Sidewalk snow removal and responsibility for clearing walkways were among the first topics discussed during a planning session held by the Corry City Council on March 9, with officials exploring possible options to improve pedestrian access during winter months.
The discussion followed public comments from Sarah Aravanis, a Pleasant Street resident who described the difficulty of maintaining sidewalks for older residents and those with disabilities. Aravanis told council that sidewalk plowing had long been a point of pride in the city and urged officials to continue looking for solutions.
“I’m over 80. My brother is 76 and he’s disabled,” she said. “We can do a little bit of that, but not face what we have faced this year in our snow.”
Council members acknowledged the issue and said they are actively exploring ways to expand sidewalk snow clearing, though equipment and staffing remain major obstacles. Public Works Manager Mark Leofsky explained that the city previously used tracked Lombardier machines designed for sidewalks, but those units were eventually retired due to age and parts availability.
The city now relies on a skid steer with a V-plow, which Leofsky said is not ideal for the job.
“Skid steers are a wheel machine, not the right answer,” Leofsky said. “It’s wider than a lot of the sidewalks, so one wheel goes off and you’re spinning trying to push snow.”
Leofsky also noted that staffing levels have declined over the years, leaving fewer employees available to handle sidewalk clearing. Streets are prioritized during snow events, while city ordinance currently places responsibility for sidewalk maintenance on property owners.
Council members discussed several possible approaches, including seeking public input, estimating the cost of expanding the city’s sidewalk plowing program, and exploring partnerships with the Corry Area School District. One idea would allow students to earn physical education credit for assisting with snow removal under school supervision.
City Clerk Laura Thomas reported that a review of six nearby municipalities found that all require property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, though some communities impose different deadlines or stricter requirements for business districts.
Officials emphasized that the topic remains under review, with the city also researching alternative equipment that could improve sidewalk maintenance in the future.
Council members also reviewed a potential repository property sale involving a vacant lot at 330 Eagle Street. The buyer, Cristiano Ferrari of Las Vegas–based real estate investor CJ Ferrari LLC, told council via Zoom that the goal is to return the currently vacant parcel to productive use. Ferrari said he hopes to partner with local builders to construct a single-family home on the lot that could either be sold or rented once completed.
Director of Streets and Public Improvements Charles Gray asked several questions about the proposal, including whether the lot is large enough to meet zoning requirements and whether a local contact would be involved in the project. Ferrari said he has visited the property and has been traveling to Pennsylvania frequently while seeking opportunities to redevelop vacant lots.
Council indicated it will seek confirmation on zoning requirements before moving forward. The proposed repository sale is expected to come before council for a vote at its next meeting.
Council members also announced plans to recognize three local residents for their role in assisting during a recent ice rescue at Mead Park.
Officials said a proclamation will be presented at the next council meeting honoring the individuals for their actions when two minors fell through the ice on the park pond in February. According to the Corry Fire Department, the girls had fallen through ice about 30 feet from shore.
Two residents witnessed the incident and called 911, while a third entered the water with a tow strap in an effort to help before emergency crews arrived. Firefighters later completed the rescue using department equipment and brought everyone safely to shore.
Council members said the proclamation will formally recognize the three residents for their quick actions in helping the children during the emergency.
Council also received updates on the condition of the downtown mural wall and the city’s ongoing streetlight conversion project.
Gray said the city recently received an estimate of about $3,000 for emergency repairs to prevent water from penetrating the wall and causing additional structural damage. City leaders are working to identify funding for the repair, which was not included in the current budget. A structural engineer and rehabilitation specialists are also expected to provide estimates by the end of March outlining the cost to stabilize the wall or, if necessary, partially remove and rebuild it. The city plans to begin applying for grants, including one that could provide up to $15,000 toward the project, with the goal of completing repairs before next winter’s freeze-thaw cycle.
Council also discussed public feedback on the city’s transition to LED streetlights. Officials said residents have submitted comments following a recent public meeting, with many suggesting 4,000 Kelvin lights on main streets and 3,000 Kelvin lights in residential areas. The difference primarily affects the color tone of the light, with the 3,000K option producing a warmer glow. Council is expected to finalize its recommendation soon so the utility provider can order equipment and continue planning the citywide conversion.
