Summer food truck events planned in Jeannette

The 500 block of Clay Avenue in Jeannette is going to see some action this summer.

Construction of an amphitheater was approved by city council Thursday as were plans for a biweekly food truck event, both of which are in the same block where a microbrewery is relocating.

“We’re really excited about it, it’ll be great,” city clerk Michelle Langdon said.

Council granted approval to the Jeannette Business Association to close the block eight times during the summer for Food Truck Thursday. Trucks will line up on the street from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on June 6 and 20, July 11 and 18, Aug. 1 and 15 and Sept. 5 and 19.

Construction on the $170,000 amphitheater, planned for an empty lot at the intersection of Clay Avenue and Fifth Street, should be complete this summer. The project is being funded through the Neighborhood Partnership Program, which enables local companies to donate a portion of their state taxes.

Westmoreland Community Action officials presented plans for the amphitheater with a covered stage to council this week. The project is planned for a lot that was the site of a fire in a vacant three-story building almost three years ago. The property was later acquired by the city.

Other funds are being sought for additional amenities.

Across the street from the amphitheater will be the new home of Sobel’s Obscure Brewing of Hempfield. The family-owned brewery is renovating the building and expects to have a tap room, an on-site brewery, live entertainment and weekend food trucks.