Tarentum docks and decks removed for deadline, giving riverfront a new appearance

Drivers crossing the Tarentum Bridge this week might have done a double take.

The shoreline in Tarentum is nearly empty for the first time in decades.

It’s being cleared of boat docks, decks, picnic tables, bars and sheds while lease holders race to beat a Tuesday deadline set by council.

Council voted in August to eliminate the 24 docks while the borough upgrades its electrical code and finalizes a riverfront development plan.

“In theory, this was supposed to happen every year,” Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said.

“Items were supposed to be removed at the end of every season, but we all know that didn’t happen.”

Boaters were outraged when council made its decision to get rid of the docks, with many people saying generations of families made summer homes at the riverfront.

It would be nearly impossible to haul away lumber, tiki bars, refrigerators and roofs, many said.

Council gave boaters the option of an April 30 extension on the condition of a signed contract addendum. As of Friday, only five people had requested it.

Many of the boaters started tearing out decks and other amenities weeks ago.

Tom Kish boated in Tarentum for more than 20 years and leased two slips at $700 each. He was among those who didn’t want to prolong a situation he called sad and frustrating.

Kish had built up a multilevel spot — complete with a thatched roof bar, table and chairs and outdoor kitchen — but he sacrificed the last several weeks of the season to rip it apart and toss it all into a bonfire near the water.

“Many people have removed their items, and there’s some we still haven’t heard from,” Boddorf said.

Two of the docks were abandoned for years. Some remain in the water.

“A lot of the really nice big ones were lifted out by barges,” Boddorf said. “I imagine some are waiting until the very last minute, which is understandable.”

Code enforcement officer Anthony Bruni plans to canvass the area with Boddorf next week. They will review the condition of each space and wrap up loose ends.

In the meantime, the borough’s electrical code from the 1990s is being brought up to date.

The aged utilities and liability concerns were part of the reason council opted to reevaluate the waterfront. The borough was approached by the state Department of Environmental Protection about missing permits that were supposed to be secured seven years ago. It’s unclear why the permits were never obtained.

Council also is considering a long-range comprehensive plan that includes trails and public access to the water.

With Friends of the Riverfront, the borough is devising an $8.7 million, 4-mile path through Tarentum and East Deer.

In Tarentum, the trail is off-road through Dreshar Stadium and Riverview Memorial Park, along with on-road portions.

Council has discussed ideas that include a public fishing pier — and docks.