Elizabeth decides to keep Plum Street open

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Plum Street in downtown Elizabeth will remain open to traffic for at least the beginning of this summer.

Larry Ross, president of the Elizabeth Area Development Corporation, asked council to consider making the street a downtown pedestrian square for the summer months, even though the EADC has canceled its June outdoor concert series and will most likely cancel the concerts for July and August as well.

“My concern is our retailers need revenue badly,” Ross said, noting that giving people a place to sit and eat downtown would likely increase foot traffic for all of the downtown businesses.

“My concern is that we be consistent. Our parks aren’t open, so that shouldn’t be open either,” said Krisha DiMascio, the borough solicitor.

Ross said county parks are open, though DiMascio noted that the outdoor seating areas at local restaurants remain closed. 

Council President Chad Rager suggested it may be best to wait until the governor moves Allegheny County to the green phase before moving ahead with opening public resources. Council took no action on the request.

Ross said the demolition of the former Moose Lodge, which is being carried out by the EADC through grant funding, will take place this weekend. 

The demolition project at 100 S. Third St. will involve the closure of the PNC Bank lot from Friday afternoon through Monday morning as well as the closure of sidewalks in the area. Borough police will be on hand to direct traffic, and the fire department will be on standby. The lot will be used to expand downtown parking, Ross said.

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