For the last 18 years, Ray Amato has dedicated himself to his township and the people that live within.
Recently, Amato sat down with The Daily Herald and briefly outlined what the township handled in 2003 and what residents should look forward to in 2004.
“Overall, I think we had a great year in Antis Township,” said Amato. “A lot has happened here in the last year and we’re looking forward to the things that will come.”
A large road paving project ate into the time of township employees this year as Bellemeade (including Graham Drive), some of Pinecroft, River Road, North Second Street and Old Route 220 saw some new blacktop.
“We also had a bunch of line painting done through the Agility program with PENNDOT,” said Amato.
Amato also noted the Becker Road Culvert project, which saw the installation of a safety light. Amato said the savings to the township were well over $75,000 when the much-needed project was completed.
River Road also saw some improvements with a new bridge and a curve angle was lessened for better safety in the area.
At the Bellwood-Antis Community Park, more than $50,000 worth of playground equipment was added and upgrades were made to some of the equipment at the community pool.
“There were a lot of nice things happening at the park this year,” said Amato.
The playground was the result of state grant money and community effort. Once the grant was approved, a work party gathered one weekend to assemble and place the multi-activity equipment at the site. The equipment was then surrounded with chain-link fencing.
The project was finalized later in the summer when park benches and donated trees and shrubbery were put in place.
Economically, the township got a boost when Furrer Beverage of Altoona announced expanding its warehousing operation to Pinecroft. The Graystone Apartment complex was also completed.
In partnering with the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, the newest business park to the area was opened with the I-99 Enterprise Campus.
Storm water has plagued Antis Township forever. In 2003, more than 1,000 feet of storm water piping was installed.
Calling 2003 “a good year in Antis Township,” Amato said he looks forward to everything that’s going to happen in 2004.
“There’s really a lot going on in our little corner of the world in 2004,” said Amato.
He said the immediate need of the township is sewer and water lines.
“We’ve really come a long way,” said Amato, “but we still have a long way to go.”
He said about 10 to 15 percent of the population have sewage service and only about two percent have city water. He said about 6,000 people live in the township.
Storm water drainage problems will continue in the township, but Amato said the crews will continue to work with them. He said the first storm water concern is in the Johnson development in Tipton.
Economically, the township will see the completion of the Furrer Beverage Expansion, the S & A Homes development and the Pine Ridge development.
Recreational athletes are highly anticipating the million dollar, state-of-the-art Northern Blair County Recreation Center, which will see the first building going up when the weather breaks.
This facility will contain indoor basketball courts, weight and fitness rooms and locker rooms. Outside, the facility will be surrounded by soccer, baseball and softball fields; a basketball court; and a learning-enriched walking trail.
“I’m also hoping we can get some work done on Whitey Stevens Memorial Park on Fifth Street,” said Amato.
