Official: Hire a planner for Sharpsville

The borough is making efforts to improve itself but could use guidance.
SHARPSVILLE, Pa. -- Borough Council President Gary Grandy thinks Sharpsville should enlist the services of a professional planner.
Grandy, speaking at the end of a council meeting Wednesday, said a professional can offer advice and direction to efforts by the borough to revitalize itself.
"I think we need to take a look at things," he said, particularly in light of continued "streetscape" efforts to put up period streetlighting and signs along Main Street.
Council voted Wednesday to apply for a $125,000 Community Development Block Grant to fund that work. The program offers federal money but is controlled by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
Making improvements
Borough Manager Michael Wilson said the improvements would start at Walnut Street in front of the municipal building and go west on Main Street "as far as the money will go."
Grandy said the borough's efforts to secure title to vacant railroad right-of-way land is another reason why a planner's help is needed.
Council needs to know what type of buildings should be allowed and if there should be more of an effort to develop businesses along Main Street where homes exist, he said.
Everyone on council has their own ideas and there is a need for professional guidance, Grandy said.
Councilman Guy Moderelli pointed out that the borough already uses the services of a professional planner, Mourice Waltz Planners and Consultants of Sharpsville, to work on grants and various grant-funded programs. Waltz could be asked to provide the assistance Grandy seeks, he said.
Grandy said he has no objections to using Waltz and suggested that council sit down with him soon to come up with a plan.