Sharpsville to seek bids for street project

SHARPSVILLE, Pa. -- The borough is moving forward with plans to beautify its downtown business district.
Council voted Wednesday to seek bids for the first phase of a multiyear Sharpsville Street Scape project.
The plan is to replace streetlights with period lighting and add greenery and other amenities to the targeted area.
Mayor Kenneth Robertson said the first phase will focus on the areas of Shenango Street/Mercer Avenue, the Sharpsville Plaza and Main and Walnut streets.
The borough's federal Community Development Block Grants will be an initial funding source.
Robertson said he is seeking help from individuals and businesses to donate benches for the targeted area.
The gift of benches can be made in the memory of individuals, he said.
In other business, council accepted the resignation of longtime police officer William Divens, who is retiring effective Feb. 29 after 31 years of service.
The borough maintains a police force of five full- and five part-time officers.
Robertson said council has asked the borough civil service commission to provide the names of three more candidates to be considered for filling the vacancy created by Divens' retirement.