Coronavirus restrictions set back plans for Ligonier Beach reopening

Ligonier Township’s wish to reopen at least a portion of the shuttered Ligonier Beach likely won’t come true before next year , as coronavirus precautions have curtailed township operations.

Township Manager Terry Carcella previously expressed hope that pavilions could be offered for rent this summer while supervisors consider additional options for the recreational property along Route 30 — including possible restoration of its central swimming pool.

But, since the threat of coronavirus has caused the township to cancel or postpone meetings and keep staff separated as much as possible, Carcella said Tuesday, “we can’t possibly get that done for this season. It wouldn’t be until the following season.

“When this (coronavirus concerns) started cropping up, there was no way to get the resources together. It put a damper on all the planning as far as the Beach is concerned. We can’t bring a large group together.”

Because of the need for social distancing, the township canceled Tuesday’s meeting of the supervisors, as well as a meeting concerning the Ligonier Beach that was scheduled for Wednesday evening at Fort Ligonier.

Carcella said that second gathering of an appointed committee, to consider plans and public input for redeveloping the landmark attraction the township bought last year, might be rescheduled in April. If that’s not possible, the township might rely on survey results to gauge further public opinion.

“Where we’ll be at the beginning of April, who knows?” Carcella said of the coronavirus impact on township operations. “It seems like every day something new pops up.”

For now, the supervisors are next scheduled to meet on April 14.

The township bought the closed swimming pool and restaurant in November from Sherry and Steven Kozar, for $230,000, with the intent of reopening it for public use and preserving its historical significance.

Engineering consultant Ben Faas has estimated it would cost $8 million to rebuild the pool and accompanying structures.

The township has received grants of $130,000 from the state and $250,000 from the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation for the project. Carcella said additional funding may be sought through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Carcella said the township building remains closed until further notice, with administrative staff working from home. Members of the public works crew are driving individually in vehicles as they prepare for spring road tasks.

Carcella said the township is accepting applications for plots in the community garden.