Mahoning debates locations for new building

Without a consensus on where to build a new municipal building, Mahoning Township supervisors tabled discussion on the topic during its final meeting of the year Monday.

Much of Monday’s debate centered on two possible locations for a new building, close to the current building off Mahoning Drive East or on township-owned property by Seneca Road.

While outgoing Supervisor John Wieczorek favored getting cost estimates on building near Seneca Road, his colleague Myron Blahy said locating the new structure closer to the current offices would keep costs down.

“There would be less work if we did it right here,” Blahy said. “If you do it by Seneca, you’ll need a new parking lot, new septic, a new well and a new generator.”

Supervisor Bruce Steigerwalt said getting estimates on how much more expensive building near Seneca Road would be would likely require a site plan and grading plan before moving forward.

“You would need to know how much asphalt you’re going to need for a lot so you can get some good estimates,” Steigerwalt said.

Either way, supervisors said, the township would likely knock down a storage building located nearby the current offices.

Township officials said Monday only one or two pieces of equipment are currently stored in the structure.

Steigerwalt said he expects the township will need a new septic system no matter which location it chooses and the current well is also, “not that great.”

“It’s good for flushing toilets, that’s about it,” he said, “and I don’t think anyone has drank the water in 40 years.”

The current building on Mahoning Drive East was built in the late 1960s, according to the township office. Supervisors said a new building has been on the municipality’s radar for years.

Monday’s vote to table discussion came after Wieczorek said it might be better to wait until his term ends on Jan. 5.

“I’m a lame duck,” he said. “I’d hate to cast a vote on a location when I won’t be here.”