SLIPPERY ROCK — At a meeting Tuesday night, Borough Council talked about a much-discussed downtown vacant lot and what's being done about a parcel of land behind the Poplar Forest housing development.

According to Shawn Pugh, borough manager, surveyors visited the vacant lot at the corner of Main and New Castle streets Sept. 2 to go over property lines. Solicitor Rebecca Black said this is the first step to getting the property back on the market.

“When the property was listed, it was found that part of the gazebo is on that lot, and the borough doesn’t want to give up the rights to the gazebo,” she said. “We needed to determine an appropriate property description to maintain the gazebo and put (the property) up for sale.”

Jeff Campbell, council president, said he is pleased steps were being taken to relieve the borough of responsibility for the property.

“We make payments on it every month,” he said. “I want it back on the market in 30 days, if possible.”

Many residents during public comment were interested in discussing a portion of land behind the Poplar Forest housing development along Sassafrass Drive. According to Black, the property was being surveyed after it was questioned how the property was being maintained.

Black said the property borders private residences and was deeded to the borough as a passive recreation area. A passive recreation area does not have to be mowed or maintained by the borough or property owners and can be used for nature observation.

“We have no obligation to mow areas under that ordinance, but the problem is that people were slowly maintaining portions of that area,” she said. “Before we know where the boundaries are and how much needs maintained, I can’t answer questions.”

Residents were concerned about legal aspects regarding the property if an accident were to occur. Campbell said surveying is only the first step on the journey of figuring out what’s to be done with the land.

“(Black) will evaluate the options available and present them to council, and they will be discussed in a public meeting,” he said.

“Nothing will happen behind closed doors,” Black said.

Pugh said he received word that the next round of American Rescue Plan Act funds will be coming to the borough next week. The amount received will be $184,793.

The borough will also get an additional $500 in ARPA funds, he said. There was no discussion about the use of the extra funds.

The council also unanimously approved Pugh’s resignation as borough manager, with his last day being Sept. 23.

The next council meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.