Otter Street Fields, Parking Lot Upgrades To Move Forward

A longtime gravel lot next to Bristol Borough recreational site will soon be paved as municipal officials push forward with a series of site improvements.

Bristol Borough Council voted earlier this month to award a $368,908 contract to R and S General Contractors Inc. for upgrades to the Otter Street parking lot.

The work on the project remains on hold pending approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

According to officials, the required state permit has stalled the project for months and remains the main obstacle to breaking ground.

Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe shared his frustration over the delays.

“This project should have started back in April or May when we discussed it,” DiGuiseppe said. “We’re still waiting for DEP. I mean, it’s ridiculous.”

“It’s so much red tape today,” he added. “It’s very hard to get something done.”

The parking lot overhaul is part of a larger project upgrade the surrounding recreation area, which includes the Otter Street sports fields and playground.

As part of those ongoing site enhancements, council previously approved a $375,737 contract with Musco Lighting to add lighting to the soccer fields.

PECO will be responsible for connecting the new fixtures to the borough’s electric service.

Plans for the complex also feature upgrades to the park’s playground and concession stand.

Officials expect construction on much of the overall project to begin in the coming weeks.

Also at the meeting, the council voted to hire attorney Christopher Gerber as special council. He previously served in the role for the borough.

In addition, the council voted to end the Bristol Borough Recreation Authority. A recreation board will remain and is involved in planning activities for the borough’s youth.