Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – Warren City Council agreed to send a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, urging them to change direction about construction on the proposed roundabout in downtown Warren.
The motion to send the letter was carried by a vote of 5-2, with council members Phil Gilbert and Maurice Cashman voting against.
Construction on the roundabout, slated to be located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave. and Market St., is scheduled to begin in mere months.
“This letter is well-written, but it’s too negative,” Cashman said. “There are things that PennDot will see right through.”
Councilwoman Wendy McCain expressed her concerns about the effectiveness of the letter.
“I’m unsure of the likelihood that this would stop the roundabout,” she said. “I’m concerned that we would be poking the beehive.”
Councilman John Wortman has made his thoughts well known on the issue and believes the council has a responsibility to represent the will of its constituents.
“My views on this matter are well known,” Wortman said. “I feel that we have an obligation as elected officials to represent the viewpoints of those who place us into office. If you listen to the feedback of our citizens, and if you read the initial recommendation of the city staff, our populous does not support the change at this intersection. I feel an obligation to convey this rather than to address our own concerns. It may be too late to fix based on the costs associated. The citizens have the right to have their voices heard, even if it is unsuccessful.”
Mayor Dave Wortman said he understood the concerns Cashman had about the negativity of the letter but felt that it was necessary.
“I understand the concern about the positive and negative aspects,” Mayor Wortman said. “The feedback that has been presented are the negative aspects of the roundabout that solidify the positions of most of the people that have taken a position on it. Trucking companies have stated they have concerns about the truck traffic moving through the intersection. The point is well taken in terms of the positive and negative. I do believe the negative aspects have really driven the necessity to submit this letter on behalf of the city to PennDot.”
The letter was approved by the council with several adjustments, including highlighting the concerns of the trucking company.
“You’ve already written it, and it’s well-written, it’s just full of holes in my opinion,” Cashman said.
Councilman Joe Michales echoed the thoughts of Councilman Wortman.
“I agree with Councilman Wortman and believe we have the duty to represent the views of the citizens,” Michaels said.
