Will Springdale Borough Council ever do anything positive?
First, council took a stand against the Allegheny Valley School District concerning the Veterans Memorial Field repairs. That resulted in our school taxes being raised and the field being moved to Butler Street. The field is still locked as the argument continues.
Second, the borough entered into an agreement to have a data center built in the community. It seems other options (Walmart distribution center) were withheld by council. I believe that decision will result in higher electric bills and probable noise pollution.
Third, the borough “discreetly” (see the article “Springdale police quietly ink deal with ICE without public vote,” Dec. 12, TribLive) entered into an ICE agreement which resulted in a man with civil offenses being arrested and detained. That decision is in violation of the Sunshine Act. Now, people do not feel safe in their community. It’s sad when a ninth grade student had to address council to make that point.
At the Feb. 17 meeting, council revealed it already has a $7 million to $8 million bond. That’s debt! Now they want a loan for another $800,000! When will the borough start trimming its budget instead of raising our taxes? There are no talks of bringing revenue into the borough, only spending. Taking monetary perks for the police department from ICE won’t fill the gap. They can start with the biggest portion of the budget, the police department. Why does a 1-square-mile borough need four full-time police officers and the expense that goes with it? Oh, to assist ICE, that’s why!
Shelley Watts
Springdale