Plans underway for transformation of 19th Street in Sharpsburg

A thriving community is possible only through engagement, according to Sharpsburg councilman Corey Ochai.

He is urging residents to participate in a recently launched survey to help shape portions of the Main Street streetscape and access to the riverfront.

“Community engagement is the best solution for us to find a way that actually adds value to the whole and not just the selective few,” Ochai said. “It’s the most important part of this project.”

The transformation of the borough’s main thoroughfare targets 19th to 21st streets as access points to the mixed-use development Allegheny Shores, which is eyed to bring housing and entertainment to a 1.5-mile stretch of the riverfront.

A $1.5 million grant from PennDOT will be used to reconstruct the road and tunnel, add lighting and art, and boost pedestrian safety. The grant was made available through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund.

A survey posted to the borough’s website, sharpsburgborough.com, invites residents, business owners and visitors to weigh in on potential designs. Questions include topics like mobility, stormwater, bus stops, landscaping, public seating and traffic calming.

Deadline to reply is 9 a.m. Feb. 3.

Borough manager Christine DeRunk said officials want to create a “kit of parts,” or general streetscape elements, that can be incorporated further along Main Street as the borough receives additional funding.

“It is important for people to participate in the survey so the borough can get valuable feedback,” DeRunk said.

Once the survey is complete, officials will analyze results to guide the final designs, she said.

Allegheny Shores, led by developer Mosites Co., is a reclamation of a 52-acre brownfield site that for decades operated as a scrap yard. It is expected to include commercial uses and housing, and reconnect residents to the riverfront.

Work on the streetscape is expected to begin next year. It’s not clear how long work will last as it depends on timing with utilities and PennDOT, among other agencies.

Plans potentially call for a “bump-out” at 19th Street to extend the sidewalk at the intersection and shorten the distance to cross the street. Officials said bump-outs improve visibility for pedestrians and provide more sidewalk room, and align with the goal to highlight inclusivity and accessibility for everyone.

Councilman Roman Mason is eager for the updates. A lifelong borough residen, Mason said it’s important “to increase safety — add lights, make it easier to see when cars are turning, especially now that we’re expecting this new development.”

“That end of town is a little outdated,” he said. “Now that it’s being repurposed for a different use, improvement is necessary.”

For Sharpsburg, priority issues include stormwater management, mass transit and walkability.

DeRunk noted that the borough is one of the most flood-prone areas in Allegheny County. The questionnaire seeks input on trees and other green infrastructure proven to help with flooding.

Participants will also have the chance to explain if they would favor adding benches to the targeted area of Main Street, along with bus stop shelters, public art and bike infrastructure.

Ochai said public voices are integral to shaping the borough’s future.

“We can think of what we may like to see,” he said, “but if it’s not what the community needs, it won’t be effective.”