Township Gains a Few More Acres

Collier Township gained a few more acres after seizing three small parcels of land from delinquent landowners.

The township commissioners voted Wednesday night to allow the municipality to take control of the land through eminent domain, which adds up to 2.58 acres, along the .

The township has weaved through a long process in which the school district and county have forgiven the delinquent tax debt to allow Collier to take control of the properties.

“It will just be more nature along the trail,” Commissioner Wilson Durisko said. “We weren’t getting any tax money from it anyway.”

The commissioners said most of the land is located along steep hills, so the township won’t be able to develop the small parcels. But some parts are between Webb Field and the trail, allowing for a shortcut to be formed.

Also during the meeting…

-The township has plans to pave eight roads this summer with five other projects as possible alternates. Township officials have budgeted $400,000 for the work and are awaiting the construction bid prices to see if they can do more than the eight roads.

-Volz Environmental Services, Inc., will be paid $700 to do asbestos testing on the building at Little Kelly. The work will determine how much asbestos is in the roof and how much removal of the material will cost.

-Collier Township’s beautification day will be April 16 from 9 a.m. until noon.

-The township is still searching for an organizer for the annual 10k race.