Brandi Stretavski's Online Portfolio

University moving ahead with housing project

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:33:12 -0500

Reported by Brandi Stretavski, Tri-County Sunday.

CLARION— Clarion University is moving forward with its housing project on Main Street after the Clarion Borough Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance request Tuesday.

The university in collaboration with the Clarion University Foundation applied for a variance requesting relief from the setback requirement of 30 feet to 10 feet to “overcome significant topographical conditions existing at the intended site,” according to a letter submitted to the board by Clarion University President Karen Whitney.

Also, the applicant requested to waive the requirement to provide a deed to the property. In the letter, Whitney said over 45 property transactions have occurred on the proposed site since the university was established in 1867, and in the past, the requirement has been waived.

The university is planning to build two new suite-style housing buildings along both sides of East Main Street (Route 322) in Clarion Borough. Each building of the housing complex will be four stories.

In the variance application, the university requested a variance regarding the front yard setback regulation to address “grading challenges.” On the south side of Main Street, the site for building A drops west to east by 47 feet and south to north by 20 feet, causing a slope of greater than 60 percent, according to the report. On the other side of the street, the site for building B has a slope from west to east that drops by more than 40 feet and the slope from south to north drops 35 feet, producing a slope greater than 50 percent, the application stated.

In the request, the university and foundation stated they have “gone to great lengths to actually improve the district rather than alter or impair it or the surrounding properties.”

The application also stated that the group plans to ask PennDOT for permission to install parallel parking spaces and widen the cart ways, similar to downtown. If the parallel parking is permitted by PennDOT, the university plans to “fully comply to borough and state requirements” with the project, Whitney said at the hearing.

One of the variance-related concerns raised by several residents at the hearing was safety involving traffic in the area. Nancy DiStefano, a Clarion Borough resident, said she was worried about how shortening the setback may affect traffic on a road where many people speed.

“This is a narrow road. I’m scared about the setback with that narrow of a road,” DiStefano said.

Whitney said the design team has consulted traffic engineers who’ve said the design will help to “calm the traffic.”

Currently, with the open parking lots and an absence of buildings, the location motivates speeding in the area. Whitney said, according to the engineers and some recommendations by PennDOT, the design will encourage drivers to slow down in the area.

“We want to ensure a safe environment,” Whitney said.

Jamie Simpson, Clarion Borough Council member and chairman of the borough’s housing and zoning committee, said the request is reasonable and agrees with most of the findings. He also noted, in regards to the variance, that the buildings will be placed back farther from the road than Wilkinson Hall, one of the two current residential buildings that will be demolished for the project.

The zoning hearing board voted in favor of the variance, with board members David Sentner and Barb McCombie voting in favor and board member Gary Purinton abstaining because he is an employee of the university.

In addition to discussing the variance application, Whitney and Ric Taylor, the university’s director of facilities planning and management, supplied additional information about the project to the residents and business owners in attendance.

In the letter submitted by Whitney, she said the project is proposed on these sites “to better integrate the campus and borough.” At the hearing, Whitney emphasized that the university wants the community to feel welcome and enjoy the university’s programs and amenities. Both Taylor and Whitney said the look and face-to-face spacing between the buildings will match that of the commercial area of downtown Main Street.

Whitney said she wants the project to be “part of (Main Street) rather than competition to local merchants.”

Whitney also mentioned how important the project is to the future of Clarion University.

With the declining enrollment rate, upgrading housing options is crucial to the university’s recruitment efforts, Whitney said.

“These are very difficult times for higher education,” Taylor said.

According to surveys completed by the university’s marketing department, Whitney said about 85 percent of incoming students consider housing an important or very important factor when deciding on a university.

Whitney added that the university has taken a more “conservative” approach to replacing its residential areas compared to other competing universities.

She also said about one-third of students are from Pittsburgh or Pittsburgh’s suburban areas. As a result, the university wanted to create a more “urban” feel with the design of its new complex by integrating the new buildings along Main Street with downtown Clarion.

Also, the application stated that the retail areas in the buildings are going to be outlets owned and operated on campus “serving as permitted, associated uses.” According to the application, the university stated it is “not foreseen that these outlets will be in direct competition with private retail and no space will be offered for lease to private retail enterprises.”

Some of the services that will be placed in the building include Starbucks, Chartwell’s dining services and a 150 seat theater, Whitney said.

The project is expected to be completed around spring 2015.

School boards in Clarion Co. schools have mixed feelings about guns

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:18:29 -0500

School boards in Clarion Co. schools have mixed feelings about guns:

Tri-County Sunday

January 27, 2013

Web Edition

Perfect Valentine- Heart Awareness Month now means much more for local family and their baby

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:24:00 -0400

By BRANDI STRETAVSKI

L-V Staff Writer

SOUTH BETHLEHEM - As many people associate February with hearts, love and treats, this year, one local family has a greater appreciation for the month that extends beyond the geometric shapes and material gifts.

February is the month of National Heart Awareness. Also, Feb. 7-14 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. Recently, Kisha Mangiantini of South Bethlehem and her family have realized the importance of heart disease awareness after her daughter was born with a potentially life-threatening heart defect.

On Dec. 26, Mangiantini and her husband, Cory, welcomed their daughter, Meadow Rayne, weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces and 19 inches long. She was born with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot.

TOF accounts for 10 percent of all congenital heart diseases. The disease is a combination of four defects: a hole in the ventricular septum, a narrowed passage between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery, a shift in the connection of the aorta to the heart and thickened muscle in the right ventricle.

Mangiantini said that she experienced a relatively normal pregnancy.

“Nothing redflagged [the doctors] about it,” she said.

Upon Meadow’s first exam, the pediatrician found a murmur in her heart. Less than 12 hours old, she was flown to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh where she was diagnosed. She had open-heart surgery when she was eight days old. The surgeons were able to repair everything in one surgery.

“They weren’t sure if they were able to get it all in one go,” Mangiantini said.

Meadow was released from the hospital after 20 days with a feeding tube that was only needed for a few days.

Mangiantini praised the doctors and nurses at Children’s Hospital for the care they gave her daughter.

“They were so wonderful,” she said.

One in 100 babies have some sort of birth defect. Many hospitals and doctors do not check newborn’s oxygen levels unless they suspect a problem. A pulse oximetry, or pulse ox, is a non-invasive and painless test used to measure the percent oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the arterial blood and the pulse rate.

Most of the time, a pulse ox is performed on babies after the first 24 hours; however, if the doctors’ performed it before hospital discharge at 24 hours, it may detect more congenital heart defects.

“I don’t think people are aware of the issues that can arise in infants,” Mangiantini said.

While the infant was in the hospital, the family would update the status of her health through Facebook. Mangiantini said the family would post updates and within a few hours, the posts would receive more than a hundred comments showing care and concern.

“It would make me cry,” she said.

Mangiantini also said the family received an outpouring of support from strangers through a variety of connections. Also, Meadow was placed on several churches’ prayer lists from around the country, thanks to family and friends.

Meadow’s outlook is promising, her mother said this week. Currently, the infant has monthly appointments with a pediatric cardiologist, pediatrician and developmental clinic. As she grows older, she may tire quicker than other children her age. She also may need one to two more surgeries over the course of her lifetime, but as technology and science continue to improve, the procedures may be less invasive.

Although caring for an infant with a medical condition may be stressful, the situation has brought the couple and Meadow’s siblings, Kaitlyn, Andrew and Gunner, closer together as a family.

“She was the glue that brought the whole family together. She completed our family,” Mangiantini said.

This February, as individuals express thoughts of love to one another, the Mangiantini family is appreciating their gift and showing their gratitude for those who showed them love and support.

“Our family sends a huge thank you to each of you that took the time to write, send a card, say a prayer, or sent her gifts. We are forever appreciative of all that you have done and given to help us and Meadow.”

C-L officials: State's funding shift must stop

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:18:15 -0400

By BRANDI STRETAVSKI
L-V Staff Writer

STRATTANVILLE – Members of the Clarion-Limestone School Board are expressing their concerns about the way state officials plan to fund public schools.

Last week, the C-L Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution requesting an “end to the shift in responsibility,” from the state to local taxpayers for providing education revenue and a call to eradicate the plan to bundle certain appropriations in Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed 2012-13 state budget.

“I think it’s important to pass the resolution,” John Johnson, superintendent, said. “We’re a little tired of how they are funding our schools.”

Johnson stated in a presentation to the board and members of the public that there is a concern about how state legislators are following the state constitution in terms of public education funding.

According to Article III, Section 14 of the state constitution, “The General Assembly shall provide the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth.”

Johnson noted that shifting the responsibility from the state to local taxpayers was not in accordance with Pennsylvania’s constitution.

In the resolution, the board states that the proposed budget promotes a shift in responsibility to provide public education revenue from the state to local schools through a variety of ways, including keeping the basic education funding at 2008-09 levels for another year, holding special education funding level for a fifth year and establishing the Student Achievement Block Grant.

The Student Achievement Block Grant is a proposed concept that combines individually reimbursed expenditures for basic education, pupil transportation and social security payments.

The board states in the resolution that combining the three areas “further advances educational inequity and inadequacy.”

Another major concern addressed by Johnson was the elimination of the Accountability Block Grant, which helps fund full-day kindergarten. The district would lose about $66,000 from the cut.

Despite some struggles the district faced as a result of budget cuts, the board appears optimistic about the district’s recent spending.

As of March 21, Johnson anticipates the district to have a shortfall in the range of $419,900 to 432,780 for the 2011-12 school year, compared to the $1.7 million deficit in 2010-2011. The district must still account for insurance rates, contracts and cyber and charter school fees, along with other miscellaneous expenses.

“The entire district took a freeze,” Johnson said. “In my opinion, we are looking very good right now.”

“I think that’s a pleasant surprise,” Greg Rhoads, school board president, said.

In addition to focusing on the budget, the board took time to listen to a presentation by Michael Bertoni about the importance of introducing technology skills to elementary students.

Bertoni, an elementary teacher for the district, gave a presentation on why the district should consider implementing a technology course for elementary students.

“We all know technology has become an integral part of society,” Bertoni said.

Bertoni is proposing to add a 35-minute technology “special” in addition to the library, gym, art and music courses. He said other area school districts, including Redbank Valley, Allegheny-Clarion Valley and Brookville, are already introducing technology courses to younger students. Bertoni said he would like to see the class added as soon as possible.

Some specific areas Bertoni hopes to introduce to elementary school students are basics of the computer, Microsoft Office programs, keyboarding skills and Internet safety.
Bertoni interviewed various students and faculty about why they would like to see the course added to the curriculum.

“Teachers are in support of this program,” Bertoni said.

In his presentation, Bertoni said that teaching students technology improves their grade point averages, allows them to become better problem solvers and engages the students.

Bertoni is currently working on his master’s degree in instructional technology and would have the proper credentials to teach the course.

“We’re dealing with [technology] everyday,” Johnson said.

“I’m hoping to build the foundational skills for these kids,” Bertoni said.

Costs of adding the course have not been estimated at this time, but Bertoni said the district has the technology and teachers with the proper credentials to implement the classes.

“These kids really want it and they really need it,” Bertoni said.

Other Business
• The board accepted a bid from Terra Works Inc. in the amount of $137,731 for the paving of the elementary school parking lot and related work.
• The board approved the countywide truancy protocol. The truancy protocol will be followed by all the school districts in the county.
• After a presentation by band director Jenn Coast, the board approved the ordering and purchasing of new band uniforms. In addition to approving the selected uniforms, the board unanimiously decided to allocate $5,000 to the band to help assist with costs.

Interim or acting? Clarion leaders debate officer's title

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:15:29 -0400

By BRANDI STRETAVSKI
L-V Staff Writer

CLARION – Although Clarion Borough is running without a borough manager, additional responsibilities given to police chief and acting borough secretary and treasurer Mark Hall have caused many people to question his title.

After some discussion, the Clarion Borough Council passed two resolutions that appointed the acting borough secretary and treasurer as chief administrative officer of the police pension plan and general employees pension plan at its Feb. 1 meeting.

The primary responsibility for the chief administrative officer is to sign forms, but a few members of council felt the police chief already possesses a lot of duties and may appear to the public as the borough manager.

Hall was appointed to the “acting” positions last month following the council’s decision to not renew Nancy Freenock’s contract as borough manager. Freenock did not return to work after the decision was made and council accepted her resignation.

Dr. Brenda Sanders Dede reminded council that they only approved Hall as acting borough secretary and treasurer, not borough manager.

“I’m concerned that he is serving as interim and people are assuming and addressing him as interim borough manager,” she said.

Assistant borough secretary Linda LaVan emphasized that she has corrected and clarified to individuals who come into the borough office that the borough does not have a borough manager at the moment.

Other members believe that even though the borough does not have an official borough manager, the public may start seeing Hall as the borough manager if council continues to give him more responsibilities.

“It’s the perception of the public,” mayor Andrea Estadt said.

Despite the concerns, council appointed Hall as chief administrative officer of the two pension plans by a vote of 5 to 1, with Dede against the motion.

As the meeting continued, Dede moved to adopt Robert’s Rules of Order to proceed with meetings because of recent legal discrepancies. She presented information packets explaining the rules to the board.

Council member Charles Bartley showed some hesitation to approve an item that he had not had the chance to read over thoroughly and understand.

Council president Dave Walters also said that the advisory committee was to come up with rules, regulations and procedures for the council to run by.

“Are you indicating that we would not use something that is published and proven, and make up our own rules?” Dede said, questioning Walters.

Estadt confirmed that the prior council performed under Robert’s Rules of Order, but never formally adopted them. If council decided to adopt them, the rules would remain in effect until they were unadopted.

Council decided to table the motion to adopt the rules until the next meeting by a vote of 4 to 2, with Simpson and Dede against the motion to table the decision.
Borough resident Bill Fulmer urged the council during the public comment period to adopt Robert’s Rules of Order.

“You’re operating in fantasy land rules of order,” Fulmer said.

On a positive note for the community, the pool should be open this year.

“Barring anything major, the pool will open the last day of school with no taxpayer money,” council member Carol Lapinto said.

During a recreation committee meeting held at the end of January, council member Earl Zerfoss reported on funds from Paul A. Weaver Park and how they could be used to help toward pool safety. Council voted to use the money toward maintenance of the pool at its Feb. 1 meeting.

Along with funds from Paul A. Weaver Park, Rotary Club has shown interest in donating funds to the cause. Also, the League of Women Voters has also recently showed its support for the pool.

In addition to maintenance, the pool needs renovations made to meet ADA requirements. Requirements include two points of access to the main pool, a handicap set of stairs or lift, a ramp to the wading pool area and bathroom accessibility.

The council is also requesting a 25-year lease with Clarion Area School District in order to be able to apply for more Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grants. A 25-year minimum is required for many DCNR grants.

Individuals interested in contributing funds to the Clarion pool can place donations in the “Save The Pool” account at Community First Bank in Clarion.

Tri-County Sunday November 27, 2011; front page Photo by Brandi...

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:11:00 -0400

Tri-County Sunday

November 27, 2011; front page

Photo by Brandi Stretavski

“Clarion Boro. prepares for winter weather...

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:08:00 -0400

“Clarion Boro. prepares for winter weather work”

The Leader-Vindicator (New Bethlehem)

December 14, 2011

“C-L officials voice concerns over cyber school...

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:07:00 -0400

“C-L officials voice concerns over cyber school funding”

The Leader-Vindicator (New Bethlehem)

January 25, 2012

“Clarion welcomes Dr. Maya Angelou” The...

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:05:00 -0400

“Clarion welcomes Dr. Maya Angelou”

The Leader-Vindicator (New Bethlehem)

April 11, 2012

KFC stores in DuBois, Clarion, Brookville close

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 12:27:30 -0400

KFC stores in DuBois, Clarion, Brookville close:

Tri-County Sunday

June 3, 2012

web edition

What doesn't come down can save tax money, or allow more work to get done

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:07:00 -0500

What doesn't come down can save tax money, or allow more work to get done :

Tri-County Sunday

February 12, 2012

Web Edition

(co-writer)

'Oh, Christmas tree! 'Much pleasure thoucan'st give me!'

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:20:28 -0500

'Oh, Christmas tree! 'Much pleasure thoucan'st give me!' :

Tri-County Sunday

December 17, 2011

Web Edition

(co-writer)

Reynoldsville woman/Clarion student places third in world competition

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:29:12 -0500

Reynoldsville woman/Clarion student places third in world competition:

Tri-County Sunday

December 11, 2011

Web Edition

Tax increase coming for Clarion residents

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:26:00 -0500

Tax increase coming for Clarion residents:

Tri-County Sunday

November 27, 2011

Web Edition

“C-L school board recognizes president’s...

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:10:36 -0500

“C-L school board recognizes president’s achievements”

The Leader-Vindicator (New Bethlehem)

November 23, 2011

Vol. 133, No. 31

Photos: Clarion County Economic Development Corporation Awards...

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:05:20 -0500

Photos: Clarion County Economic Development Corporation Awards Dinner

Executive board & award winners

The Leader-Vindicator (New Bethlehem)

November 23, 2011

Vol. 133, No. 31

“Slow economy doesn’t stop...

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:58:00 -0500

“Slow economy doesn’t stop Thanksgiving”

Tri-County Sunday

November 20, 2011

Vol. 17, No. 47

“Christmas Parade Monday” Tri-County...

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:55:00 -0500

“Christmas Parade Monday”

Tri-County Sunday

November 20, 2011

Vol. 17, No. 47

“Clarion U. grad joins staff at The L-V and Tri-County...

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:53:00 -0500

“Clarion U. grad joins staff at The L-V and Tri-County Sunday”

The Leader-Vindicator (New Bethlehem)

November 16, 2011

Vol. 133, No. 30

Clarion And Beyond (Clarion University News For Alumni And...

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:02:00 -0400

Clarion And Beyond (Clarion University News For Alumni And Friends)

Obituary

December 2010, Vol. 57 No. 3