By Jean Shanley
Meadville Tribune

February 18, 2019

CONNEAUT LAKE — The Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee is hoping the third time will be a charm.

Members of the CLCDC are circulating petitions to have a question be put on the May primary ballot to allow the sale of alcohol in the borough.

Currently, the borough is “dry,” meaning no alcohol may be sold in the borough limits. The numerous locations surrounding Conneaut Lake that sell beer are not within Conneaut Lake borough limits.

This will be the third attempt the CLCDC has tried to allow alcohol to be sold in the borough.

The last time, in 2015, the vote was 63-57 against that move. The first time the CLCDC tried was in 2011 when the vote was 84-64 against the sale of alcohol.

Bill Eldridge, chairman of the CLCDC, said the purpose of allowing alcohol sales is for economic development. The CLCDC is the group that has spearheaded a multi-million dollar revitalization project on Fireman’s Beach and Water Street.

By not permitting the sale of alcohol in Conneaut Lake borough, it puts businesses and potential businesses at a disadvantage. Alcohol sales increase employment and the value of a business, Eldridge said.

Although this is the third attempt by the CLCDC to change the law, this could be the fifth time the issue is on the ballot. Decades prior to the CLCDC’s push, the issue was on the ballot twice — losing both times.

Meadville Tribune
December 29, 2018

6. First phase of downtown Conneaut Lake’s revitalization nearly complete

A few weeks ago, the Meadville Tribune provided readers with what we believe are the most important Crawford County-area stories of 2018. We then asked our readers to rank the stories from No. 1 (most important) to No. 15 (least important).

The revitalization of Conneaut Lake’s Water Street business district and public lakefront areas finally made significant progress this year after a group of residents met in 2005 to discuss ways to improve the borough.

The Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC), originally comprised of Dr. Bob Moyers and his wife, Bobbie, and Kathy and Bob Moss, initially worked on developing Ice House Park and adding improvements to Fireman’s Beach.

Bill Eldridge, chair of the CLCDC and also a Conneaut Lake Borough Council member, worked for hundreds of hours over years to secure necessary grant funding for the first phase, which is close to complete.

Of the $3.5 million budget secured for the project, 90 percent came from government grants. The rest came from community donations to the CLCDC as well as Conneaut Lake borough funds.

The utility lines on Water Street from First Street to Second Street are being moved, something initially thought too difficult and costly. Some of the lines will be placed underground while others will be relocated to the alleyways behind the businesses.

In August, Eldridge admitted some of the work on Water Street did not pass inspection and had to be redone, pushing back completion. According to Eldridge, the utility poles needed for this relocation are used by four different companies, which has slowed progress. He projected the wiring part of the project to be complete in January.

Fireman’s Beach includes new docks, parking, a boat launch ramp, entry signage and a new promenade connecting it with Ice House Park. Other improvements included more than 2,000 plantings to aid in stormwater management as well as beautification to the parking area.

In the spring of 2019, the CLCDC will also work to add a playground to Fireman’s Beach as well as a pavilion to replace the former picnic shelter and a lighted flagpole.

Eldridge said at a November borough council meeting that he will present a final audit to council when all the work contracts have been completed to detail the grants and sources of funding for the multimillion dollar first phase.

“We’re all very pleased and satisfied,” Eldridge said. “This has been the culmination of a five-year effort. I would say a lot of people in Conneaut Lake are ecstatic about the improvement; some people would say many years overdue.”

As for the second phase, the CLCDC has already secured a PennDOT grant of $475,000 and hopes to begin work in 2020. The bulk of the second phase extends the improvements made in the first block of Water Street to Second Street through Fourth Street.

Eldridge confirmed a need of $2 million to finish the second phase.

By Jean Shanley
Meadville Tribune

Nov 20, 2018

CONNEAUT LAKE — It took 13 years, thousands of hours of volunteer labor and about $3.5 million, but the first phase of a dream first discussed on Oct. 20, 2005, is nearly complete.

Records indicate that the first meeting of a group of people later to become known as the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee met at the home of Kathy and Bob Moss at Conneaut Lake to discuss improving Conneaut Lake’s streetscape.

The goal discussed at the meeting included having utility lines placed underground, new street lights and landscaping on Water Street, which is the main business district of the town.

Dr. Bob Moyers and his wife, Bobbie, and the Mosses led the campaign to have the work done. The four also were instrumental in developing Ice House Park, which is located at the entrance of the borough.

Bobbie Moyers recalled the first few meetings when the group was told by officials of utility companies that having underground utility lines was “nearly impossible” because of the cost and work involved. The committee known as the CLCDC still did not give up the dream — and even added improvements to Fireman’s Beach to the initial vision of improving downtown Conneaut Lake.

Bill Eldridge later became chairman of the CLCDC. He spent hundreds of hours in the last few years applying for grants, which ultimately paid for 90 percent of the cost. The other 10 percent was paid through funds raised by the CLCDC and from borough funds.

Eldridge, a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council and liaison for the CLCDC to council, told council at its most recent meeting that the utility lines on Water Street from First Street to Second Street in the borough are expected to be underground by this week. This is final step of the first phase of the revitalization of Water Street, which Eldridge said at Wednesday’s meeting is 97 percent completed.

The work on Fireman’s Beach is complete. It included new docks, a new parking area, a promenade connecting the beach to Ice House Park and other improvements to the beach.

Regarding the costs of the project, Eldridge said when all the work is complete and contracts are finished, he will present the final audit, which will show where all the funds came from for the multimillion dollar improvement.

The cost issue was addressed by Eldridge on Wednesday after a question from Bill Sandberg, a former council member and resident of the borough. Sandberg praised council and especially Eldridge for his many hours of work on the project and said using the local funds was money well spent.

“Council can be proud of what you spent,” Sandberg said, noting, “whatever you spent, be proud of it.”

Michael Kribbs, a council member, speaking to Eldridge, said, “As you know I was against this from the get go,” adding, “it turned out looking much better than I visualized.”

Dick Holabaugh, council president, said now Conneaut Lake is being used as a model for success since Eldridge and others have proven the project can be done “even though (some people) had doubts.”

Plans in the next year are for a new playground to be placed at Fireman’s Beach, Eldridge said.

Phase two of the Water Street revitalization will hopefully begin in 2020, Eldridge said, noting the CLCDC already has a $475,000 grant. Phase two will include similar updates as the first block of Water Street — just from Second to Fourth streets this time.

Grants continue to be pursued for phase two of the project.

Jean Shanley
Meadville Tribune

Aug 25, 2018

CONNEAUT LAKE — Cindy Adams Dunn stood at Fireman’s Beach on Friday, amazed at the changes since she stood there with Bill Eldridge two years ago.

Although the beach has been open all summer, Friday was the official “grand opening” with state, county and local officials along with community residents attending a ceremony marking the completion of the more than $1 million project.

Dunn, the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, recalled when she stood on the beach with Eldridge and heard of the plans for the beach renovation project spearheaded by Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC) for which Eldridge serves as president. He also is a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council and serves as the liaison between council and CLCDC.

“This is one we’re really proud of (having supported),” Dunn said of the project. She explained that the $775,000 grant from the DCNR came through the Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, which is funded through a small portion of the real estate transfer taxes. When someone sells real estate, the price included a transfer tax that’s then given to the state.

Dunn had nothing but praise for the project, which included construction of new boat launch and ramp, docks, boat slips, pedestrian walkways, parking area and access drive. Erection of a woolly mammoth sculpture was enhanced by stormwater features, rain gardens, handicapped accessibility features, landscaping, new signage and other related site improvements.

Dunn specifically mentioned the rain garden, noting that rain gardens usually don’t look as good as the one at Conneaut Lake in its first year.

“It’s fantastic,” she said.

She also mentioned the cooperation between the various state and local agencies and praised Eldridge for his many long hours of volunteer work on the project.

“Dealing with the government is not always easy,” she said.

“I’m so grateful for the vision and all the volunteer efforts that helped restore this beautiful beach and make it readily accessible to everyone,” said state Sen. Michele Brooks, who Dunn mentioned has been a big advocate of the project.

State Rep. Parke Wentling offered congratulations to the community on what he said was a wonderful example of private and public partnership, noting the private donations that were added to the state funds to pay for the project.

Crawford County Commissioner Chairman Francis Weiderspahn also thanked the volunteers and others.

“This is truly a treasure not just for Conneaut Lake but the county and northwestern Pennsylvania,” Weiderspahn said.

Eldridge also spoke briefly, introducing various officials in the audience. None spoke publicly, but Tim Kaider, who was mayor when the project started five years ago, said after the ceremony that he thought the improvements and the look to the beach are “just tremendous” and it was hard to describe his feelings from having looked at the plans years ago and Friday.

“Conneaut Lake is among the growing list of communities across Pennsylvania that recognizes local parks and recreation opportunities contribute to a higher quality of life and attract and sustain employers and families,” Dunn said. She added that local parks provide close-to-home nature and recreation that is always free or affordable. She commended the borough and its partners for working tirelessly to enhance one of the few publicly accessible boat launch areas and swimming facilities in Conneaut Lake borough.

The only thing left to do at the beach is to get the playground and picnic shelter up, according to organizers.

Eldridge said he is pleased to see the increased traffic at the beach, including teens rollerblading and enjoying the beach.

“It’s been a long road,” he said, with five years of planning and seeking grants and lots of challenges in getting various permits. “Fortunately, everyone worked together as a team.”

The other part of the revitalization project is an update to the first block of Water Street. Eldridge said it is 90 percent complete with holdups now on the utility lines being installed underground. That’s expected to happen in October.

The community has already received a $475,000 grant for updates to the second block of Water Street.

Keith Gushard
Meadville Tribune

Jun 30, 2018

CONNEAUT LAKE — Work at Conneaut Lake’s Fireman’s Beach is almost complete and the beach/boat launch is open to the public

“We’re about 95 percent complete,” Bill Eldridge said Friday. Eldridge, a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council and chairman of Conneaut Lake Development Committee, serves as project manager.

“People will be able to launch boats, they’ll be able park their cars there,” Eldridge said. “They’ll be able to swim, access boats they have docked there, picnic there if they want.

“There’s no charge to walk in, but it’s $3 to park and $6 if they want to launch and park,” he said.

The only remaining work is installation of a new sign for Fireman’s Beach, a locking entry gate, railings along the promenade/sidewalk, and the striping of lines and installation of bumper stops within the parking lot, he said.

Terra Works Inc. of Clarion, the general contractor on the project, normally has a one-week July shutdown, Eldridge said. The company was awarded the contract in January by Conneaut Lake Borough Council on a low bid of $741,476.

The remaining work is expected to take about a week to complete, weather permitting, Eldridge said.

Community News

March 19, 2018

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY – On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, Conneaut Lake Borough Council conducted a ground breaking ceremony for its revitalization construction projects kick off.  The Construction Improvement Project for Water Street between First and Second Streets began last week with the placement of traffic and parking control signs and barriers and saw cutting of various areas of the street and sidewalk.  This is in preparation for larger construction which will be targeted on the north side of Water CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY – On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, Conneaut Lake Borough Council conducted a ground breaking ceremony for its revitalization construction projects kick off.  The Construction Improvement Project for Water Street between First and Second Streets began last week with the placement of traffic and parking control signs and barriers and saw cutting of various areas of the street and sidewalk.  This is in preparation for larger construction which will be targeted on the north side of Water Street which may be completed in 60 days at which time construction will switch to the south side of Water Street with a goal of completing all construction within 120 days.  Two lanes of traffic, one going east and one going west will be open throughout the project.  Parking on that section of Water Street will be diverted to the alleys in the rear.  Fireman’s Beach will be under construction and off limits to park goers during the period March 19th through May 25th and will reopen on Memorial Day Weekend.  Pictured, from left, at the ground breaking, are Dick Holabaugh, Borough Council President, Diane Helbig representing Senator Michele Brooks, Penny Monihan, Borough Council Member, John O’Grady, Mayor of Conneaut Lake, Chad Waldschmidt, Community Development Committee, Mike Krepps, Borough Council Member, Vicki Leap representing State Rep. Parke Wentling, and Bill Eldridge, Borough Council Member and Development Committee Chair.Street which may be completed in 60 days at which time construction will switch to the south side of Water Street with a goal of completing all construction within 120 days.  Two lanes of traffic, one going east and one going west will be open throughout the project.  Parking on that section of Water Street will be diverted to the alleys in the rear.  Fireman’s Beach will be under construction and off limits to park goers during the period March 19th through May 25th and will reopen on Memorial Day Weekend.  Pictured, from left, at the ground breaking, are Dick Holabaugh, Borough Council President, Diane Helbig representing Senator Michele Brooks, Penny Monihan, Borough Council Member, John O’Grady, Mayor of Conneaut Lake, Chad Waldschmidt, Community Development Committee, Mike Krepps, Borough Council Member, Vicki Leap representing State Rep. Parke Wentling, and Bill Eldridge, Borough Council Member and Development Committee Chair.

By Lorri Drumm

Meadville Tribune

March 14, 2018

CONNEAUT LAKE — Tuesday’s cold temperatures and snowflakes didn’t scare away officials from the groundbreaking of a $4 million revitalization project in the borough.
“This isn’t unusual. This is what we do in northwest Pennsylvania,” said Diane Helbig, who attended the event representing state Sen. Michele Brooks, whose 50th District includes all of Crawford County.

Work has started on Water Street and work is scheduled to begin at Fireman’s Beach soon.

The Water Street renovations begin on First Street at the corner where Livingston’s Quality Meat is located and will end just past Second Street in the area in front of Marquette Savings Bank and Lakeside Sweets. Work includes new curbs, sidewalks, placing all the utility lines underground, adding decorative lighting, stormwater drainage and enhancing streetscapes. New 3-foot high masonry urns with shrubs will be placed on the street corners.

Since parking on both sides will be eliminated during construction, space will be available allow two lanes of traffic. Work will be done one side at a time, according to Bill Eldridge, chairman of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee. The work starts with the northern side and is expected to be completed by May 18. Work will follow on the southern side and is to be completed within 120 days.

Temporary ramps will be erected to give access to the businesses on Water Street affected by the work, Eldridge said.

Fireman’s Beach renovations will include a new circular entrance with a sign marking it as the beach. Eldridge outlined the new boat docking system and details of the new pedestrian promenade, connecting the beach to Ice House Park and allowing people to walk along the beach without trespassing on private property.

The picnic shelter will be moved closer to the restrooms, and a new playground will be erected.

Work on Fireman’s Beach will begin as soon as weather permits and will be completed by May 25 for Memorial Day weekend. If work on the beach is not completed by May 25, it will be halted and resume after Labor Day. If there’s a delay in the new docks being received, that work will continue through the summer.

Helbig read a proclamation on behalf of Brooks. Helbig expressed Brooks’ regret in not being able to attend the groundbreaking. Brooks described the Conneaut Lake area a “gorgeous sanctuary destined to become even more beautiful.”

Brooks said in the proclamation that she continues to be amazed and inspired by community efforts such as the revitalization project. The corridor is destined to become the pathway to many family memories, she said.

Joining Helbig and Eldridge on Tuesday were Vicki Leap, on behalf of state Rep. Parke Wentling; Chad Waldschmidt, vice chairman of the CLCDC; John O’Grady, borough mayor; Dick Holabaugh, borough council president; Mike Krepps, council member; Penny Monihan, borough council member; and Beverly Mobley, borough council secretary/treasurer.

Lorri Drumm can be reached at 724-6370 or by email at lorrid@meadvilletribune.com.

Jane Smith

Meadville Tribune
Feb 20, 2018

Editor’s note: This story has been altered to correct some inaccuracies.

CONNEAUT LAKE — Several Conneaut Lake area residents scanned blueprints and architect drawings of the planned revitalization work to start soon at Conneaut Lake as about 50 people gathered to hear the plans from Bill Eldridge, borough council member and president of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee.

After six years of planning, raising funds and preparing for the project, Phase One is ready to go as soon as the weather cooperates.

A slide presentation of two parts of Phase One — a portion of Water Street and of Fireman’s Beach — was given as Eldridge reviewed the details and answered questions from the audience.

The Water Street renovations will begin on First Street at the corner where Livingston’s Quality Meat is located and will end just past Second Street in the area in front of Marquette Savings Bank and Lakeside Sweets. Work includes new curbs, sidewalks, placing all the utility lines underground, adding decorative lighting, stormwater drainage and enhancing streetscapes.

New three-foot high masonry urns with shrubs will be placed on the street corners.

Eldridge said he and contractors went to all the business owners along that area recently, described what was going to happen during construction and answered questions. Although there will be no parking on either side of Water Street during the work, temporary ramps will be erected to give access to the businesses.

Since parking on both sides will be eliminated during construction, that will free up space to allow two lanes of traffic to operate. Work will be done one side at a time, he said, starting with the northern side from approximately March 18 to May 18. Work then will follow on the southern side and is to be completed within 120 days.

The curbs will be done in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Flower beds and landscaping will be done at Memorial Park.

Fireman’s Beach renovations will include a new circular entrance with a sign marking it as the beach. Eldridge outlined the new boat docking system and details of the new pedestrian promenade, connecting the beach to Ice House Park and allowing people to walk along the beach without trespassing on private property.

The picnic shelter will be moved closer to the restrooms, and a new playground will be erected. That will allow families to have picnics near a playground and restrooms and use of the beach without worrying about conflicts with trucks towing boats.

The docking system will include two metal floating docks which meet ADA specifications. When all the work is complete, an additional 16 docks will be available for rental at a fee of $800. Some “build your own” docks remain available for the normal $600 annual fee.

Work on Fireman’s Beach will begin as soon as weather permits and will be completed by May 25 for the start of the Memorial Day weekend. If for some unforeseen reason the work on the beach is not done by May 25, it will be halted and resumed after Labor Day. If there’s a delay in the new docks being received, that work will continue through the summer.

Most of the questions asked during Friday’s town hall meeting concerned docks. One man was disappointed that docks won’t be available until Memorial Day, noting currently he can dock in April. Eldridge said boats can be launched from a site on the northern end of the lake until Fireman’s Beach is open.

One man said the borough is “shortening the boat season and raising the prices on boat docks.” Eldridge replied, “You could look at it that way.” Eldridge said docks cannot be used during the construction and the committee had to look at the majority use, which is after Memorial Day.

The new docks will require less work and those renting them “don’t have to worry about fixing them,” Eldridge said. He said this year’s season may be shorter by four to six weeks, but renters will have 20 to 30 seasons of new docks.

The presentation closed with the detailing of seven benefits of the project, including beautification, having a sustainable beach and downtown environment, and the possibility of biking and walking trails expanding from Meadville to Conneaut Lake.

The borough has received more than $3 million in grants and private donations for the revitalization project.

Asked about Phase Two, Eldridge said the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee has received $475,000 in one grant toward the work and is seeking more grants. He said work will be one one block at a time as funds are raised.

By Jean Shanley
Meadville Tribune
Dec 26, 2017


CONNEAUT LAKE — Plans are for construction on the Conneaut Lake revitalization project to start when the weather breaks in the spring after seven bids were opened recently at the Crawford County Planning Commission office.

The first opening was two bids for the Water Street project. The lowest bid was from M and D Services at $970,000.

The second project — Fireman’s Beach — had five bids. The lowest bid was from Terra Works at $741,476.

Zach Powell, assistant planning director for the county Planning Commission, said bids were under budget. He expects contracts to be awarded at the Jan. 2 meeting of Conneaut Lake Borough Council after all bids are reviewed.

Bill Eldridge, chairman of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee and a member of Borough Council, said he is optimistic that work can begin in the spring.

The only other contracts still out for bid are for engineering services with bids due by Friday.

Eldridge noted that M and D Services also was the lowest bid on another contract for the Water Street project.

The multimillion dollar project will make improvements to Water Street and Fireman’s Beach. The borough has received more than $3 million in grants and private donations for the projects.

When all the contracts have been awarded, a town hall meeting will be held to explain the entire process and its ramifications to borough residents and property owners.

By Jean Shanley
The Meadville Tribune

Saturday, October 21, 2017

CONNEAUT LAKE – The Conneaut Lake revitalization project, spearheaded by the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee, is moving forward in the bid process.

Bill Eldridge, president of CLCDC and a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council, told Council at its most recent meeting that one portion of the project has been advertised and bids were to be returned this week.

It is the largest bid package in the project, which involves Water Street and Fireman’s Beach.

The second package on Water Street was expected to go to bid on Thursday.

The third part of the project is for Fireman’s Beach and is being reviewed for any changes and to have all the legal papers for a donation of land from Bob and Kathy Moss completed before the project is put out for bid.

Eldridge said a concern was expressed about building on Conneaut Lake Water Authority property.  The proper legal action, including some surveying, is  being taken so the project may move forward.

In the meantime, council approved payment of invoices totaling $73,575 to CT Engineers for work done.  Eldridge said CT has been given wonderful support for the project and the CLCDC and Council have gotten “more than What’s been paid for.”

Of the $73,575 paid, $47,925 came from borough funds and $25,250 from CLCDC funds from grants received for the project.

Eldridge also said the CLCDC is applying for another grant from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for phase two of the multi-year project.