THE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1997
Prepared by the
BOROUGH OF EDINBORO
Assisted by
GRANEY, GROSSMAN, RAY AND ASSOCIATES New Wilmington, Pennsylvania Franklin, Pennsylvania
This document was financed, in part, from the Small Communities Planning Assistance Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development. Clifford E. Allen
Caroline Rhodes, Deputy Mayor
Edinboro Borouyh Cou ncil
Jean A. Davis Charles F. Brand George Finney Richard Forcucci Mary Ann Horne
Borough Manager
Michael Hoy
Borouyh Secretary
Jan Gardner
BorouPh Planninp and ZoninP Commission
Ruth Cogan, Chairperson I Me1 Daughenbaugh, Vice Chairman Charles F. Brand A1 Dor6 I Fred Langill A. J. Manafo"
I "Resigned 1/8/96
Zoniny Officer
David Zamierowski
Graney, Grossman, Ray and Associates New Wilmington, Pennsylvania Franklin, Pennsylvania I I TABLE OF CONTENTS I I Background Analysis Community Facilities ...... CF-1 Borough Government ...... CF-1 I The Community Building ...... CF-4 Public Works ...... CF-4 Water System ...... CF-6 I Sanitary Sewer System ...... CF-8 Storm Drainage ...... CF-10 I Refuse Collection ...... CF- 11 Police Service ...... CF-12 Fire and Ambulance Service ...... CF-14 I Libraries ...... CF-15 Public Recreation ...... CF-17 I Education ...... CF-24 Demographics ...... D- 1 Population Change ...... D-1 I Age Characteristics ...... D-3 Preschoolers (0-4) ...... D-5 School Agers (5-9) ...... D-5 I Young Adults (20-34) ...... D-5 Adults (35-64) ...... D-5 Older (65+) ...... D-6 I Gender ...... D-7 Race ...... D-7 I Household Types and Size ...... D-7 Population Projections ...... D-9
I Economics ...... E-1 Employment ...... E-2 Unemployment ...... E-4 I Income ...... E-5 Economic Development in Edinboro ...... E- 10
I Environmental Limitations and Concerns ...... EL- 1 Soil Limitations ...... EL- 1 Slope and Topography ...... e1-5 I Flood-Prone Areas ...... e1-5 Wetlands ...... e1-6 I Plant and Animal Species of Special Concern ...... e1-6 I Current Environmental Concerns ...... EL-7 TCE Contamination ...... e1-7 Lake Edinboro ...... e1-8
Historic Considerations ...... HC- 1
Housing ...... H-1 Housing Type ...... H- 1 OCCUP~~CY...... H-2 Vacancy Characteristics ...... H-3 Tenure ...... H-5 Housing Affordability ...... H-6 Group Quarters ...... H-8 Physical Condition of the Housing Stock ...... H-10 Borough of Edinboro Housing Rehabilitation Program ...... H- 15 Housing in Edinboro .A Summary ...... H-17
LandUse ...... 1u-1 Changes in Land Use ...... 1u-4 Problems ...... 1u-5 Subdivision and Land Use Ordinance ...... 1u-6
Transportation ...... T-l Road Classification ...... T-2 Accidents ...... T-4 Pedestrian/Vehicular Accidents ...... T-6 Internal Circulation ...... T-6 Road and Street Conditions ...... T-10 Parking ...... T-10 The Pedestrian System ...... T-13 1 Public Transportation ...... T- 16 1 Table CF.l. The Borough of Edinboro. Current Water Use Patterns and Usage ..... CF-7 Table CF.2. Reported Crimes. 1995 and 1996 ...... CF-13 I Table CF.3. The General McLane School District ...... CF-25 Table D- 1. Population Change in Edinboro. 1900-1990 ...... D-1 I Table D.2. Edinboro Area. Comparative Population Change. 1970-1990 ...... D-3 Table D.3. Edinboro. Erie County. and Pennsylvania Age Characteristics . 1990 ..... D-4 Table D.4. Borough of Edinboro. Age/Sex Structure .1990 ...... D-6 I Table D.5. Household Types . 1990 ...... D-7 Table D.6. Detailed Household Types in Edinboro .1990 ...... D-8 Table D.7. Average Household Size in Edinboro. 1980-1990 ...... D-9 I Table D.8. Borough of Edinboro. Adjusted Age/Sex Structure .1990 ...... D-12 I Table D.9. Borough of Edinboro. High and Low Population Projections ...... D-13 Table D.lO. Borough of Edinboro. Low Population Projection by Life Activity ..... D-14 Table D.11. Borough of Edinboro. High Population Projection by Life Activity ..... D-14 Table E.1. Edinboro Employment by Occupation . 1990 ...... E-2 Table E.2. Edinboro Borough. Persons Employed by Industry .1990 ...... E-3 Table E.3. Unemployment Rates (%) .Erie County. Pennsylvania and United States ... E-4 Table E.4. Comparative Regional Unemployment Rates for 1995 ...... E-5 Table E.5. Median Household and Family Income .Edinboro. Washington Township. Erie County. and Pennsylvania . 1989 ...... E-6 Table E.6. Household Income by Age of Householder. Edinboro .1989 ...... E-7 Table E.7. Edinboro Area and Pennsylvania Per Capita Income .1989 ...... E-7 Table E.8. Borough of Edinboro. Persons in Poverty by Age .1989 ...... E-8 Table E.9. Comparable Low-Moderate Income Rates .1993 ...... E-9 Table EL.1. Borough of Edinboro. Soil Limitations for Selected Community Uses I and Development ...... e1-3 Table H.1. Borough of Edinboro. Units by Type . 1990 ...... H-2 I Table H.2. Persons Per Occupied Housing Units . 1980-1990 ...... H-3 Table H.3. Comparative Vacancy Rates . 1990 ...... H-3 Table H.4. Boarded Up Status of Vacant Housing Units .1990 ...... H-4 I Table H.5. Vacancy Status ...... H-4 Table H.6. Comparative Home Ownership Rates . 1990 ...... H-5 Table H.7. Median Monthly Rent .1990 ...... H-6 I Table H.8. Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing .1990 ...... H-6 Table H.9. Edinboro Area Housing Affordability Index .1990 (Households) ...... H-7 Table H.lO. Edinboro Area Housing Affordability Index .1990 (Families) ...... H-8 I Table H.11. All Housing Units by Years Built .Edinboro ...... H-10 Table H.12. Year Built by Occupancy Status ...... H-11 Table H.13. Borough of Edinboro Housing Conditions Survey .1996 ...... H-13 I Table H- 14. Incidence and Type of Deterioration/Dilapidation. Housing Conditions Survey .1996 ...... H-14 I Table LU.l. Comparison of Proportional Land Use. Edinboro .1977-1996 ...... 1u-3 Table T.1. State Roadway Characteristics. Borough of Edinboro ...... T-3 Table T.2. Intersectional Accidents. Routes 6N and 99 .1990-1994 ...... T-5 Table T.3. EMTA Bus Route 14. Edinboro Schedule ...... T-17
Plat.es
Regional Location ...... Frontispiece Soil Types ...... Follows page EL-4 Flood Boundary Map ...... Follows page EL-5 Wetlands Map ...... Follows page EL-6 Housing Survey . 1996 ...... Follows page H-12 Existing Land Use ...... Follows page LU-2 Areas of Change. 1977-1996 ...... Follows page LU-4 General Road Classifications ...... Follows page T-2 Transportation Characteristics ...... Follows page T-4 I I Comprehensive Plan I EdinVision ‘95 Results ...... Page 3 EdinVision ‘97 Results ...... Page 5
I Housing Plan ...... Page 7 Recommended Projects and Activities ...... Page 8 Future Housing Needs and Special Concerns ...... Page 9 Household Size ...... Page 9 Population Change ...... Page 9 Housing Attrition ...... Page 9 Expected to Reside ...... Page 10 Affordability ...... Page 10
Transportation Plan ...... Page 12 Recommended Projects and Activities ...... Page 12 Safety ...... Page 12 Circulation ...... Page 14 The Pedestrian System ...... Page 15 I Parking ...... Page16 Street and Road Maintenance ...... Page 19
I Community Facilities Plan ...... Page 20 Recommended Projects and Activities ...... Page 20 General Policies and Programs ...... Page 20 1 The Community Building ...... Page 21 Public Works ...... Page 21 The Water System ...... Page 22 I The Sanitary Sewer System ...... Page 24 Refuse Collection ...... Page 25 I Police Service ...... Page 25 Fire and Ambulance Service ...... Page 26 Libraries ...... Page 26 1 Public Recreation ...... Page 27
Land Use Plan ...... Page 30 I Issue 1- Lakeside ...... Page 30 Issue 2 .Groundwater Protection ...... Page 31 Issue 3 .University Land ...... Page 32 1 Additional Land Use Considerations ...... Page 32
Other Issues ...... Page 34 I Economic Development ...... Page 34 Cooperation/Coordination ...... Page 34 I Timing ...... Page 35 Historic Concerns ...... Page 35 I I I Lake Edinboro Plan ...... Page 36 I Recommended Projects and Activities ...... Page 36 I Tables Table 1, EdinVision ‘95 Results ...... Page 4 Table 2, Borough of Edinboro, Expected to Reside, 1990 Household with Projections I to 2000 and 2010 ...... Page 10 I Plates Transportation Projects ...... Follows Page 15 Recreation Projects ...... Follows Page 29 I Land Use Concerns ...... Follows Page 30 I Action Plan Housing ...... Page 2 I Transportation ...... Page 3 Community Facilities and Services ...... Page 5 LandUse ...... Page9 I Other Actions ...... Page 10 Lake Edinboro ...... Page 10 1 I I I I I I I I BOROUGH OF EDINBORO REGIONAL LOCATION
SCALE 0 5 10 1 ’: MILES
This Map was financed, in part, from the Small Communities planning Assistance Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsvlvania. Department of Community Affairs. Graney, Grossman, Ray, and Associates BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS I I 1 I COMMUNITYFACILITIES I he “livability” and attractiveness of a community is based, to a large extent, on Tavailable community facilities and services. Along this vein, also, they are I instrumental in the attraction and retention of residents, businesses, and industries. In the broad view, community facilities and services include an extremely wide and diverse range I of activities. In most communities, these are provided by either local government or the private sector. Exactly who provides what varies greatly from community to community. Whereas essential facilities and services were once primarily the responsibility of local I government, one now can see the private sector operating these on a for-profit basis, on an increasing scale. A good example of this can be seen in the proliferation of privately I owned refuse collection and disposal businesses, along with privately owned landfills. This Background section will provide data on the various community facilities and services I operating in Edinboro. Specific recommendations for any needed improvements will be listed in the Plan portion of this document.
I BorouEh Government I An effective governing body is perhaps the most important “facility” a community can have. One does not need much of an imagination to foresee the results of non-attendance at the helm! The Borough of Edinboro was incorporated in 1840 and has had Borough I government since. Naturally, the government has changed and grown along with the Borough. In 1974, a home-rule charter was adopted. Under this new system, the Borough I went on to adopt the council-manager-type of government. The Borough Council has seven members, who are elected to four-year terms. The 1 Council chooses from among its members two persons to act as Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The legislative powers of the Borough fall upon Council. These include: appointing Borough officials, setting municipal policy, passing Borough ordinances, establishing the I tax rate, and adopting the annual budget. The Borough Manager is a full-time employee I who oversees and administrates the policies of Council. Day-to-day municipal operations l Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-7 I 1
I are handled by the Manager, Borough employees, and various authorities, boards, and commissions. Currently, the Borough employs approximately 28 persons.
1 The following is a general list of major services offered by the Borough, many of which M are examined in detail further along in this section. Borough Code Enforcement: The Borough employs a full-time Code Enforcement Officer to enforce its Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision 1 Regulations, and various other ordinances and required permits (building, occupancy, etc.). The employment of a Code Enforcement Officer is M perhaps the only way to realistically implement these important ordinances and regulations, which contribute greatly to the “livability” of Edinboro.
M a Street Maintenance: This service is provided by the Borough’s Public Works Department and includes full-time winter service.
I Public Recreation: The Borough owns various parcels of land dedicated to public recreation. Major features include: boating access to Lake Edinboro, M two guarded swimming beaches, passive park areas, playgrounds, a ball field, and a conservation area.
I a Full-Time Fire and Police Service: In Edinboro, the fire and ambulance service is a volunteer organization. The police are employed by the I Borough.
a Water, Sewer, and Refuse Collection: The water and sewer systems are I owned by authorities, but operated by the Borough. Recycling is required in the Borough and is handled in conjunction with the refuse collection I system. According to Borough officials, the recycling program has been a great success.
I Recognizing that an informed and involved populace is essential to an effective local government, the Manager’s office has recently implemented a number of projects designed to promote resident/Borough communications and resident involvement in Borough 1 government. These include: standardization of citizen service request procedures; a Borough newsletter, published on a monthly basis; a recycling newsletter; and a Borough I home page on the Internet with E-Mail capabilities. Also, the Borough plans to set up a local television channel for community information purposes some time in 1997. 1 I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities PU~CCF-2 I To augment and extend the financial resources of the community, Borough government has historically pursued various State and Federal grant programs as well as private 1 foundation-type grants. Within recent years, these have included the following:
0 The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program I 0 The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund 0 Various DEP Recycling Program/Performance Grants 1 0 Various Communities of Opportunity (COPS) Grants 0 The Small Communities Planning Assistance Program (SCPAP) i 0 A DEP Trails Grant The procurement of these funds has had a tremendously positive effect upon the Borough. The CDBG Program, in particular, has allowed the Borough to conduct many projects it I may not have had the resources for. Recent CDBG projects include: the air stripping tower, a Borough-wide housing rehabilitation program, revitalization of the Central I Business District, sewer treatment and water tank improvements, and the removal of architectural barriers at the community building. The recent SCPAP grant has allowed the I Borough to update its subdivision regulations and is funding this new Comprehensive Plan. To ensure these important grant funds continue to be realized and that they are properly administered, the Borough has recently hired a project coordinator. Nineteen hundred 1 ninety-seven (1997) will be the last year the Borough will need an outside consulting firm 1 to administer its CDBG Program. Along with the provision of services comes the responsibility of paying for them. Edinboro, like most communities, has various sources of revenue. In 1996, the biggest 1 generators of revenue were local taxes and fees, accounting for approximately 64 percent I of all revenue. For 1996, the taxation rates were as follows:
I Real Estate Tax (General Purpose) 17 Mills Real Estate Tax (Debt Repayment) 2 Mills 1 Earned Income Tax 2% (1.5% to Borough, .5% to School District) Real Estate Transfer Tax .5 % ~I Occupational Privilege Tax $10 ($5 to Borough, $5 to School District) I I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-3 I I
I These taxes generated a total of $949,496, 29.6 percent of the total revenue brought in. I The tax collection rate (taxes collected divided by taxes billed) was 91 percent. Fees, mostly consisting of charges for water, sewer, and refuse services, generated II $1,104,070 in 1996; 34.37 percent of the total revenues. The Community Buildin3
Located at 124 Meadville Street, the Edinboro Community Building serves as the hub of public activity for the Borough. The red brick structure was built in 1975 and houses the Edinboro branch of the Erie County Library System, the Borough Police Department, the District Justice Court, the Edinboro Food Bank, autistic classroom, office space for Penelec, Borough Council Chambers, and, finally, the Borough Administration Department. In addition, the building serves as the meeting place for various public and civic groups, as well as for the Borough Council, Authorities, and Commissions.
In recent years, the Borough has been implementing projects aimed at improving the building physically and removing architectural barriers to handicapped persons, per the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Taken together, these projects include: office painting, improved cleaning services, lighting improvements, insulation work, landscaping, sidewalk renovations, restroom and drinking fountain I modifications, and placement of ADA signage. Roof improvements are scheduled to be I completed in 1997. Public Wo rks
I The Edinboro Public Works Department occupies a critical position in Borough operations, I as the following list of its major responsibilities will illustrate: 0 Year-round road maintenance, including blacktopping, curbing, drainage, snow plowing, street cleaning, street marking (lines and signs), and sealing operations.
Maintenance and upkeep on all Borough-owned property, including the public recreational facilities. The department also has new construction/ fabrication capabilities in this area. Examples of work in this category include grass mowing and rehabilitative building work.
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-4 0 Cooperative work with the water and sewer operations. The department is heavily involved in the maintenance and installation of various components (lines, pumps, manholes, storm sewers, etc.) of the Borough’s water and sewer systems.
The Public Works Department is currently housed in two buildings located directly behind the Community Building. Both of the buildings are in good condition, although available space is at a minimum. The personnel roster consists of eight full-time (including the Director) and two part-time employees.
Major equipment, besides shop equipment, mowing equipment, and miscellaneous tools, include:
One 1986 Caterpillar loader One 1997 JCD backhoe/front-end loader One 1990 International single-axle heavy dump truck One 1976 Chevrolet single-axle medium dump truck Two, one-ton dump trucks (a 1989 Ford and a 1991 Chevrolet) One 1993 Ford one-ton pickup truck One 1988 Chevrolet light pickup truck One 1984 EligadPelican street sweeper One 1984 Dynapac street roller One seam sealing machine One 1992 ODB leaf vacuum trailer
The department relates that, while its rolling stock is in good to excellent condition, a few changes in the lineup are desired. First, due mostly to its age, the 1976 Chevrolet dump truck should be replaced. Secondly, the department would like to replace the current street sweeper, which utilizes only a brush and conveyor system, with a new air vacuum sweeper machine. The new machine would eliminate the fugitive dust problem associated with the old sweeper, and generally do a better cleaning job. Third, the department feels that a skid-steer loader, such as a Bobcat or Mustang, would be a useful equipment addition. A machine of this type is compact and agile and has the capability of using a variety of attachments (loading bucket, street brush, auger, etc.). These attributes enable the skid- steer to assist on almost any job, filling an important niche in the department’s equipment line.
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-5 In regards to personnel, the department would like to add one or two full-time employees, possibly including an assistant foreman. The idea of a new headquarters is also being I discussed, to be possibly located outside of the Borough.
Besides day-to-day duties, the department is currently involved in the following major I projects:
I 0 Rehabilitative and installation work on Borough storm sewers and catch basins at eight primary sites.
I 0 The Central Business District revitalization project, including water service upgrades. I 0 Lakeside/shoreline res toration.
I a Installation of the air-stripping tower. Water Svstem
Edinboro has had a public water system since 1910. Since that time, the system has grown I along with the Borough and presently covers virtually the entire Borough. The 1990 Census data indicates that 97.9 percent of the housing units are connected to the system. Borough officials believe this percentage is higher, close to, or at 100 percent. The I service area is essentially confined to the Borough limits. There are modest extensions to commercial areas (Route 99 North) as well as residential uses (Route 6N and Route 99 South) in Washington Township. At one time, the Borough also provided service on Route I 6N West. Currently, this area is serviced by Washington Township’s water system.
I The Borough’s system is owned by the Water Authority of Edinboro. However, through a leaseback agreement, the Borough maintains and operates the system.
Day-to-day water use in Edinboro is heavily influenced by the University of Edinboro’s enrollment and school year. In consequence, the system is subject to significant variations. According to 1995 figures, 319,106,000 gallons of water were delivered. On an average day, 874,017 gallons of water are pumped, with maximum use at 1,252,000 GPD and the minimum one-day draw at 372,000 gallons. This minimum-to-maximum ratio is over threefold, and is a direct result of the use by the University.
Table CF-1 depicts water use patterns and usage for 1995.
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-6 I 1 I I I I I ‘I I The Borough’s water is supplied by a groundwater system in the form of two wells which are situated on the University campus. Both wells are located near the Cooper Hall I Science Building, one on the north side, and one on the south side. These wells were developed during the 1980s, using CDBG funds. A third well, intended for backup and emergency use, is located in the Borough’s downtown, behind the post office. This well ‘1 is not currently functioning; however, the Borough plans to bring it back on-line by the end of 1997. As mentioned above, the average draw down in 1995 was 874,017 gallons I per day. The safe, dry weather capacity is 1.5 million gallons per day. The total well capacity is listed as 5.58 million gallons per day (MGD). The system contains two storage I tanks: the West Tank, located on Dundon Road, and the East Tank, located on the Sherrod Hill Road. Each tank has a capacity of 500,000 gallons. An air-stripping tower is currently being installed to remove Trichloroethylene (TCE) from the water supply. The I tower is scheduled to be operational by August/September of 1997. It is located near the two wells on campus. Complete information on the tower and the TCE problem is I contained in the Environmental Background section of this report. Essentially, once the air-stripping tower is operational, water from the wells wiIl be I processed through it and go from the tower to the water plant, which is located in a single building behind the community building. At the plant, fluoride and chlorine are added to I the water. At this point, the water is moved into the plant’s retention system and from I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-7 I there, it is either pumped to one of the storage tanks or put out into the distribution system, I as needed. Water plant officials relate that the quality of the Borough’s raw water is very high, with the exception of the contaminant TCE. The system itself does not currently have any I major problems. Water loss typically averages about 7 to 8 percent, which is a low figure. Across Pennsylvania, the average water loss experienced by municipal water systems is I 17 to 18 percent. The plant building, a red brick structure, is physically sound. The water plant employs two full-time persons. The Public Works Department works in conjunction with them on system maintenance, repair, and installation. Current projects include the I air-stripping tower, rehabilitation work on the West Tank and an ongoing program of valve, hydrant, and line replacement, as needed. House lines are currently being replaced in the Central Business District (CBD), in preparation for the Borough’s upcoming CBD I revitalization project.
I Future projects and needs include:
Rehabilitative work on the East Storage Tank, scheduled for 1997, as I funding permits. 1 Continuing valve, hydrant, and line replacement, as required. The purchase of a truck-mounted valve exerciser. This piece of equipment I will cost approximately $15,000.
The purchase and installation of a new circulation system for the West I Storage Tank. The approximate cost of this system will be $70,000. I Sanitary SewerS yste m
Public sanitary sewers are necessary in Edinboro for at least two reasons: the Borough is I relatively compact and densely developed, and secondly, many of the soil types found here I are not suitable for conventional on-lot disposal systems. According to the Borough’s 1977 Comprehensive Plan, public sewers were first installed along Erie and Meadville Streets in 1919. The first sewage treatment plant was built in I 1928. At this time, sewers were extended to other parts of the Borough. In 1970, a new treatment plant went into operation at Water Street and Lewis Road. The present treatment I plant, also located along Water Street in the south end of the Borough, was built in 1988.
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-8 I I The system is owned by the Edinboro Sewer Authority, but like the water system, is operated by the Borough. In addition to the treatment plant, the system contains nine lift 1 stations and approximately 18 miles of gravity lines. The collection system also has force mains, including one of the three inflows to the plant. The treatment plant is staffed by four employees. The Borough’s Public Works Department handles most line and pump I maintenance, and most line and equipment installation. I The system’s service area is essentially limited to the Borough and University, with a few adjacent users in Washington Township. The only industrial effluent received by the plant is from Teledyne, a manufacturer of electrical connectors and related products. The 1990 ‘1 Census data indicates that 97.9 percent of the housing units in Edinboro are connected to the public system. As with the water system, Borough officials believe this percentage is I currently higher. The permitted hydraulic capacity of the treatment plant is 1.2 MGD. The permitted 1 organic capacity is 1,850 pounds per day; however, in reality, the organic capacity is 2,314 pounds per day. This is because in 1995, new, larger diffuser components and two new 40-horsepower blowers were installed at the plant, effectively upgrading the organic I loading capacity to the higher figure. The new organic capacity figure is expected to be approved in the system’s next permitting process. In 1996, the average hydraulic loading was 0.94 million gallons per day. The average organic loading was 1,175 pounds per day. Thus, on the average, Edinboro’s treatment plant is operating within its design capacity, permitted or otherwise. Similar to the water system, the sewer system experiences great variations in usage due to the University. Both hydraulic and organic loads drop significantly during the summer months and during college breaks.
The treatment system is an activated sludge-extended air system. The process consists of six sequential steps: preliminary, primary, aeration, digestion, clarification, and chlorination. Essentially, these steps involve using physical, biological (micro-organisms “eat” the sewage) and chemical means to dispose of sewage and treat the water. After treatment, the clean water is discharged into Conneauttee Creek. The reduced solid waste that remains is dried and hauled to a landfill for disposal.
No extensions to the collection system were made in 1996. In 1997, an extension off the Shelhamer subdivision sewage line is anticipated, to accommodate a condominium development. Currently, the condition of most of the collection lines is good. The condition of the lift stations varies, mostly due to the difference in age. Some are 25 years old. Plant officials continue to implement a scheduled program of maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation for the lift stations, pumps, and control panels. In 1996, a trailer-
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-9 I
I mounted generator was purchased to provide a source of emergency power to the lift I stations, as needed. Beyond the day-to-day aspects of operating the system, two major concerns exist. First, information concerning projected or anticipated changes in system usage is extremely I important to the planning of system operations. Because sewage treatment is heavily regulated by law and must operate within strict parameters, plant operators strive to anticipate changes, especially increased usage. The information will point out the need for I line extensions, plant upgrades, etc. The Borough’s subdivision, zoning, and building permit process, along with statistical data sources, makes it relatively easy to keep track I of what is happening in the Borough. What is not clear, what is causing concern, is the status of the University in regards to sewage. Specifically, discussion about future I enrollment and additional building projects is needed. Secondly, recent testing, performed in support of the system’s new permit process, has I detected barium and copper levels that are unacceptable. Under the next permit, it is expected that new effluent standards and testing/reporting procedures will need to be implemented. In addition, the Borough will need to identify the source of these I contaminants. Also pending are new chlorine standards. Taken together, these problems will likely add between $5,000 and $10,000 to yearly operating costs within the near I future. I Storm Drainape More than half of Edinboro is connected to some type of storm drainage system. A combination of storm drains and open swales are used with outfalls to the nearest stream. I The majority of storm drains outfall into the Outlet or Conneautee Creek, though some use Darrows Creek. Fortunately, there are no known cross-connections between the storm and I sanitary sewer systems. As with its other facilities, the Borough has been pursuing a program of steady I improvements to its storm sewers. Over the past year, Borough crews have either upgraded existing lines or installed new ones in five locations. Short-term projects and I problems include: Upgrade for the downtown area (Crossroad Dinor to Borough Hall) I 0 Route 99 south (PennDOT) 0 Lakeside I 0 Route 6N west I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-10 I Refuse Co llection
This important community service is provided by a private company, Waste Management. By ordinance, this service is mandatory for all residents. The current monthly fee is $9.75 for residential collection. Billing is conducted through water and sewer bills. I Refuse is collected once a week, on Monday for the area west of Meadville/Erie Street and Tuesday for the remainder of the Borough. Large appliances are picked up the third week of every month. When a major holiday falls on Monday, collection will be one day later, I i.e. , Tuesday and Wednesday.
Under Pennsylvania law, specifically Act 101, all municipalities with a population of 5,000 persons or more are required to implement a mandatory recycling program. In Edinboro, items slated for recycling are collected on the same day as the regular refuse. This service 1 is also contracted to Waste Management. On most collection days, Waste Management will use separate trucks and times to collect recyclables and refuse. New residents building homes in the Borough may pick up their free recycling bin at the Community Building. I Detailed information explaining refuse collection and the recycling program (recyclable itemshon-recyclable items, etc.) may also be obtained at the Community Building. I' Currently, no major problems are connected with either the refuse service or recycling program. In 1996, the Borough made use of a Department of Environmental Protection I (DEP) grant to provide and distribute various educational materials concerning the recycling program. The overall project included presentations to school children, recycling information pamphlets, placards and newsletters, and promotional items such as pens, pencils, and magnets. There is no doubt this educational effort has contributed I greatly to the success of recycling in Edinboro. To supplement the refuse service, the Borough conducts a yearly leaf pickup and composting program through its Public Works Department. The heart of the program is I a special leaf vacuum trailer which the Borough was able to purchase with the assistance of a DEP grant. Pickup generally starts in mid to late October, and continues until the I leaves are gone or the weather becomes too inclement. In 1996, the Public Works leaf crew collected approximately 750 tons of leaves, which, due to the early winter, included I no small amount of snow! I
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-11 1 In order for the trucks to collect leaves, residents must rake them into rows along the curb line. All collected leaves are composted at a local site. Eventually, the compost is used I for landscaping purposes at the Borough’s parks and recreational sites. I Police Service The Borough receives police service from two separate police departments, the Borough I of Edinboro Police Department and the Edinboro University Police Department. A total of twenty-two full-time and two part-time officers are available between the two agencies.
I The Borough police are headquartered in the community building at 124 Meadville Street. The personnel consists of eight full-time officers, including a sergeant and the chief, one part-time officer, one full-time secretary, and a part-time secretary. The department I provides 24-hour a day, seven days a week patrol service. Through a mutual aid agreement with the University police, incoming radio and telephone calls to the Borough 1 department weekends and after 5:OO p.m. weekdays are dispatched by the University police. Also, through this agreement, either department may call on the other when assistance is needed. The office is open from 8:15 a.m. to 5:OO p.m., Monday through I Friday. The service area of the Borough police is limited to the Borough; however, at the request of the State Police or outside municipal officials, they will provide service or I assistance outside of Edinboro. The Borough Police Department has no lock-up facilities. Prisoners are kept in the Erie I County prison. The department has two cars for patrol work. Typically, each unit puts on about 50,000 miles a year. Unit One is a 1995 model and will need replaced soon. Unit Two is approximately six years old and needs replaced now. In 1996, a video camera I system was installed in Unit One. This tool is intended to help cut down on court time and protect officers from frivolous law suits. Unfortunately, the system will not work in I extremely cold weather. The department is looking at other systems for possible replacement. The current headquarters is physically adequate for present operations; however, there is no room for expansion. Department officials have indicated a need for I two additional full-time officers. I In 1995, Borough police received 3,056 calls for service, and investigated 657 criminal cases. In 1996, the department received 3,506 calls and investigated 967 criminal cases. 1 Table CF-2 depicts the nature and incidence of reported crimes for 1995 and 1996. I I I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-12 I I I I I I I I I I I The department places special emphasis on clearing crimes, as is illustrated by their crime clearance rates. In 1995, the department had a crime clearance rate of 71.5 percent. In I 1996, 702 crimes were cleared, for a rate of 72.6 percent. These rates are notably higher I than the State's clearance rates. In addition to patrol and investigative work, the department conducts various community service projects, including the Officer Phil Program. In 1996, this program was presented at all of the elementary schools in the district. The topic was chemical safety, including drugs and alcohol.
The department has also recently launched a Neighborhood Watch Program. The success of this program, in any community, is dependent upon community volunteers and the cooperation achieved between them and the police. Currently, the program is running smoothly in Edinboro. Volunteers serving as block captains are now in the process of organizing their neighborhoods.
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-13 I
I Edinboro’s police department is looked upon with favor by most residents. Testimony to this fact may be seen in the results of the Public Planning Conference “EdinVision ‘95,” I conducted in the fall of 1995. Conference attendees in both the morning and evening sessions listed the quality of police service and low crime rate among the top five Borough I assets. The Edinboro University police are headquartered in Earlley Hall on campus. This I department has 14 full-time officers and one part-time officer, along with a full-time secretary and approximately 3 student workers. The department provides 24-hour a dayl7- days a week service. As mentioned above, they provide dispatch service for the Borough I department on weekends and after 5:OO p.m. on week days. Also, like the Borough police, the University has no lock-up facilities. Prisoners are kept at the Erie County Prison. Criminal vandalism and alcohol-related offenses make up the bulk of the cases handled by 1 this department.
I University police have three vehicles for patrol work, one unmarked and two marked cars. Department officials have indicated a need for a larger headquarters facility and a few 1 additional full-time officers. I Fire and Ambulance Service The Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department is located directly across the street from the community building at 125 Meadville Street and includes the Borough’s ambulance I service. The department is completely manned by volunteers, currently numbering approximately 55 to 60 members. The service area includes the Borough, the University, all of Washington Township, and portion of Elk Creek Township, along with portions of I Cussewago and Venango Townships in Crawford County.
I The department is dispatched by the West Erie County Communications Center, which is part of Erie County’s unified enhanced 91 1 Emergency Telecommunications System. Together with its ambulances and EMT personnel, the department is able to effectively I deal with a variety of emergency situations, including vehicle accidents, structural fires, downed trees and power lines, medical calls, and fuel/chemical spills. In 1995, 828 calls I were answered; in 1996, 849 calls. The ambulance service provides only emergency transportation, as opposed to “shuttle service.”
1 Currently, the department is well-housed and equipped. Their building, which includes a social hall, was built in 1987 and is in good physical condition. A list of major I equipment includes the following items: I 0 One 1989 FMC pumper truck with a 1,000-gallon capacity I Borough of Edinboro - Community Fucilities Page CF-14 One 1976 pumper truck with a 1,000-gallon capacity e One 1986 65-foot ladder truck with a 400-gallon capacity e One 1981 tanker truck with an 1,800-gallon capacity One 1992 med-tech ambulance e One 1994 Horton ambulance One 1991 rescue truck One 1991 utility van One scuba equipment trailer
Fire officials relate that the department is being adequately funded for the level and intensity of current operations. Funding is primarily generated by bingo games held in the social hall, billing for ambulance service, contracts with serviced communities, fund drives, and miscellaneous donations. In 1996, the Borough contributed $9,500 to the department.
Within the near future, the department plans to trade in an ambulance toward a new one. With the trade, the cost will be approximately $75,000. They will also purchase a pickup truck for towing the scuba trailer and other uses. The estimated cost is $25,000 to $30,000. Also, there are plans to sell the utility van and one pumper in order to purchase a rescue/pumper vehicle.
The biggest problem facing Edinboro’s fire department is a common one which plagues many volunteer fire departments, indeed, many volunteer organizations in general. It is the declining number of active volunteers. The problem has become pervasive enough as to force some communities in Pennsylvania to band together and contract for paid fire service. In 1994, there were 1,115 volunteer firefighters in Erie County. By 1996, that number had dropped to 1,054. Furthermore, local officials note that this reduction in emergency personnel volunteerism has been evident for the past ten years. Edinboro’s fire chief notes a particular need for volunteers who are available during daylight hours on week days.
I Libraries
‘A million candles have burned themselves out. Still, I read on. ’I
- Montresor
Libraries are an important community facility; indeed, in this information age, their importance is steadily growing. Information is as salable today as manufactured goods and agricultural products. In the quest for this knowledge and information, libraries are literally the “factories and fields” of the information age.
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-15 I
I Across Erie County, library services are provided by the Erie County Library System, independent/municipal libraries, and various colleges and universities. Taken together, I these providers have well over one-and-one half million volumes available. Two libraries are located in Edinboro; the University Library and the Erie County Library I System, Edinboro branch. The Baron-Forness Library of Edinboro University has 100,OOO square feet of space and a collection of 430,000 volumes, CDs, VHS tapes, and I computer equipment with Internet access. The University currently has no plans to enlarge this facility.
I The Edinboro branch of the Erie County Library System is one of seven libraries in the system. The main branch facility recently relocated from South Park Row and French Street in the City of Erie to a new 96,000 square foot building at the foot of Holland I Street, along the Bayfront. The six branches have, combined, a total of approximately 20,000 square feet of usable space. The system also operates a book mobile service to I many sites within the County. The system’s total collection numbers over 1.5 million items and in 1995 had 181,316 cardholders, with a circulation of 1.6 million.
I The Edinboro branch is located in the basement of the Borough Community Building at 124 Meadville Street. The library opened here on October 10, 1976. The facility contains I 1,650 square feet and consists of one large room for library use and a separate, smaller room for office space. Staffing includes a manager who is present one day a week, a three quarter-time clerk, and two per diem employees who work a total of 20 hours a week. I The library is closed on Friday and Sunday. On Monday and Thursday, the hours are 12:OO p.m. to 8:OO p.m. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the hours are 1O:OO a.m. to 5:OO p.m., and on Saturday the library opens at 1O:OO a.m. and closes at 3:OO p.m. There are ,I no current plans to relocate or enlarge this facility. I ~I Catalogued materials currently number 20,000 items. The library also has a computer set up with Internet access for cardholders. No audio or video equipment exists on-site; however, audio cassettes are available for checkout. The collection is largely comprised I of popular fiction and magazines, with smaller nonfiction and reference sections. Circulation averages 5,500 items a month. In 1977, the average circulation ran about I 2,300 items a month. In addition to on-site materials, cardholders are atlowed access to all the other libraries in the system. The County system also participates in an inter-library loan program and is an official Federal document depository. This allows cardholders to I order any kind of library material from any participating agency in the United States, and provides access to various Federal reports and documents. Library cards are provided free I of charge; all that is required is proof of address. I I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-16 I
I The Borough does not financially support the library with cash; however, it provides quarters for the library free of rent. Funding arrives through the County Library System I and is a mixture of Federal, State, and County/local government funds, along with gifts and donations.
I Public Recreation I When a community offers public recreational opportunities free of charge or for a nominal fee, it is filling a niche that is not often filled by the private sector. Even in this day of mandated open space and playground set-asides, it is difficult to expect the private sector I to develop and maintain community-wide recreational areas that do not return a profit. While it can be argued that residents may, in fact, pay for public recreation through higher local taxes, it can also be said that the private sector cannot even come close to providing I the same service for the same money. I Although publically owned recreation rarely returns a direct financial profit, it does return other tangible benefits. For example, many public parks herald community history, marking an area of local significance and/or serving as memorials for notable residents. I Most of Edinboro’s recreational areas are named for persons who played important roles in the community. Social interaction is another benefit. While private-sector recreation I does well at promoting interaction among peers, public recreation seems better suited to bringing together the very young and the elderly, traditionally an important aspect of community living. The attractiveness of a community is directly impacted by its parks, I playground and open space. These are especially important considerations for a family who may want to locate in the community. Finally, public recreational facilities are often, of and in themselves, a source of community pride and a vehicle for fostering community I volunteerism. Many of the public recreational features in Edinboro were partly or wholly I developed by volunteers. Amongst an already enviable roster of community facilities, Edinboro’s public recreational facilities may rightfully be called the “icing on the cake.” Numerous opportunities exist I for residents of all ages and abilities; yet, the Borough has avoided the classic municipal trap of overdeveloping recreational facilities and then finding they cannot adequately I maintain them. No small part of this success must be attributed to the fact that the Borough Council has devoted a committee of its members to overseeing public recreation in Edinboro. Members of this council committee have also traditionally served on the joint I Edinboro-Washington Township Recreation Council, effectively enhancing public d private recreation in both municipalities.
I The Borough Council Recreation Committee is typically comprised of three members who I meet throughout the year as needed. As stated above, the function of the committee is to I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-17 oversee public recreation in the Borough. This includes the administration of needed projects, conducting eventdprograms, and making recommendations to the main body of Council. Safety is another important issue. Volunteers check parks monthly for safety purposes. A continuing priority of the committee is to increase the visibility and use of all recreational facilities. Toward this end, the committee has officially named most publically owned facilities and has procured attractive, uniform signs for them. Also, the committee has set up an “Adopt a Park” program.
The joint Edinboro-Washington Recreation Council provides recreational programs for area residents. Currently, the Council consists of three members from each municipality. 1 The Council would like to increase this to five members each. On the average, the joint Council conducts about six recreational programs a year. These organized events are structured to provide variety and to appeal to differing segments of the population. I Examples of recent activities include: skiing trips, a bowling outing, and a canoeing instructional session. Within the near future, the Council anticipates conducting a I volleyball tournament and a community swim night.
The Council has an annual budget of approximately $500, to which each municipality I contributes an equal share. Support also arrives through the generosity of area-businesses I and nominal participation fees. The following narrative provides a general description and physical inventory of Edinboro’s public recreational facilities. This data, combined with the preceding information, will provide the basis for specific recommendations made in the Plan portion of this document. .. I’ Billings Recreational Complex: This multipurpose facility is the flagship of public recreation in Edinboro. Located in the Lakeside neighborhood, along Cypress Street, 1 Jefferson Street, and Lakeside Drive, it also includes the Borough-owned strip of land between Lakeside Drive and Lake Edinboro. The complex contains approximately six acres of land. For descriptory purposes, it may be divided into two parts: the Lakeside I strip area and the playground/beach house area. Borough officials note that use of the 1 entire complex has risen in recent years. The Lakeside area, as mentioned above, is a relatively narrow strip of land between Lakeside Drive and the western shore of Lake Edinboro. Its southern boundary is located ‘I between Ash Street and Conneauttee Drive. To the north, the property ends at Peach Street. The topography of the site is generally flat, sloping gently to the Lakeshore. The I importance of this property to public recreation cannot be overstated. By remaining in the public domain, it assures perpetual public access to Lake Edinboro, the single largest I recreational and natural feature in the Borough. I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-18 I
I The following major features are located on the strip:
I e Beach #1 - This guarded swimming area, one of two operated by the Borough, is located directly across Lakeside Drive from the playground/ bath house area. Borough beaches open each year on Memorial Day and I close on Labor Day. Beach #1 enjoys a large sandy beach leading into the water, a buoy-marked swimming area, two elevated lifeguard chairs, five I park benches, four refuse recepticals, and three picnic tables. A mowed grassy area with trees extends from the beach to Lakeside Drive. Rules regarding safe swimming practices and beach conduct are posted. During I the swimming season, this beach is open seven days a week. The beach and its featuredequipment were in good to excellent condition as of June, 1997.
I e Boat Docks - Along the Lakefront, the Borough maintains approximately 38 floating docks. These are rented to boaters on a weekly or seasonal basis. I In 1996, the Borough rented 178 dock spaces. The Borough’s Public Works Department builds, maintains, and installs the docks. The docks are removed and placed in storage during the winter months. Many of the docks I have recently been rebuilt.
I e Picnic Area - Near the intersection of Lakeside Drive and Elm Street, a small peninsula extends into Lake Edinboro. This area of the strip contains mowed open space, a small fishing dock (handicapped-accessible), a wooden I picnic pavilion (concrete floor) with three picnic tables, an inlet boat berth, five park benches, and approximately 15 parking spaces along Lakeside Drive. No swimming is allowed in this area. All equipment and features I are currently in good condition.
I e Miscellaneous Featu res and Attributes - The entire strip is kept neatly mowed and contains trees of various ages and species. Park benches are located regularly and seem to be mostly in good shape. None of the I development of the area is blocking the residents’ view of the Lake; indeed, I it is enhancing it by keeping down brush and unwanted trees. The playground component of the Billings Recreation Complex is situated on a relatively flat site and is surrounded on three sides by residential development with low traffic speed I limits. Its “infrastructure”includes a gravel parking lot and multiple spaces along Lakeside Drive, a flagpole, concrete and blacktop sidewalks, a Lakeside Association agenda of I events bulletin board, and a park name sign with a surrounding flower bed. The bathhouse for Beach #1 is also located on this site. It includes male and female restrooms. I Additional amenities include five park benches and two refuse containers. I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-19 I
I Recreational features of the playground include: a wooden picnic pavilion with a concrete floor; five adult-sized picnic tables; two “kiddy-sized” picnic tables; two permanent I charcoal grills; a new, full-sized sand volleyball court with a picnic table, open, grassy, play areas; and a large wooden play structure. Largely made of treated lumber, the structure is an amazing, multilevel, integrated combination of decks, gang planks, stairs, I slides, ladders, swings, cabins, bridges, ramps, and assorted obstacle-type features. It is surrounded by an attractive wooden slat fence. A thick, relatively soft, pebble surfacing I completes the system. The condition of the playground and its features are excellent; however, a few torn-up ~I areas need to be repaired and re-seeded. These are primarily located on the Lakeside Drive side of the playground. Improvements to the beach house were completed in the I summer of 1997, in lieu of a new building. Culbertson Triangle Park: This small park, containing a land area of approximately one I acre, can best be described as a passive recreational area. Located along Fairway Drive, it has as its main features the following: a name sign with flower bed, a new park bench, and a new picnic table. Nearby parking is adequate. All features are in excellent I condition. A drinking fountain would be a nice addition to this park. I The Culbertson Hill pool is located near the park, and along Fairway Drive. Although the pool has never been owned by the Borough, the Borough has, in the past, provided maintenance services. Currently, this responsibility is being handed over to the Erie I County YMCA, which is now running the pool.
Chestnut Street Lot (Unnamed): Slightly smaller than the Culbertson Triangle Park, this I park is located at the corner of North Sky Top Road and Chestnut Street. The site is essentially a flat, grass-covered lot. Major features include: a new park bench, a picnic I table, and a stand-up swing set with six spaces. At the time this report was written (June, 1997), this park had no name. Existing features were in excellent condition; however, a I few vehicle ruts need to be repaired. Mallory Run Project : This facility is an excellent example of municipal, civic group, and ‘I individual cooperative efforts coming together for the public good. Named in memory of Royce Mallory, the Mallory Run project is located directly behind the Community Building, and directly below the Chestnut Street dam on the Lake outlet (Conneauttee I Creek). The project, containing approximately 0.5 acres, exists to provide fishing opportunities for children under twelve years of age, handicapped persons, and veterans. I Concrete walkways provide access to a concrete pad on each side of the creek. Fishing is easily conducted from these pads. The Borough owns and maintains the project. Civic I groups and individuals provide fish for stocking the area. A picnic table and refuse I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-20 container are also made available on-site. All features of this facility are in excellent condition. As an added bonus, in recent years, at least one Great Blue Heron has consistently used this spot for its own fishing. It is not unusual to spot one of these generally wary creatures at the project site.
Mike Onda Beach: Until 1996, the Borough maintained three guarded beaches. Currently, it has only two. The Mike Onda Beach was formerly Beach #3. Located along Erie Street (Route 99 North), this site has the following features: 20 parking spaces with handicap space, sandy beach, buoy-marked swimming area, and elevated lifeguard chair, two park benches, name sign with a flower bed, two port-a-johns, a concrete retaining wall at the Lake edge, with steps going into the water, one refuse barrel, and a concrete and wooden picnic pavilion with two picnic tables.
I The condition of this site and its features is good to excellent, with the exception of the parking lot. Currently, a lot of asphalt debris is lying in the parking lot and it is muddy I in some areas. As this beach is located in close proximity to Erie Street, there is an understandable danger to small children. Compounding this problem is the general assumption that traffic moves quickly through this area, despite speed limit signs to the I contrary. I Natures Out let: This passive, picturesque, park is the Borough’s newest recreational site. Natures Outlet was originally developed by an Edinboro resident. Currently, the Borough is using a Keystone Grant to acquire the site. Closing is anticipated by the end of Summer, 1997. Located along the eastern side of the Lake outlet, above the Chestnut Street Dam, Natures Outlet is an easy five minutes or less walk from most of the downtown area. This advantage makes the park an attractive lunchtime destination. Major features of this 1.5 acre park include: a wooden name sign with attendant shrubs and landscaping, a split-rail fence along the outlet border, green spaces with trees, shrubs and plantings, two refuse containers, four park benches, and a bordered red and white gravel trail that winds through the park.
The entire park and all of its features are currently in excellent condition. Vehicular access to the park is provided by Short and Mill Streets. The gravel trail is comprised of large-sized gravel which, while properly installed, is difficult to walk upon. The Borough anticipates correcting this problem once it formally takes possession of the park.
Robert Thompson Park: Centrally located within the Borough, Robert Thompson Park serves the traditional function of a neighborhood playground. Situated off High Street, the park contains approximately one acre. Its major features include the following: a cyclone- fenced tennis court area, a similarly fenced basketball court area with three full courts (6 hoops), a name sign with a surrounding flower bed, a drinking fountain, two refuse
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-21 containers, and a small grassy area containing ajungle gym structure, a swing set with two swings, and two park benches.
Currently, the tennis court area is being utilized as a skateboarding and in-line skating area, since use of the tennis facilities has declined. This, in turn, has led to an unfortunate I situation. According to Borough officials, there has been conflict between “the skateboarders” and “the in-lin skaters” in regards to who uses the area and when. While I not on par with inner-city gang warfare, the situation is generating complaints about noise, vulgar language, boisterous behavior, and vandalism. There is concern among residents that the trouble may escalate. Attempts at mediation are being conducted, and Borough I officials are contemplating the creation of separate facilities as a solution.
Physically, the park is in good to excellent condition. The swing set has mud holes under I its swings, which needs repaired.
I The Green Area : This 11.5 acre site can best be described as an undeveloped conservation area, and was taken possession of by the Borough through a resolution. The green area is located on Darrows Creek, in the northeastern portion of the Borough and serves as a I natural buffer area between two major residential developments. It is the.intention of the I Borough to maintain the area as an undeveloped natural site. Wood Family Ballpark: The ballpark is used mostly for organized softball games. It is located beside the sanitary sewer treatment plant, along Water Street in the southern end I of the Borough. The park is fully featured, as the following list will illustrate: a dirt-based infield and a grassy, fenced outfield, eight outdoor lighting setups, a fenced backstop, two concrete dugouts with fenced fronts, two sets of spectator bleachers, a chalkboard I scoreboard, one cement block male/female restroom building, a wooden concession stand, one wooden picnic table, a wooden name sign, and a total of six refuse containers.
Although the park is in generally good condition, the following items need attention:
0 Spectator Bleachers - Both of these are currently in poor condition. Various wood components are rotted and the metal structural members are rusty and I need painted.
0 Concession Stand: This structure is exhibiting wood rot around its base, and the entire building needs painting.
Wooden Picnic Table: This item is throughly rotted and should be replaced.
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-22 I I 0 Parkin: This park lacks designated spaces. Currently, only unbordered 1 pull-off areas are available. (Unnamed Lot): The Borough owns a small lot along the Lake outlet (Conneauttee Creek), behind the post office and between Natures Outlet and the Mallory Run Project. The I Borough’s backup water well is located on this lot. The lot is relatively undeveloped for recreational purposes, with the exception of a small dock provided for fishing I opportunities. As the preceding narrative should suggest, the Borough’s recreational facilities are I fulfilling their mission of providing varying, high quality recreational opportunities. The Public Works Department deserves much credit for its maintenance and upkeep of these facilities, as do the numerous volunteers who help out. The greatest problem with the Borough’s parks and playground is littering and vandalism. In 1996, Thompson Park, as I’I mentioned above, and Natures Outlet suffered particularly from this problem. Toward ending this unfortunate situation, Borough police have implemented the “Edinboro Park Watch Program.” Essentially, the program brings to the attention of residents those activities which are unlawful in the parks and urges them to report violations to the police.
The Borough anticipates completing several major projects related to public recreation within the next two years. These include:
Park bench replacement, scheduled for completion in 1997.
Formal closing on the purchase of Natures Outlet, also scheduled to be completed in 1997, by the end of the summer.
Beach house improvements, scheduled to be completed in 1998.
The Lakeside Trail - This project is tentatively scheduled for 1998, as funding permits. It involves installing a walking/biking trail along the Borough-owned strip along the western shore of Lake Edinboro. The Borough has been working on the project for a number of years and is eager to proceed.
Currently, the Borough does not anticipate acquiring additional land for public recreation, with the exception of Natures Outlet. However, donations of land would, naturally, be accepted. A long-range plan of the Borough is to develop a network of formal bikeways throughout the community. While serving recreational purposes, these would also, hopefully, relieve traffic congestion and parking concerns, much needed in the downtown
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-23 area. Another idea being considered, at least informally, is the possibility of a borough/ township public swimming pool.
Participants of the EdinVision ‘97 Planning Conference listed the following ideas for public recreation and related activities: I 0 Install a bike path to the Culbertson Hill pool. 0 Slow traffic on Route 99 to allow better beach access.
The new YMCA facility should be able to be walked to.
Cooperative efforts between the University and the Borough, Le., open up I field houses and gyms, especially during the winter months.
I 0 A new, third, guarded beach area. Install a boardwalk on Lake Edinboro, beginning at the Mike Onda Beach I and extending north along Route 99. I Educat ion Educational facilities in the Edinboro Area are largely comprised of two public systems, the General McLane School District and the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Taken together, the two offer primary, secondary, and post-secondary educational opportunities.
As a member of the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit #5, the General McLane School District’s service area includes the Boroughs of Edinboro and McKean, and the Townships of Franklin, McKean, and Washington. The District contains two elementary schools (Edinboro and McKean), the James W. Parker Middle School, and the General McLane High School. The District also maintains a facility on the campus of Edinboro University, the Miller Learning Center. Of these facilities, only the Miller Learning Center is actually located within Edinboro. The Edinboro Elementary School is located just west of the Borough on Route 6N.
Table CF-3 provides a general view of the various schools in the General McLane District.
Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-24 Partly in response to an anticipated population increase of nearly 40 percent across the District within the near future, the District is currently implementing expansion projects at both elementary schools and the middle school. Table CF-3 illustrates, in the projected capacity column, the revised student capacity figures that will result from these projects. The high school was expanded and renovated in 1993. Current construction costs for the middle and elementary schools are estimated at $11.3 million. The projects should be I completed by the year 2000. Edinboro University is one of 14 State-owned universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The school began in 1855 as an academy, became a State Normal I School in 1861, and, in the 1980s, became the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (EUP). Today, the University has a published enrollment of 7,477 students and contains I 585 acres of land, with a total of 42 buildings, including 8 on-campus residence halls that currently house approximately 2,600 students. EUP offers 100 degree programs and 52 I minors programs. Overall, the relationship between the University and its host community must be deemed I a win-win situation. The Borough offers a friendly, safe community for students and faculty, along with services such as public sewage and fire protection. In return, the University undoubtedly contributes greatly to the economy of the Borough through I student/faculty purchase activity, and the provision of local jobs. A report released by the University in the spring of 1997 estimated the economic impact of the University for 1996 at more than $140 million across Pennsylvania and more than $96 million in Erie County I alone. The report took into account the multiplier effect that occurs when money comes I into a region or community and is spent again and again within that region or community. I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-25 Obviously, as this section and other Background sections of this Plan point out, the University is impacting the Borough in other ways, which are summarized below:
e Demogranhlc‘ s - More than half of the Borough’s population is comprised of students without a permanent stake in the community’s future.
e Housing - Demand for student housing, especially rental units, has historically affected tenure, housing choice, and housing costs in adverse ways within the Borough.
e Cornmurutv Facilities - The existence of the University directly influences, in major ways, the water and sewer systems, the local road network, fire I protection, and police service.
e J3conomia - While it is true that the University generates economic benefits 1 for the Borough, there is also a downside in that all of the University’s property is exempt from local taxes. Since the University property accounts for a sizable amount of the Borough’s land, the local tax base suffers accordingly. I It is the opinion of this report that, ironically, it is these very challenges, along with others, that have helped to forge Edinboro into the highly successful community it is today. Faced with a rapidly expanding student population and attendant physical growth of the University during the 1960s and 1970s, plus growth of the Borough itself, Edinboro literally had two choices: sink or swim. Edinboro chose to swim. This reaction was I manifested in many ways: Improved codes and ordinances, particularly in regards to housing and ;I development, with effective enforcement. I Farsighted projects to improve public sewer and water I A willingness to expand local government to meet needs. e An aggressive pursuit of outside resources to augment local resources.
I e Retention of the idea that Edinboro was, is, and will continue to be a I corn munity . Heightened cooperation between the Borough Government, its residents, and I the University. I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-26 0 A willingness to plan for the future, to ensure success.
In meeting the challenges of growth, Edinboro has emerged stronger, ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
I I I I I I I 1 I Borough of Edinboro - Community Facilities Page CF-27 I I I I DEMOGRAPHICS ommunity planning, as a task, examines the past and present in order to provide for 1 Cthe future. The success or failure of a plan rests largely upon how well we analyze past trends and the current situation. Perhaps no where in the planning process is examination of the past and present as important as it is in the area of demographics. In I the end, planning seeks to meet the needs of people. And, these needs are diverse, from community facilitieshervices to recreation, to jobs, to housing. Demographics, naturally, I will influence all planning decisions in meeting these needs. For this reason, careful examination and analysis is warranted, for, ultimately, the purpose of demographic data is to develop a picture of future population. That which we plan for is based upon the I future, that future population. This Background section, then, will seek to provide that picture of future population in Edinboro.
I Population Chance
I Table D-1 shows Edinboro's population grew slowly through the early decades of this century. A huge increase (94.90%) occurred in 1950; however, this can be attributed to the fact that 1950 was the first year in which the Census included college students as part I of the Borough's population. Since then, Edinboro' s population has increased fairly rapidly to a census count of 7,736 persons in 1990. Increasing college enrollment was I largely behind the gains. The actual change in permanent residents is much lower.
I ULATION CHANGE IN EDINBORO I 1 I I 1
I Borough of Edinhoro - Demographics Page D-I In 1990, Edinboro University had an enrollment of 8,131 students. This figure includes students living on campus, within the Borough and commuters. Edinboro's 1990 population of 7,736 would include those students living on campus and in the Borough. Several statistics help reveal the student/permanent resident ratio. Edinboro had a total of 1,858 households in 1990. Only 875 (47%) were family households. The rest of the households (983, 53 %) were households comprised of individuals or groups of unrelated people. Furthermore, the number of persons in those 875 family households only accounted for 34 percent of the population. This data indicates the family household is a minority in Edinboro. It can be safely concluded that the students of Edinboro University contribute significantly to the Borough's population.
The student population has had an impact on many aspects of the community, perhaps most notably in the area of housing. The number of on-campus housing units has remained nearly static since 1975. Because the 2,800 on-campus units cannot accommodate enrollment, more students have historically sought off-campus housing within the Borough. According to the 1990 Census, only 2,693 persons were housed in college dormitories. The rest of the student population, minus the commuters, would reside in the Borough, off- campus. Because students are largely nonpermanent, transient residents, they will seek I rental units. This has caused rental units'to dominate tenure in the Borough, accounting I for 62.6 percent of all occupied housing units. Other impacts include: As a largely transient population, students do not participate fully in community life.
There is a genuine importation of capital, due to the fact these students bring money from elsewhere and spend it in Edinboro. Conversely, since many students do not work, there is little local income tax realization.
The high demand for off-campus rental housing inflates housing costs for families who wish to rent in the Borough.
There exists a very significant local market for youth-related goods and I services. As a final note, the most recent enrollment statistics of Edinboro University show a decrease in enrollment. In the fall of 1995, there were 7,484 students enrolled. This decrease of 647, since 1990, may mean that the number of students in off-campus housing has also decreased. This is difficult to determine without knowing the number of commuter students and students living in the Borough with their families. However, this
Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page D-2 I
I student population is likely to remain large enough to warrant consideration in the planning I process. Table D-2 compares population change throughout the Edinboro Area for the years 1970- I 1990. I I I I I 1
I Edinboro and Washington Township show significant population growth compared to surrounding municipalities and the County.
I Aye Characteristics I Fortunately for planners, the United States Census provides much valuable demographic data. As mentioned earlier, Edinboro had a population of 7,736 persons, according to the 1990 Census. The following table compares age groups and percent of population for I Edinboro, the County, and the State. 1 I 1 I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page 0-3 I I I I I I I 1 I
I by life activity. These are categorized as follows: I
Preschoolersr Age 0-4: Most needs for this group are met in the home. The cohort I is an indicator of future growth. Also, with an increasing number of families needing day care, this population takes on special significance (consists of one age I cohort).
School A_persr5-19: This age bracket demands extensive community investment. I Schools are needed, most recreational facilities key on this group, and social needs I begin (consist of three age cohorts). YounE Adults, 20-34: Perhaps the most critical population group. This is the age of family formation, childbearing, and home buying. This is the group that carries I the community into the next generation (consists of three age cohorts).
Adults? 35 -64: If the prior group is critical for the future, this category is necessary I for the present. Typically, this is the group that owns homes, has the better jobs, and contributes most of the social and economic welfare of a community (consists I of six age cohorts). I I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page 0-4 I I
I er, 65+: Typically, at age 65, persons begin to retire. Incomes begin to diminish and housing requirements change. For some older citizens, health care 'I needs increase and mobility could be impaired (consists of remaining age cohorts).
Preschoolers (0-4): In 1990, Edinboro had 265 persons in this group, or 3.4 percent of I the population. Both the County and State had higher percentages in this group. In 1980, Edinboro had 213 persons in this group, or 3.4 percent of the total population. Thus, 1 though this group experienced an increase from 1980 to 1990, its percentage of the total population remained the same.
I School Agers (5-19): In 1990, this group contained 2,657 persons, accounting for 34.3 percent of the total population. The Borough's percentage for this group is significantly higher than the County's and State's. The disparity may be explained by the presence of I Edinboro University students. In 1980, this group contained 2,090 persons, or 33.0 I percent of the total. Young Adults (20-34): The disparity noted in the previous group continues in this group and is, in fact, wider. Most of the University students may be assumed to belong to this I group. In 1990, Edinboro had 3,258 persons (42.1 %) in this group, almost double the percentages for the County and State. As Table D-4 shows, 60.7 percent of Edinboro's I total population in 1990 was between 15 and 24 years in age. Further examination shows the age group 18-24, the traditional college years, to contain 58.8 percent of the Borough's 1990 population. Naturally, not everyone aged 18-24 in Edinboro is a college student. 1 But it must be assumed they (college students) make up the majority of this group. "So college students make up a large part of our population, we know that, what's the significance?'' This is a legitimate question, and to answer it, we need to look at the 1 previously stated description for this life activity group. Within most communities, this group (20-34 years) is the one which is having children, buying homes, and setting up I households. This is the group that is preparing the community for its future. These activities are not taking place in Edinboro in proportion to the population figures simply because most students are transient and not involved in these activities. Decision makers 1 must be aware of this fact in order to effectively plan the Borough's future.
I Adults (35-64): This group contains the "baby boomers. " This group is increasing rapidly within the County and across Pennsylvania. In Edinboro, however, this is not the case. In 1980, this group contained 13.2 percent of the Borough's population. By 1990, 1 this percentage had only increased to 14.7 percent. In addition to growing slowly, the Borough's percentage of population in this group is significantly smaller than the County's I and State's.
I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page D-5 I Older (65+): Typically, small rural communities have a larger proportion of persons over 65. This is not true in Edinboro. In 1990, the elderly population of the Borough numbered 422 persons, or 5.5 percent of the population total. Edinboro's percentage in this group is less than half of both the County's and State's. In 1980, the elderly accounted for 3.2 percent of the Borough's population.
In summary, Edinboro's population is dominated by school agers and young adults. Normally, this would be an indicator of high growth potential, as younger populations tend to reproduce more. However, in Edinboro's case, this cannot be assumed, owing to the student population. The elderly population, while very low, did experience growth from 1980 to 1990. The youngest age group (0-4) remained stable from 1980 to 1990. As
Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page 0-6 I
I previously stated, Edinboro has a small percentage of its population in this group, as compared to the County and State. This may be a reflection of the fact that family I households are a minority in Edinboro. 1 Gender According to the 1990 Census, the gender of the Borough's population breaks down as 3,593 males (46.4%) and 4,143 females (53.6%). Here, Edinboro fits the typical I scenario, in that older boroughs and towns often have more women than men. This seems to.be for two reasons. First, as a general rule, women live longer than men. Secondly, I women often prefer the expanded level of services offered by urban locations. Of course, college enrollment also may have an impact on this ratio for Edinboro. i' Race I Racially, the Borough's population is relatively homogenous. According to the 1990 Census, 7,326, or 94.7 percent, were white; 270 were black, 9 were Native Americans, 120 were Asian or Pacific Islander, and 11 were of another race. There were 33 persons I of Hispanic origin. I Household Types and Size Information concerning families and households is important to communities, and I 1 especially to their governing bodies. Many of the services that municipal governments provide are done on a housing-unit basis. Table D-5 compares general household types !I between the Borough, Washington Township, Erie County, and Pennsylvania.
I~I I I I I I I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page D- 7 I I
I Family households, as mentioned at the beginning of this report, account for only 47 percent of the total households in Edinboro. As the preceding table illustrates, this is a I much lower percentage than the township's, County's and State's. Traditionally, families are considered a key component of a community, especially smaller communities like Edinboro. If the influence that the Borough's family households exert on the community I is proportional to the percentage they account for, then the implications could include:
1 0 A lessening of the sense of community I Less emphasis being placed on family-oriented services and activities Table D-6 examines the nature of the Borough's households in more detail. In 1990, the I average family contained 3.07 persons. I I I I I I I The United States Census Bureau determines the average household size for a community I by subtracting the total number of persons in group quarters from the total population. This number (total population - persons in group quarters) is then divided by the community's total number of occupied dwelling units to provide the average household I size. The following table illustrates these calculations in Edinboro for 1980 and 1990. I
Page 0-8 I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics I I The national trend in household size over the past few decades has been toward decreasing average household size. Generally, this trend is believed to be driven by an increasing I number of single-parent families and an increase in single-person households.. The Census Bureau believes this trend is slowing across the country. At first glance, this seems to be I the case for Edinboro. In 1970, Edinboro had an average of 3.26 persons per household. By 1980, this had I decreased by 20 percent, to 2.61 persons per household. However, as Table D-7 depicts, by 1990, the average had increased slightly (by 1.5%) to 2.65 persons.
I On the surface, the slight increase in Edinboro's average household size can be explained simply. From 1980 to 1990, the Borough's total population, minus persons in group I quarters, grew by 13.1 percent, while the number of occupied dwelling units only grew 11.3 percent. Thus, more people are living in fewer units. The real question is: Is the I Borough experiencing a decrease in single-parent and single-person households? I Population Projections At the heart of demographic information, as it applies to planning purposes, lies the population projection. By analyzing various historic trends, such as deaths, births, and I migration, plausible attempts to sketch a picture of a community's future population may be made. Properly constructed population projections will guide decisions concerning I I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page D-9 I community facilities, public education facilities, housing, economic development efforts, I and even land use and zoning policies, among other community-related concerns. During the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the population of Edinboro underwent significant growth. This growth was, as mentioned earlier, fueled primarily by an increasing number I of students attending Edinboro University. For this reason, relying upon historic migration data would be misleading. In other words, even though University students make up a I significant percentage of the Borough’s population, there is a point where the University enrollment will level out. Indeed, current enrollment is below that of 1990 levels. Growth I attributed to increasing enrollments is expected to slow or perhaps even stop. Two projections are included in this report. They include a high and low scenario. An average or “most-likely” projection was not completed because the high and low I projections are so close to each other. Both projections were completed using the cohort survival process wherein age groups (cohorts) for males and females are assigned survival I rates. The survival rates for each cohort were obtained from the Pennsylvania State Center for Health and Statistics and Research. Essentially, the survival rates indicate what percentage of the cohorts is expected to survive for the next five, ten, fifteen, etc. years. I By factoring in fertility rates for women age 15 to 44 and assumptions on the percentage of male/female births, projections may be calculated. The projections in this report were I created with a basic version of the cohort survival method adapted from “The Small Town Planning Handbook planners press, American Planning Association, Washington, D. C . I and Chicago, Illinois, 1998. Population projections are as much an art as a science. Naturally, any attempt to predict future events will be fraught with uncertainties. In the case of population projections, a I number of possible future events, such as employment opportunities, housing availability and transportation development, can cause drastic deviations in projection figures. The I art of population projections has to do with how these uncertainties are handled, how projections can be made plausible. Generally, this can be accomplished through manipulation of the projection formulas, the raw data used, and/or the analysis of the I projection results. Often, these manipulations are intuitive, based upon insight into local and regional conditions. In the Borough’s case, the first such consideration involved 8 isolating the indigenous Borough population from the student population residing within the Borough. This was done so that only the indigenous population would be projected. Using the cohort survival method, the disappropriate number of students in certain age I cohorts would result in a severe skewing of projection figures. University enrollment and, perhaps more importantly, the number of students residing within the Borough are the I largest variables affecting the total Borough population. Therefore, the indigenous
Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page D-IO population was projected and, to get total Borough population, an assumed number of resident students were added.
The age cohorts 15-19 and 20-24 were assumed to contain most of the University students. A glance at Table D-4 shows the total population within these cohorts to be far out of I proportion to the remaining cohorts. To remove the students from the 15-19 and 20-24 cohorts, a ratio method was used. Using Erie County cohort data, the relationship between the 10-14 and 15-19 cohorts was established by dividing the percentage of total county population of the 15-19 cohort by the percentage of the 10-14 cohort. The same was done for the 20-24 and 25-29 cohorts. The resulting dividends were then multiplied by I Edinboro’s population within the Borough’s 10-14 and 25-29 cohorts, thus resulting in adjusted population totals for the Borough’s 15-19 and 20-24 cohorts. To divide these totals between males and females, county percentages of total male and female population were used. Table D-8 contains the adjusted 1990 age/sex structure for the Borough. I I 1 I I I I 8 I 1
I Borough of Edinboro - Demogruphics Page 0-11 1 I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I The total population figure shown in Table D-8 represents the indigenous population of I Edinboro, i.e., the total population ininus resident students, a reduction of 3,969 persons. The population projections depicted in Table D-9 were based upon the adjusted population I total. I
I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page D-12 I I I 1 I a I I I I
I
I Both projections predict modest growth within the indigenous Borough population out to the year 2010. The total Borough population figures (including resident students) are I based upon the assumption that the resident student population will remain relatively stable. A number of events could change this assumption, including:
I Major gains or losses in University enrollment
0 Additional student-oriented residential developments il 0 Changes in Borough housing regulations 0 Long-term housing market changes
The following tables merge the life activity age groups with both projections out to the year 2010. I
I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page D-13 I I I I I I
The indigenous population of 1990 is projected to increase by 252 to 483 persons, or 6.7 percent to 12.8 percent by the year 2010. When students are factored back into the population, the total population will increase 3.7 to 6.6 percent by 2010 (assuming the resident student population remains stable at 4,000).
I Using the 1990 average household size of 2.65 persons, the Borough could have an additional 95 to 182 households by the year 2010. If the average 1990 family size of 3.07 I I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page D-14 persons is used, and all of the people represented by the increase were in family households, then the Borough would gain 82 to 157 new families.
The shifts in the percentages of total population represented by each life activity group are perhaps more significant than the actual increases. The following narrative examines the implications for each life activity group (see Tables D-10 and D-1 1).
Preschoolen (0-4): This group’s percentage of the total indigenous population is projected to peak at 7.4 to 7.7 percent by the year 2000 and then decline to 6.2 to 6.3 percent by 2010. The actual number of persons in this group will remain stable or decline slightly.
School Agers (5-19): The school agers are projected to decline in percentage of the total indigenous population out to 2010, but may slightly increase numerically. The demand that Edinboro residents place on the local school district will remain at current levels. Demands for public recreational facilities geared toward this group will also likely remain at current levels.
Younp Adu Its (20-34): The adults represented the largest group, by percentage and numerically, of the 1990 indigenous population with 1,134 persons, or 30.1 percent of the total. Both projections show a steady increase out to 2010, accounting for approximately 44 percent of the indigenous population by 2010. Overall, the projections are indicating that the indigenous population will become more aged as a whole. In 1990, 58.6 percent of the indigenous population was 34 or younger. By 2010, this figure drops to 45.4 percent.
Older (65+): Both projections show an increase numerically for this group. The group’s percentage of the total, however, decreases slightly. Although the population as a whole is predicted to age, the situation will not increase the persons in this group until after 2010. I I I I I Borough of Edinboro - Demographics Page D-15 I I I ECONOMICS
I oday, the economy of a small community is often influenced by the larger regional Teconomy surrounding it. The smaller economy follows regional trends, good or bad. Historically, this was not always the case, at least where small communities were I concerned. Small communities were typically more self-supporting. Residents worked and spent their money locally. This was the key to a strong local economy: money I circulated within the community; a minimal amount left and often took its time doing so. This nearly self-contained, self-supporting economy tended to draw people together and develop links between them. This, in turn, created a sense of community and ultimately I a physical, living community. Conversely, today, the general trend is toward working and spending outside of one's place of residence. This trend, in a broad sense, attacks a key I community builder, the local economy. The term "bedroom community" seems a contradiction. How can any place be a true community when its people spend the bulk of I their time and money away from it? Modern planning theory concerning small communities is increasingly taking the holistic approach toward solving problems and providing for a better future. Various components I that make up a community, such as the economy, are being examined in view of their relationships to each other instead of on their own. In the preceding paragraph, a link I between the local economy and the sense of community was discussed. Fortunately, Edinboro is not a "bedroom community." The Borough, though influenced by the larger regional economy of Northwest Pennsylvania, still retains its own internal economy, along I with it a continuing sense of community. This Background section will present data on the I nature of Edinboro's economy. The first settlers of the Edinboro Area were primarily farmers. During the early 1800s, the future community of Edinboro had begun to take shape as a service and market center 'I for surrounding farms. By the time Edinboro was incorporated in 1840, it had a school, cemetery, sawmill, gristmill, and post office. Transportation routes between the Cities of Erie and Meadville ran through Edinboro. Consequently, social and economic ties were formed between Edinboro and these cities. These ties exist to this day.
Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E-1 I
I During the early part of this century, Edinboro continued to grow, aided by improvements in transportation. Improved transportation in the form of rail service, and later I automobiles, brought increased access to distant markets for farm products and opened Edinboro up as a resort community. Better access to the urban areas of Erie and Meadville contributed to many residents finding work there. During the middle part of this century, I due to its lake, Edinboro matured as a resort and summer camp community. I The rapid expansion of the college, during the 1960s, had a tremendous economic impact upon Edinboro. The increasing number of students generated new demands for consumer goods, housing, and public services. To a large extent, the economy of Edinboro remains I closely connected to the college to this day. The agriculture-driven economy which helped start Edinboro is mostly gone. In 1989, only eleven persons had farm self-employment I income according to the U.S. Census of 1990. I Employment Naturally, the economy of a community is linked closely to the means by which its residents generate income. The following tables use available Census data to illustrate I employment and occupations in Edinboro. I I I I I I I I I I Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E-2 Nationally, the economy is said to have originated as an agricultural/primary industry (lumbering, mining, etc.) economy, then moved into a manufacturing economy. Manufacturing gave way to a mostly service economy. Currently, we are moving from a service economy into an information economy. It is assumed that a healthy local economy will generally replicate these trends. Indeed, the pattern in Edinboro suggests this economic progression quite well, as can be seen from the preceding two tables. I Primary economic activities such as mining and agriculture employ less than 2 percent of Edinboro's work force. Manufacturing employs approximately 8 percent. Service and I information occupations make up the rest. The majority of the Borough's residents work within or close to Edinboro. In 1990, I Edinboro had 2,864 workers age 16 and over. Of these, 2,600, or 90.8 percent, worked within Erie County. One thousand two-hundred forty-two (1,242), or 43.4 percent, had I I Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E-3 I
I travel times to work of nine minutes or less. Eight hundred sixty, or 30.0 percent, 1 workers walked to work on a regular basis. Unemployment
I Table E-3 compares unemployment rates between Erie County, Pennsylvania, and the 1 United States. 1 I u I I I 1
1 As the table illustrates, Erie County's Unemployment rate average for 1986 through 1995 is only slightly higher than the State's and nation's. Table E-4 compares the 1995 I unemployment rate for County's in the Erie region. 1 I I
I Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E-4 I I I I I I I I
Regionally, Erie County tied with Crawford County for having the third lowest I unemployment rate in the region in 1995. Unfortunately, reliable unemployment figures do not exist for communities of Edinboro's size. However, available Census data I concerning income suggests that unemployment is not a problem in Edinboro. I Income Like employment, the income characteristics of a community's residents say much about that community. Generally speaking, prosperous citizens can reflect a prosperous I community and vice versa, particularly in terms of the local tax base. Financial resources generated by the local tax structure are used mostly in maintaining, and expanding upon, I the physical community (roaddstreets, water and sewer systems, etc.). When a community, previously prosperous, experiences a downturn in its economy (unemployment/loss of income), the local tax base will lose strength. The reasons for this I vary, but out-migration caused by people leaving to find work is a major one. Vacant propertiesjust do not generate tax revenue as well as occupied ones. What can happen at I this point, and what happened in many communities, is the onset of high vacancy rates, deterioration and blight, which further attacks the tax base by devaluing adjacent properties. The above-described scenario, of course, is not taking place in Edinboro, but I it does illustrate a link between individual incomes and the welfare of the community as I a whole.
I Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E-5 I I
I Another, perhaps less apparent, reason for examining income patterns is based upon the fact that, even in prosperous communities such as Edinboro, often not all persons and I households within the community may be considered prosperous. Local government should be aware of the impoverished and low to moderate-income persons and households in the community. This knowledge will guide decision-makers in the process of selecting I meaningful community development projects.
In 1989, the majority of households (85.1 %) had wages or salaries as a source of income. I Only 291 households had social security income, owing to the Borough's low number of elderly residents. The second highest source of income was interest, dividend, or rental I income. Tenure in Edinboro is dominated by renter-occupied units, so income from rent probably makes up the bulk of this category.
I According to the U.S. Census of 1990, median-household income in Edinboro was $20,990. Median-family income for the same year was $33,085. Table E-5 compares I median-income data for the Borough, Washington Township, and County to the State. I I I I I I Median-household income in Edinboro was significantly lower than the Township's, County's, and State's. Median-family income for Edinboro compares more favorably and I is higher than Erie County's. The difference between Edinboro's median- household and family income is $12,095. This large disparity can be explained simply. Household data I includes college student income which is typically low, whereas , family income data generally does not include groups of unrelated persons, i.e., college students. I I Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E-6 I I
I The following table provides household income data for Edinboro by age of the I householder. I I I I 1 1
I No householder under 25 had an income of $35,000 or more in 1989. The majority of them (80.6%) made less than $15,000. Starting at age 25, household income increased until about age 55, then income began to go back down. This picture of income by age I is typical. Younger and older householders generally have lower incomes compared to the middle-aged householder.
I Table E-7 looks at per capita income for the Edinboro Area and the State. I 1 ~I I I I 1 Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E- 7 I In Edinboro, once more, the large college student population skews this figure downwards.
I A closer look at per capita income reveals persons in households by themselves had a per capita income of $9,214. This would include all the families in Edinboro and those students living off campus within the Borough. Those persons living in group quarters in I the Borough include only institutionalized persons with a per capita income of $3,332, and students in college dormitories who had a per capita income of only $3,070. It is I reasonable to assume that persons living in families have higher per capita incomes when separated from households in general.
I According to Census, in 1989, poverty status was determined for 1,893 persons; 24.5 percent of the total Borough 1990 population of 7,736 persons. Table E-5 provides poverty determination by age. Erie County had 34,223 persons, or 12.4 percent, under I poverty status determination. In Washington Township, poverty status was determined for I 252 persons (6.1 %) . I
I
The age group, 18-24, with poverty status amounts to 20.3 percent of the total population. Again, students would account for most of this disparity. Children, 0-17 years of age, can
Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E-8 I
I be assumed to be mostly permanent residents. One hundred forty-three persons in this age group had poverty status in 1989. This amounts to 1.9 percent of the Borough's total I population. The age groups from 25 to 75 and over can also be assumed to be mostly permanent residents. There were 181 persons with poverty status in the 25-75 and over I age group. They make up 2.3 percent of the total population. Naturally, not every person in the 18-24 age group is a college student, and not everyone in the other age groups is a permanent resident. However, it remains valid to assume that 1 the bulk of the 0-17 and 25-75 and above persons are permanent residents. Collectively, these two groups account for only 4.2 percent of the population. The inference to be I drawn here is that among permanent residents, the percentage of persons with poverty status is much lower than the overall rate of 24.5 percent and is likely to be similar, or I perhaps even lower, than Washington Township. Although actual poverty among permanent residents appears to be low, the incidence of I low and moderate income (LMI) is relatively high. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have indicated that 2,674 residents of Edinboro Borough are considered low-moderate income. Table E-9 depicts comparable I LMI rates. I I I I I I HUD determines low-moderate income data periodically for each county in Pennsylvania. Table E-9 is based upon the most recent information. Current HUD policy excludes college students and others in group quarters from such calculations. Because of this, the I' total population figures shown in Table E-9 are lower than the totals shown in the I Demographic section. I Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E-9 I Economic Development in Edinbora
Currently, the Borough of Edinboro is conducting two major economic development projects. These include an Industrial Park and a Central Business District (CBD) Revitalization Project. Collectively, these two projects seek to bolster Edinboro's economy through improving retail business and the provision of industrial jobs.
The CBD Revitalization Project is located in Downtown Edinboro along Erie and Meadville Streets. As the Borough's CBD, this area contains the bulk of the retail businesses in Edinboro. The goal of the Revitalization Project is to make the CBD a more I attractive place in which to shop. Specific activities include sidewalk repaidupgrading, plantings, installation of benches, relocation of utility lines, and installation of historic style street lighting. Currently, this project is being funded largely with portions of the Borough's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) yearly allocations. The benefits of sprucing up the CBD are not only economic. Improved access (new sidewalks) and a pleasing physical environment (plantings, benches, attractive lighting) will encourage social interaction and help maintain a small town atmosphere. For these reasons, the revitalization also serves as a community facilities improvement project.
Edinboro's Industrial Park, located in the northeastern part of the Borough, off Walker Drive, was created in 1989. The park contains five lots, ranging in size from two to three plus acres, for a total of 12.11 acres. Available infrastructure includes paved road access, and full water, sewer, gas, and electric service. The park is zoned 1-1, Industrial District, under the Borough's current Zoning Ordinance of 1994. This zoning designation is quite flexible in its Permitted Uses. These include: Light Industry/Manufacturing, Laboratory and Research Facilities, Truck Terminals, Corporate Offices, Feed Mills, Wholesale Sales and Storage, Essential Services, and Warehousing. A complete list of Permitted Uses and Special Exceptions may be found in the above-mentioned zoning ordinance.
As of spring, 1996, the park has three tenants who have built one building on each of three lots. Borough government has indicated a desire to refine the zoning of this park to avoid adverse impact upon nearby residential areas. Specific concerns center around noise and pollution.
Incentive to locate in the park is provided by LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance). Business and industry locating in the park are eligible for a tax abatement on improvements/construction taking place in the park. LERTA designation for the park was passed by Ordinance in 1989.
Borough of Edinboro - Economics Page E-1 0 I I 1 I ENVIRONMENTALLIMITATIONS AND CONCERNS omprehensive plans, including this one, rarely have the opportunity of addressing a C“new town” where everything is awaiting use and development, allowing the I application of the latest in planning principles and concepts. More often, the comprehensive plan must deal with an established community, a place with a history. The I effects of past and current land and resource use illustrates why wise future land use is a paramount goal for the comprehensive plan. The lesson of history is this: simple I preservation is better than remediation. To continue the Borough’s policy of wise resource use and preservation, information 1 concerning environmentally sensitive areas, environmental limitations to development, and any current or potential environmental problems is needed. This type of information will be useful to decision makers and citizens in determining what courses of action are I appropriate to effect the wise use of the Borough’s natural resources.. Much of the environmental informational base established by the 1977 Comprehensive Plan remains valid. Therefore, this background section will concentrate on only two matters: catalog I environmental limitations to development and illustrate current or potential environmental I concerns. Existing land use itself is covered in its own background section. Soil Limitations
I Soil types will affect human activities in a variety of ways because of their differing characteristics. Not all soils are suitable for all types of development and uses. Ideally, I development and use should be compatible with the on-site soil characteristics. For example, soil type is often instrumental to the success or failure of on-lot sewage disposal systems. As Table EL-1 illustrates, a significant number of the soil types located in the I Borough place severe limitations on conventional on-lot sewage disposal systems. This fact, and the relatively high density of development in Edinboro, makes the Borough’s I sewage collection and disposal system a critical community facility. Storm water management is another important community issue that is influenced by soil I type. Community development activities, such as home building, road replacement, and pipe line construction, are also impacted by differing soil characteristics. I
1 Borough of Edinboro - Environmental Limitations Page EL.. .I I I
I Table EL-1 lists selected community development limitations for each soil type in the Borough. The accompanying soils type map depicts the location of these soil types. I Although useful for planning purposes, the data contained in the table and map should not be construed as the final word. A detailed examination of soil suitability for specific projects must be done on-site. Further information about the soils of Edinboro may be I found in the Ssan ni , USDA, Soil Conservation Service, 1960 and Erie Cou ntvr Pe nnsylvania, Soil Interpretations, USDA, Soil Conservation 1 Service, 1972. The soil type, Howard Gravelly Silt Loam, dominates the central and south portions of the I Borough. This soil has typically only slight limitations for home building and subdivisions, except where slope is too steep. No problems exist for road placement. The eastern side of the Borough has a variety of soil types. Development limitations here range I from slight to severe. The western area of the Borough, south of Route 6N (Plum Street), is made up of mostly Erie, Ellery, and Alden Silt Loams. These soils generally have I severe to moderate limitations on home building and subdivisions. These soils also have moderate frost heave potential, an important consideration in the placement of roads. They also dominate the extreme southeastern comer of the Borough, directly east of the Darrow I Road area. The Lakeside area of the Borough is primarily dominated by Phelps Gravelly Silt Loams, Howard Gravelly Silt Loams, and Fredon Loam. Again, these soils have 1 slight to severe limitations on most types of community development. Overall, the Borough contains 25 soil types. Of these, 8 are considered prime agricultural I soils. They are: Chagrin Silt Loam (CeB), Howard Gravelly Silt Loam (HbA, HbB), Langford Silt Loam (LaB2), Lobdell Silt Loam (LcA), Phelps Gravelly Silt Loam (PaA, PaB), and Scio Silt Loam (SaA). Although agriculture is not conducted on a large scale I within Edinboro, these soils are also important groundwater recharge areas. In addition, these lend themselves for uses such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and other recreational 1 facilities. I I I I I Borough of Edinboro Environmerital Limitations Page EL... 2 I EbB2 Poor
EbD2 Poor
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I Slope and Tonography I Community development is affected by topography in a number of ways. Inappropriate development of steep slope areas can cause excessive storm water runoff, subsidence, and erosion problems. Conversely, development in low lying areas can be subjected to I flooding and high water tables, even though the area may not be officially designated as flood-prone. Elevation in Edinboro ranges from approximately 1,190 to 1,300 feet above I sea level, according to United States Geological Survey Topographical Maps. Slope, the lineal distance over which elevation changes, is usually expressed in I proportional terms using the formula: Rise I Run Rise is the change in elevation and run is the lineal distance over which the change occurs. I For example, if an elevation of 1,300 feet above sea level drops to an elevation of 1,290 feet above sea level over the course of 100 feet, that is a 10 percent slope [(lo divided by I 100) times 1001 = 10 percent. Typically, a 15 percent or greater slope precludes normal development. Fortunately, slope in Edinboro is almost entirely below this amount and poses no particular problems for I development.
I Flood-Prone Area
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), assisted by the Department of I Community and Economic Development (DCED) in Pennsylvania, has mapped flood hazard areas for all flood-prone communities in Pennsylvania. The agency uses the 100 I year flood, or base flood, as the minimum level of flooding to be used by a community in its flood plain management regulations. The 100 year flood is defined as the worst flood which may occur in a 100 year period. This flood can occur at any time, but has a one I percent chance of occurring in any year. The extent of the 100 year flood designates the 100 year flood boundary. Both the State and Federal governments require local regulation I based upon this boundary designation. Development in flood-prone areas is obviously in danger of being damaged or destroyed I in a flood. Beyond this danger, however, is the fact that placing buildings or structures (bridges, roads, etc.) within a flood-prone area may contribute to the seriousness of a flood by impeding the normal flow of flood waters. This situation may extend and worsen the I effects of a flood down stream or in an adjacent, non-flood prone area. I Borough of Edinboro - Environmental Limitations Page EL.. .5 I
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I Flood-prone areas in Edinboro, as shown on the accompanying Flood Boundary Map, are concentrated around Edinboro Lake, the Lake outlet areas, the “fake lake” on the university 1 campus, and major streams. This includes most of Conneauttee Creek and all of Darrows Creek, except for a small section in the northeastern part of the Borough. Currently, these I areas are relatively undeveloped. 1 Wetlands Wetlands may be defined as the transition areas between hydric (water) and terrestrial (land) environments. Because of the diversity of plant and animal life wetlands support I and because of their sensitivity to damage, the Federal government is following a policy of no net loss of this valuable resource. For local municipalities, such as Edinboro, this means that wetlands within their corporate limits cannot be developed without expensive I and complicated mitigation measures, if they can be developed at all. Wetlands in rural areas are practically non-developable from a regulatory standpoint. In many instances, 1 even essential community facility development is hindered in wetland areas. Wetlands are defined on maps, in a national inventory, by the Department of the Interior. However, I these maps only indicate the probability of wetlands, not the extent of all wetlands. As is shown on the Edinboro Area Wetlands Map, most of the wetlands located within the 1 Borough are open water areas and, thus, do not encompass existing development. Also, these areas are not currently under development pressure and are unlikely to be developed I in the future. Efforts to preserve these areas should be continued. Plant and Animal Species of Special Concern
1 During the summer of 1996, in conjunction with the preparation of this background section, a request was made to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection I for a search of the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) for Edinboro. The PNDI is an information system which describes plants and animals of special concern within the Commonwealth, i.e., those species which are extinct, endangered, threatened, I rare, or vulnerable. The results of this PNDI search revealed that two plant species of special concern are located within the Borough. No animal species of special concern are I known to exist in the Borough. I The two plant species are: Bog-Mat (Wolffiella Gladiata) 1 a Vasey ’s Pondweed (Potamogeton Vaseyi) I Borough of Edinboro - Environmental Limitations Page EL.. .6 1
The Bog-Mat is classified under the PNDI system as “Pennsylvania Rare.” This classification means the Bog-Mat is a species which is uncommon in Pennsylvania. Vasey’s Pondweed is classified as “Pennsylvania Endangered.” A species with this classification is in danger of extinction within Pennsylvania if critical habitat is not maintained or if the species is greatly exploited by man.
Both of these plants are wetland-type species. The Bog-Mat is a free-floating (it does not sink roots) aquatic species. It is found primarily in open water within swamps and wetlands. Vasey’s Pondweed is a floating leaf aquatic species. This plant sinks its roots into soil, but its leaves float on the surface of the water body. It is found in lagoons and ponds. Given that these two species exist within the Borough’s wetlands, special attention paid to the wise stewardship of this resource is warranted.
The PNDI search results also included a list of species of special concern which are located adjacent to the Borough’s boundary, The listed species are all plants. Including Vasey’s Pondweed, there are 23 different plants of special concern located near the Borough.
Current Environmental Concerns
Currently (spring of 1997), the Borough of Edinboro has two additional environmental concerns. The first is the presence of the chemical TCE (Trichloroethylene) in the Borough’s water supply, and secondly, the condition of Lake Edinboro.
I TCE Contamination: In April of 1995, water tests revealed that the chemical TCE had contaminated the Borough’s water supply. Trichloroethylene is a common metal-cleaning and dry-cleaning fluid. Generally, TCE gets into a water supply by improper waste I disposal procedures. It has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals, such as mice and rats, when the animals are exposed to high levels over their lifetimes. It is I believed that exposure to TCE increases the risk of cancer in humans, if the exposure continues over a long period of time.
I The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets drinking water standards. To reduce the risk of cancer and other adverse health effects, the standard for I Trichloroethylene has been set at 0.005 parts per million (PPM). The level of TCE found in Edinboro’s water supply exceeded this standard; thus, it violates State and Federal drinking water standards. However, the present level of TCE does not pose an immediate I health risk. Until the TCE is eliminated or reduced to a safe level, the Borough must periodically notify the general public. I I Borough of Edinboro - Environmental Limitations Page EL.. .7 I I
I To solve this problem, the Borough is constructing a packed-tower aeration system. This relatively simple mechanical device, commonly known as an air stripping tower, operates I on the mass transfer theory. Essentially, the system runs air and water counter current (against each other) over a layer of loosely structured packing. The object of the stripping tower is to contact a small amount of contaminated water with a large amount of I uncontaminated air. When mixed in the tower, the Trichloroethylene will move from the water into the air, thus freeing the water from TCE.
I The Borough’s air stripping tower is expected to remove 99 percent of the TCE and will be built to accommodate all foreseeable increases in Borough water usage. With this I percentage of reduction, TCE will not be detectable using current testing methods. The tower is expected to be completed and in use, some time in 1997.
I Lake Edinboro: The Environment and Natural Systems Plan (ENSP) component of the Borough’s 1977 Comprehensive Plan stated that the future of Lake Edinboro was the I number one environmental concern facing the Borough. The ENSP, under its plan objectives, listed the following as its first objective: “Preserve Lake Edinboro as a natural lake system, and improve its quality for the benefit of man’s continued use.” Twenty years I later, this objective is still being pursued. Indeed, community interest in the Lake has not waned in the least, as the results of the 1995 public planning conference, “EdinVision 95,” I illustrated. When asked to list Borough assets, Edinboro Lake was among the top five assets mentioned by conference attendees in hnth sessions. Along with the obvious high regard for the Lake, however, came the view that the condition of the Lake was a major I problem for the Borough. The morning session of the conference listed the condition of the Lake with the top five problems facing the Borough. Although it did not make the top five problem list in the evening session, it came close. A complete description of the I EdinVision 95 Conference can found elsewhere in this document. I Lake Edinboro is a naturally formed kettle lake, approximately 250 acres in size. About 35.5 acres of the Lake are located inside the Borough boundary, with the balance located in Washington Township. Due to the configuration of this acreage, the Borough has I approximately 6,730 feet of shore line. Lake Edinboro has an average depth of 10 feet and a maximum depth of 30 feet. Conneauttee and Shenango Creeks are the primary sources I of inflow into the Lake. A dam under the Chestnut Street Bridge backs up a portion of outflowing Conneauttee Creek and forms the Edinboro Lake outlet. This dam helps I maintain the Lake’s water level. The Lake’s shallowness encourages the growth of large areas of aquatic plants, including I emergent, submerged and floating plants. Among these are a number of plant species of I Borough of Edinboro - Environmental Limitations Page EL.. .8 special concern (see prior comments). The large marsh that exists along the northeastern shoreline is home to a bird species of special concern and an exceptional shrub fen.
Most of the Lake’s shoreline has been developed, with only the northeastern shoreline remaining free of development. Residential uses, especially along the west shore, and commercial uses make up most of this development. The recreational uses primarily include boating, fishing, and swimming. The Borough maintains two public, guarded swimming beaches, and has extensive holdings along its west shore.
It may be said that Edinboro Lake is many things to many people. Certainly, the Lake is an ecological treasure; yet, it also represents economic, residential, and recreational opportunities. The latter entails development and use, while the former favors conservation and preservation. From this dual reality springs the essential problem, i.e., the natural lake values are being threatened by various human activities. Hence, the goal of maintaining the natural lake enabling man’s continued usage of it.
The Lake is receiving both point-source (from the immediate area around the Lake) and non-point-source pollution (from areas other than the immediate Lake area). The sources are related to development around the Lake and agriculture. Specifically, the pollution types causing the most damage to the Lake include excessive amounts of nutrients and heavy sediment loads.
The excessive input of nutrients into the Lake has caused an accelerated rate of euthrophication. Euthrophication of a body of water occurs when nutrients in the water exist at such a level as to allow the excessive, often explosive, growth of aquatic plants, especially various species of algae. This rate of plant growth depletes the level of oxygen in the water, thereby choking aquatic animals, such as fish, and other aquatic plant species. The problem is further aggravated in this case by the Lake’s relative shallowness and the relatively warm climate of the surrounding region.
Ariel flyovers indicated that heavy sediment loads are entering Edinboro Lake by way of Conneauttee Creek. This sediment is presumed to be related to agriculture, the principal land use within Conneauttee Creek’s watershed. The excessive sediment loading is detrimental to fish habitat, water quality, and the aesthetic qualities of the Lake.
Current activities to preserve the Lake center around mitigating the two aforementioned problems. Locally, these activities are being carried out by the Lake Edinboro Conservation and Preservation Foundation. This foundation, created in 1984, has five members who represent both the Borough and Washington Township. The Foundation is the trustee of a private $200,000 grant given to the Borough for the express purpose of
Borough of Edinboro - Environmental Limitations Page EL.. .9 I
I preserving and conserving Edinboro Lake. It should be noted that the Foundation is an activity-based organization, versus a research and debate organization. The original grant I has been supplemented by $120,000 from the then Department of Community Affairs, now the Department of Community and Economic Development. These monies are further augmented by donations from local civic organizations, businesses, and concerned I residents. In addition, the Foundation regularly holds fund-raising events and sells such I items as tee shirts and Lake mementos. To control sedimentation, the Foundation oversees a yearly dredging program. Using a machine, nicknamed “Nessie,” sediment is removed from the Lake and brought to a I collection point outside the Borough. This highly fertile material is then available for use by area residents for gardens, flower beds, etc. To control the excessive plant growth, a I weed-spraying program is also carried out by the Foundation on a yearly basis. The dredging and weed-control programs have been very successful in combating the I effects of the pollutant problem; yet, unfortunately, they do not address the actual source of these pollutants. I I I I I I I I I
I Borough of Edinboro - Environmental Limitations Page EL.. . IO I HISTORICCONSIDERATIONS
he Edinboro area was originally settled in 1796 by William Culbertson of Lycoming TCounty, with Alexander Hamilton (not the Secretary of the Treasury). Culbertson’s farm occupied much of today’s Edinboro. The Lake, then called Conneautee, is from an Indian name variously translated as “the land of the living snowflake,” or “the snow place.’’ The Indian’s knew the area.
Culbertson built grist and lumber mills, and began laying out lots on his land. As lots sold, the town grew and was settled. In 1840, Edinboro Borough was incorporated, with a population of 232. The Borough had 500 acres at that time.
Access to Erie and Meadville was important to early Edinboro; and by 1852, a plank road between Erie and Edinboro was completed. Taylor and Reed were influential in routing the Erie to Meadville turnpike through the Borough, hence, the current Erie and Meadville Streets.
In 1856, what is now Edinboro State University, was founded as an academy. Some five years later in 1861, it became the Edinboro State Normal School, dedicated to training teachers. By 1914, the property was acquired by the State and became Edinboro State Teachers College. Finally, in 1983, it gained university status. This facility has and remains a dominant influence on Edinboro.
By 1900, the Borough became linked to Erie via an electric railroad (trolley). In fact, the I Crossroads Dinor (1929) is actually a car which ran on that route. Generally, Wilbur Billings is given credit for building the dam which now gives shape to I the current Lake Edinboro, in 1911. Part of his holdings were subsequently developed into what is now the Lakeside area. Generally, many of the Lakeside cottages were built in the I 1920s and 1930s. Edinboro’s downtown was originally a collection of frame structures. In 1902, 1905, and I 1909, a series of fires leveled much of the downtown; and the current brick architecture rose in its place. I I Borough of Edinboro - Historic Considerations Page HC-1 I I
I Some important structures in Edinboro include:
I The Edinboro Cemetery - 1833 The Robinson House - 1843 The Bigger’s House (circa 1853) I The Goodell Farm I Selected Edinboro University structures I I I I I I I I I I
I Borough of Edinboro - Historic Considerations Page HC-2 I I I HOUSING I he availability, type, and condition of the housing stock within a community often I Treflect the well-being of that community. Sound, occupied housing units are true assets to the community in terms of aesthetics, tax base, and long-term security. A high proportion of owner-occupied housing indicates stability. This stability is a key to avoid I serious housing-related problems. Conversely, a high proportion of deteriorated and/or vacant housing has the opposite effect upon a community. The tax base is eroded, I community appearance is lost, and stability is threatened. A vicious cycle of blight can be created wherein private investment in adjacent properties has less motivation, eventually I leading to further cases of vacancy and deterioration. I I
I Housing analysis, when viewed as a community asset, asks the following questions: What is our housing situation and how can we protect and/or improve it? Through Census data, I actual field surveys, and other data collection, a picture of Edinboro's current housing situation will be presented. Recommended courses of action to protect and improve the Borough's housing stock will be presented in the Comprehensive Plan portion of this I document. I HousinE Type The 1990 Census reported the Borough contained a total of 2,030 housing units, a gain of I 73 units from 1980. Slightly more than half (1,025) of the total units are single-family dwellings. Multi-family units account for 975 of the total units. The remainder of the housing units includes 6 mobile homes and 24 other units. Table H-1 provides a detailed I break down of these numbers: I I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-l I I 1 I I I I I I I I I occugmcy From 1980 to 1990, Edinboro experienced both a modest gain in population and housing units. The average household size in Edinboro increased slightly from 1980 to 1990. This I is in contrast to the general national trend of decreasing household size during the past twenty years. The trend would normally indicate household stability, an important component of community well-being. However, this would not be the case if the 1 increasing households were largely comprised of transient students. I I I I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-2 I I I I I 1 I Occupancy and vacancy are good indicators of the condition of housing within a 1 community. High vacancies can indicate a diminished housing market or instability through much selling and buying. High vacancies can also signal housing deterioration and blight. Seasonal units are considered vacant for the purposes of the Census. Seasonal I units, in themselves, are not usually a problem. Problems occur when these units are I improperly converted to year-round use. Vacancy Characteristics: According to the 1990 Census, Edinboro had 172 vacant housing units for a vacancy rate of 8.5 percent. While Edinboro's vacancy rate is slightly I lower than the State's, it is higher than Erie County's. The following table shows 1 comparative vacancy rates. I I 1 1 1 I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-3 While Edinboro's rate is higher than the County's, it is still a relatively low rate. A low rate.typically points to a low amount of seasonal units, a high demand for housing within the community, and a probable low incidence of deteriorated units. The obverse side of this is that a low vacancy rate can also point to a housing affordability problem within the community.
Generally, Edinboro's low vacancy rate adheres to the above "typical" model. Of the 172 vacant units, only 9 units were boarded up, indicating a low incidence of deteriorated units. Only 10 units were for sale and only 21 were for rent, indicating at least a moderately high demand for housing. There were 111 units counted as seasonal/recreational. The bulk of these units is located in the Lakeside area of the Borough, immediately west of Lake Edinboro. This residential area was originally developed for seasonal cottages. Currently, however, more and more units are being used I as year-round housing. The improper conversion of seasonal units does not seem to be a problem for the Borough. The following tables illustrate the nature of Edinboro's vacant I housing units: I 1 I 1 1 I 1 'I 1 I 1 Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-4 I I Tenure II The ratio of owner-to-rental-occupied units is a common way to examine local housing conditions. A certain number of rental units are necessary in every community, but high rates of ownership are preferable. Communities of homeowners engender an attitude that I makes it easier to build and maintain a real sense of community.
I As the table illustrates, housing in Edinboro is dominated by renter-occupied units. Of the 1,858 occupied units, 1,163 (62.6%) are rental units. This percentage of renter-occupied I units is much higher than Erie County's and over twice as high as the State's rate. I I I I I 1 The demand for rental housing by Edinboro University students explains this disparity between the Borough and the County and State. At least some support for this conclusion I may be drawn from looking at two other Pennsylvania communities which are home to State universities. The first is Clarion Borough in Clarion County. Of its 1,807 occupied dwelling units in 1990, 1,060, or 58.7 percent, were rental units. Across Clarion County, I however, rental units account for only 27.5 percent of the total occupied units. Slippery Rock Borough, home to Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, is located in Butler I County. According to the 1990 Census, 57.0 percent of the Borough's occupied units were renter-occupied. Conversely, the overall percentage of rental units for Butler County was 23.2 percent. In terms of housing affordability and home ownership rates, it is clear m that the demand for student housing is having a significant impact upon the Borough's I housing situation. I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-5 I
I Housinp Affordability I Housing affordability, especially in small communities such as Edinboro, has a significant effect upon community diversity. Community diversity is considered a cornerstone of real communities, wherein people of all ages and income levels are able to live together. When I housing affordability is a problem, it manifests itself through a lessening of housing choice, I particularly for low-income families, individuals, and/or first-time home buyers. Housing costs, naturally, are one component of affordability . Using census data, Tables H-7 and H-8 compare median-monthly rent and median-home values between the Borough, 1 County, and State. I I I I Median monthly rent in Edinboro was almost $100 more than the County's and slightly I higher than the State's. This data begins to point at a possible rental unit affordability problem in Edinboro, especially since renter-occupied units account for 62.6 percent of I all occupied units. I I I I I I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-6 I I To a somewhat lesser extent, the median value of owner-occupied housing also points at an affordability problem within the Borough. The median value of Edinboro's housing, I while lower than the State's, is almost $11,000 more than the County's.
As previously stated, housing cost data begins to point at a housing affordability problem I in Edinboro. A more refined estimation of housing affordability, however, takes into account the variable of median-household and median-family income. By comparing I median-housing costs to median income, a "housing affordability index'' can be generated. The index illustrates comparative affordability between different areas for the average I household or family purchasing or renting the average unit. Within a housing category (purchase unitlrental unit), the lower the index number, the more affordable that category I is, Le., 5.5 indicates better affordability than 7.2. Two indexes follow, one based upon median-household income and one based upon median-family income. The index numbers for rental units were derived by multiplying the median rent by 12 and then dividing this I product by the median household or family income. For purchase units, the median value of a housing unit was divided by the median household or family income. Table H-9 I provides an index based upon median-household income. I I I I I I
For households in Edinboro, both rental and purchase units are less affordable, I comparatively, than in Washington Township, the County, and the State. Rental units in particular are less affordable. This situation is undoubtedly caused by the demand that I Edinboro University students place upon this type of housing. I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H- 7 I I I 1 I I I 1
Housing affordability for families, versus households, is perhaps a more important I consideration for the Borough. The household data is affected by the typically low yearly income of the average college student; whereas, the family data is not. However, as Table I H- 10 illustrates, the unaffordability trend continues for families, although not as alarmingly. Rental units, again, are particularly unaffordable, when compared to Erie County dwellings. It is important to note, at this point, that the affordability problems are 1 a result of natural market conditions, versus land use, zoning, and other regulatory conditions. The Borough’s chief land use pattern is residential in nature. An examination of the Borough’s Zoning Ordinance illustrates that all reasonable housing densities are I allowed for, from low to high. Field work confirmed that the diversity of housing types, I from mobile homes to apartments, is high. Grour, Ouarters
I As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, group quarters include such facilities as nursing homes, college dormitories, military barracks, and correctional institutions. Examination 1 of these facilities is warranted because they provide for a community’s specialized housing needs. Group quarter facilities in Edinboro include university dormitories and one nursing I home. In 1990, total enrollment at Edinboro University was 8,131. This was an increase of 71 I percent since 1975, when enrollment numbered 4,752 persons. The 1990 Census showed 2,693 persons were living in college dormitory housing. Since the number of on-campus I housing has remained fairly static since 1975, more students have sought off-campus I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-8 I
housing. This trend helps explain why only 875 of Edinboro's 1,858 households are family households. Since 1990, enrollment at the university has decreased to 7,477 (1996 figures), and sources report an easing in the housing market. Obviously, university enrollment and housing costs in the Borough are linked.
Within any community, the housing needs of the elderly and handicapped are important considerations. Indeed, their needs are recognized by both Federal and State governments. Benefit to these population groups is a top priority in most housing-related funding programs administered by Federal and State governments.
According to the 1990 Census, Edinboro's elderly population (age 65 and over) numbered 422 persons, or 5.5 percent, of the total population. Persons with self-care and/or mobility limitations, age 16 and over, and non-institutionalized, numbered 151 persons, or about 2.0 percent of the population.
A total of 114 persons was shown to be residing in nursing homes in 1990. Both nursing homes and personal care homes in Pennsylvania are required to be licensed by the State Department of Health. A personal care, or assisted living, home provides residents with i assistance in accomplishing the tasks of day-to-day living. A nursing home, unlike personal care homes, has medical staff and can treat residents for various ailments as well I as dispense medication. No personal care homes are known to exist in Edinboro. As stated previously, there is only one nursing home in Edinburg, the Edinboro Manor I Nursing Home. At the time of this writing (spring 1996), this facility had approximately 117 residents. With a licensed bed capacity of 121, Edinboro Manor has little capacity for I additional residents at this time. The EdinLake Building in Edinboro is a multi-unit housing complex for disabled and I elderly persons. Although EdinLake is not a group-quarter facility, per se, it does provide specialty housing for the Borough. Its 36 units include two multi-bedroom units and four units designed for handicapped persons, with the balance of units being single bedroom I units. EdinLake management has indicated that all units are presently occupied. The 1 residents of EdinLake are primarily from the Edinboro area. As mentioned at the beginning of this report, housing can be a true asset to a community or a detriment. As an asset, it contributes to the community's sense of being, of place, and 'I history. When considering the housing needs of the elderly and handicapped, we need to ask, "How can we encourage these persons to want to stay in our community, to remain I @ of our community?" versus asking: "We have a number of elderly and handicapped persons in our community, what do we do with them in terms of housing?" There is a I subtle, but very important, distinction between the two questions: Do we count them as I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-9 I 1 members of our community or as a burden on our community? Edinboro is asking the I & question through this Comprehensive Plan. Phys ical Condition.. of the Housin? Stock
I The physical condition of a community's housing stock is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the provision of safe, decent housing for its citizens. I Available Census data provides valuable insight into those conditions and features not readily discernible to the naked eye. To supplement the Census data, a Borough-wide field survey was conducted of every unit. The results of this survey are detailed later in this I section. I The median age of housing units in 1990 was 19 years. The following tables illustrate when housing was built. I I I I I I I I I I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H- IO I I I I !I ‘I I I I I The Borough has a good supply of newer housing units. By defining a new housing unit as one which is twenty years or less in age, then 1,022, or 55 percent, of the occupied I units are “new.” There was a total of 303 (approximately 15%)housing units built in 1939 or earlier. It has typically been the consultant’s experience that housing in this age group I will include the most units in need of restoration or rehabilitation. It is important to note here that by “rehabilitation,‘I more than facade improvement is involved. Electrical service, plumbing, lead-based paint abatement, structural integrity, heating systems, and I safety measures are among the items addressed by State and Federal housing rehabilitation programs. Older homes which have not been updated and/or kept up will usually have some conflict with modern housing standards. This is not to say that newer units cannot I be deteriorated, just that older homes have more potential for overall housing standard I problems. According to the 1990 Census, no housing unit in Edinboro lacked complete plumbing facilities and only 9 units lacked complete kitchen facilities. Every housing unit had some I type of sewage disposal system; 1,987 (97.9%) were on public sewer, the rest had septic tanks or cesspools. Every housing unit had a water system. Again, 97.9 percent were on I public water. The rest had private wells. [Please note that Borough officials believe that, now (1996), nearly all units have public water and sanitary sewer connections.] I 8 Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-I I I
I In order to assert the actual physical condition of the Borough's housing stock, a field survey of each unit was taken. To ensure objectivity, a four-tiered rating system was I applied to each housing unit: Sound: Defined as units which have no defects or only slight defects which are I normally corrected during the course of regular maintenance. 1 Deterinsation: Needs more repair than would be required in the course of regular maintenance. It has one or more defects of an intermediate nature that must be corrected if the dwelling unit is to continue to provide adequate shelter, Le., shaky I or unsafe foundations, porches or steps; holes, open cracks, or missing materials on floors, walls or roof; rotted windowsills or frames; deep wear on stairs, floors or doorsills; and broken or loose stair treads or missing balusters. Such defects are I signs of neglect which lead to serious structural damage if not corrected. For the purpose of this survey, two deteriorating categories were devised. The first I category indicated that the structure would need minor rehabilitation. The second indicated major rehabilitation. The main difference in each category was in the amount of rehabilitation activity required to make the unit sound. Easily repaired I substandard features generally earned the minor category. Major work, like I foundation repairs, earned an appropriate need for major rehabilitation. Dilapidated : Homes that no longer provide safe or adequate shelter are listed as dilapidated. It has one or more critical defects or has a combination of intermediate I defects in sufficient number to require extensive repair or rebuilding; or is of inadequate original construction. Critical defects are those which indicate continued neglect and serious damage to the structure, including conditions such as holes, I open cracks or missing material over large areas of floors, walls or roofs; and structural sag in the floors, walls or roofs. Inadequate original construction 1 includes structures built of makeshift materials and inadequately converted cellars, sheds or garages not originally intended for living quarters.
I The housing conditions survey was taken on April 10 and 19, 1996. Every housing unit in the Borough was examined, excluding on-campus dormitory housing. Those units a which had signs of deterioration or dilapidation had a conditions report completed. The data collected included unit type, vacancy status, principal building materials, approximate age, and the type of deterioration or dilapidation. The unit and report were then identified I by number on the Borough "as-built" map.
Thirty-two housing units were found to have either minor or major deterioration. One unit I was found to be totally dilapidated. Table H-13 details the classes of deterioration. I Page H-12 I Borough of Edinboro - Housing
All of the 32 units were single-family types. Twenty-one of the units (63.6%) are believed to be 50 or more years old. Only one unit was believed to be less than 25 years old. The 32 units account for 1.6 percent of the Borough's housing stock. This rate of deterioration is among the lowest discovered in similar surveys conducted by the consultant in western Pennsylvania.
Several units of multi-resident housing were in the process of being demolished on April 19, 1996. These were located on the corner of Green Oaks Drive and Water Street and I were apparently rental units for students. As they were actively being demolished, they did not figure into the survey count. No other multi-familyhesident unit triggered a I conditions report. Also, no mobile homes triggered a report. Concerning vacancy, one unit was possibly vacant and two were definitely vacant. For the purposes of this survey, vacancy was only attributed to those units that appeared to be essentially abandoned, not those units for sale or rent or which were seasonal in nature.
Table H-14 depicts the general type and incidence of deterioration found in the 23 units that triggered a conditions report. It is important to note here that in order for a unit to be declared dilapidated, most of its features had to be dilapidated. There was only one such unit in the Borough. In addition, most of the units had more than one feature with deterioration. This accounts for the incidence of deterioration being higher than 32.
Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-I3 I I 1 I I I i 1
As can be seen from Table H-14, roofing was the feature with the most cases of I deterioration, followed by porches, windows, doors, and miscellaneous. In the dilapidation category, however, exterior coverings had the highest number. Taken I together, exterior coverings and roofing account for most of the deterioration and dilapidation found in the Borough's housing stock.
I In order to identify concentrations of deterioration, the Housing Conditions Survey Map depicts the Borough divided into six survey areas. The number of deteriorated units in I each area is shown in parentheses. Typically, concentrations of deteriorated housing are found in the older areas of a I community. Such is the case in Edinboro. Areas one and four contain 25 units with deterioration, 75.8 percent of the total. Most of the Borough's older housing units are located within these two areas. Area five is made up of newer housing and had no I deteriorated units. Area three contains both newer and older units and had three deteriorated units. Like area five, area two included mostly newer housing. Only one unit I was found to have deterioration in this area. Area six includes the university and bordering properties. This area had 4 deteriorated units, all located off-campus.
I Overall, the housing conditions survey indicates that the Borough's housing stock is in decent shape. Active code enforcement and the housing rehabilitation program should be I adequate to keep the incidence of deterioration at its presently low rate. I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-I 4 On October 3, 1995, a public planning conference was held at the Edinboro Community Building. Open to all interested persons, the purpose of the conference was to actively involve the residents of Edinboro in the creation of the new Comprehensive Plan. Specifically, the Borough Planning Commission and the consultant wished to obtain the I opinions and concerns of the residents. This data would then generate the Plan's emphasis, direction, and individuality. Held in two identical sessions (morning and evening), the I conference was a resounding success. Attendees represented a diverse cross-section of Edinboro residents, from business owners to municipal officials, to homeowners. The complete description of the conference and the results are attached elsewhere in this I document.
Housing was included in the top five concerns for both the morning and evening sessions. 1 Specifically, concern for housing centered on housing affordability, availability of handicapped-accessible housing, and the encroachment of conflicting land uses upon I residential areas. To a lesser extent, the need for housing rehabilitation and more rental units was expressed.
I The above data mates well with the Census data, especially the housing affordability issue. In other words, the Census data suggests a housing affordability problem while the results i from the conference confirms it. As for deteriorated housing units, the Census data indicates that this is not a disastrous problem. Again, Conference supports this conclusion. However, this should not be understood to say the deterioration situation that does exist should be ignored.
Borough of Edinbora Housinp Rehabilitation Program
Available data demonstrates that Edinboro does not have a serious deteriorated housing problem. To keep the housing stock sound, the Borough has three principal tools:
0 Code Enforcement The Rental License Program 0 A Recent Housing Rehabilitation Program
Thus, it is maintaining a pro-active posture.
Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-15 Toward the pro-active approach, the Borough has recently completed a Borough-wide housing rehabilitation program. The stated purpose and intent of this program was to halt the decline of the Borough's housing stock through upgrade and preservation procedures. Safe and decent housing for Borough residents was the desired end result.
~I The program was funded with a portion of the Borough's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds. The Borough hopes to expand the program with future I entitlement funds and the pursuit of other funding sources, such as the CDBG competitive program, and the HOME/H&CD program.
I The Borough's program is intended to benefit very low and low-moderate income families. To be eligible for rehabilitation assistance, the family has to meet the above income criteria. The unit must be a single unit and owner-occupied. At this time, renter-occupied I units are not eligible. Mobile homes are eligible, provided they are permanently attached to the owner's land. Homes which require more financial assistance than their market I value will not be eligible. \ The following is a general list of improvements that could be made to an eligible unit, as I needs dictate:
- Sanitary facilities I - Plumbing - Water supply I - Heating - Illumination and electricity - Structural soundness (roofs, foundations, walls, ceilings, steps, etc.) I - Adequate food preparation facilities and storage area - Sanitary conditions I - Lead-base paint - Adequate space and security - Interior air quality I - Energy conservation 11 The following activities are n& eligible for funding assistance: 1. Amenities to the property, such as building of fireplaces, landscaping, lawn ornaments, barbecues, swimming pools
2. Repairs to commercial property
3. Land acquisition
Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-16 I I I Housinc in Edinboro - A Su mmary The Background section on housing in Edinboro has sought to give the reader an overview of the Borough's current housing situation, pointing out general strengths and weaknesses. I As stated at the beginning of this section, recommendations on how to protect and improve the housing resource will be stated in the Comprehensive Plan portion of this document. ~I This summary presents a "quick look" at what is driving those recommendations. As an older community that is still experiencing growth, Edinboro has a diverse housing ~I stock in terms of age (style/architecture, oldednewer), type (single/multi-family), and tenure (rentedowner-occupied) . This diversity in housing is valuable to a community, even if just to say, "There's something for everyone." Housing stagnation is not a I problem, for, through its housing, Edinboro can glimpse its past & present. I Housing is generally in decent shape in terms of livability and physical condition. Available Census data indicates a low vacancy rate, low number of boarded up units, and an extremely low number of units which lack complete plumbing and kitchen facilities. I The vast majority of the units (97.9%) are connected to public water and sewer. The housing condition survey pointed out those units in need of upgrading and the recently initiated housing rehabilitation program stands ready to address eligible units and any I future problems.
I While housing diversity is high in the Borough, housing choice is tempered by availability and affordability problems, especially for low to moderate-income families and individuals. These problems are caused, in part, by the demand for student housing. Demand for I student housing has also affected tenure adversely within the Borough. Renter-occupied units accounted for 62.6 percent of all occupied units, according to the 1990 Census. I Some rental units, naturally, are necessary in any community. However, from a community-buildingstandpoint, more owner-occupied units would be preferable. This is to say, a community is made up of permanent residents, not temporary or transient I residents. ~I Edinboro remains a seller's market in terms of housing, based upon a high demand. I Higher housing costs, relative to the surrounding area, have been the result. Rental units are remarkably less affordable in Edinboro. This trend applies to families as well as non- I family households, Le., students. I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-17 I 1
I Specific housing for the elderly and handicapped residents exists as one nursing home and an elderly/disabled persons housing complex. Both facilities are presently at, or near, I capacity. In view of keeping the Borough's elderly and handicapped population within the community, there exists at least a small need for additional units geared towards them. Participants of the EdinVision '95 Public Planning Conference have indicated a need for I more handicapped-accessible units within the Borough, meaning single-family homes and rental units, not just isolated facilities. I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I Borough of Edinboro - Housing Page H-18 I I I I LANDUSE
I community’s land is its most valuable natural resource. There is only so much of it in a given community, and how it is developed affects most aspects of life in I A that community. Adding to the significance of land use effects, beneficial or negative, is the fact that, often, they are long-term in nature. For example, farmland that is converted to residential use, in most cases, will not be used for agriculture for a long I time, if ever again. Thus, the goal of land use planning/control is to encourage the logical and beneficial use of land, and to avoid the negative effects of inappropriate and/or I conflicting uses. In Pennsylvania, local governments, including counties, have had the power to plan for I land use and enact land use control measures delegated to them by the General Assembly. The intent of this passing of power is to protect the public safety, health, morals, and general welfare of a community. Specifically, the authorization to conduct land use I planning and regulate development is granted to local governments and counties through I the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Pa MPC) . Although they have been granted the power, Pennsylvania municipalities are not under a mandate to enact and administer land use control measures. However, if a municipality I chooses to exercise this power, then the resulting control measures must bear a reasonable relationship to the welfare of the public and advance legitimate public interests. I Furthermore, the relationship or interest must not be arbitrary, but based upon and supported by community development goals and objectives.
I Toward establishing support and reasoning for land use control measures, the comprehensive plan is a logical and useful tool. A comprehensive plan brings together, in a single document, all of the information needed to justify land use control, and also sets I forth the goals and objectives to be satisfied by such control.
I The Borough currently encompasses an area of 2.395 square miles, or 1,532.8 acres. For a borough of its size, Edinboro has an extremely diverse range of land uses. The general categories of uses which occur in the Borough include: residential, recreational, public, I institutional, commercial, industrial, open space, agricultural, and transportation. The generalized Existing Land Use Map depicts the location and frequency of these uses within I Edinboro. This map is the result of a Borough-wide land use survey conducted in April I Borough of Edinboro - Land Use Page LU-1 I 1
I of 1996, in conjunction with local input. The following narrative provides a brief I description of the categories depicted on the map. Vacant: Vacant land is that which is undeveloped or has no specific use from a community standpoint. This land may or may not have potential for development. I For the purposes of this report, the vacant category will include wooded areas, I bodies of water, and non-institutionalhon-agricultural fields. Low-Densitv Residential: This category comprises land occupied by dwelling units designed to house a single household, including mobile homes, and scattered I duplexes.
Bkh-Densitv Residential: Land in this category is primarily occupied by structures I designed to provide housing for two or more households. Duplexes and apartment I buildings are typical examples of this land use category. cultural: Land in the agricultural category is used for cultivation of crops, fruits I and vegetables, and the grazing of stock. Recreation& The primary use of land in this category, within the Borough, is I outdoor recreation such as beaches, ballfields, and playgrounds. Almost all of the individual recreational sites within Edinboro are publically owned.
I PublidInstitutional: Land in this category is owned by the Borough (excepting recreational land), religious organizations, nursing homes, academic institutions, and the state or federal government. The Edinboro University dominates the land I in this category.
1 Commercial: Commercial land is occupied by establishments that supply goods and/or services to the public. Examples include: filling stations, banks, restaurants, professional offices, and retail/wholesale operations. The downtown dominates this I category. I Indubid: Industrial land contains facilities for manufacturing, processing, packaging, and warehousing. Existing industrial uses are the smallest use category I in Edinboro. Typically, the Land Use section of the Background Report is centered around a detailed I analysis of land by acreage. However, Edinboro had just completed intensive land use
I Borough of Edinboro - Land Use Page LU-2 I
analysis when it updated its zoning ordinance in 1992. Consequently, this traditional approach was not followed.
The study design for the Edinboro Comprehensive Plan envisioned only an update from 1992. However, as a complete land use survey was performed, there was an opportunity to compare current patterns to those found 20 years ago. There was no attempt to perform fine-scale acreage. Rather, it was the proportion of land in various uses that was of greatest interest.
Based upon the categories used at this time, the relative use of land use in 1977 compared to 1996 is shown by Table LU-1.
I I I
Some comments are in order:
Residential: New homes and apartments were the biggest gainers, led by development in all quadrants of the Borough, especially the Shelhamer, Pineview, Beau Road, and Lakeside areas.
Commercial/Industria1: There was very little change in these categories.
Borough of Edinboro - Land Use Page LU-3 ion: Some modest gains, such as Nature’s Outlet. Please note, the golf course, though privately owned, is in this category.
@culture: In 1977, much of the university’s holdings were being farmed. In 1996, most were open space and classified as such.
Public/Institutional: This category remained relatively constant. Please note that the “green areas” along Grenada and Lakeland were assigned in this category.
open Space: As other uses increase, vacant land has dropped. A significant percentage of land in this category is owned by the university, east of Perry Lane.
Roads: This category has seen only modest change.
In the two decades since the 1977 Plan, much of the Borough’s land has developed, primarily as housing. Though the current use patterns still show a great deal of vacant land, this is a misnomer. By far, the greatest single owner of such land is Edinboro State University. Given current demographic trends, that land will likely lay fallow for the next generation. Most new development in Edinboro will likely use physically marginal sites (Le., the area off Aspen Way with wetlands) or convert existing uses.
Current land use policy was set in 1992 by the new Zoning Ordinance. By design, this report is focused upon:
1. Changes in land use since 1992. 2. Problems with the 1992 Zoning Ordinance. 3. Preparation of a new Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
1 Changes in Land Use: The land use survey used for the 1992 Zoning Ordinance was completed in 1991. For this Plan, a new survey was conducted in 1996. Between these two dates, there has been very little change in the Borough’s land use. The changes could I be summarized as follows:
I 0 In the Sherrod Hill area, 8 additional homes have been constructed along Beau Drive.
I 0 The Stonehaven area has also seen residential growth. Nearly all of these I lots are now filled.
I Borough of Edinboro - Land Use Page LU-4 I
I
I Walker Drive (north) was set aside as an industrial area in 1991. Actual I development has been a mixture of industrial and non-retail commercial. Lakeside has seen extensive infill.
I The Shellhamer area remains essentially the same. The sections north of Aspen Way (south of Walker) are still undeveloped but likely will see some I type of residential use, while preserving the wetlands there. There has been little actual change in the rest of Edinboro. The downtown I remains configured essentially in the same manner. Meadville, Plum, and Erie Streets, leading to the downtown, remain mixed-use neighborhoods, dominated by residential uses. These include single-family, duplexes, and I some multi-family . I In summary, the changes to land use in the Edinboro area since 1991 have been modest. Most of the new development has been low-density residential. Some of the problems envisioned along major streets (commercial encroachment in residential areas) simply have I not occurred. I Problems: Yet, that is not to say there have not been problems. Certainly, there have been, and will continue to be, problems. Some of these issues are isolated lot-by-lot conflicts between proposed uses and the existing built environment. These will need to be I resolved on a case-by-case basis. This Plan can offer policy guidance but should not attempt to micro-manage the future.
I Conversely, there is one area which is the scene of chronic, unresolved land use conflict - Lakeside. Why? Lakeside was originally developed in the 1920s and 1930s as a seasonal I cottage development. It has narrow streets and small lots. For a seasonal dweller of the * New Deal era with one car and summer use, it worked just fine. That day is long gone. In the 1970s and 1980s, there were extensive student dwellings in Lakeside. This use was I not as compatible to the area’s physical layout. The more intense habitation, coupled with multiple autos, created difficult situations. Then, enrollment at the university dropped and I pressure on Lakeside diminished for a time. But, the third phase of the Lakeside development has created perhaps the most difficulties. This has been the slow, but 1 inexorable, movement of the conversion of seasonal units to year-round homes. I I Borough of Edinboro - Land Use Page LU-5 I 1
I What do year-round homes mean?
I e More cars, more need for parking - parking which is difficult to accommodate on small lots and narrow streets.
I e Home improvements - a cottage or student housing can be simple, with few amenities. When a cottage becomes a home, new rooms, decks, garages, I and similar features are desired. The 1980 Zoning Ordinance recognized Lakeside as a unique district. Its R-3 District was I designed for single-family, duplex, and vacation residences. Small lot sizes, modest yard requirements, and relaxed parking requirements were written into the R-3 District. A similar pattern was followed in the 1992 Zoning Ordinance (adopted 1994), except that the I R-3 District was not excluded from uniform parking requirements. Moreover, the basic policy was one of development containment in Lakeside, not accommodation. Based upon I the experience of Edinboro’s Zoning Hearing Board, that policy has not worked. I In summary, the primary problem for zoning in Edinboro is Lakeside. Subdivision and Land Use Ordinance: A final aspect of the land use element was the preparation of a new subdivision and land development ordinance. That task has been I completed and the new ordinance adopted. I I I I I I I I Borough of Edinboro - Land Use Page LU-6 I I I TRANSPORTATION
I n our present society, efficient and safe transportation networks, be they road-, air-, Iwater-, or rail-based, are an absolute necessity. From a community’s perspective, the 1 local transportation system should, ideally, bind that community together internally and link it to the outside world. In examining a local transportation system, the following I questions merit answering: 1. Can people and goods be moved with a minimum of interference to community 1 activities and residents? 2. Can residents move safely and efficiently from one part of the community to I another (internal circulation)? I 3. Are there vehicular-pedestrian conflicts? I 4. Do local streets lead effectively into the regional highway system? 5. Which streets and roads have physical deficiencies?
I 6. Is the community experiencing a high rate of traffic accidents? If so, are physical features to blame (narrow streets, sharp curves, inappropriate or missing signage, I etc.)? This Background section on transportation will answer these questions for Edinboro, while I the Plan portion will offer recommendations for action.
Transportation modes within Edinboro consist of the vehicular and pedestrian types. No I rail, air, or water systems directly service the Borough. At one time, a private air field, the Culbertson Hills Airport, was located adjacent to the Borough in Washington Township. This facility no longer exists. Overall, transportation ranks as the community issue of greatest concern among residents, as is evidenced by public opinions expressed at both EdinVision Conferences, and various other public meetings. Specifically, the concerns centered around traffic safety, congestion, and parking. The general theme
Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-1 I
I which has emerged from these concerns is a community-wide desire to blend the Borough’s major modes of transportation, vehicular and pedestrian, into a safe, sane, and I integrated system. Looked at from another angle, most suggestions offered by residents would have the same end result: improvement of transportation within the Borough. For example, there are consistent calls for a Route 6N bypass around Edinboro and the I installation of formal bicycle routes throughout the Borough. Perhaps, at first, these projects are seemingly unrelated, at least directly so. In reality, they are both manifestations of the desire to blend and improve internal transportation. The bypass I would divert thru-traffic from downtown Edinboro, relieving some congestion and improving safety, while the bicycle routes would upgrade pedestrian transportation I capabilities and, hopefully, relieve parking space needs.
Edinboro residents have good reasons not to be overly concerned about the Borough’s links I to the surrounding regions, indeed, the nation. Geographically, the Borough is situated in close proximity to 1-79, a four-lane north/south Interstate highway, and 1-90, also a I four-lane Interstate highway. Direct access to 1-79, which connects the cities of Erie and Pittsburgh, exists at an interchange on Route 6N, less than three miles west of the Borough. 1-90 traverses the nation in an east/west fashion, ultimately connecting the cities I of Boston and Seattle. Lying north of Edinboro, 1-90 may be directly accessed by traveling north on 1-79, or indirectly by following State Route 99 (Erie Street) north.
I As pointed out in the preceding paragraph, Routes 6N and 99 provide excellent access to major arterial highways, ensuring important linkages to the surrounding regions and I nation. For trips of lesser distance, these two road systems serve as smaller counterparts to 1-79 and 1-90, providing north/south and east/west routes. Routes 6N and 99 may be considered the primary road systems within Edinboro. They intersect at very near the I center of the Borough, and carry the bulk of the traffic coming into or leaving Edinboro. I Road Classification: Various classification systems exist which illustrate how a particular road or street is operating. Essentially, these systems place the road or street into one of I three general categories: Local Streets: Local streets provide access to property. Generally, they serve for 1 shorter trips than the higher categories. Examples of local streets in Edinboro include Hilltop Road and High Street.
I Collectors: These road systems collect and conduct traffic from local streets to higher road systems and trip generators, such as schools, shopping malls, hospitals, I etc. They also serve as links to nearby communities and as intra-county travel I Borough of Edinboro - Transportufion Page T-2 I Figure 1 GENERAL ROAD CLASSIFICATIONS
I Arterial Highway
Arterial Highway Co Ilect or Street
Graney, Grossman, Ray, and Associa 1
I corridors. In Edinboro, State Route Number 3023 (Angling Road) is an example I of a collector street. Arterials: Essentially, arterials serve to carry traffic out of the area. Traffic on these routes can have a trip length indicative of substantial statewide or interstate I travel. 1-79 and 1-90 are classified as arterials. I Figure 1 depicts, in graphic form, the relationship between local, collector, and arterial systems. Table T-1 utilizes data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Roadway Management Information System (RMIS) to provide the characteristics of the I three State-maintained roads within Edinboro (6N, 99, and 3023). I I I I I I I 1 I I I
I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-3 I 1
I Accidents: Accident data is an important tool by which the safety of any transportation system may be examined. This report uses vehicle accident data which is provided by I PennDOT for a five-year period (1990-1994). PennDOT compiles the data from police reports. Essentially, the data consists of two sets: intersection accidents and midblock accidents. From 1990 through 1994, 183 accidents were reported within Edinboro, 69 I intersection accidents and 114 midblock accidents. No fatalities were reported for any of the accidents. Unlike traffic count data, accident data is readily available for local streets I as well as those maintained by the State. Virtually all (81 %) of the reported intersectional accidents occurred along Routes 6N and I 99. Table T-2 depicts the specific location and number of accidents involving these routes. Very few reportable intersectional accidents occurred in strictly residential areas. I I I I I I I I I I I I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-4 I
I I I I I I I I I I I I As shown in the table, the intersection of Route 6N (Plum Street) and Mill Street had the most accidents during the five-year period. The primary cause of most accidents was I driver error, typically involving drivers on Mill Street pulling out onto Plum Street too I soon. Road conditions may have been a factor in a few of the accidents. Six accidents occurred at the intersection of Route 6N (Waterford Street) and Perry Lane. Again, driver error was the primary cause, although slippery pavement (icy roads) was the I cause in at least one accident. Other comparatively high accident intersections include Route 6N/Route 99, Route 99/Normal Street and Route 99/Cooper Street. I I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-5 I Similar to the intersectional accidents, the Borough’s midblock accidents during 1990-1994 were concentrated along Routes 6N and 99. Interestingly, the outlying residential areas and university streets experienced more midblock accidents than intersectional. Route 6N had 33 midblock accidents. These occurred chiefly in the western half of the Borough. Route 99 experienced 32 midblock accidents. These were clearly clustered in the area from Waterford Street to Mike Onda Beach on Lake Edinboro. Generally, the cause of most midblock accidents in Edinboro was driver error. Slippery pavement was a primary factor in only six of the accidents.
PedestrianNehicular Accidents: As mentioned at the beginning of this section, the pedestrian mode of transportation is very important to the Borough. In the interest of blending the vehicular and pedestrian modes, an examination of accidents involving the two is prudent. Of the 183 total traffic accidents that occurred in the Borough between 1990 and 1994, 16 (8.7%) directly involved pedestrians. By category, seven were intersectional and nine were midblock.
Two pedestrianhehicle accidents occurred at the intersection of Route 6N and 99. One involved a bicycle and car, while the second involved a car which struck a pedestrian. The other intersectional accidents occurred at the following intersections :
Short Street/Route 99 - Bicycle and Car Scotland Road/Heather - Bicycle and Car Mill Street/Route 6N - Bicycle and Car 0 Water Street/Normal Street - Car Struck Pedestrian 0 Scotland Drive/Torton Road - Car Struck Pedestrian
The weather was not a factor in any of these accidents. Three occurred after dark.
Of the nine midblock pedestrian/vehicular accidents, eight involved vehicles and one involved a bicycle and car. Four of the accidents occurred along Route 99 (two on Erie Street and two on Meadville Street). The others occurred on Waterford Street, Water Street, Perry Lane, Mill Street, and Broa Drive. Seven of the accidents occurred when it was dark, and it was raining during two of the accidents.
Internal Circulation: As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, external circulation patterns for Edinboro, i.e., linkages to the surrounding regions and nation, are excellent. The following paragraphs will examine internal circulation, with an emphasis on vehicular, versus pedestrian, traffic.
Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-6 I
I The 1977 Comprehensive Plan identified the following circulation trouble spots: the Angling Road curve, the intersection of Angling Road and Route 6N (Plum Street), the I intersection of Mill Street and Route 6N, the intersection of Ontario Street and Route 6N, the Mill Street-Cooper Lane intersection, the Normal Street-Water Street intersection, and finally, the diamond area in the downtown. This report will reexamine all of these areas I and, in addition, will look at the Routes 6N and 99 intersection. Finally, background I information for a Route 6N bypass will be presented. The Ancling Road Curve: The hazards presented by this rather sharp curve have been somewhat mitigated by the lowering of the speed limit along this section of Angling Road. I However, this portion of Angling is still a high accident segment.
The Intersecb‘on of Angling Road and Route 6N : This intersection allows westbound traffic I on Route 6N to exit onto Angling Road at a high rate of speed and has, in the past, contributed to the problems of the Angling Road curve. Adding to the danger of this I intersection is its combination with the Elm Street-6N intersection.
The Intersection of Mill Street and Route 6N : Historically, the problem here has been one I of traffic on Mill Street not being able to access 6N because of congestion on 6N. The problem is contributing to a high accident rate at this intersection. Currently, traffic on both South and North Mill Streets must only turn right onto Route 6N from 9:OO a.m. to 6:OO p.m. No left turns are allowed during this time from Mill Street. This requirement will undoubtedly lessen the hazards so long inherent at this intersection.
The Mill Street and Cooper Lane Intersecti on : Cooper Lane and Mill Street provide a “mini” bypass of the Routes 6N and 99 intersection and thus carry a large daily volume of traffic. The problem involves a barn located at the intersection of these streets that blocks the vision of north and westbound traffic, creating a potential hazard. There is a stop sign on Mill Street at the intersection and a warning sigh concerning pedestrians on Cooper Lane.
The 0ntano Street and Route 6N Intersection: Waterford Street forms the third leg of this intersection. Historically, the intersection has been more of an aggravation for motorists than an actual hazard. Modern traffic lights have, for the most part, mitigated the problems in this area.
The Nor mal Street and Water Street Intersection: Stop signs exist on Water Street on both sides of this intersection. In addition, a caution sign warns motorists traveling north on Water Street of the impending intersection and stop sign. However, two factors make this
Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-7 intersection potentially dangerous, especially for the northbound vehicle. First, the intersection is difficult to see when traveling north on Water Street, due to a slight bend in Water Street right before the intersection. Secondly, the view of the intersection is further hindered by dense vegetation on the left side of Water Street, when traveling north.
I The Diamond Area: Located in the center of the downtown, the diamond is created by the intersection of no less than four streets, including Erie Street (Route 99). All traffic must I stop upon entering the diamond, except that which is traveling north or south of Erie Street. Painted traffic lanes direct traffic, but there is no traffic light in the area. The complexity of this multi-leg intersection causes traffic to stall on occasion. The situation I is further aggravated by stop-and-go traffic generated by the post office, located at the corner of Short Street and Chestnut Street. Currently, however, the post office is planning I to move to a new site on Route 6N east, near the intersection of 6N and Perry Lane. The Intersection of Routes 6N a n d 99 : In terms of traffic volume and location, this intersection is easily the most important in the Borough. Concerns center around safety and traffic congestion. These problems were largely due to heavy traffic volumes, especially turning traffic, and the fact that the intersection was not adequately equipped I (turning lanes, signals) to handle this traffic load. A second concern is pedestrian traffic. The Crossroads Dinor is located at the southwest corner of this intersection. It is a popular I spot for students and permanent residents alike. Those who walk to the Crossroads or nearby facilities find this intersection particularly troublesome. Physically, and sight- I impaired pedestrians are particularly at risk. In the spring of 1997, a left turning lane was installed on Route 6N east, allowing eastbound traffic on 6N to turn north onto Route 99. A left turn signal was also installed I in 1997. This turning lane addition now allows right turning and thru-traffic on 6N east to flow better and will also reduce the incidence of traffic backing up toward the lake I outlet.
Both lanes of Route 99, north and south, have left turning lanes and accompanying signals; I thus, this route needs no improvement at this intersection. Route 6N west, however, is 1 another matter. The problem of 6N West is similar to the recently solved 6N east problem: westbound traffic on 6N west that wishes to turn left onto Route 99 south has to wait for thru- and I right-turning 6N east traffic to pass. Currently, there is almost enough cartway for a left turning lane here; indeed, traffic is using the space as an impromptu turning lane. Yet, I the available lanes do not meet PennDOT standards. Until a left turning lane can be I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-8 1 I
I officially designated and installed, no left turning signal can be installed. Similar to the 6N east problem, traffic can be severely backed up, sometimes all the way to the Ontario- I 6N intersection.
Route 6N Bm:In order to relieve traffic congestion within the Borough, a bypass for 4 Route 6N has been proposed at various times in the past. The goal of the bypass would be to divert thru-traffic on Route 6N from passing through the Borough. How much a I project of this nature would help to relieve congestion, however, is questionable. Congestion within the Borough is largely due to traffic related to the university. Thus, an alternate route around Edinboro for users of Route 6N might have little effect upon inner- I Edinboro congestion. It is likely that a “successful”bypass might reduce traffic along 6N in the Borough by 15 percent to 20 percent. The concept of a bypass holds more promise for improvement of circulation, not the relief of congestion, per se, but in regards to I Borough connectivity.
I There are two bypass options currently being discussed. These are: the extension of Walker Drive to the east to join with an extension of Dundon Road to the north, and, as the second option, the utilization of Angling, Crane, and Hamilton Roads as a ready-made I’ bypass. Both of these projects would require extensive cooperation with Washington I Township. Of the two alternatives, the Walker-Dundon option would improve the connectivity of Edinboro the most. By connecting Walker Drive and Dundon Road, the northeastern area II of the Borough, mostly residential in nature, would be effectively linked to the north- central portion of the Borough and Route 99 north. Perhaps the greatest impediment to accomplish this project is the presence of wetlands in the area. The intent of the concept I could also be accomplished by connecting Aspen Way to Walker Drive or by extending Pineview Drive west to meet Nordmere Drive. Again, wetlands may make the Aspen/ I Walker option impractical.
A true and complete bypass of the Borough for traffic on Route 6N could possibly be I accomplished through the use of Angling, Crane, and Hamilton Roads. Cooperation between the Borough, Washington Township, and PennDOT would, of course, be a I necessity. A network of signs indicating the route and providing direction could be used to set up the bypass. Currently, however, there are limitations on Crane Road which would negate the use of this leg of the bypass by larger trucks. These limitations mainly I involve two bridges on Crane Road. One bridge has a 12-ton weight limit, 18 tons for combination trailers, and allows only one large truck to be on the bridge deck at any time. I The second bridge has a 10-ton weight limit during the months of March, April, and May. I Borough oJEdinboro - Transportation Page T-9 I I
I Also of concern to this bypass route is the design of the current intersection of Angling Road and Route 6N, along with the sharp curve of Angling Road to the west and north of 1 this intersection. Both of these may have to be redesigned if the bypass were to be implemented.
I Road and Street Conditions: Routes 6N and 99 are maintained by PennDOT and are currently in good to excellent condition, with the exception of the 6N bridge over the Lake I Outlet. The bridge is exhibiting signs of deterioration on its underside. PennDOT is aware of the problem and has made the bridge part of its 12 Year Plan. According to department officials, the bridge will be replaced with an in-house designed structure. I Construction should start in 1999.
The local, Borough-owned streets are also currently in good to excellent condition. The I Public Works Department relates that no specific problems are known, and only regular maintenance projects are being scheduled. The Borough contains approximately five tar I and chip streets and only one dirt road, the access road to the East Water Tank, off Dundon Road. Most of the tar-and-chip streets will be asphalted within a few years, excepting those in outlying areas. Along with repair and maintenance duties, Public I Works also handles signs and street markings. The department is currently experimenting with a new system for lane arrows, handicap parking areas, crosswalks, and speed lines. I The system uses a melt-down heat tape instead of paint. The tape has an expected life of six to eight years, versus a six- to eight-month life for painted markings.
I The Borough has, at this time, no plans to construct any new streets, or extend existing ones. It is expected that most new streets and extensions will be constructed by developers to serve their developments. The Borough’s Subdivision and Land Development I Regulations requires these streets to be constructed to certain standards, whether or not the Borough eventually takes on maintenance responsibilities. These requirements protect the I Borough and its residents from poorly constructed streets and the resultant cost of repair work.
I Parking: According to the participants of both the 1995 and 1997 EdinVision Planning Conferences, the parking situation in Edinboro is of special concern. The 1995 ‘I participants, in particular, believed parking was a major problem for the Borough. The morning session of this conference voted parking as the second largest problem facing the Borough, while the evening session voted parking, along with traffic concerns in general, I as the number one problem in Edinboro. Essentially, the specific problem is viewed as a lack of parking spaces, especially in the downtown area. I
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I This perception is reflected and fully supported by parking violation statistics. A total of 2,987 parking violations was reported in 1995 by the Borough Police Department. In I 1996, this number dropped to 2,366 violations; however, the decrease may be attributed to less time spent on parking enforcement, in lieu of other duties. Herein lies a problem beyond inconvenience, that of valuable police time being taken by parking ticket I administration. Obviously, any urbanized community will experience at least a few parking violations throughout the year; however, the situation has become a real burden I upon the police department. The nature of most parking violations occurring in Edinboro may be categorized as one I of the following: I Parking in a no parking area (either on-street or off). I Parking in odd/even night parking areas, on the wrong night. Overnight parking in violation of the Borough's Snow Plowing Ordinance. On-street parking is restricted from 2:OO a.m. to 6:OO a.m., beginning on I November 1 and until the following April 1. The purpose of this ordinance is to facilitate snow removal, by both the Borough street crew and PennDOT I crews. I On-street parking, too close to intersections, driveways, and fire hydrants. Perhaps not surprisingly, most parking violations occur during the winter months. In 1996, 1,474 violations (62.3 %) occurred during January, February, March, November, I and December. This time frame coincides exactly with the snow plowing restrictions and the period of the most inclement weather, which can tempt even the most law-abiding I citizen into illegal parking. According to the police department, university students figure heavily as the typical parking violator. Again, the timing of the offenses supports this view. In 1996, 206 violations (8.7%) occurred during the months of June, July, and I August, when the student population was typically at its lowest. It must also be noted that these months comprise the height of the tourist season, when there is still much vehicle I traffic in the Borough. Borough officials and the police department relate that the Lakeside neighborhood and the 'I downtown are the worst areas in regards to problem parking. I I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-11 I I
I The 1977 Comprehensive Plan noted that problem parking within Lakeside could be I largely attributed to two factors: Stude nt Hous in3 - Most students who rented housing here probably had cars. Since several, or more, students could rent a single unit, parking space 1 became a problem.
1 Narrow Streets - Most of the streets where parking was a problem were noted to have only 40-foot right-of-ways.
I Since then, student rental activity has declined in the Lakeside neighborhood. In addition, a Borough ordinance passed in January of 1993 requires 2.5 parking spaces for each new I rental unit established in the Borough. The ordinance does not, however, affect those rental units established before the effective date, unless changes, such as adding units, are made. The parking problem in this area has diminished somewhat; however, it is still 1 aggravated by the narrow streets and the typically very small lots in this neighborhood.
When parking in Edinboro is discussed, the downtown is always invoked, usually in a I negative light. Actually, just about any community problem that occurs in the downtown is apt to take on special significance, for several reasons: First, this area is literally the I focal point of the Borough, both geographically and in regards to activity. Secondly, most traffic, internal and thru, passes through some portion of the downtown. Finally, the downtown contains the greatest diversity of land uses found in the Borough, many of I which have the potential of conflicting with each other. Of special relevance to the parking I issue is the fact that the bulk of the trip-generating businesses in Edinboro are located here. The majority of violations in the downtown are occurring on the following streets:
I 0 Erie Street, from Plum to Short/Waterford Streets 0 Short Street, its entire length, including the public lot 1 0 Waterford Street, from Meadville Street to Ontario Street 0 Meadville Street, from Waterford Street to Normal Street 0 Normal Street, from Conneauttee Creek to Ontario Street I 0 High Street, from Lorna Lane to Normal Street
The preceding information was provided by the Borough Police Department, and is based I upon actual field experience. Interestingly, most, if not all, of the above-mentioned streets contain at least some parking opportunity, either on-street or directly accessible off-street I spaces. Plum Street has no on-street parking, for its entire downtown segment, on either
I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-12 I side, and is not considered a problem in regards to parking. In other words, parking violations mainly occur where parking is allowed, not where parking is completely 1 prohibited. The exception to this trend lies with Erie Street (Route 99) north of Plum Street (Route 6N), where on-street parking is allowed, but is not a problem. University students, both renters and commuters, are placing great demand upon available parking in I these areas, thus generating conflict, especially in regards to overnight or long-term 1 parking, which is restricted in most of the Borough's public parking areas. Designated public parking in the downtown consists of the following:
I Short Street Parking hi - A total of 22 spaces, overnight parking (2:OO a.m. to 6:OO a.m.) allowed for 10 spaces on odd days, 12 spaces for even- numbered days. In addition, outside the lot, there is a total of 10 spaces I available between both sides of the street.
I Community Building Lot - 11 spaces are available here.
The Municipal Lot, be hind the Fire Hall - There are approximately 109 I spaces in this lot, with no overnight parking. This lot is connected to the I Waterford Street lot. Waterford Street Lot - 19 spaces are available in this lot. Overnight parking is prohibited.
Erie Street, from the Diamond to Route 6N - Counting both sides of the street, there are approximately 51 designated parking spaces, serving the main retail section of the Borough.
Meadville Street, from the Diamond south to Lorna Lane, there is a total of 18 spaces, including 30-minute spaces in front of the Community Building, for both sides of the street.
Therefore, approximately 240 public parking spaces are available in the downtown area, in addition to customer parking (Crossroads Dinor, Perkins, etc.), non-marked on-street parking (Waterford Street, Route 99 North, Meadville Street, etc.), and private parking.
The Pedestrian System: It is the desire of Edinboro residents, and the intent of their Borough government, to continually improve the pedestrian mode of transportation and ensure its compatibility with vehicular traffic. Through the implementation of this
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community goal, another equally important goal, the maintenance of Edinboro’s genuine small town/neighborhood character, has been greatly facilitated.
In his book, “Save Our Land, Save Our Towns: A Plan for Pennsylvania,” Thomas Hylton, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, laments the passing of the pedestrian-scaled, diverse neighborhood, where most parents could walk to work and children to school, where most of life’s necessities were within walking or bicycling distance, where the physical environment (streets, sidewalks, lighting, buildings, and homes) promoted togetherness. A major premise of the book suggests that the solution to many of our social and environmental problems lies in a return to this type of community. Fortunately, Edinboro has no need to return, as the Borough still retains many of these characteristics, especially in the downtown and the immediate adjacent, surrounding area. It is the diversity of this environ of Edinboro, with its churches, recreational areas, public buildings, shops, single and multi-family residences, linked torether with pedest rian as well as vehicu lar travel routes, that helps to make Edinboro a great small town.
The heart of Edinboro’s pedestrian system is comprised of its sidewalk network. The Borough administers a comprehensive Sidewalk Construction and Maintenance Ordinance to ensure the viability of its sidewalks. The ordinance requires property owners whose property abuts designated streets to construct, maintain, and, when necessary, replace I sidewalks for the safe use of the public. Each spring, the Council Streets Committee, with advice from the Borough Manager, presents that year’s Sidewalk Plan to the Council. The plan designates where new sidewalks are to be installed and where existing sidewalks are I to be repaired or replaced. Once Council approves the plan, owners of the affected properties are given notice to begin work. The ordinance contains the basic work and material requirements for the installation and repair of sidewalks. In addition to repair and I installation, property owners are also required to keep sidewalks clear of ice and snow.
I Eventually, sidewalks will be installed on both sides of all improved streets within the Borough, through the yearly sidewalk program. Council, at its discretion, may exempt areas where construction is financially impractical and where streets are unpaved or have I only one outlet. Currently, perhaps the most serious gap in the sidewalk network lies along Route 99 North (Erie Street). The sidewalks along this street begin at Route 6N and I end at the entrance to Mike Onda Beach, leaving approximately two thirds of this section of Erie Street without sidewalks. The west side of this street, beginning just north of the beach, lies in Washington Township. A cooperative effort between the two municipalities !I may represent the best way to sidewalk this side of the street. The east side of Erie Street lies entirely in the Borough, and, with the exception of presently narrow berms along some I portions, should present no special problems to sidewalk installation. Extending sidewalks
I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-14 I I
1 from Mike Onda Beach to Walker Drive would provide an important pedestrian link, connecting the downtown with several major residential developments, elderly housing I units, the industrial park, and trip generators such as Giant Eagle and Uncle Charlie’s Pub (Sunset Plaza).
I As described in the Economic Background section, the Borough is currently conducting a revitalization project for the Central Business District, essentially located along Route I 99 (Erie and Meadville Streets) from Route 6N south to Normal Street. The new and repaired sidewalks, plants, benches, and historically styled street lighting which will result I from this project will greatly enhance the pedestrian use of this area of the downtown. For many years, the Borough has entertained the goal of constructing a designated bicycle route throughout the community which would connect all the neighborhoods and areas of I Edinboro. Early attempts to secure funding for this project were largely unsuccessful. Public support for the project, however, remains. Currently, the Borough is attempting to I secure funding for a recreation trail which will be located along the west shore of Lake Edinboro. The proposed trail will be approximately 3,460 feet long and will vary in width from 48 to 60 inches. Passing lanes will be utilized to facilitate bicycles, wheelchairs, I roller blades, and other forms of wheeled-pedestrian travel. Beyond the obvious recreational benefits the trail has to offer, it will also improve pedestrian safety in this area I by drawing them from traveling on Lakeside Drive. In the long term, this trail could be the beginning of the Borough-wide bicycle network. It may be noted here that the Borough’s Sidewalk Ordinance requires newly constructed sidewalks to be no less than five I feet wide. Insofar as riding bicycles and using skating devises on public sidewalks is not prohibited, the Borough already has, technically, a bicycle network, at least to the extent of the public sidewalk system. Borough officials relate that it appears most bicycle users I travel on the streets, versus using the sidewalks.
I The pedestrian and vehicular systems largely operate parallel to, but separate from, each other. The chief points of overlap occur at crosswalks and intersections. The pedestrian/ vehicular accident data shows that over half of these types of accidents occurred as mid- ~I block accidents, thus, more than likely, outside most of the designated crosswalk areas. Vehicular traffic within the Borough must yield to pedestrians using crosswalks. In an I effort to bolster crosswalk safety, the Borough has placed orange traffic barrels with signage advising motorists to yield at four of its busiest crosswalks. These are located at ‘I the following locations: 0 Route 99, downtown, at the bank crosswalk I Route 99, downtown, near the Community Building
I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-15 1 I
1 e Route 99, downtown, at the diamond
I Currently, the barrels are placed at the sides of the streets. The Borough is consulting with PennDOT on the feasibility of placing the barrels in the middle of the street, where I motorists are more likely to see them. Participants of the EdinVision Conferences overwhelming were of the opinion that I crossings at the Route 6N and Route 99 intersection were, at best, frustrating and sometimes even dangerous. Specific complaints centered around time delays and motorists not yielding to pedestrians. Due to its central location, problems at this intersection I threaten the connectivity of the entire pedestrian system.
Public Transportation: As mentioned at the beginning of this report, there are no rail or I air systems, either passenger or cargo, that directly serve Edinboro. The closest major airport, located in Millcreek Township, is the Erie International Airport, approximately ,I thirty minutes from the Borough. Operated by the Erie Municipal Airport Authority, this facility contains two runways, ten taxiways, and six gates on 750 acres of land. The 'I airport has thirty flights a day, serving nine cities via four airlines. Mass public transportation in Edinboro exists primarily in the form of public bus systems. 'I The first of these is operated by the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA). Route 14 of this system services, essentially, the Route 99 corridor from Erie to Edinboro, providing service six days a week (Monday through Saturday) with the exception of major 1 holidays. The bus route is conducted beginning at Perry Square in Erie, south to 26'h Street, then west to Peach Street and onto the Millcreek Mall (theater entrance). From the mall, the route proceeds south on Route 99 to the post office in McKean Borough, which I is the midpoint of Erie to Edinboro. Continuing south on Route 99, the route stops at the intersection of Routes 6N and 99 in Edinboro, then the university administration building. I Darrow Road marks the southern boundary of the route. From here, it proceeds through the university to Route 6N and then north on Route 99, to McKean, to the Millcreek Mall, and finally back to Perry Square. The bus will stop at the EdinLake Apartments only on I a prior telephoned request to the EMTA office. The following table lists EMTA bus 1 departure times from its stops in the Borough. I I I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-16 I I I 1 I 1 ,I I I 1 I The basic fare is $1.10, though discounts are available through the purchase of bus tokens I and tickets. In addition, various discounts are available to senior citizens, young children, and handicapped persons. The bus on this route is wheelchair-accessible. According to 1 the fare zones for this route, a trip from Edinboro to Erie costs two fares. The second public bus system operating in the Borough is run by Fullington Busways. The route servicing Edinboro originates each day at State College, arriving at Edinboro I Outdoors, 211 Mill Street, at approximately 11:30 a.m. From here, the bus travels to Erie, arriving there at noon. The bus returns to Edinboro Outdoors at 3:OO p.m. The fare I for Edinboro to Erie is currently $2.85, while a round trip costs $5.40.
Erie County operates a paratransit system, primarily for the elderly, called the LIFT I Program. Funded by the Pennsylvania State Lottery, patrons must be registered as a LIFT client, and they must call at least one day in advance to make their reservation. There are I various ways a person can qualify to become a LIFT client. If a person is on medical assistance, there is no fee for a medical visit anywhere in Erie County. If a person is over 65 years of age, there is no fee for a medical visit or for travel to a senior center. For any I other kind of trip, the client has to pay 15 percent of the cost, at a per mile rate. 1
I Borough of Edinboro - Transportation Page T-17 I COMPREHENSIVE PLAN I COMPREHENSIVEPLAN I n a broad sense, a comprehensive plan is an organized method for thinking about, and reacting to, the present and future needs of a community. The comprehensive plan I Iallows ideas and solutions, based upon background studies and public input, to be transferred into administrative action in an orderly fashion. This Comprehensive Plan for the Borough of Edinboro, therefore, exists to formally chart the direction in which the I Borough wishes to proceed. Specifically, the Plan will bring to light those actions and activities whose completion and/or implementation will allow Edinboro to continue its 157- 1 plus-years tradition of success, and, hopefully, build further yet upon this grand old community!
I As a point of beginning, the Background material painted a picture of the current Edinboro, illustrating both its problems and its assets. The overall conclusion to be drawn from the picture boils down to the following: Edinboro is a highly successful community, I in the truest sense of both words. To be sure, there are areas which can stand improvement, but currently, there are no potentially insurmountable problems threatening II the Borough.
At this juncture, the Plan logically departs from crisis management and begins to emphasize ‘‘successmanagement.” The basic elements of this management system, as they apply to Edinboro, are as follows:
t First, Edinboro must realize it a successful community. Faith in this statement is absolutely critical to this Plan, providing the motivation for further action.
t Second, Edinboro must strive to understand how its success came about. True understanding will lead to true appreciation, which is the strongest protection against complacency. Historically, complacency has been a great un-doer of successful communities.
t Third, Edinboro must protect and promote that which continues to bring them success, and replace that which does not bring success.
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 1 1
I Finally, Edinboro must continue its willingness to invest in its future, to strive for new measures of success. No community, successful or otherwise, I is a static entity. Change, positive or negative, will always occur.
These four steps outline the reason and purpose of this Comprehensive Plan. The next step I in the process was to formulate a list of specific community development and maintenance I goals and objectives. These originated from a number of sources, including: Public opinion, comments, desires, and needs.
I Discussion with Borough officials and community leaders.
Opportunities and problems as identified by the various Background sections
Based upon the above, the residents and government of Edinboro wish to accomplish the I following: I 1. To protect the existing small-town character and rural flavor of the Borough. 2. To promote community vitality by continuing to implement policies and projects designed to benefit low/moderate income individuals and families, the elderly, and ~' the handicapped. I 3. To continue wise stewardship of the Borough's natural environment, its soil, air, water, plants, and animals.
I 4. To ensure the logical and efficient use of land within the Borough, to guard against conflicting uses and to guide future development for the benefit of the entire 1 community.
5. To safeguard the existing housing stock of Edinboro and provide for future housing I needs, while encouraging more owner-occupied housing units. 1 6. To improve transportation within Edinboro, in regards to safety and circulation, and to blend the pedestrianhehicular modes into an integrated system.
I 7. To bolster the local economy through economic development projects aimed at I retaining and strengthening existing local industries and businesses.
I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plarz Page 2 I 1
I 8. To improve and maintain the current level and quality of the Borough’s community facilities and services, including the sewer and water systems, the police and fire 1 departments, public recreation, the library, street and road maintenance, and public administration in general.
I 9. To preserve Lake Edinboro for its natural values and the further use of area I residents and visitors. 10. To improve relations and communication between the University and the Borough, I to enhance cooperation for the benefit of both. It is to the satisfaction of these goals and objectives that all forthcoming recommendations are aimed. Many of the proposed projects and activities resulted directly from two public I planning conferences, EdinVision ‘95 and EdinVision ‘97, held during the comprehensive I planning process. Both EdinVision conferences were held to provide Borough residents and other interested persons an opportunity to express concerns and opinions regarding their community. The I information that resulted has been incorporated into virtually every facet of this document. I The following is a description of both conferences and their results. EdinVision ‘95
I EdinVision ‘95 was held on October 3, 1995 at the Community Building. To allow all interested persons an opportunity to attend, identical morning and evening sessions were held. At the beginning of each session, the attendees were split into focus groups. In I round-robin fashion, a moderator asked each attendee what he or she believed to be the most pressing problem facing the Borough. In this way, a list of problems was generated. I Each attendee was then given five adhesive dots and asked to place them next to the problems believed to be most pressing to the Borough. The attendee had the option of placing his or her dots however he or she pleased. For example, the attendee could use I all five dots on a single problem or split them up among five problems, or any combination in between. By voting in this manner, problems on the list were ranked. After this, the I attendees were asked what they believed were the Borough’s greatest assets. Again, a list was developed and the attendees were asked to vote with dots. The following table illustrates, according to the voting, the top five problems and assets as chosen by each I session. I I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Pluiz Page 3 I 1 I I I 1 I I I I 1 I I I I 1 I 1 1 Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 4 1 I
I EdinVision ‘97 was held on May 21, 1997. Similar to the first conference, EdinVision ‘97 was conducted in a morning and evening session at the Community Building. Participants I were informed of the results of EdinVision ‘95 and given background information regarding the Borough. A moderator then led a discussion about how to address the problems and opportunities facing Edinboro. A list of concerns and recommendations was I drafted at this time. The following material is a compilation of the lists from both sessions, organized under topic headings.
I EdinVision ‘97 Resu Its I General Excess of tax exempt property I Better towdgown relations, and better Edinboro promotion - Chamber of Commerce Post office is moving to bottom of Shelhamer. This may hurt small-town atmosphere. Communication between neighbors needs to continue am! improve! I Consolidation? Good? Bad? Cooperation does make sense! Volunteers (adults) are needed. Non-University people I University 25 % non-traditional - commuter traffic I University influence versus small town Edinboro University, Washington Township (closer ties)
1 Transportation
Light by post office (poor visibihty, parked cars) I Left turn signal - 6N and 99 (westbound) New light near (the Edinboro) Inn Route 99 by Walker Drive I 6N and Perry Chestnut and Maple (3-way stop) I Extend Walker to Aspen Way Reduce truck traffic on 6N Spread traffic? - Local road bypasses I 6N West Bridge deteriorated (second 4 years) Status of repaving Parking - college I Perry to Route 6N light Normal and Water I Maple and 6N I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 5 I I
I Transportation (Continued)
Post office corner I Truck speed (from the east on 6N) Giant Eagle traffic I Repave Plum - east of Route 99 to Perry Crossroads Dinor to east pedestrian Timing problem I Bell at intersection I Lake When installing docks on the Lake, have crews pick up trash too. Along Route 99 North - provide, on west side, access to Lake I More responsibility for the Outlet area by more people Boardwalk by beach - Route 99 I Lakeside Commons underused - not pretty Landscape areas near Lakeside Commons I Lake cleanup Recreation
I Bike path to pool - Route 99 (slow traffic) better beach access New YMCA membershp - fall I Teenage recreation in the Borough needs help. Could college offer Borough teens recreational opportunities, especially in the winter? Open up the field houses, gyms. 4 YMCA should be able to be walked to. I Economics Lake Edinboro Restaurant - overlook the Lake I MerchantdBorough should do more to encourage incoming shoppers - cheerful signs! ! 1 Community Facilities Better storm drains - Waterford Street I I I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 6 I HOUSINGPLAN
ousing is the basic building block of the Borough. In physical terms, residential land Huse (single and multi-family) outside of the University accounts for 44 percent of the land within Edinboro. Furthermore, a large percentage of future development is expected to be residential in nature. Certainly, this has been the case for a number of years, as recent building permit data illustrates. Since 1990, 66 building permits for new residential units have been issued. This compares to approximately 6 building permits for new major building construction not residential in nature. For the purpose of maintaining Edinboro as a community of families, the Borough indeed has a vested interest in housing.
Currently, housing diversity is high, but availability and affordability are problems. This is especially true for lower/moderate income, non-transient families and households. Demand for student housing is driving these problems, and is also affecting tenure. As a result, a large portion of the households is transient in nature, not real stakeholders in the community.
Various qualities and features make Edinboro a potentially ideal home for elderly and handicapped persons. These include: a small-town atmosphere with friendly neighborhoods; a low crime rate; a pedestrian-scale downtown; and finally, a broad range of cultural infrastructure such as churches, educational opportunities, medical facilities, and recreation. The University represents another cultural asset as well as an educational one. With these existing advantages, the Borough is in a position to welcome these persons, even “market” for them. Existing housing, specifically aimed at the elderly and handicapped, include a nursing home and an elderly/disabled persons housing complex. Both facilities are presently at, or near to, full capacity.
The physical condition of the Borough’s housing stock is excellent. Census data includes that 55 percent of the units are twenty years or less in age. Borough officials relate that nearly 100 percent of the units are connected to both public sewer and water systems. Field survey data indicated a remarkably low incidence of deterioration, with only one case of outright dilapidation. The recently completed housing rehabilitation program has addressed many of the current needs for eligible, owner-occupied units. Continued administration and enforcement of ordinances related to housing is contributing greatly to the maintenance of the Borough’s housing stock.
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 7 'I
I Reco nirnended Proiects a nd Activities I Simply put, it is desirable for Edinboro to attract additional permanent households and families. Availability and affordability issues, however, will discourage lower/moderate income families and individuals. Therefore, the Borough should encourage affordable I housing. However, traditional strategies will more than likely cause additional infill by University students. For example, providing more land zoned for medium to high housing density is just as likely to encourage student-oriented units as it is to lower cost and I increase availability for families. The Borough should aim its efforts specifically at assisting families in owning their own home. Potential avenues include: the programs of I the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency; in particular, the Lower Income Homeownership Program; the Closing Cost Assistance Program; and the Homestead Program. Local financial institutions are often involved in these programs. Perhaps the I most useful role for the Borough could play in this area is to advertise the existence of these programs to prospective home buyers and to encourage local banks to participate, 1 if they are not already involved. Another technique which has proved successful in the Commonwealth involves using I various housing rehabilitation programs to assist low to moderate income (LMI) families in purchasing a home. Essentially, the technique is as follows: the Borough would restart its housing rehabilitation program, most likely with its CDBG allocation. The Borough I would then modify the program guidelines to direct the funding into those homes which LMI families propose to buy. The Borough can then pursue an agreement with the lending I institution to the effect that if the lending institution will lower the down payment requirements, the Borough would rehabilitate the home. The benefits of this technique are numerous. First, the family receives assistance in purchasing a home, which has been I brought up to code. Second, the Borough gains a new family and improves its housing stock. Finally, the bank cannot lose either way. It most likely will have a good mortgage. I However, if the family defaults, the bank has, as security, a home which has been rehabilitated. The Borough is in a good position to conduct an activity of this sort, having I the experience of successfully completing its first standard rehabilitation program. To guard against future cases of housing deterioration, it is recommended that the Borough 'I maintain its rehabilitation capabilities. This will involve keeping up to date on program requirements and regulatory changes. The Borough should also maintain its list of potential rehab clients and conduct preliminary work to determine eligibility. At this time, the Borough should also examine the need for a rental rehabilitation program, and strengthen its rental occupancy permitting process with an annual physical inspection program.
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 8 Edinboro is a desirable place in which to live, and can expect to attract new families in the future. A limited amount of land remains to place homes on. These facts make quality residential development a paramount goal for the Borough. The continuation of the ongoing code enforcement programs is a must. Much of Edinboro’s success can be attributed to years of patient, but persistent, code enforcement. Finally, Edinboro must keep its policy of encouraging sound, new development and protecting its residential area through its Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Ordinance. Currently, the next potential residential development will be located between Aspen and Walker Drive. The Borough should strive to ensure this residential development is properly created.
Future Housinc Needs and Sr,- ecial Concerns
The Housing Plan has thus far dealt with resolving current concerns and carrying on successful activities and policies. This portion of the Plan will focus upon the likely future housing needs of the Borough, in terms of additional units. As noted above, the Borough can realistically expect to attract new families and households based on its residential qualities alone. To calculate the number of additional units, three other elements that generate future housing needs will be examined. These are:
Changes in Household Size Population Change Housing Attrition
II Household Size: Across the nation, the size of households had historically been declining, but now is stabilizing. Certainly, this trend appears in Edinboro. In 1970, the Borough had an average household size of 3.26 persons. In 1980, this had dropped to 2.61 persons. I However, by 1990 the average size had increased slightly to 2.65 persons. This 1990 I average size, 2.65 persons, will be used to help calculate future housing needs. Population Change: The population projections presented in the Demographic Background predict the Borough’s indigenous population to increase by 252-483 persons I by 2010. I Housing Attrition: Attrition represents the loss of housing units through disasters (fire, flood, etc.), changes of use, abandonment, etc. The rate of attrition is set by most national studies at 0.75 percent to 1 percent of the total housing stock per year. Generally, attrition I will occur at a lesser rate in small rural areas. According to Borough officials, Edinboro loses an average of 3 units a year through the forces of attrition. Using the 1990 total of I 2,030 housing units, the housing attrition rate can be set as 0.15 percent annually.
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 9 I
I Expected to Reside: Combining the population projections and average household size, I the following table can be deduced. I I I I 1 As can be seen from this table, by the year 2000, an additional 20 to 96 units will be I needed to accommodate the projected increases in population. By the year 2010, another 75 to 86 units will be needed. Attrition can be expected to cause a loss of approximately 30 units a decade, which will need replaced. If no changes to 1990 patterns occur, then I housing demand will average approximately 2 to 10 units a year, out to the year 2000. 1 From 2000 to 2010, demand will approximate 8 to 9 units a year. Affordability: Both the Background section and this element of the Plan have mentioned a concern for housing affordability and have suggested methods of dealing with these I problems. The cause of this problem is attributed to pressure for the student population I of Edinboro State University. However, some communities either overtly, or unknowingly, contribute to affordability 1 problems by excesses in land use controls or building codes. Edinboro developed its current Zoning Ordinance in 1992. The most critical issues with I zoning are the amount of land available to various residential types and density requirements. Edinboro has six residential districts. These range from the traditional "R- 1" single-family area to an "R-4" multi-family district. The R-1 zone requires a lot of I 20,000 square feet, about 2.2 dwelling units per acre. However, the majority of Borough land allows for even denser development. This varies from 4.3 to 12.1 dwelling units per I I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 10 I I
I acre for single-family homes and from 12 to over 20 units per acre for apartments. Within 1 Erie County, these can be ranked from average to even generous residential densities. Codes can sometimes drive housing costs upward. However, Edinboro uses the standard BOCA codes; the same codes now being proposed in the Pennsylvania General Assembly I as a Statewide building code. I Given this analysis, it can be fairly stated that neither zoning nor codes account for housing costs in Edinboro. Rather, it is private market forces, fueled primarily by Edinboro State 1 University students. I 1 I I I I 1 II I I I I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 11 I TRANSPORTATIONPLAN
he general theme of this Plan involves improving transportation within Edinboro, “fine tuning” the existing system. To summarize the Background material, the TBorough is well connected, by Routes 6N and 99 and Interstates 79 and 90, to surrounding regions and the nation. The physical condition of both the local and State streets is generally good to excellent, with few areas of concern. Most future streets and extensions will be built by developers to serve their developments. The Borough’s Subdivision and Land Development Regulations will help to ensure these are properly located and constructed. Public transportation is largely consisting of two bus systems. The Erie International Airport is only thirty minutes north of the Borough. A county- administered paratransit system, called the LIFT program, helps to relieve the special transportation needs of the elderly and the sick. Areas of particular concern include safety, circulation, improving the pedestrian system, and parking. Most of the recommendations offered by this Plan will focus on these issues.
There must be one note of concern. Traditionally, the traffic engineer’s answer to congestion is more traffic lanes. As a practical consideration, a single urban traffic lane, in a congested environment, can accommodate 200 to 500 vehicles an hour. If an intersection is overloaded, more lanes are the typical answer. Certainly, in selected locations, such as the intersection of Route 99 and Route 6N, that is unavoidable. But, wider streets can tend to destroy the small town, pedestrian orientation so cherished by Borough residents. Consequently, any proposed new transportation project, especially those suggested wider cartways, must be carefully reviewed. The convenience of the car cannot destroy the character of the town! I Recommended Projects and Activities
I Due to the natural complexity of transportation systems, the following projects and activities have been organized under general headings.
1 Safety: This category of projects and activities is perhaps the most important. From 1990 to 1994, 183 traffic accidents occurred in the Borough, including 16 accidents which I involved pedestrians. The majority of the accidents, midblock and intersectional, took place along Routes 6N and 99. Although no fatalities were reported, these numbers alone indicate that action needs to be taken. Traffic safety studies are recommended for the I following street segments and intersections : I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 12 I I
I Street:
I 0 Erie Street, from Waterforc Street to Mike Onda Beach a Plum Street, from the Outlet to High Street 1 0 Waterford Street, from Plum Street to the Teledyne property rsectiom: 1 0 Mill and Plum
0 Erie and Plum I Perry and Waterford 0 Meadville and Normal I e Maple and Plum 0 Angling and 6N (Plum) I 0 Cooper and Erie All of the above areas involve State routes; thus, PennDOT will necessarily be involved I in the studies. The Borough should take steps, directly or in conjunction with PennDOT, to lower traffic speed/or speed limits on Route 99, through the Lake and Mike Onda Beach area. Also, I it is recommended that the Borough place warning signs north and south of the beach, advising motorists that they are entering a beach area. These activities are being 1 recommended because Mike Onda Beach is situated in such close proximity to Route 99. In addition, the parking lot for this facility fronts directly on Route 99. Residents are of the opinion that traffic moves too quickly through this area, presenting an understandable I danger to beach users, especially younger children. The speed limit through the beach I area is currently posted at 35 miles per hour. It is also recommended that steps be taken to lower traffic speeds on the eastern portion of Route 6N, especially for westbound traffic approaching the Ontario Street intersection. I The current speed limit in this area is also posted at 35 miles per hour. There is concern among residents that traffic, particularly large trucks, is moving too quickly through the 1 area. The final safety recommendation is to consider the installation of a blinker warning or I complete traffic light on Route 99 at its intersection with Walker Drive. Although not currently a high accident intersection, it does have an increasing amount of turning traffic I generated by the industrial park and residential development on Walker Drive as well as I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 13 I I
I by the Sunset Plaza (Giant Eagle, Uncle Charlie’s Pub, etc.). Furthermore, a light here would be a fine preparatory step toward implementing the Walker Drive-Dundon Road I bypass or similar action involving Walker Drive. Finally, a traffic light may further help to reduce speeds near the Mike Onda Beach area - a problem mentioned in a preceding I paragraph. Circulation: The following recommendations are made to improve internal traffic I circulation for the Borough. Many are related to safety. In regards to the curve on Angling Road and the intersection of Angling and Route 6N, I this Plan concurs with the recommendations made by the 1977 Plan. These are: install, on Angling Road, stop signs on both sides of the intersection with Maple Street, with appropriate warning signs for each stop sign. The intersection of Route 6N and Angling I should be reconstructed “to force all traffic into a right-angle turn either from Angling Road or from Plum Street.” This would have the effect of slowing down traffic on I Angling, before it enters the curve. As the intersection currently exists, traffic on Angling has the option of making a right or left onto Route 6N, and eastbound traffic on 6N can turn left onto Angling. However, westbound traffic on 6N can still exit 6N onto Angling I at a relatively high speed. This capability should be eliminated.
At the intersection of Normal and Water Streets, it is recommended that vegetation along I the right side of Water Street north be trimmed back. This should be done in order to I improve the motorist’s view of the intersection. After the post office has moved from its present location on the corner of Chestnut and Short Streets, it is recommended that a traffic analysis of the diamond area be undertaken. I This would include the Chestnut, Short, Waterford, and Meadville Street intersections. The purpose of the study would be to determine how the movement of traffic through this I area could be improved, and whether or not a traffic light is warranted. At the intersection of Routes 6N and 99, the Borough should, in conjunction with I PennDOT, install, or have installed, an official left turning lane for Route 6N West, with an accompanying signal. Also, the installation of a left turning signal for the 6N East I turning lane should be monitored and pursued with all haste. These projects will complete the development of the Borough’s most important intersection, thereby greatly helping to I reduce congestion in the Borough. The Background Report identified little value, in terms of congestion relief, for a formal I Route 6N bypass. It did, however, illustrate that connectivity could be improved for the I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 14 I I
I northeastern area of the Borough. Therefore, it is recommended that the Borough I examine, in this light, the following options: 0 The extension and connection of Walker Drive and Dundon Road The extension of Aspen Way to Walker Drive I 0 The extension of Pineview Drive west, to meet Nordmere Drive
Due to environmental limitations connected with the first two options, namely, wetlands, i the Pineview/Nordmere option is, at present, the most feasible.
I Should the Borough wish to pursue a formal bypass for Route 6N, a study, in conjunction with the Erie County Department of Planning and PennDOT, should be undertaken. As part of the study, it is recommended that the feasibility of utilizing the Angling, Crane, and I Hamilton Roads as a bypass route be examined. I The Pedestrian System: Pedestrian travel in the Borough is largely accomplished on a network of public sidewalks, crosswalks, and crossing signals at major intersections. The sidewalks are constructed and maintained by property owners accord.ing to a I comprehensive sidewalk ordinance. The ordinance is administered through a yearly Sidewalk Program which is directly overseen by Borough Council. Essentially, the annual program designates sidewalks to be repaired, replaced, or installed during that year. I Affected property owners are then given notice to begin work. It is recommended by this Plan that, within the annual Sidewalk Program, priority be given to the extension of I sidewalks on both sides of Route 99 North, from the Mike Onda Beach area to Walker Drive. This project would close a large gap in the current pedestrian system. Cooperation with Washington Township will be necessary to install the sidewalks on the west side of I Route 99, north of the beach, as this area lies within the township. I Often, sidewalk programs are viewed purely in a negative manner by citizens. Some communities have begun to offer incentives - not just enforce penalties - to encourage new or replacement sidewalks. One effective approach, which Edinboro may consider, is to I provide free concrete to the property owner while the owner provides for the contractor for framing and finishing. This program may increase voluntary compliance levels in the 'I Borough as it has elsewhere. Currently, wheeled-pedestrians (bicycles, skateboards, etc.) are not specifically prohibited I from using the public sidewalks. Furthermore, by ordinance, all public sidewalks must be no less than five feet wide. This width is sufficient to allow the use of bicycles in a 1 non-conflicting manner with walking pedestrians. Finally, the Borough has long I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 15 I
1
I entertained the goal of a Borough-wide bicycle network. Therefore, it is recommended that the Borough promote and use its existing public sidewalk system as a formal wheeled- I pedestrian network also. Possible considerations for implementing this project include: Establishing specific protocol for the use of wheeled devices on the I sidewalks.
I 0 The installation of “passing lanes” at strategic locations, and amenities, such as bicycle racks and signage.
I Vehicular traffic in Edinboro is required to yield to pedestrians using designed crosswalks. In an effort to improve pedestrian safety, the Borough has placed orange traffic barrels with signage advising motorists to yield to pedestrians at certain of its busiest crosswalks, I particularly in the downtown. These are currently located at the sides of the streets. The Borough is currently consulting with PennDOT on the feasibility of relocating the barrels I and signs to the midpoint of the crosswalks. This action would increase the visibility of the barrels and signs for motorists, thus improving the safety margin for pedestrians. It is recommended that the Borough continue its efforts in this matter and, in addition, install I such barrels and signs at other applicable crosswalks. Borough residents value this type I of accessibility. As noted in the Background material, the intersection of Routes 6N and 99 is of special concern to the residents of Edinboro in regards to pedestrian travel. Specifically, concerns I center around time delays experienced in attempting to cross Routes 6N or 99, and the danger presented by unyielding motorists. The Borough should take two actions in response to this situation. First, pedestrian signalization at this intersection should be I evaluated for possible improvements. Secondly, enforcement of the law requiring motorists to yield to pedestrians should be stepped up, along with enforcement of stop lines I to keep vehicles out of the crosswalks during stop lights.
There are two other possible actions. One would be a limited “four-way red,” allowing I pedestrians unlimited crossing during a traffic light cycle. Franklin (PA) has such an arrangement at their 13‘h and Liberty Street intersection. It reportedly does work, but it, I too, can engender problems. A second option is to improve the crosswalk along Erie Street, about 300 feet south of the intersection. This would encourage pedestrian traffic 1 to cross before they reached the busy Route 99/6N intersection. Parking: As an issue to be tackled, parking in Edinboro, especially in the downtown area, I has few peers in the minds of most residents. However tempting the idea of creating I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plaii Page 16 I I
I additional public parking spaces may sound, it will not succeed unless the iyj~of parking that is needed is first considered. The Background Report revealed that the type of parking I in most demand was long term in nature, i.e., space for overnight and all-day parking. Indeed, based upon speculative observation, the consultant is of the opinion that day-time only public parking space in the downtown area, with the exception of the angle parking I spaces on Erie Street, is currently underutilized during most of the year. The demand for long-term parking in the downtown is being generated largely by University students who I are renting here. By and large, these students have, as options for long-term parking, the following: either on-lot or on-street spaces.
I Many of these rental units were originally single-family homes which were provided with space for only one or two vehicles. There are understandable differences in the parking needs of a family versus a household of students. Also, there exists a number of 1 commercial structures in the downtown which have apartments in them. These too often do not provide sufficient parking. In 1993, the Borough passed an ordinance which I requires all new rental developments to be provided with 2.5 on-lot parking spaces for each rental unit. However, this ordinance does not affect those “grandfathered” I apartments. Faced with insufficient on-lot parking, students will naturally target on-street parking. I Long-term on-street parking (overnight) is viable only until the Snow Plowing Ordinance goes into effect, running from November 1 to April 1. During this time, on-street parking is prohibited from 2:OO a.m. to 6:OO a.m. As can be concluded from the parking ticket I statistics, the situation causes much parking-related aggravation. I As stated above, the solution to this problem lies not only in the provision of parking, but in the &g of parking that is provided, and also, the location of this parking. It should be noted here that ultimately the solution will more than likely involve a cooperative effort I between the Borough, property owners, and the University. This Plan recommends that the Borough, in conjunction with the University, conduct a parking analysis of the downtown to seek out possible solutions. Although not presented as formal I recommendations, the Borough may wish to consider the following actions as well:
I 1. “Leasing” a number of public, day-time only parking spaces to students renting in the downtown for long-term night parking.
I 2. Designate for long-term parking a number of the public spaces in the Municipal and Waterford Street parking lots during the period each year when the Snow Plowing 1 Ordinance is in effect.
I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 17 1 B I 3. After the post office relocates, acquire the property and convert it to long-term I parking for renters along Erie Street, south of Route 6N. 4. As recommended in the 1977 Plan, encourage the development of public parking I spaces along Mill Street.
Parking in the Lakeside neighborhood is still a problem, especially during the snow I plowing months. Indeed, the Borough police department relates that the area has a worse parking problem than even the downtown. The problem is related to the small size of I many lots and narrow street right-of-ways, only forty feet in most cases. These characteristics serve to limit both on-lot and on-street parking opportunities. As noted in the Background section, student rental activity in Lakeside has declined over the past I twenty years, yet the problem persists. As the Lakeside neighborhood was originally developed, the area contained many seasonal-use-only residential structures. During the I second half of this century, many conversions to year-round residential use occurred, increasing dramatically the need for parking.
I Although the causes of the parking problem are readily discernible, solutions are not as forthcoming. On-street parking demand is directly related to the scarcity or absence of on- lot parking. However, the widening of streets will not help. As per the Snow Plowing I Ordinance, on-street parking is restricted for five months of every year. In addition, widening of the streets would not provide more parking space. In fact, it may decrease I available parking space in driveways. The only benefit of wider streets would be a slight improvement in the internal circulation of the neighborhood. To be practical, parking for residential uses must be relatively close to the structure. The provision of public parking I for Lakeside, Le., centralized or otherwise strategically located parking lots, is not practical. Furthermore, current land use patterns show that there is very little unused or 1 vacant land in Lakeside. Acquiring space for meaningful parking lots would be an extremely difficult and long-term venture, of little practical value.
I Given that, what is needed in the Lakeside area is additional on-lot parking space. It is logical to want to make maximum use of available space for this purpose. Currently, this I available space essentially consists of the front yards of the residential lots. Indeed, the use of this option is occurring across the neighborhood. However, the Borough’s current Zoning Ordinance contains specific regulations in regards to parking for residential zones. I Parking in residential areas is permitted only in the rear or side yards or in driveway areas. 1 I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 18 I I
I The Lakeside area is zoned, for the most part, as a residential district. Specifically, the zoning designation is: R-3 Lakeside Residential District. No other area in the Borough has I this district. Toward relieving the parking situation in Lakeside, this Plan recommends that the Borough examine the feasibility of modifying the parking requirements for this district. Essentially, the goal is to allow the residents to maximize parking potential. I However, this is not meant to promote the wholesale abandonment of parking standards. As the current regulations exist, they serve to protect the residential qualities and safety I of the Borough’s residential districts. What is proposed is an examination of the regulations, and an analysis of potential impacts that may occur as a result of any modifications. In this way, it may be possible to relieve parking needs and continue to I promote safety and the residential qualities of the Lakeside neighborhood (see also Land Use).
I Street and Road Maintenance: In this area, Edinboro is currently in very good condition. The Public Works Department relates that only normal maintenance projects are being I scheduled. The bridge that carries Route 6N over the Lake outlet is listed in PennDOT’s Twelve Year Plan for replacement in 1999. It is recommended that the Borough continue I to monitor the progress of this proposed project. I I I I I I I I I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 19 I COMMUNITYFACILITIES PLAN
he Borough of Edinboro provides an extensive network of public facilities and services to its residents and, in addition, oversees and monitors selected services Tprovided by the private sector. An example of the latter duty is illustrated by the refuse collection and recycling programs, contracted to Waste Management, Inc. The operation and administration of the Borough-provided facilities and services is handled by the Borough Council, Borough Manager, employees, and various authorities, boards, and commissions. Currently, the Borough employs approximately 28 persons. In addition to regular employees, numerous citizen volunteers donate countless hours toward the betterment of Edinboro.
As is the case with most aspects of Edinboro, available community facilities and services are currently functioning well. This finding reflects the well-being of the Borough, in that many of the recommended projects and activities focus upon a continuation of current policies and practices. Similar to the Transportation Plan, this element is divided into categories; in this case, by the individual facilities or services.
I Recommended Projects and Act ivities General Policies and Programs: The high quality of community living in Edinboro is due, in no small part, to specific policies and programs adhered to by the Borough. It is the intent of this portion of the Plan to highlight these, to make their importance to Edinboro unmistakable. Therefore, the following activities are recommended:
Continue the strict and impartial enforcement of the Borough's Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. *
0 Continue active enforcement of building and related codes.
Continue administering the Borough Sidewalk Ordinance.
Continue to monitor the applicability of all codes and ordinances, their effectiveness and purpose. Update and improve them, as needed.
Strengthen the rental occupancy permitting program with an annual physical inspection program.
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 20 0 Continue efforts to keep residents informed of Borough matters and involved I in Borough government. *Though the zoning and subdivision regulations are matters for the Land Use Plan, I their prompt and effective administration is a community service. The efficacy of I that service is crucial to an effective land use policy. The Community Building: The current Community Building was completed in 1975 and is located at 124 Meadville Street. The building houses various Borough offices and 1 departments, and also the Edinboro branch of the Erie County Library System, the District Justice Court, and office space for Penelec. As a relatively new structure, the Community Building is in good physical condition. Available space is currently adequate for Borough I operations. In recent years, the Borough has been conducting maintenance projects and working toward the removal of architectural barriers to handicapped persons. Roof I improvements were scheduled to be completed in 1997. This Plan recommends that the Borough continue its upgrade projects. Particular emphasis I should be placed on the completion of projects that will make the building accessible .and usable for handicapped persons. However, its attractive appearance is also important. The I Community Building is a true architectural anchor for the southern leg of the Borough’s downtown. Consequently, its visual as well as functional qualities are critical.
I Public Works: The Edinboro Public Works Department makes possible the provision of many of the Borough’s community facilities and services. The department maintains and repairs the local street network, cares for Borough buildings and property, and is heavily I involved in the upkeep of the public water and sewer systems. Carrying out these responsibilities requires close coordination with all of the departments of the Borough, the I Manager, and Borough Council. It also requires skilled employees and the proper equipment. The bulk of the Borough’s rolling stock and construction/maintenance-related I equipment is attached to this department. To assist the Public Works Department in continuing its valuable service to Edinboro, this I Plan makes the following recommendations:
0 Add one or two full-time employees. The hiring of an additional employee I and possibly an assistant foreman would bring the department up to full strength, and allow the director of Public Works to better coordinate jobs. I I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 21 1 B
B Replace the 1976 Chevrolet dump truck with a new one of similar capabilities. This recommendation is made in view of the age of this piece I of equipment.
0 Consider replacing the current street sweeper, which uses a brush and B conveyor system, with a new sweeper which would use an air vacuum system. It is believed the new sweeper would do a better job, and eliminate B the fugitive dust problem associated with the old sweeper.
a Purchase a skid-steer loader, such as a Bobcat or Mustang. This equipment I addition will fill an important niche in the department’s equipment lineup. By its nature, a skid-steer loader can assist with virtually any job.
I Study the pros and cons of moving the department into a new building(s). I While current quarters are adequate, available space is at a minimum. The Water System: The Borough has had a public water system since the early part of this century. For the most part, the service area of the system is confined to Borough I limits. There are no current plans to extend the system beyond Edinboro to any great degree. Water is supplied by two wells located on the University campus. These were I developed in the 1980s with Community Development Block Grant funds. Borough officials relate that the raw water quality is high. The total well capacity is 5.58 million gallons per day (MGD), with a safe dry weather draw-down capacity of 1.5 million gallons I .per day. The average draw down in 1995 was 874,017 gallons per day. System usage, naturally, fluctuates greatly, influenced by University enrollment and school year.
I Currently, with the exception of a chemical contaminant in the raw water supply, no major problems exist in relation to the system. Pressure at Borough fire hydrants is adequate, B and the system can store a total of one million gallons of finished water in two tanks. The Borough is currently refurbishing both tanks. Within the overall system, water loss typically averages only 7 to 8 percent. An ongoing maintenance program makes scheduled I repairs and replacements to pumps, lines, valves, and hydrants. I The contamination of the water supply is being caused by the presence of the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE), which is a common cleaning/solvent agent. The chemical can be introduced into a water supply by improper disposal procedures. To remove the TCE, B the Borough has installed an air-stripping tower near the wells. Efforts to identify and I eliminate the source of this contaminant are currently underway. I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 22 I I
I This Plan makes the following recommendations in regards to the Borough’s water system:
I Utilize and maintain the recently completed air-stripping tower, adding to its capacity, as necessary.
I 0 Finalize actions to eliminate the TCE contaminant. 1 Begin a consistent and comprehensive groundwater monitoring program. This activity could become part of a formal groundwater protection program 1 (see below). Implement a formal groundwater protection program. The recent contamination of the Borough’s water supply by the chemical I trichloroethylene has made formal protection of the Borough’s groundwater a necessity. The Borough was fortunate insofar as early detection and I available technology, along with funding assistance, made mitigation of the problem relatively easy. Theoretically, the Borough could have lost the use of these recently developed wells, touching off an extremely expensive and I difficult cleanup process and/or the development of alternative water I supplies. This recommendation is detailed in the Land Use Plan. Refurbish storage tanks, install a new circulation system for the West Tank, and conduct the scheduled overhaul of the East Tank. These projects I represent a pro-active, versus a re-active, approach to maintenance and system operations.
1 Refurbish the downtown water pump and well for fire use. Borough officials relate that implementation of this project would provide an I additional source of water for firefighting purposes in central Edinboro.
Purchase a valve exerciser. This piece of maintenance equipment conditions I seldom-used valves, adding to their service life. I The final recommendation for the water system is to continue the current line and valve maintenance and replacement program. By planning for this type of work (pro-active approach), and scheduling the work to be completed, I system requirements will not overwhelm the Borough unexpectedly. I
I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plarz Page 23 I I
I The Sanitary Sewer System: This critical community facility, similar to the water system, has as its service area the entire Borough, with only modest extensions located outside of I Borough limits. No further extension of service outside the Borough is currently planned. The major components of the system include a treatment plant, completed in 1988; 18 miles of gravity line; nine lift stations; and a series of force mains. The treatment method I is an activated sludge-extended air system. I The current operating capacities, permitted or otherwise, are adequate and should remain so for a number of years. The hydraulic capacity is currently permitted at 1.2 million gallons per day. In 1996, the average hydraulic I loading was .94 mgd, 78.3 percent of its permitted capacity. The actual organic capacity is currently 2,314 pounds per day, while its permitted capacity is 1,850 pounds per day. In 1996, the average organic loading was I 1,175 pounds per day, 50.8 percent of the permitted capacity. A new round of permitting is currently underway for the system through the Pennsylvania I Department of Environmental Protection. The new operating permit will reflect the actual organic loading capacity of 2,314 pounds per day. It is I recommended that any actions needed to finalize the permit be taken. The Background material pointed out that public sewage systems are highly I regulated by law and must operate within relatively strict parameters. For these reasons, projections concerning the future usage of the sewer system play an important role in planning the system operations. Operators need to I know, or at least be reasonably sure, of the future needs of their system, especially increases in usage. In this way, upgrades in the treatment facilities can be implemented, lines and pumps installed or upgraded, and so I on. As the largest single user of the system, the University is also the system’s largest variable in terms of future usage. Accurate data in regards I to enrollment changes and new building projects is, therefore, of great importance to the system operators. It is recommended that the Borough establish formal procedures for obtaining accurate data from the University I on a yearly basis. As matters stand now, if University enrollment remains constant, the system should have adequate capacity, hydraulic and organic, I for the next five years (1996-2000).
0 Inflow and infiltration are not major problems for the system. Yearly inspections, repairs, and replacement work are helping to minimize what problems do exist. Again, the Borough’s pro-active approach is reaping benefits, This Plan recommends that the Borough continue its inspection and
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 24 ‘I mitigation efforts in this area, as well as its scheduled program of lift station I repair and replacement, including control panels. In regards to maintenance equipment, it is recommended that the Borough purchase a high-pressure sewer cleaner. At the present time, sewer cleaning I is primarily contracted to private companies. Adding this capability to current system operations would save valuable operating funds and allow for I a quicker turnaround on cleaning jobs. In 1996, a trailer-mounted generator was purchased to provide emergency I power to the lift stations in the event of power outages. Connections have been installed, to allow use of the generator, at several lift stations. It is recommended that the remainder of the lift stations be so equipped (as I planned).
I Also, in 1996, the Borough enacted a Sewer Usage Ordinance. This ordinance, among other things, sets forth regulations on restricted and prohibited sewer uses, sewer connections, and pretreatment of wastes. I Industrial users within the Borough must now obtain industrial discharge permits which specifies terms and conditions of discharging into the sewer I system. Proper pretreatment of allowable wastes will help protect the delicate biological phases of treatment at the plant and also help ensure that the treated water is within acceptable effluent standards. It is recommended I that the Borough monitor permitees in regards to compliance with this ordinance.
I Along the vein of regulatory requirements, it is recommended that the Borough continue the avid enforcement of its Grease Trap Ordinance. I Grease, resulting from food preparation that was being discharged directly into the sewer system, contributed to sewer line impediments in the past. Removal and cleanup is an expensive and difficult task. The ordinance I requires large producers of grease to install a trapping mechanism to prevent I this situation. Refuse Collection: No problems were found to be connected with this service or the I recycling program. This Plan recommends that the Borough continue current policies. Police Service: Edinboro maintains its own paid police force which provides 24-hour, seven days a week patrol service. Except for emergencies, the service area is confined to
Borough of Edinboro Compreherzsive Plan Page 25 I
I Borough limits. In 1996, the department received 3,506 calls for service and investigated 967 criminal cases. A mutual aid agreement has long existed between the Borough police I and University police. Through this agreement, either department may call upon the other for assistance when needed. Incoming radio and telephone calls to the department on weekends and after 5:OO p.m. on weekdays are dispatched by the University department. I Currently, a Borough-wide GIS system is being developed to assist the department in responding to emergencies. This Plan makes the following recommendations regarding I police service: I 0 Hire one or two additional full-time patrolmen. e Purchase a new patrol vehicle to replace Unit Two. The department currently has two patrol vehicles. Typically, each will put on approximately I 50,000 miles a year. Unit Two is six years old and should be replaced.
I Increase the pursuit of grant monies to upgrade and replace equipment. The Borough has recently utilized the grant funds toward this end. l ‘I 0 Complete the Borough-wide GIs system. a Complete the implementation of the Neighborhood Watch Program. Fire and Ambulance Service: In Edinboro, these important public safety services are I provided wholly by volunteers through the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department. In 1996, the department answered 849 calls for assistance. As the Background section illustrated, the department is well-housed, well-equipped, and adequately funded. The largest problem I afflicting the provision of service is the declining number of active volunteers, especially I personnel available during daylight hours or weekdays. Although the fire and ambulance services are not Borough departments per se, the Borough does have a legitimate interest in their welfare. This Plan recommends that the Borough I assist the fire department in beginning to plan for new service approaches. Also, in the short term, the Borough should monitor the volunteer level and use its voice to recruit I additional volunteers. The fire and ambulance services should also look at active recruitment programs, and in addition, continue to update and acquire necessary equipment I and training. Libraries: Two libraries are located within the Borough, the Baron-Forness Library of I Edinboro University and the Erie County Library System, Edinboro branch. Both are
I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 26 I available for use by Borough and area residents. The Borough does not administer either facility. Edinboro supports the County branch by providing quarters free of rent, in the basement of the Community Building. According to County officials, there are no current plans to enlarge or relocate this facility. The Borough should continue to monitor the status of the branch library within its County context.
Public Recreation: Edinboro dedicates more of its public land to recreation than to any other use. Opportunities cover most facets of outdoor recreation, from tranquil passive parks to natural conservation areas. No less than ten separate, publicly owned parcels are wholly used for public recreation.
In view of the importance that Edinboro places on its public facilities and based upon the Borough’s ability to effectively administrate same, this Plan makes the following recommendations: B Consider the purchase of a parcel of land, to be developed as a soccer/multi- purpose field. Currently, within Edinboro, only the University maintains large fields suitable for soccer or football activities. Adding a multi-purpose B field to Edinboro’s lineup of facilities would fill one of the few gaps in the Borough’s recreational opportunities.
Develop a playground and/or outdoor court area in the northeastern portion of the Borough, possibly in the Shelhamer Circle area or off of Shelhamer B Drive. This recommendation is made to fill out, geographically speaking, the placement of playgrounds within Edinboro. The northeastern area of the Borough is largely residential in nature, yet it contains no public B playgrounds. I Develop a skateboarding facility at either Robert Thompson Park or Wood Family Ballpark. This should include ramps and other features designed to B attract skateboarding enthusiasts, not just a paved-over area. Relocate or expand Mike Onda Beach westward. Currently, the Borough I owns shoreline property west of the beach. This recommendation is made to address the safety concerns arising from the beach’s close proximity to Route 99 North.
Construct a boardwalk that would begin at the Mike Onda Beach and I proceed north along the eastern lake shore. Boardwalks appeal to persons
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plurz Puge 27 of all ages. With the addition of fishing access points and benches, perhaps even “off-shore picnic rigs,” a boardwalk would add a new dimension to public recreation in Edinboro. This project could be built by the Public Works Department.
e Pave the Mike Onda Beach parking lot. The present parking lot contains I muddy areas and asphalt debris. Acquire Lakeside property off of Mill Street. The purpose of this project is multi-dimensional. Additional Lakeside property in the public domain would I provide more access to the Lake; and in the future, this land could be formally developed for recreational purposes. Another option of acquiring Lakeside property is that such Iand could be placed in “conservation only” I use as a preservation tool.
I e Continue efforts to construct a multi-purpose trail along Lakeside Drive. The Borough has been attempting to implement this project for some time, without success. The problem has been one of securing funding. Based a upon conversations with the Borough Grants Office, this Plan recommends that future grant attempts divide the project into phases or stages. Each phase should complete an entire section of the trail. In this way, the funding requests can be kept lower, and possibly, slightly more competitive.
e Prepare a bike trail master plan. The purpose of this plan would be to link the entire Borough, improve pedestrian safety, and tie the public recreational facilities together. As recommended in the Transportation Plan, the feasibility of using the existing public sidewalk network is high. The bike trail master plan could establish this, and offer development solutions. Also, the multi-purpose trail along Lakeside should be made part of the overall system and plan. In this way, the trail will assume a place in the grander scheme of things, an important consideration in securing grant funding.
Jointly establish, with Washington Township, a pool committee. Its goal would be to secure eventual replacement for the Culbertson Hills pool. To begin with, the committee should organize current interests and projects in this area. Two immediate needs are a locational/site search and a preliminary feasibility study. This project should be conducted in close coordination with the Erie County YMCA. This organization is currently running the Culbertson Hills pool and is establishing an Edinboro “Y” on
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 28 i Route 6N between 1-79 and the Borough. At this time, it is not known if the YMCA will construct a new pool or continue to utilize the Culbertson 1 facility. Although the Woods Family Ballpark is generally in good condition, a few I items should be repaired or replaced. These include:
t Both sets of spectator bleachers need painting and replacement I of wooden components.
I b The concession stand needs to be painted and rotted areas repaired.
I t The wooden picnic table is throughly rotted and should be I replaced. In regards to parking spaces, this facility has no designated spaces. This Plan recommends constructing a gravel parking I lot along Water Street to serve the park.
For the recently acquired Natures Outlet Park, this Plan concurs with the I intention of the Borough to retrofit the walking trail with material that is easier to walk on. The present material is large, rounded gravel. Also, I additional refuse recepticals should be located throughout the park, especially near the seats and benches. This action may reduce the incidence I of littering within the park. I I
I 1
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 29
I I I LAND USE PLAN
I he primary purpose of this Land Use Plan is not to chart a new direction for land use Tpolicies in Edinboro. The current philosophies, as contained in the recent Zoning Ordinance, are well founded and appear essentially sound. Rather, the purpose of this I section is to focus on important issues of land use that are current problems or present future opportunities to the Borough. For the sake of clarity, these are set forth as separate I issues below: Issue 1 - Lakeside: Lakeside is a perfect example of the problems of land use conversion. I Here was a very successful “summer home,” small-lot development which is now being I transformed into permanent homes. Its narrow lots foster two problems. In Lakeside, a single lot is approximately one third the size required in other residential zones of Edinboro. Likewise, side yards are reduced to 16 feet total versus 20 feet to 30 I feet total in other districts. As cottages are converted to homes, the owners typically have two (or more) cars and often wish to add a deck or room, to better enjoy their property. The primary philosophy of the Zoning Ordinance, prepared in 1992, was one of control. I That is to constrain such development. However, that policy resulted in numerous appeals to the Zoning Hearing Board. The Board is often in a quandary. Do they allow proposed I improvements in Lakeside, or do they adhere to a no variance policy? A second problem is parking. In today’s society, the two- (or more) car family is the rule. I The one-vehicle family is an exception. The Zoning Ordinance prohibits front yard I parking, except in a legitimate driveway. There appears to be some very facile answers: relax side yard requirements and permit front yard parking. Indeed, these are possible solutions. Yet, if such a policy is followed I in Lakeside, other owners in other areas, especially absentee landlords, may use such policies as a lever to intensify development on their property. It is, in fact, a dilemma. But, it is a dilemma that must be resolved. The Borough has two options. It can declare I the current Zoning Ordinance as official policy and if variances are allowed, to appeal such I decisions. That will send a strong and direct message to all parties. A second option is to form a “Lakeside”Task Force led by the Planning Commission, but with strong Council involvement. Its charge would be to carefully review the Lakeside I situation with the Zoning Officer, Lakeside residents, and Borough citizens, at large. The I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 30 I
critical question is, “Can Lakeside be granted lot and parking relief that would not have I disastrous consequences to the Borough as a whole?” It is not a “right”or “wrong”issue. It is certainly the most pressing land use policy issue facing Edinboro. The Council must adopt one, or the other, approach to stop a festering I problem. I Issue 2 - Groundwater Protection: The procedural process for developing a groundwater protection program is similar to that of creating a comprehensive plan. The following five- step process is adapted from “Groundwater Protection and Management in Pennsylvania, 1 an Introductory Guide for Citizens and Local Officials,” a manual published by the Penn State Cooperative Extension and the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen I Education Fund. 1. Create a Groundwater Protection Committee of interested Borough residents. I Every effort should be made to obtain as broad a cross-section of interests as possible. The committee will, essentially, oversee the development of groundwater protection measures for Edinboro, including data-gathering and administrative I support. I 2. Determine all sources and uses of Edinboro’s water supply and define the proposed groundwater protection areas.
I 3. Identify and document potential contamination sources in the groundwater protection areas. Include past, present, and possible future sources.
I 4. Establish goals and priorities based upon an evaluation of threats to groundwater I supplies. 5. Implement appropriate management and protection measures. Many tools are available, both regulatory and non-regulatory , for the protection of groundwater. I Indeed, many of these tools already exist in Edinboro. They include the Borough’s Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Ordinance, stormwater management program, etc. ‘I Non-regulatory tools include, among others, this Comprehensive Plan and the Borough’s Planning Commission.
I Based upon the fact that the Borough’s Zoning Ordinance is a modern and recently updated document, this Plan recommends that consideration be given to the groundwater protection I technique of “overlay zoning districts .” Essentially, based upon completion of the five I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 31 steps outlined above, special groundwater protection districts would be created and added to the Zoning Ordinance and Map. These districts would overlay existing zoning districts. Special performance standards could then be applied to these overlay districts, regardless of the underlying “regular”zoning district. To supplement and provide additional support for this technique, an official map, per Article IV of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, could be drafted. The official map .. .”officially designates all public lands, easements, rights-of-way, waterways, flood ways, and flood plains, stormwater management areas, drainage easements, and other sensitive areas that can then receive protection through subsequent regulatory actions by the municipality.” The Borough would naturally include its groundwater protection areas on this map.
Issue 3 - University Land: Edinboro University owns and controls the largest amount of undeveloped land within the confines of the Borough. Edinboro is rapidly becoming “built out,” and it is obvious that future development will involve primarily marginally buildable land or land use conversions. Yet, many, many vacant University acres exist. With little likelihood, they will be needed for that institution’s use in the next generation. Therefore, the Borough should engage the University in a dialog relative to the future use of the land east of Perry Lane. Many options exist that could prove of immense benefit to both the Borough and the University. At a minimum, the Borough should know what the plans are for this property. This action should be initiated at the highest level between both organizations. I Additional Land Use Considerations The following recommendations are based upon the entire spectrum of background studies, citizen input, and discussion with Borough officials. They represent an attempt to resolve I a number of smaller, “back-burner”land use issues.
In regards to housing, the Borough should implement policies to promote owner-occupied, single-family residential development.
Although problems are certain to arise from time to time in the Borough’s downtown, this area should be allowed to continue its pedestrian-scale environment and its diversity of uses. Much of Edinboro’s “small-town flavor and charm” is generated in the downtown.
As supplement to the proposed groundwater protection program, the Borough should consider the development of specific wetland protection policies.
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 32 I I 0 Consider rezoning the east side of Water Street, from Chestnut Street to I Normal Street, from R-2 to R-1A. To protect current and future residential development in the Walker Drive I area, finalize actions to modify the allowable uses for industrial parks.
The Borough should acquire additional Lake frontage acreage along the I eastern shore, west of Mill Street. Also acquire, where possible, land along I the east side of the Outlet, from the Lake to Plum Street. The Borough should continue to monitor the ownership of Edinboro’s largest I agricultural holding, with an eye toward eventually acquiring the property. I I I I I I I I I I I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 33 I OTHERISSUES
I ot all activities fit clearly into the framework of a traditional comprehensive plan. N Consequently, the purpose of this short section is to consider these “other matters.” I Economic DeveIopment: For some years, the Borough has looked to diversify its economic base. The industrial park on Walker Drive is an example of this concept. However, such efforts have been focused in the terms of traditional economic development, i.e., soliciting location of light industrial or commercial enterprises.
I Perhaps, the first lesson of economic development is to build upon existing strength. I According to a 1997 news release, Edinboro University has an economic impact. $140,542,873 total impact $51,884,554 in payroll I $13,882,650 paid to businesses and utilities 0 $19,339,060 spent on goods and services
Consequently, it makes sense to form strategic partnerships with the University. Any number of possibilities exist.
Market Borough locations to University suppliers/contractors Offer retail discounts/inducements to University employees Explore broader economic ventures with the University
Other elements of the local economy include its retail base and tourism. The retail element was addressed by separate actions and separate reports. Lake-centered tourism appears I to be healthy as long as the Lake is healthy. Historic-based tourism is some years off. CooperationKoordination: As part of the Comprehensive Plan effort, contacts were initiated with Washington Township. Borough representatives traveled to the Township - I Township officials met with the Borough’s Planning Commission. These are not isolated instances, as areas of cooperation already exist (the joint Recreation Council, the Lake). I However, there is still much to be done, and Borough officials should initiate an annual meeting to discuss items of mutual interest. I
I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 34 Timing: The timing of Plan activities is important. The ACTION PLAN includes both priorities and timing.
Historic Concerns: The Borough of Edinboro can trace its roots to 1796. Yet, currently, the Borough is not high on the Erie County Historic Society “must-see” list. It has historic resources, but they have yet to be fully capitalized. Some may view such resources as a tourist draw, others may not.
I Based upon the experience in other communities, any historic initiative must have wide citizen support. Consequently, the first step is to encourage the formation of an Edinboro I Historic Society. It may even be prudent to supply it with a modest stipend. Allow them to: I 0 Identify historic resources 0 Consider such initiatives as house tours, etc. I 0 Develop rapport with the Erie County Historical Society 0 Consider historic protection initiatives
I Until these concepts have been investigated with full public participation, no definitive actions are recommended. I ‘I I
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 35 I LAKEEDINBORO PLAN
I he preservation and continued use of Lake Edinboro is a specific community Tobjective, and has been for many years. Standing in the way of achieving this objective are several obstacles which are related to pollution and the resultant degradation I of the Lake’s water quality. As detailed in the Environmental Background section, the pollutants include excessive, waterborne nutrients and heavy sedimentation loading. I Historically, efforts to resolve these problems have been somewhat frustrated by the fact that no single entity is solely responsible for the Lake. This situation has caused confusion as to who was responsible for what, in regards to Lake maintenance and preservation. I Volume Two of the 1977 Comprehensive Plan recommended the following efforts:
0 Plan Lake restoration efforts and seek outside funds to finance the I improvements.
Continue cooperative efforts with Washington Township and the Council of Governments for purposes of Lake restoration and use.
I Encourage the Council of Governments to continue to coordinate, monitor, I and research Lake conditions for the purpose of establishing a database. Seek a legal determination regarding responsibility for the Lake.
I The recommendations set forth by this Plan emulate the spirit of the 1977 recommendations, with the exception of seeking a legal determination of responsibility. I It is the opinion of this Plan that efforts to resolve issues should remain a cooperative venture between the Borough and Township. In this way, the confusion arising from the I question of who is responsible for what may be reduced. Recommended Projects and Activities
The first recommendation is for both the Borough and the Township to continue to recognize that the problems associated with the Lake will require close cooperation to ultimately solve.
Consider reorganizing the Lake Edinboro Conservation and Preservation Foundation and the hiring of a part-time Foundation administrator. As the
Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 36 I
I Background material mentioned, the current Foundation places all of its emphasis on activities, such as dredging and weed control, versus facilitating research into I the Lake and its problems. This Plan recommends that the Lake Foundation redirect its emphasis toward research aimed at solutions for the Lake. Administration of the Foundation is presently carried out by Foundation members I who, frankly, do not have the necessary time. A part-time administrator would alleviate this problem, and perhaps be able to extend the capabilities of the I Foundation. Approach Edinboro State University for assistance. At a minimum, request the I University initiate a water quality monitoring program. Such a program could supply historic benchmarks, specifically identify pollutant concerns, and describe I the seasonal variations in water quality. Continue the dredging and weed-control programs as they are currently operating, I but consider transferring the Foundation equipment to the Edinboro-Washington Township COG for operation. This would allow the Foundation to concentrate on I long-term Lake issues and research. Have a comprehensive study of the Lake and surrounding watershed prepared, with I. emphasis placed on pollution sources and options to end them. The engineering feasibility of a sediment trap or traps for Lake inlets should be examined within this I study. This project should be organized and overseen by the Lake Foundation. Sponsor a “Save Lake Edinboro Conference” involving local and State government I officials. An event of this type would focus attention on the Lake and establish important contacts with officials who can help. Any contacts thus established I should be maintained by the Borough, Township, and Lake Foundation. Install informational signage along the lakeshore which would describe the Lake’s natural history and its problems. This educational project would help gather I support for Lake maintenance and restoration. Although most area residents are aware of the problems, it is safe to assume that many of the Lake’s yearly visitors I are not.
Preserving environmentally sensitive areas, be they forests, wetlands, lakes, etc., I often boils down to control of the area. Local governments have many tools at their disposal for implementing various levels of control over sensitive areas. Perhaps I the most effective, albeit costly, method is acquisition. This Plan recommends that
I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 37 I
I both the Borough and Township acquire, where possible, additional Lake frontage, thereby placing it in public domain. In the Borough’s case, acquiring frontage in I the Mill Street area and around Lakeside Commons would be a logical point of beginning. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Borough of Edinboro Comprehensive Plan Page 38 I ACTION PLAN I I I ACTIONPLAN I he following Action Plan is designed to complement the Comprehensive Plan. In I an outline format, it will list recommended projects and activities from the Plan, Tassign a priority to each, a time frame for implementation, and finally, a discussion I on possible funding strategies when applicable. The priority ranking system is defined as follows:
1 Critical: The project or activity will address eminent public health or safety issues. 1 By their nature, these projects or activities should be implemented immediately. Imp-: Proposed projects and activities with this priority ranking will address community development and maintenance objectives, i.e., those projects that will I allow Edinboro to continue its tradition of success, and, hopefully, add to this I success. Deferrable: This ranking will be assigned to those projects and activities that, while they accomplish desired community objectives, contain greater flexibility in regards I to the timing of implementation.
1 The implementation time frames have been categorized into “horizons.” They include: Ongoing: Implementation is carried out perpetually.
I’ mediate: To be implemented within one year.
1 Short-Term: To be implemented within two to three years. I Loq-Term: To be implemented in three-plus years. In assigning time frames to the various projects and activities, the following factors were I taken into consideration: I The priority ranking of the project or activity. I Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 1 I I I
0 The amount of preparatory and/or background work needed to begin the I project or activity. I The intensity of public support for the project or activity. The relationship of a particular project or activity in regards to other, I complementing and/or supporting projects and activities. In other words, how can we organize projects under a general heading (housing, land use, 1 etc.) so they proceed in a logical and efficient manner? 0 Funding requirements and the feasibility of private, local, and state/federal I monies. I Housing : t Keep present housing rehabilitation capabilities intact, so that, in the future, this program can be easily restarted. Also, consider a rehab program for I rental units. The Borough should utilize their existing CDBG and COP I programs for this. (Important, Ongoing) Continue aggressive code enforcement. (Important, Ongoing)
I Use current zoning policies to protect existing residential areas. (Important, Ongoing)
I t Work with the owners of the area between Aspen and Walker Drive for I quality residential units. (Important, Long Term) t Encourage affordable housing for moderate/lower income families, and, at the same time, encourage more owner-occupied housing units. (Important, I Ongoing)
1 t “Vend” the Borough as a location for elderly and handicapped housing. (Important, Ongoing) 1 I I Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 2 I I
1 Transportation:
I Have traffic safety studies conducted for the following street segments and intersections: I
-0 Erie Street, from Waterford Street to Mike Onda Beach I I 0 Plum Street, from the Outlet to High Street 1 0 Waterford Street, from Plum Street to the Teledyne property. Intersections ~I 0 Mill and Plum I 0 Erie and Plum I Perry and Waterford 0 Meadville and Normal (check signalization)
0 Maple and Plum I Angling and Route 6N I Cooper and Erie (Critical, Immediate)
I b Take steps, directly or in conjunction with PennDOT, to lower traffic speeds on:
1 Route 99 (especially in the lake/beach area)
I1 Route 6N, particularly the eastern segment I (Critical, Immediate)
t Consider a blinker warning light or complete traffic ight for the Sunset I Plaza/Walker Drive area (Critical, Short Term)
b Reconstruct the intersection of Angling Road and Route 6N to force all E traffic into a right angle turn either from Angling Road or Route 6N. I (Critical, Immediate) b At the intersection of Normal and Water Streets, trim or remove the I vegetation along the right side of Water Street north. (Critical, Immediate) I Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 3 I 1 After the post office relocates, prepare a traffic analysis of the “Diamond 1 area” to see if a traffic light is warranted. (Important, Short Term) At the intersection of Routes 6N and 99, install an official left turning lane I for Route 6N west. Also, monitor and pursue the installation of a left turn I signal for the 6N east left turning lane. (Important, Short Term) To improve connectivity for the northeastern portion of the Borough, 1 examine the feasibility of 0 The extension and connection of Walker Drive/Dundon Road
I The extension of Aspen Way to Walker Drive
0 The extension of Pineview Drive to the west to meet Nordmere Drive.
(Important, Short Term) 1 Examine the feasibility of utilizing the Angling, Crane and Hamilton roads as a bypass route 6N. (Deferrable, Long-Term)
I Complete the extension of sidewalks along Route 99 north from Mike Onda Beach to Walker Drive. The importance of this project suggests funding assistance, either local or outside, is warranted. This project should be a I cooperative effort between the Borough and the Township. (Important, I Short Term) Implement procedures to allow to public sidewalk system to also be used as I a bicycle/wheeled-pedestrian network. (Important, Long Term) Continue efforts to locate orange traffic barrels with “Yield to Pedestrians” signage in the middle of all Borough crosswalks. (Critical, Immediate)
Improve the pedestrian crossing capability at the Borough’s chief intersection, Route 6N and 99. (Critical, Immediate)
Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 4 I
I b Conduct a joint parking study with Edinboro University of the downtown and college area; consider additional parking areas. (Important, Short 1 Term)
b Examine the feasibility of modifying parking requirements for the Lakeside I Residential District, to allow for more on-lot parking space. (Important, Short Term) I b Monitor the Route 6N bridge (over the lake outlet) “12 Year” project. I (Important, Ongoing) Community Facilities and Services: I b Policies and Prog rams:
I 0 Continue strict enforcement of zoning and subdivision regulations. I Update and improve codes, as needed. 0 Continue enforcement of building and related codes, 1 0 Strengthen the rental occupancy permitting program with an annual I physical inspection program. 0 Continue administering the Sidewalk Ordinance. Consider assistance 1 inducements. ‘I e Continue efforts to involve the citizenry in Borough matters. (Important, Ongoing)
I b Community Bu ildinz:
0 Complete inside modifications, per ADA requirements for accessibility. (Important, Immediate)
0 Continue maintenance and upkeep program. (Important, Ongoing)
Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 5 I I b Public Works: I Add one or two full-time employees. (Important, Short Term) I Replace 1976 Chevrolet dump truck. (Important, Short Term) I Replace current street sweeper. (Deferrable, Long Term) 0 Purchase a skid-steer loader (Important, Short Term)
I Consider moving the department into a new building. (Deferrable, Long Term) I b Water System: 1 Utilize and maintain the recently completed air-stripping tower. (Critical, Ongoing)
I Finalize actions to eliminate TCE pollution. (Critical, Immediate) I Conduct consistent groundwater monitoring programs. (Critical, Ongoing)
I Implement a formal groundwater protection program. (Important, Short Term)
I Refurbish storage tanks, install a new circulation system for the West Tank, conduct a complete overhaul of the East Tank. (Important, I Short Term)
Refurbish downtown pump, bring online for fire use. (Critical, I Immediate) 1 Purchase valve exerciser. (Important, Short Term) I Continue line and valve replacement. (Important, Ongoing) I
I Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 6 I I I
I Finalize new DEP permit at the sewer treatment plant. (Important, Immediate)
I Monitor possible township system input and student populationhew I building projects at Edinboro University. (Important, Ongoing) Purchase needed maintenance equipment (Le, jet rodder). I (Important, Short Term) Continue I/I inspections, needed repair, and replacement work (Route I 6N, Shelhamer Subdivision, etc.) (Important, Ongoing) Install backup generators at seven of the Borough’s lift stations. 1 (Important, Short Term) Continue the avid enforcement of the Borough’s Grease Trap I Ordinance. (Important, Ongoing)
Increase enforcement of the Sewage Usage Ordinances, particularly prohibited and restricted uses. (Important, Immediate)
b fuse Collection:
Continue current program. (Important, Ongoing)
Hire one or two additional full-time patrolmen. (Important, Long Term)
Purchase a new patrol car unit. (Important, Immediate)
Increase the pursuit of grant monies to upgrade and replace equipment. (Important, Short Term)
Complete the Borough-wide GIS system. (Important, Immediate)
Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 7 I
I Fully implement the Neighborhood Watch Program. (Critical, 1 Immediate) t Fire and Ambulance Service:
I Replace and upgrade equipment as needed (replace ambulance, purchase pickup and rescue vehicle). (Important, Long Term)
I Monitor volunteer level, begin long-term planning for new service I approaches. (Important, Ongoing) F J dbrary:
I Monitor and protect this service. (Important, Ongoing)
I t Recreation: Consider the purchase of a parcel of land, to be developed as a I soccer/multi-purpose field. (Important, Long Term) I Add a playground/outdoor court area in the Shelhamer area. (Important, Short-Term)
I Add a skateboard area at either Robert Thompson Park or Woods Family Ball Park. (Important, Immediate)
I Relocate or expand Mike Onda Beach westward. (Deferrable, Long I Term) Construct a boardwalk along Mike Onda Beach/Eastern Lake Shore. I (Important, Long Term) I Pave the Mike Onda Beach parking lot. (Important, Short Term) Acquire Lakeside property off Mill Street. (Important, Long Term)
~I Continue efforts to construct a multi-purpose trail along Lakeside Drive. (Important, Short Term) I I Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 8 I 0 Prepare a Bike Trail Master Plan to: link the entire Borough, improve pedestrian safety, and link the parks together. (Deferrable, Long Term)
Jointly establish, with Washington Township, a pool committee. Its goal would be to replace the Culberston facility within the next five years. Two immediate needs are a locational search and a preliminary feasibility study. Coordinate with the YMCA. (Important, Short Term)
Repair or replace deteriorated features of Woods Family Ball Park. (Important, Immediate)
0 Retrofit the walking trail in Natures Outlet with material that is easier to walk on, and provide additional refuse receptacles. (Important, Immediate)
Land Use:
t Examine options, their benefits and costs, for resolving the land use conflicts in the Lakeside neighborhood. (Important, Immediate)
t Incorporate a Groundwater Protection element into the Zoning Ordinance. (Critical, Immediate)
t Work with the University to consider the development of some of the land east of Perry Lane. (Important, Ongoing)
t Implement policies to promote and protect owner-occupied single-family housing units. (Important, Ongoing)
t Within the downtown area, preserve the existing pedestrian-scale environment, maintain the diversity of uses within this area (commercial, public, recreational, single/multi-family dwelling units, institutional, etc.) . (Critical, Ongoing)
t Develop and implement specific wetland protection policies. (Important, Long Term)
Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 9 b The east side of Water Street, from Chestnut Street to Normal Street - re- examine this area’s current R-2 zoning designation, consider rezoning as R- I 1A. (Deferrable, Short Term)
b Finalize action to modify allowable uses for industrial parks, to protect I existing and future residential developments. (Important, Immediate)
I b Acquire, where possible, additional lake frontage acreage along the eastern shore, west of Mill Street. Also acquire, where possible, land along the east I side of the outlet, from the lake to Plum Street. (Important, Long Term) b Continue to monitor the ownership of the Borough’s largest agricultural holding, with an eye towards eventually acquiring the property. I (Deferrable, Long Term)
Other Actions: I b Promote an Edinboro Historic Society through the Borough’s newsletter. I b Provide modest funding to support a Historical Society. b Explore economic and special initiatives based upon Edinboro University.
I Supplier/contractor marketing Special joint ventures I a College housing I Lake Edinboro: b Recognize that the problems associated with the Lake will require multi- I municipal cooperation to ultimately solve. (Important, Ongoing) b Consider reorganizing the Lake Foundation and hire a part-time Foundation I administrator. (Important, Short Term) I b Approach Edinboro University for assistance. (Important, Immediate) I
Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 10 I b Continue the dredging and weed-control programs as they are currently operating, but consider transferring Foundation equipment to the Edinboro- ! Washington Township COG for operation. (Important, Short Term)
b Have a comprehensive study of the lake and surrounding watershed I prepared, with emphasis placed on pollution sources and options to end them. (Important, Long Term) I b Examine the feasibility of a “sediment trap” for Edinboro Lake. (Important, I Short Term) b Sponsor a “Save Lake Edinboro Conference,” involving local and state I government officials. (Important, Short Term) b Install informational signage along the lakeshore which would describe the I lake and its problems. (Important, Immediate)
b Acquire, and place in the public domain, additional Lake frontage when I possible. The shoreline around the Lakeside Commons area and west of Mill Street should, in particular, be targeted for acquisition. (Deferrable, I Long Term) I I I I I I I I Action Plan - Borough of Edinboro Page 11 I