Littlestown Borough Council voted to decommission the community pool at Tuesday’s meeting, leaving some residents angry and saddened by the decision. “We’ll remember all of you. You will have a legacy for decommissioning the pool,” said long-time resident Darren Sentz.
The meeting opened with a statement by President Craid Rosendale that council members should no longer discuss the pool because they had been accused of violating the Sunshine Act. “Council members, it’s of the highest importance that you adhere to this given that it’s related to allegations of wrongdoing by the council and that it is the advice received from our solicitor.”
Council members David Westcott, Craig Rosendale, Brent Sheely, and James Long approved the decommissioning of the pool, with Betty Bucher and Wanda Brown voting no.
Bucher asked why the council couldn’t just lock up the pool. “I think it’s about time the council realizes that a segment of the population does not want to see the pool closed. I think that they should be given that opportunity.” She suggested that the council should give the Save the Pool group six months to a year to see if they could raise the necessary funds to fix, maintain, and operate the swim center. After the meeting, she added that she didn’t understand why other council members seemed so determined to decommission the pool. “Let them have a chance. The pool’s not going to go anywhere. If they can’t raise the money, then fill it in. I just don’t understand what the urgency is.”
The borough council voted to close the nearly 60-year-old pool at its December meeting after the YMCA had decided not to renew its contract to operate it over the summer months. Council President Craig Rosenbloom said the cost of repairing, maintaining, and operating the pool was too expensive. Borough Manager Charles Keller said bringing the pool back would cost at least two million dollars, resulting in a hefty mil rate increase for borough taxpayers.
Kathleen Ednie, who has led the Save the Pool committee, presented a plan at Tuesday’s meeting that would rely on raising money and obtaining grants to fund the cost. “As I’ve stated in the past, we are not asking the borough to raise taxes.” In the proposal, the Littlestwon Community Pool Coalition asked for about 12 months to collaborate with community stakeholders, citizens, and local businesses to revitalize the facility.
The small meeting room adjacent to the library has been packed at the January, February, and March meetings. At the last meeting, the borough limited the number of occupants to 30 to adhere to fire safety regulations. By 6 p.m., Tuesday, the room was at capacity for the 6:30 p.m. meeting. Kellar, also Police Chief for the borough, called an officer to monitor those who stood outside the door.
Asked Monday morning if the borough planned to seek a larger venue for this meeting because of the number of people who might attend, Rosendale said that although in the past the borough has utilized space at one of the schools for public hearings, the room currently used at the library can accommodate attendance.
Ednie said she is unsure what will happen next, whether her proposal will be voted on or forgotten, but she will continue to hope for a miracle.
Featured image caption: Littlestown residents were turned away from Tuesday’s borough meeting due to room capacity issues. They waited outside to hear the fate of the community pool.
Judith Cameron Seniura is a freelance reporter. She began her journalism career in the early ‘70s and has written for newspapers, magazines, and other media in Ontario, Canada, Alaska, Michigan, Nebraska, San Antonio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Thank you for telling us who we need to vote AGAINST over the pool issue !