Preliminary work on the Eastern Boulevard widening project has been ongoing since November 2007. Allegheny Power has completed approximately 75% of the required utility pole relocations, and they anticipate completing their work in the coming weeks. Work crews from Charles E. Brake, Inc. are installing new water mains and storm drainage pipes at various locations throughout the corridor. Columbia Gas Company and Verizon will also be working on utility relocations during this time period. This work is scheduled to continue until March 1st (approximately), when the major road construction phase is expected to begin. Temporary traffic delays and congestion are likely, and motorists should consider alternate routes away from the work zone.

The Engineering and Design section is primarily focused on street improvements, traffic flow, and stormwater management. We are responsible for preparing construction documents for various Capital Improvement Projects identified in the City budget. These may include our annual pavement preservation program, construction of parking facilities, repair of storm drains and repairs to other public facilities. The Engineering and Design section staff prepares the contract documents, bids the projects, administers the contracts and inspects the work. The section also reviews development plans prior to Planning Commission approval, provides tri-annual inspection of Storm Water Management structures; maintains a data-base of city streets, curbs and sidewalks and maintains the mapping for the City including development of our Geographic Information System database.

The Code Administration section issues building, plumbing, electric and other various permits. The staff enforces the City's Building Plumbing, Electrical and Property Maintenance Codes. The Rental Licensing Program is part of this section. Staff provides inspections of private construction projects and inspecting the maintenance of private properties either in response to citizen complaints or through the Rental Licensing program.

Residential Recycling and Trash Collection is provided by a private contractor administered by the Department . In addition to collecting residential trash at curbside twice each week, the City's contractor also collects yard waste, mixed paper, and commingled glass, plastic and aluminum recycling.