Borough of Somerset "Inside Somerset"

< back

Updated May 2008

Print Page >>

1. REMINDER – NO OUTSIDE BURNING

Because grass fires can be easily caused by outside burning, the Borough of Somerset has discontinued allowing leaves and yard waste to be burned outdoors.

2. NO SIGNS ALLOWED ON TREES, POLES

Somerset Borough reminds residents not to place signs on trees or utility poles. The Somerset Borough Zoning Ordinance prohibits signs from being attached to trees or utility poles. Recently there have been incidents of yard sale signs being placed on trees, utility and sign poles, as well as traffic signal poles. This is a violation of Section 183-34 of the Somerset Borough Zoning Ordinance, and is subject to a fine of up to $250 per day for each and every offense. Residents are reminded not to place any signs on these structures.

3. BUSINESS PAGE ADDED TO BOROUGH’S WEB SITE

The Borough of Somerset has added a Business Page to its web site. The purpose of this page is for the Borough to have closer and more immediate access to its businesses. The site has information pertinent to businesses such as zoning and subdivision regulations; building permit information; and tax information. This web page also provides timely information on upcoming projects and issues. Businesses can register for this service by sending an e-mail to the Borough of Somerset at webmaster@somersetborough.com . The e-mail should list the name of your business as well as the name and e-mail of the person authorized to receive updates from the Borough.

4. SOMERSET BOROUGH E-MAIL NOTIFICATION DATA BASE IS BEING DEVELOPED

The Borough of Somerset is developing an e-mail notification system that will enable the Borough to communicate with its residents in a matter of minutes. This system can be used to notify residents of street sweeping schedules; snow plowing; traffic detours; Borough construction project schedules; or any activity going on within the Borough which could affect residents. Perhaps its most valuable use will be to allow us to communicate quickly in the event of any type of emergency such as a water break; or weather - related matters. After any major event, the Borough routinely accesses what worked well and what could be improved. The idea for this e-mail notification system came from a conversation with Daily American Editor Brian Whipkey shortly after a major water break that disrupted water service to a large number of customers in the Borough and Township. Look for more information in the Daily American as we continue to develop this program.

5. WHEN ARE BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRED?

With the summer just around the corner, here are some tips for those planning construction projects:

• Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, or demolish a structure.

• They are needed when the occupancy of a building or structure or when sanitary facilities are added.

• Permits are required when a proposed change occurs in the use of a building, or when water or sewer service is requested, driveway construction planned, fencing erected or streets excavated.

A comprehensive listing of activities requiring permits is available at our Inspections Department; by calling 445-5595; and on our web site www.somersetborough.com.

6. WHAT’S AHEAD THIS SUMMER?

Replacement of sidewalks on the “diamond” in Uptown Somerset will begin on May 27th. It is expected to be completed within ninety (90) days)  Work is continuing on the renovation of the former Somerset Borough Building. Renovations are expected to be completed by September at which time it will become the Somerset Borough Public Safety Building, housing our Fire and Police Departments.
The design of a “looped water system” in the area of the Hampton Inn is continuing. The water line will run along Laurel Crest Road and connect into the existing waterline along Felgar Road. Bids for the work will be advertised in June and it is expected that the bid will be awarded in July. Construction of the new waterline will begin in early fall.
Somerset Borough and Somerset Township, in conjunction with the CSX Rail Road will be replacing a 48” storm water pipe near the CSX Rail Road Yards. The existing pipe will be replaced with a 96” pipe which will allow for improved flow of stormwater in both the Borough and Township. Work is expected to begin in June and be completed in July.
The Borough has received $30,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to fund improvements to building facades in the designated “Main Street” district of the Borough. This is a “matching grant” program with the Borough’s grant funding 50% or up to $3,000 of a façade project. Applications for this funding are being reviewed by the Design Committee of Somerset Inc.
The Borough has received funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to perform maintenance activities along certain areas of Coxes Creek. This will essentially consist of removal of siltation in the creek bed. Work is scheduled to begin in June and be completed by the first part of July.
The Borough has received funding from Penn Dot’s Safe Routes to School Program to install sidewalks along the southern portion of the 300 Block of West Garrett Street that currently does not have sidewalks.
With funding from Penn Dot’s Transportation Enhancement Program, the Borough will be installing antique street lighting along Pleasant Avenue from Patriot Street to Main Street. Landscaping is planned for the area along Pleasant Avenue from East Main Street to Stoystown Road. Additionally, antique lights are planned to be installed for sidewalk lighting along the Turnpike Access Road.
The Borough received a Tourism Grant from the Somerset County Commissioners to plant trees along the Turnpike Access Road; North Center Avenue; and to replace dead or missing trees throughout the gateways to Somerset Borough. Additionally wild flowers will be planted along the Gilmour By-Pass and the Turnpike Access Road.