truck and bus traffic turning right onto Robert D. Fleming (62nd Street) Bridge from the south end at Butler Street will be prohibited. Truck and bus traffic will detour using a truck turnaround in order to make a left-hand turn onto the bridge headed northbound. - June 25, 2008 to November 12, 2008: The right lane of northbound Robert D. Fleming (62nd Street) Bridge and the entire northbound approach roadway will be closed. Northbound State Route 8 traffic will be detoured via Highland Park Bridge and State Route 28. The left lane of Robert D. Fleming (62nd Street) Bridge will remain open and exit at Bridge Street. Southbound Bridge Street will remain closed and detour via Main Street and Highland Park Bridge. - August 5, 2008 to November 26, 2008: Both southbound lanes will be opened across Robert D. Fleming (62nd Street) Bridge. The right northbound lane and the entire northbound approach roadway will be closed. Northbound State Route 8 traffic will detour via Highland Park Bridge and State Route 28. The left lane of Robert D. Fleming (62nd Street) Bridge will remain open and exit at Bridge Street. Southbound Bridge Street will remain closed and detour via Main Street and Highland Park Bridge. - November 12, 2008 to November 26, 2008: Approximately 250 feet of left lane northbound and southbound on Robert D. Fleming (62nd Street) Bridge will be closed. 300 feet of the left lane northbound on Robert D. Fleming (62nd Street) Bridge will be closed from 7P.M. to 6 A.M. only.
BOOK SALE - SHARPSBURG NETS OVER $ 700 September 13 and 14, 2008
There was a book sale held to benefit the Lauri Ann West Library - Sharpsburg Branch. The two-day event was held on Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, 2008 and took place at the Borough of Sharpsburg Council Chambers, 1611 Main Street, Sharpsburg. A bake sale was also held in support of the same cause. Hundreds of books of all subjects, paperback and hardback, were sold thanks to the generosity of the many patrons who showed up to help our library. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT BENEFITED THE NEW LOCATION OF THE LAURI ANN WEST LIBRARY - SHARPSBURG BRANCH. Thanks to all who came out and support your community!

Lauri Ann West Library - Sharpsburg Branch News

UPDATE: November 14, 2008

Renovations continue an the Sharpsburg Library thanks to some recent (and generous) donations. The exterior color has been changed and the sidewalk has been re-constructed to meet current safety specifications. Interior painting, carpeting, utility connection and initial placement of materials hs begun.

With a little luck, the facility should be open over the next several weeks. Keep your bookmark here for further progress reports and announcements!

UPDATE: August 8, 2008

Construction continues on the Sharpsburg Branch of the Lauri Ann West Library. Under general supervision of Zambrano Corp., walls have been placed, electric and computer/telephone lines are being run, new efficient heating and cooling systems have been installed and final floor plans are designed. Final plans for a new sidewalk and asphalt parking lot are complete and revised, more handicapped-friendly bathrooms have been installed (special thanks to Sharpsburg-based Equiparts, Inc.) with painting of interior and exterior to be completed over the next several weeks. Anticipated opening of the state of the art facility in the very near future.

Funding is still being accepted to cover some of the items which have increased in cost due to current market conditions and oil prices. Anyone with a desire to assist our project financially can call the Borough office (412) 781-0546.

Continue viewing this website for updates!

UPDATE: DECEMBER 7, 2007

The bookmobile that temporarily housed the Sharpsburg Branch of the Lauri Ann West Library has been removed from its location on North Canal Street for necessary maintenance. Unfortunately, there will be no library service for our residents until further notice (hopefully several weeks). Any books can be returned to the Lauri Ann West Library on Powers Run Road in O'Hara Township or the Sharpsburg Municipal Building at 1611 Main Street in Sharpsburg. Every effort to waive fines will be made during this period.

Work has begun at the new site at 1212 Main Street and the hope is to begin service from that location before winter is over. We thank you all for your patience during this time!

UPDATE: OCTOBER 30, 2007

There was a public auction of the contents of the building at 1212 Main Street on October 15, 2007 at 10:30 A.M.

Contents sold included kitchen equipment, tables, chairs and coolers used during the building's operation as a restaurant.

The auction was conducted by Fred Peters Auctioneers of Brownsville, PA. Net proceeds, after expenses, benefit the renovation and future operation of the Sharpsburg Branch of the Lauri Ann West Library which will be located at that site.

Approximately $1,450 was raised by the auction of the equipment. The Money will be used for the renovation of the facility.

UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2007

The Borough of Sharpsburg is proud to announce the acquisition of the building at 1212 Main Street as the future location of the Sharpsburg Branch of the Lauri Ann West Library. The purchase of the building and property was made possible by the generosity of the Weiner Family Foundation. Keep your eye on the facility and on this website for future progress reports.

In the interim, the Sharpsburg Branch will operate from a bookmobile located at the basketball courts along North Canal Street, adjacent to the Kennedy Park Activities Building. The temporary location will begin operations on September 10, 2007 and will be open during the same hours that the residents have become accustomed to: Mondays 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Tuesdays 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., Thursdays 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Saturdays 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. This library facility is available as a result of the generosity of the Allegheny County Library Association and will remain the library location until the newly acquired building renovations are finished.