Unity seeks $1M grant to replace bridge over Sewickley Creek branch

Unity officials are seeking a $1 million state grant to help replace a township bridge over the North Branch of Sewickley Creek that is rated in poor condition.

Though the bridge on Shinsky Road isn’t in imminent danger of falling down, “We want to stay ahead of the curve,” said Mike O’Barto, chairman of the township supervisors.

O’Barto and fellow supervisors Ed Poponick and John Mylant agreed to apply by the March 15 deadline for a Local Share Account grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funds are derived from gambling revenues.

If Unity is granted the maximum amount of $1 million, it will need to tap its own general fund for an additional $265,000 to cover the estimated cost of a new bridge, according to township engineer Dan Schmitt.

Located near Pleasant Unity, Shinsky Bridge is 34 feet long and was constructed in 1989 using steel I-beams, according to PennDOT’s database. Through the bridge deck is deemed in satisfactory condition and the superstructure is in fair shape, the substructure is in poor condition, helping to give the span an overall poor rating.

O’Barto noted it is one of several bridges supervisors hope to replace. Others include: a bridge on Lloyd Avenue extension, near the Adelphoi campus at the border with Latrobe; Monastery Run Bridge, near Saint Vincent Lake; Baggaley Bridge, at the entrance to the village of Baggaley.

In another road project, supervisors approved an intergovernmental cooperation agreement with neighboring Hempfield to replace a culvert on Pacek Road, at the border between the townships.

Solicitor Gary Falatovich said Unity will take the lead on the project, advertising for bids and paying for construction of the project, with Hempfield reimbursing its share of the costs.

“We’ve worked very well with Hempfield Township in the past, and we’ll continue to do so,” O’Barto said.

$3M awarded for Saint Vincent complex

The supervisors approved a cooperation agreement with Saint Vincent College, with the township serving as a pass-through recipient for a grant of $3 million the school has been awarded through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Falatovich said the grant will help to fund development of a new indoor athletic complex at the Benedictine college.

College officials announced a plan to build the $18 million, 82,200-square-foot Dunlap Family Athletic and Recreation Center in time for use by the summer of 2023. Unity played a similar role in an earlier RACP grant of $1.5 million for the same project.

2 new businesses proposed

The supervisors approved plans for two new businesses in the township, including an amended sewage facilities plan for a Jersey Mike’s sub sandwich shop to be situated on Sharky’s Drive.

They also approved a site plan for a proposed handmade pottery and home goods store at the former location of the Country Cafe and Video, on Route 130 in Pleasant Unity. The supervisors will conduct a hearing at 4:30 p.m. on March 22 to consider a conditional use zoning approval needed by the business.