State Rep. Frank Burns calls on Johnstown to reconsider park renovations

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — In August 2023, the city of Johnstown announced the renovation of the Central Park and Main Street. However, State Representative Frank Burns is calling on the city to reconsider the project.

The two areas were slated to receive $17.2 million through two grants, which would allow for complete renovation of both areas. The grants were split between federal and city COVID-19 money, both contributing around $8 million to the project.

Burns, however, suggested that there are other projects that the city could be spending its money on. He noted that removing residential blight, building a new police and fire station as well as bringing a grocery store to the downtown area are far more “impactful” projects.

In a letter sent to Mayor Frank Janakovic, Burns cited his own research that concluded the city’s $24.5 million RAISE grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is off limits as a park-improvement funding source.

“I’ve confirmed that federal transportation funding cannot be used to pay for things inside the park, such as a splash pad, pavilion, landscaping, etc.,” Burns wrote, adding that consequently nearly all Central Park redesign funding “must come from the city’s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.”

Burns undertook his own research because City Manager Ethan Imhoff, who recently announced his resignation, “blurred the lines” between the two funding sources and “often caused confusion among council members and the public” as to how the park renovation would be funded.

“We represent the same people and I assure you the majority of the people do not think Central Park should be the city’s top priority,” Burns wrote. “True leadership is showing the courage to change direction. I’m sure the public would be satisfied with some minor upgrades to the park  but spending $8 million when the city has so many other pressing needs seems ridiculous to the average person in Johnstown.”

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On the other hand, Iron to Arts: Raise Project, said that their goal is to bring the city back together and make Johnstown a destination spot for those of all ages. The council wanted to modernize the park for children and teens while also keeping it a relaxing spot for older generations in the area.

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