Council weighs restrictions

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- City council is looking at putting some extra restrictions on construction in the city's historical district.
Councilwoman Patricia May proposed enacting a historical overlay in the city's north hill section, which has been designated a historical district by the state and federal governments.
May said some people have made changes to buildings that damage the historical integrity of the buildings. The overlay would require anyone making changes to a building to consult the city before work is done, she said. May said council will formally consider this change at its January meeting.
Council is also talking about increasing rates at the Sylvan Heights Golf Course. Mayor Timothy Fulkerson proposed an increase in membership fees, but city council members at Sunday's special caucus meeting said they were looking to compromise with a smaller membership fee increase and adding a greens fee increase. They are expected to go into more details at their Jan. 9 meeting.