Monongahela OKs annual street fair

By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Monongahela officials gave their approval yesterday to hold a popular summer event in the city.
Council approved the Monongahela Youth Main Street Program using Third Street from 6 to 9 p.m. July 4 so it can hold its annual Railroad Street Fair.
The approval is contingent upon police Chief Kevin Harris, who wasn’t present at yesterday’s meeting, giving the green light to close the street.
Monongahela Main Street Program Executive Director Terry Necciai said the police department worked with the program last year and handed out face masks and had an extra police officer on patrol.
“There were components that came from the public works department and there were components that came from the police department,” he said.
The event, now in its third year, typically features food booths, games, vendors, street musicians and other attractions.
The event draws large crowds, and Solicitor Todd Pappasergi warned that COVID-19 restrictions could still be in place three months from now and the event will have to follow those mandates.
“I fully anticipate that mask guidelines will still be in effect this summer,” he said.
In other business
In other business, renovations at Mounds Park continues to move forward.
Council approved the installation of a light pole on the corner of Mounds and Ohio streets to be placed over the playground. Council also approved the installation of fencing at a cost not to exceed $16,300 be placed at the park and the ballfield’s third base lines.
Council also approved the purchase of concrete, tables and pavilions not to exceed $14,200.
The park’s revitalization project includes removing the park’s tennis courts and moving playground equipment to the courts’ former spot.
Councilman Rusty Polonoli said he expects the playground equipment to be installed during the second week of May.
“I’d like to get that park opened as soon as possible,” he said.
Polonoli said if enough money is left over, fences could be installed at the dog park in an effort to have more people keep their dogs in the park.
“People have been using the basketball courts and people don’t clean up after their pets,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll have cameras up there.”