Bridgeville searching for new police chief

Bridgeville hopes to have a new police chief by early spring after the Jan. 3 retirement of Chad King.

The borough posted the position in mid-January, said Manager Joe Kauer. Applications are being accepted through the end of February, and Kauer anticipates having a candidate identified by early spring.

Sgt. Gary James is serving as the officer-in-charge during the transition.

“Sgt. James has served with the borough’s police department since 1990 and is a very engaged and respected member of our community,” Kauer said.

King started as a Bridgeville patrolman in February 1999 and was promoted to chief in December 2009. Council presented a proclamation to King thanking him for his efforts. It mentioned his focus on community-oriented policing and his deep commitment to community safety and engagement.

“His efforts have fostered meaningful relationships within the community, which have proven essential in solving crimes, fostering positive change and improving the overall quality of life for Bridgeville citizens,” the proclamation read, in part.

“Through his leadership, the department has become a trusted partner in addressing local challenges, making Bridgeville a safer and more vibrant place to live and work.”

Chartiers Street study

Council in January requested PennDOT to complete a speed reduction study on Chartiers Street.

Kauer said the speed limit on Chartiers Street in 30 mph. It is a state road.

“PennDOT is planning a project that is planned for construction next year that will repair some areas of the steep slope along this roadway,” Kauer said. “While doing this, they plan to construct a sidewalk that would be the entire length of Chartiers Street.”

The Bridgeville Active Transportation Plan recommends pedestrian connections to the parks to make Bridgeville a more walkable community, he said.

A very sharp bend on Chartiers Street, near the Chartiers Park entrance, can pose a hazard to people walking across the street, even with vehicles going 30 mph, Kayer said.

“Being in close proximity to the sharp bend, if the speed limit is lowered, it would possibly enable a crosswalk to be constructed that would connect the park to the sidewalk side of Chartiers Street,” Kauer said. “That is the thought that resulted in the borough asking PennDOT to study the probability of lowering the speed limit to improve safety.”

The study is free for the borough, and it’s unclear when it will be complete. It does not guarantee that PennDOT will agree to a lowered speed limit.

Day on the Avenue

Council set this year’s Day on the Avenue for Saturday, June 14.

It will take place on Washington Avenue between Hickman Street and Bower Hill Road.

The festival includes more than 100 vendors, live music, free activities for families, many food vendors and a car cruise.