New Cumberland City Council will study the information brought before them Monday night before putting their blessing on the plans for straightening out Route 2 through the town. Travis Long, technical services support director of the  Dept of Highways, appeared before Council Monday night to present the plans and ask for a letter of support from Council.   Following discussion, Council agreed to take some time to digest the information and discuss the plans at a work session set for August 16 prior to sending the State a letter of support.

     Long revealed that Station Hill will be widened with two 12-foot lanes and a five- foot sidewalk on the river side.  Of concern to council and Police Chief Lester “Chickie” Skinner was the hazard caused by large stones which may get dislodged on the Court Street side of the road.   Chief Skinner asked Long if the State would be responsible if stones were dislodged onto the road and was informed that the State was responsible for the “lower” side, but the City would continue to be responsible for the “upper” side. 

      Artist’s rendering showed the road would run between the railroad tracks and the hill.   Long explained that the railroad crossing would be taken out at Adams Street.   The impact on the City Park and the City’s pump station was reduced from the original plans keeping the pump station intact according to State officials.  While original plans called for the new road to take 1 ½ acres from the City Park and parking lot, current plans call for ½ acre to be taken from the Park.  Officials explained that enhancements to the Park could be provided as return for taking the property. 

       State officials hope to start construction on the new road in Spring 2023 and belief that the project will extend through Spring 2024.  While the project was initially to be funded solely with bond funds, Long said Federal funds have also be secured to  complete the project.

     As Council expressed continuing concern about the Ridge, Long said a study is planned on the road, but could not reveal a date it would begin or end.

In other business, Council:

**Accepted a check for $4,000.00 from the State to assist with the war memorial improvement.  Located on Court St., the memorial has been a project of George Hines who accepted the check from. State Senator Ryan Weld;

**Approved invoices of $147,495,10 for payment;

**Approved a draw of $765,658.40 for the sewer project;

**Approved a draw of $87,240.65 for the water project;

**Announced that Dale and Diane Matics received the Yard of the Month award;

**Appointed Penny Spilecki and Nick Nolder to the Water/Sewer Board.