New Britain Borough Council established a new Public Works Committee and reviewed plans for construction along East Butler Avenue during its July 12 meeting.
The newly established New Britain Borough Public Works Committee was approved by a unanimous vote in an ongoing effort by the borough to reduce, reform, and consolidate its existing committees. The Public Works Committee aims to cover the responsibilities previously covered by the Facilities, Roads, and Public Safety Committees respectively. These include advising and assisting with public services, road maintenance/construction, building renovation, public safety concerns, and more.
While it remains unclear who will be on the Public Works Committee at this time, there is no limit to the number of members it can have. Up to three of its members can be from the borough council, and the rest will be community members appointed by the council.
In other news, the council was presented with construction plans for two buildings on a lot located on 625 E. Butler Ave., just down the road from Delaware Valley University. The initial concept was presented to the Planning Commission during its May 16 meeting. The proposed buildings will be mixed-use, with the first floors being reserved for commercial and/or retail use. The second and third floors will be for residential use, containing roughly 42 apartments spread across both buildings.
The council had a lot of suggestions and feedback to give. In general, members would like to see more benches and seating to attract more people to the area as well as make use of empty field space in the lot that would be left empty after construction.
There also was talk of trying to install a dog fountain in the area, though several potential complications were brought up involving its installation and ability to be maintained, to the point where it remains unclear whether or not it will be incorporated into the next draft.
The council did not vote on the plans yet, but its feedback will be taken into consideration when the Planning Commission works to revise it. The commission hopes to receive all the necessary approvals for construction to begin sometime next year.
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