By Jean Shanley

Meadville Tribune
August 12, 2017

CONNEAUT LAKE — Bids may go out this fall and prep work could begin this winter for the multimillion dollar renovation work at Fireman’s Beach and on Water Street.

That’s because of the good news Bill Eldridge reported to Conneaut Lake Borough Council at this week’s meeting.

The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved a request from the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC) to use some of the $1 million grant from the EDA for work on Fireman’s Beach, Eldridge reported. Although he does not have the final approval, Eldridge said he has been told the EDA has OKd the CLCDC’s request with final approval expected in the next couple of weeks.

That means the work can begin on the project, which includes upgrades to Fireman’s Beach as well as Water Street from First to Second Street.

Eldridge had been working with the EDA on the approval for 14 months.

While the EDA had already awarded a $1 million grant for work on Water Street in the borough, the CLCDC has decided to have the Water Street work and Fireman’s Beach project done as one project. Therefore the CLCDC had to seek approval to use some of the $1 million for work on the beach to save money on the revitalization project being spearheaded by CLCDC.

Eldridge also updated council on the status of matching grant revenue for a $775,000 grant the CLCDC had received from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). He said the funds from the federal EDA grant could be used for the funds needed for matching the grant awarded from the DCNR.

In conjunction with the approval, council had to approve several legal documents regarding ownership of the beach and of property, which had been donated by Bob and Kathy Moss. Also needed was approval for council President Dick Holabaugh to endorse the anticipated EDA grant amendment when it is received and to update an original commitment letter from borough council to the DNCR.

Council also approved pre-authorization construction temporary easement language to allow temporary easements over private property so work could be done.

Eldridge was excited about the approval, noting he expected the final approval within the next couple of weeks and then the project could go out to bid. He hopes some preliminary work could be done this fall with the final construction to begin in the spring.

Work at the beach and on Water Street will be done simultaneously, Eldridge said, and he expects the work on those two projects to be completed by the end of 2018.

“I’d like to work myself out of a job,” he joked, then quickly added the CLCDC already has a grant for work to continue on Water Street to Second Street once the first block is finished. He did not say it, but his “job” is all volunteer work as chairman of the CLCDC and a member of council.

The work on the beach will include connecting Ice House Park to Fireman’s Beach with a promenade walkway, renovations to the parking area, relocation of the picnic shelter, the addition of new docks and replacement of some docks. That will bring the total number of docks up to 96. The work also will include a new boat launch and other beach improvements.

Work on Water Street will include new curbing, sidewalks, light poles, the placement of utility lines underground and other upgrades.

Over the past six years, the CLCDC has raised nearly $3.15 million in state and federal grants and private donations for the project.

Project estimates previously announced are for $1,806.961 for the Water Street portion and $1,279,550 for improvements to Fireman’s Beach.

The CLCDC has been working on this project since 2011 when the group got council to approve a request for a grant to develop a plan for the revitalization. From there, the CLCDC held public meetings in 2011 to ask the public what was needed. From there, the plan was developed.

The preliminary plan concept drawings for the proposed town improvements were unveiled at a public meeting in March 2012.


You can help

Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee holds a fundraising session for invited guests at the town hall on Sept. 9 to raise additional funds for Conneaut Lake’s the downtown revitalization project.

Those wishing to contribute to the fund may send donations to the CLCDC at P.O. Box 195, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316.


Fundraising Efforts

Grant Source                                                      Amount

Appalachian Regional Commission                            $150,000

State Department of Community                                $375,000
and Economic Development

Community Development Block Grant                        $167,204

Act 13: Impact fees from oil/gas law                              $50,713

U.S. Economic Development Administration             $1,000,000

Transportation Alternatives Program                           $400,000

National Endowment of the Arts                                     $75,000

State Department of Conservation                               $775,000
and Natural Resources

Private Donors                                                             $155,000
                                                                                   ________

TOTAL                                                                      $3,147,917    

By Jean Shanley

Meadville Tribune
June 27, 2017

CONNEAUT LAKE — Borough Council has submitted what is called the fourth round in its application for funds from the Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Bill Eldridge, who is a member of council and president of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC), said if this application is approved, it would mean the work on Water Street and Fireman’s Beach in the CLCDC-led revitalization project could begin soon.

He outlined changes to the application recommended by the EDA to borough council at its recent meeting. The changes were approved, and the application was submitted.

The application was filed after a conference call with the EDA. The call included representatives of U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey’s office and U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly’s office, Eldridge said.

The application asked that EDA allows the CLCDC to use half of the $1 million grant for the Water Street project and half for Fireman’s Beach.

The application was very detailed and CLCDC was advised how to configure the various bid packages for the work so the grant could be approved, Eldridge said.

Now, it’s just a waiting game to see if the application is approved.

Eldridge said previously it took four to six weeks for a decision, but the CLCDC asked for a faster response if possible because of the critical time factor in starting the project before winter.

The project could start by the end of summer if the grant is approved, Eldridge said. He said it would be in three tiers that would start two weeks apart.

The total project would use a total of three grants — $600,000 for Water Street on one grant, $1.4 million on Water Street for the second grant and $1.4 million for Fireman’s Beach.

No other grant applications are out at this time, Eldridge said.

“If we get this (grant), it will be big news for Conneaut Lake,” Eldridge said.

The closing on the financial deal was completed recently, according to Kelley Coey, project developer for the Hudson Property Management Group that plans to construct the three-story housing complex on the southeast corner of North Fifth and Line streets in the borough.

“It’s a go,” Coey said. “We’re just thankful we’re on our way.” She said construction could start any day but expects it to be early next week.

A groundbreaking ceremony was being planned for the week of June 12, according to Bill Eldridge, a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council and president of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee.

Construction is expected to take about one year. No applications are being accepted yet for renting any of the apartments.

Evans Square is a more than $10 million project. It will be 38,950 square feet with 40 units — 36 with one bedroom and four with two bedrooms — for senior citizens on property previously owned by Alan Moss.

Evans Square is not an official project of the CLCDC. But indications are that the CLCDC revitalization project contributed to the Hudson’s group ability to build the complex and in the approval of the funding for Evans Square.

In a related matter, borough council approved a one-year lease with Hudson to lease a lot owned by the borough near the construction site. The lease will be for $250 a month and will allow Hudson to use the site for parking its construction equipment and for the building crew to use during that time.

Mario DeBlasio, a member of the borough’s sewer and water authority, spoke briefly at borough council’s meeting, noting he has extensive experience in construction and believed the $250 rental fee was too low for the1.87-acre lot to be rented.

Eldridge said the borough would benefit from the project with increased taxes and he didn’t see the purpose of increasing the suggested lease amount. He said Hudson could lease other property in town to use, but it would not be as convenient as the lot near the construction site.

Dick Holabaugh, council president, said he would like to see a fence erected around the lot. Eldridge said he would work on that.

Holabaugh also asked if a contractor for the borough’s revitalization project (expected to start in the fall) would be able to use the site also.

Jeff Millin, borough attorney, said Hudson group wanted an exclusive use lease, but the lease does not provide for Hudson to have exclusive use.

After a short discussion, council voted 5-2 to approve the $250-a-month lease for one year. Council members John Chuey and Mike Krepps voted against the amount to charge for the lease.

By Jean Shanley

Meadville Tribune
Saturday, February 18, 2017

CONNEAUT LAKE — Construction of Evans Square, a senior housing complex at Conneaut Lake, is expected to start in May.
At a recent meeting of Conneaut Lake Borough Council, an announcement was made that the Hudson Group of Hermitage was to get a building permit for the complex later that week.

Kelley Coey, development coordinator for the Hudson Group, said Thursday that the permit had been obtained Feb. 3. The group is working on finishing the financial closing process and the bidding process for subcontractors.

Depending on how long that takes, she expects the construction to start in May and take about one year.
Evans Square is more than a $10 million project. The three-story housing complex will be located at the southeast corner of North Fifth and Line streets in the borough.

It will be 38,950 square feet with 40 units — 36 with one-bedroom units and four with two bedrooms — for senior citizens on property owned by Alan Moss.

No applications for occupancy are being accepted yet, she said.

Coey also addressed rumors that a second project is being planned for Conneaut Lake.

She said at this time that is not the plan, but in a few years if the demand were there, it would be a possibility.

“Time will tell,” she said.

Work also is continuing on the revitalization plan for Water Street and Fireman’s Beach in a multimillion project being spearheaded by the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC).

Bill Eldridge, a member of borough council and chairman of the CLCDC, updated council members on the progress of funding for the project and talked with government officials about combining grants to do the project.

He also said appraisals will be done on the Robert and Kathleen Moss property, which the Mosses plan to donate to the borough if the donation is considered as “matching” funds for the grant. Paperwork on the project continues to be completed, he said.

Eldridge also had drawings available for the council members to review on the planned revitalization, noting final approval will be expected.

No date has been set regarding the renovation program on Water Street and Fireman’s Beach. Previous expectations were that if it did not start in spring, it would start in the fall after the summer tourist season.

During the meeting, council approved a $250,000 credit line being offered by Marquette Savings Bank for the project, if needed.

Council also approved some of the invoices for engineering work done on the project.

Evans Square is not an official project of the CLCDC; however, indications are that the CLCDC revitalization project was a contributing factor in the approval of funding for Evans Square.

By Jean Shanley

Meadville Tribune
January 23, 2017

CONNEAUT LAKE — The Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC) is awaiting an answer from the federal Economic Development Administration before it will know if the revitalization work on Fireman’s Beach will begin this spring — or not until after Labor Day.

The EDA had approved a $1 million grant for work on Water Street in the borough.

However, CLCDC has decided to have the Water Street work and Fireman s Beach project done as one project and is seeking approval to use some of the $1 million for some of the work at the beach. The reason for combining the two projects is to save money on the multi-million dollar revitalization project spearheaded by CLCDC.

Bill Eldridge, chairman of the CLCDC and a member of borough council, told council at its recent meeting the CLCDC is now waiting to hear from the federal government. He said U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey is helping with the logistics and U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly’s office also has been involved.

If the answer is yes, that some of the funds could be used, the work could begin this spring and then take a break for the summer season before resuming after Labor Day. If the funds cannot be used, the CLCDC will re-evaluate what can be done with existing funds and work will begin after Labor Day when the tourist season is over, Eldridge said.

In the meantime, as announced previously, the CLCDC received another $475,000 grant from the state — making the total grants received more than $3.5 million.

Eldridge also announced some private donations received during the last month. They include a $10,000 donation from Glen Moss, a former Conneaut Lake resident; a $1,000 donation from Rocco Tedesco of Dickson Funeral Home at Conneaut Lake (the fifth time he has made similar donations); and $1,000 from Susan Duddy and Richard Drespling, who have given similar donations three previous times.

In-kind services were received from Mario DeBlasio construction firm totaling $3,700 for helping place the woolly mammoth sculpture on the beach; and $1,250 in services from Pipeline Systems Inc. for helping with the woolly mammoth sculpture on the beach.

In other news regarding the beach, it was announced there is a waiting list for dock rentals this year and until contracts have been returned from existing dock renters, it will be not be known how many will be available.

Council also gave approval to the Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society to use Fireman’s Beach for its second annual Paddlefest on Aug 6.

By Keith Gushard

Meadville Tribune

January 11, 2017


CONNEAUT LAKE — Nearly a half million dollar grant will help continue revitalization efforts along the borough of Conneaut Lake’s main corridor of its business district.

The $475,000 grant is for improvements along a portion of Water Street — the borough’s main east-west street. It will fund new crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting and Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant curb cuts and ramps on Water Street between Second and Third streets.

“It’s wonderful news,” said Bill Eldridge, chairman of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC) and a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council. The CLCDC has been spearheading revitalization efforts in the borough for more than a decade.

The grant for Conneaut Lake was one of 51 projects slated to receive a total of $33 million in federal funds to improve transportation alternatives, according to Gov. Tom Wolf. Meadville also received a $219,940 grant to repair a footbridge that crosses Mill Run within the city.

“These projects are important initiatives that enhance communities across Pennsylvania to create stronger economies and better infrastructure,” Wolf said in a statement Tuesday. “Making these improvements will enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, preserve historic transportation structures, provide environmental mitigation, create trails that serve a transportation purpose, and promote safety and mobility.”

“We are very pleased that the governor and his administration has continued to support our ongoing efforts to revitalize Water Street,” Eldridge said of Conneaut Lake’s grant.

Conneaut Lake previously received funding to make similar street improvements to Water Street between First and Second streets.

While the work on the Water Street block between First and Second streets is expected to go to bid this spring, it’s short of being fully funded, Eldridge said. The development committee and Borough Council possibly may look at asking the state if some of $475,000 grant could be used to fill in the funding gap.

“It has to be discussed,” Eldridge said.

State Rep. Parke Wentling, a Republican whose district includes Conneaut Lake, said he was pleased to help secure the new grant.

“This funding will not only help Conneaut Lake beautify its main street through town, but it will also attract additional visitors and businesses to the lakeside community,” Wentling said.

The $475,000 is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reviewed grant applications and awarded funding.

PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, reasonableness of cost, readiness for implementation, statewide or regional significance, integration of land use and transportation decision making, collaboration with stakeholders, and leverage of other projects or funding.

Grant of nearly a half million dollars will help Conneaut Lake revitalization

By Keith Gushard

Meadville Tribune

January 11, 2017


CONNEAUT LAKE — Nearly a half million dollar grant will help continue revitalization efforts along the borough of Conneaut Lake’s main corridor of its business district.

The $475,000 grant is for improvements along a portion of Water Street — the borough’s main east-west street. It will fund new crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting and Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant curb cuts and ramps on Water Street between Second and Third streets.

“It’s wonderful news,” said Bill Eldridge, chairman of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC) and a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council. The CLCDC has been spearheading revitalization efforts in the borough for more than a decade.

The grant for Conneaut Lake was one of 51 projects slated to receive a total of $33 million in federal funds to improve transportation alternatives, according to Gov. Tom Wolf. Meadville also received a $219,940 grant to repair a footbridge that crosses Mill Run within the city.

“These projects are important initiatives that enhance communities across Pennsylvania to create stronger economies and better infrastructure,” Wolf said in a statement Tuesday. “Making these improvements will enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, preserve historic transportation structures, provide environmental mitigation, create trails that serve a transportation purpose, and promote safety and mobility.”

“We are very pleased that the governor and his administration has continued to support our ongoing efforts to revitalize Water Street,” Eldridge said of Conneaut Lake’s grant.

Conneaut Lake previously received funding to make similar street improvements to Water Street between First and Second streets.

While the work on the Water Street block between First and Second streets is expected to go to bid this spring, it’s short of being fully funded, Eldridge said. The development committee and Borough Council possibly may look at asking the state if some of $475,000 grant could be used to fill in the funding gap.

“It has to be discussed,” Eldridge said.

State Rep. Parke Wentling, a Republican whose district includes Conneaut Lake, said he was pleased to help secure the new grant.

“This funding will not only help Conneaut Lake beautify its main street through town, but it will also attract additional visitors and businesses to the lakeside community,” Wentling said.

The $475,000 is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reviewed grant applications and awarded funding.

PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, reasonableness of cost, readiness for implementation, statewide or regional significance, integration of land use and transportation decision making, collaboration with stakeholders, and leverage of other projects or funding.

Jean Shanley
Meadville Tribune

Oct 22, 2016

Construction for senior housing development at Conneaut Lake could begin in the spring

CONNEAUT LAKE — Evans Square, a senior housing development being planned for Conneaut Lake, moved one step closer to reality when Conneaut Lake Borough Council gave its approval for a subdivision plan, contingent upon review by Ashley Porter, consulting engineer.

The subdivision approval was needed because the plan calls for consolidation of three lots for the project. Porter must approve the stormwater plan for the project.

Council’s approval came at the conclusion of an update given by Kelley Coey, project developer for Hudson Property Management Group, which is developing the project.

Coey told council the Hudson group is in the process of obtaining all the necessary permits from various government agencies and hopes to finalize the purchase of the property by early 2017 and then start construction in April.

Approval still is needed from the Crawford County Conservation District for the sediment and erosion control and a GP7 permit that is a minor road-crossing permit.

Coey said she expects all approvals to be received by the end of November or December. The complex will be located at the southeast corner of Line and North Fifth Street in the borough.

The complex is for low-income senior citizens 62 years and older. Maximum income for a one-person unit is $24,000 annually and for a two-person family, the maximum is $28,000.

Coey also announced that the Crawford Area Transportation Authority (CATA) has agreed to have a bus stop in that area five days a week so residents will no longer have to call in advance to schedule transportation by CATA.

Other business at Borough Council’s meeting included an update by Bill Eldridge on behalf of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC), which is overseeing plans for the current revitalization program for Water Street and Fireman’s Beach in the borough.

He said the CLCDC submitted additional information at the request of government agencies involved in the grant process. The information was in regard to a plan by Bob and Kathy Moss to donate land near Fireman’s Beach for the project as part of a “matching funds”‘ application.

He said if the project proceeds as planned, some of the docks might have to be removed before construction can began. Council directed Secretary-treasurer Sue Cunningham to send letters to dock owners advising them of that possibility.

The multimillion dollar revitalization project is being funded through various grants and donations with council approving a loan if needed. Alan Shaddinger, local attorney, has been hired to draw up all the documents for the potential loan.

When Conneaut Lake revitalization begins depends on when bids are put out

Jean Shanley
Meadville Tribune
Oct 8, 2016

CONNEAUT LAKE — Whether work to revitalize Fireman’s Beach and Water Street in downtown Conneaut Lake takes place in January, February or September will depend on when bids are put out.

At a work session of borough council Wednesday evening, Bill Eldridge, chairman of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee (CLCDC) and a member of council, reviewed some of the preliminary plans for changes to be made during the construction at Fireman’s Beach.

He asked council members to review all the ideas and be prepared to make suggestions and decisions regarding the next step in the process.

Bob Moss, a member of the CLCDC who has been instrumental in planning the redevelopment, spoke briefly to council, telling members not to panic if they could not put the project out for bid this year so work could begin in February.

The issue of whether to put the project out for bid before all the final permits are received for the project was discussed. Moss said it would be better if all the permits were received before going out for bid.

There are several state and federal agencies involved in granting the permits, Moss said, and he expects they will get the permits done to meet the schedule. Pre-bid conferences are held so all potential bidders can ask questions and see certain criteria is met, he said.

If bids could be put out so construction could start in January or February, it would be good, Moss said. If not, the work could begin in September. The work will not be done at Fireman’s Beach during the tourist season when the borough makes money on the docks.

More than $3 million in grants has been collected to revitalize Fireman’s Beach and downtown Conneaut Lake.

Eldridge reviewed the list of numerous specific improvements included in the project and asked council members to review them. He also said there is still one grant pending for $475,000 for work between Second and Third streets on Water Street.

The current project is for the First Street area of Water Street and for Fireman’s Beach.

Moss encouraged council members to consider alternate work, which could be done if there is enough money.

“You won’t want to send any money back (to the state),” he said.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is more flexible regarding alternates, Moss said, but the state Department of Transportation does not like alternates.

Moss has had extensive work in construction, including the development of Ice House Park at Conneaut Lake.

Council still hopes to be able to put the project out for bid by the end of the year with construction to start in January or February.

Revitalization plan could start in February

By Jane Smith
Meadville Tribune
September 17, 2016

CONNEAUT LAKE — Borough Council made a “very significant decision” at its most recent meeting as it voted to proceed with a $3 million revitalization plan for the borough. Councilman Bill Eldridge characterized the vote in that fashion following the meeting.

Council agreed to move forward with plans for the project, which includes improvements to the Water Street area as well as Fireman’s Beach.

In addition to approving recommendations from the budget committee for improvements to Fireman’s Beach, council also approved a new construction schedule for the beach, as proposed by Bob Moss, a member of Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee, which is spearheading the revitalization project.

The new schedule calls for construction work at the beach to begin in February as opposed to fall. Eldridge told council that after the last work session a detailed look at the construction work schedule by Moss found that construction work can start the winter of 2017. He said the idea is that more contractors may bid on a project with a spring construction season.

At the same time, he stressed work would be halted by May 19 to allow the public access to the beach during the summer.

“We think it would be a better plan,” Eldridge said.

If all the work is not completed by May 19, it would be halted and completed after the end of the summer season.

Council President Dick Holabaugh said as long as council communicates with dock renters about the issue, he agrees with the new schedule.

The vote to proceed included work on Water Street improvements. Holabaugh abstained from voting — based on legal advice — because he stands to gain financially when improvements to Water Street are made. Holabaugh owns property on Water Street and the improvements will enhance his property value. Thus, he would have a conflict of interest.

All other council members unanimously agreed to move forward.

The next step was approval for financing some of the local funds. Council agreed to use monies from various accounts to begin the work, such as fees for preparing bid documents and other preliminary work.

Council had hoped to open a line of credit account for up to $200,000 but was advised by attorney Jeff Millin that the municipal code does not permit that. Upon his recommendation, council voted to hire an assistant solicitor who is an expert in municipal law and assist with what council can do legally for borrowing.

The state code dictates how much a borough can borrow for specific projects, and Millin said the expert can lead council through that process. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development would approve the borrowing. Council approved a resolution to hire the assistant solicitor and to borrow up to $200,000 for the Fireman’s Beach project.

Council also approved sending a letter to the state asking for authorization to combine the beach project and the Water Street project into one for grant purposes.

Answering a question posed by an audience member about the changes, Eldridge noted the initial project was estimated at $6.5 million. However, state funding has not been available as expected, so the project has been scaled back to meet the funding available.

Another member asked whether the sidewalks on Second Street were still included in the project. They are not.

By Jean Shanley

Meadville Tribune
September 10, 2016

CONNEAUT LAKE — Conneaut Lake Borough Council may be prepared to make a decision regarding the proposed revitalization project for downtown Conneaut Lake and Fireman’s Beach next Wednesday at 7 p.m. at its meeting at the town hall.

That seemed to be the consensus of several people at the conclusion this week of a lengthy review of the financial needs for the project, which is expected to cost about $3 million.

At a special work session Wednesday, Bill Eldridge, a member of borough council and chairman of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee, which has been spearheading the project for the past several years, answered questions from other council members and gave each a packet containing all the financial issues regarding the project.

He urged council to be prepared to make the decisions regarding the project so that it could go out for bid in November and work could begin next year.

After reviewing all the information, Council President Dick Holabaugh expressed concern that the cost could be more than what is projected and wondered if the budget included any funds for contingencies should something happen that was unexpected. He was concerned about any financial shortfall, which could mean a tax increase for borough residents, and recalled being assured that the project could be done without raising taxes locally.

Bob Moss, a retired contractor, businessman and a member of the CLCDC, told Holabaugh that was a good question and said that the projected budget does include funds for contingencies. He also said he has spent a significant amount of time on the project, and based on his years of experience and his talks recently with construction personnel, the project costs seem to be right on target.

The project estimates are $1,806,961 for the Water Street portion and $1,279,550 for improvements at Fireman’s Beach.

State and federal grants have been received totaling $1,473,135 for Water Street and $1,182,550 for Fireman’s Beach. Borough and CLCDC funds have also been pledged to the project.

After reviewing all the figures, Eldridge noted that at this time there is a worst-case scenario of a shortage of $179,810. However, he said, the more likely scenario is that the shortfall would be $134,145.

He explained that the $179,810 includes a $45,665 construction funding deficit. He said if the bids are right on target or below, the shortfall is $134,145.

The $179,810 includes $150,000 for inspection.

However, if the federal Economic Development Administration allows reprogramming of excess funds, the shortfall would be projected at $104,810. The CLCDC has asked the EDA to allow the two projects to be done as one instead of separately. That would allow some savings.

Eldridge said these figures do not include any additional grants that may come from the state.

He said one way to handle the shortfall would be a revitalization project low-percentage loan for only the amount needed. He said beach revenue from dock rentals is expected to increase with the increase of docks and 60 percent of that increase (or $20,000) a year could be used as a loan payment. He suggested using the town hall with a value of $500,000 as collateral for securing the loan.

He emphasized that under this formula, the borough could continue to receive at least as much beach revenue as in the past for non-loan payment purposes.

At the conclusion of the discussion, he said council now must make four decisions: Authorize the change of scope request, approve construction plans, use on-hand funds for construction and authorize a loan application for additional funds.

Eldridge answered other questions from council members. In regard to the beach for next season, he said the proposal would close the beach after Labor Day 2017 and work would be done that fall and the spring of 2018, re-opening in time for the 2018 season.

He encouraged council to take the steps necessary so the project could go out for bid in November, emphasizing that “waiting is not a good option.”

Billy Paris, another council member, asked if Moss thought there were firms interested in doing the work, and Moss said he was sure there are.

Holabaugh said Eldridge had answered a lot of questions other council members had. He encouraged council to study the issue and information and especially noted the beach committee and budget committee should address any concerns they have about design and cost in relation to the borough budget to Eldridge.

Mike Krepps, another council member, said he felt good about Eldridge’s presentation and said Eldridge had answered the questions “as well as he could until we put the rubber to the road.”

Krepps said he believes it’s time to act on the project.

Eldridge said, “We do need to make a decision.” He said he would ask for some kind of resolution because he believes it is important to show the grant-funding agencies “we are moving forward.”