Clarion furniture store project almost complete

A construction project at a popular downtown Clarion business is nearing completion after an extended work schedule due to the discovery of severe building deterioration.

Faller’s Better Furniture store owner Greg Faller and Clarion contractor Charles Deitz attended Tuesday’s Clarion Borough Council meeting.

Deitz, of Deitz Sandblasting and Contracting, said they heard that questions had been raised about the work.

Mayor John Stroup said he had been concerned about safety in the area with the sidewalks and busy crosswalks.

Deitz has been using special equipment to reach the second story of the building.

The store has been open throughout construction, which began about a month ago.

Faller said it was initially supposed to have been only simple maintenance and painting.

But Deitz said they found severe deterioration of the window framework.

“There was no sill left,” he said.

The new windows were installed Tuesday.

Faller said the project’s price went from an estimated $5,000 up to $15,000 because of the increased work.

“We thought it would be done last week,” he said. “The painting is probably going to wait until next year.”

Deitz said he moves his equipment to the back of the store each evening.

“I’ve done everything I can do keep my job site and pedestrians in a safe manner,” he said.

Stroup noted the police department’s increased crosswalk enforcement in town.

The store opened in the fall of 1999.

Stroup said borough officials are happy with the improvement effort.

“It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing,” Stroup said.

Faller said he has spoken with borough manager Nancy Freenock about possible grant funding that could assist with costs.

Council member Elaine Moore suggested historic building preservation grants as well.

Stroup said local officials could have inquired about the project at the start.

“You took the precautions you needed to take and acted as wisely as you could,” said council member Joanne Vavrek. “Mr. Faller is a good tenant in this town.”

In other discussion, council member Rich Herman said meetings are being conducted regarding an issue pertaining to North Riverview Street.

The first 200 feet of the roadway is not owned by the borough, Herman said.

There is a good deal of interest in that road because it could ultimately be part of a long-term recreation plan, Herman said.

And, it was related that the borough zoning hearing board met July 17 in response to a request from Neiswonger Construction for a variance to use the former Herman’s store property on South Eighth Avenue in an R-2 zoning district for a cafe.

There was lengthy discussion, but the board voted unanimously to deny the request, citing the lack of a clear development plan and the absence of any unnecessary hardship.

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