Sprucing up Searsville

PERKINS TWP. — Work to spiffy up the Searsville neighborhood hit a high mark. Perkins Township officials achieved several recent breakthroughs in their ongoing efforts to revitalize the residential area off Columbus Avenue by Perkins Avenue. Here's an update on the progress, with context provided by two township officials: urban planner and zoning inspector Melanie Murray along with building inspector Paul Ricci: • The latest: "The revitalization of Searsville continues. Demolition of the structure at the corner of Tremper and Doerzbach (avenues) is currently being conducted by Ed Burdue. This will make the eighth demolition in this neighborhood." • The past tasks: "We have also cleaned up six vacant lots of trash, rubbish, garbage, tires and inoperable vehicles. The playground equipment and new shelter (at Abernathy Park) are installed. The basketball court has been resurfaced (with) new equipment installed. The ribbon-cutting date for the park has not been set." • The upcoming jobs: "The parking lot, retention pond and fencing have to be installed. Six vacant residential structures are currently being rehabilitated/renovated by private developers." • The funding: "Total cost is around $150,000, including new playground equipment, pavilion, demolition, paving, landscaping and a community garden. The township received roughly $70,000 in grants. The rest of the costs will be covered by the township, roughly $80,000. Further investment has been made through the demolition of eight dilapidated structures over the course of the last three years." • The importance: "Searsville has one of the strongest neighborhood identities in the township. The township saw an opportunity and need to make improvements. Searsville has real potential in terms of location and amenities."