W. Gene Henry Memorial Committee Proposes Locations for Plaque

Martinsburg Borough Council saw guests at its monthly meeting. State Rep. Jim Gregory (R. Blair) attended as part of a previous promise to visit the municipalities he represents at their meetings. He also attended Taylor Township's meeting earlier that evening. Gregory noted that he is up for re-election in May.

Trish Haight also attended the meeting. This year, Haight announced her candidacy for the Pennsylvania General Assembly in the 80th District. Haight attended this meeting to introduce herself and her platform.

The meeting was highlighted by further discussion on the W. Gene Henry Memorial Project. The bronze plaque is currently in the borough office. Citizens are encouraged to go to the borough office to see the plaque in person.

The granite for the stand is expected in June at the earliest. At the advice of Borough Manager Richard Brantner Jr., the council will decide at its May meeting where to place the memorial.

Four locations were proposed by the W. Gene Henry Memorial Committee. Councilmember Charles Kensinger presented a PowerPoint showing each location.

The first location is in front of the borough building. This location would frame the building that Henry had built, but there is not a lot of traffic in this location, so the council worried that people wouldn't see it.

Another location proposed was Walnut Street, where Henry purchased a property to demolish it, helping with traffic and providing a view of the borough building he had built. This location would have the memorial framed by flowers and would be close to the street.

Along Allegheny Street was also proposed, but this location would require the memorial to be farther back to avoid damage from plow spray.

The most discussed location sparked the council's interest in a different project. The memorial would be placed at the corner of Walnut Street and Woodlawn Avenue. This location offers the borough building in the background, as well as the traffic desired.

However, this discussion brought up the council's desire to extend the sidewalk on the east side of the borough building from Woodlawn Avenue to 1st Alley. Many councilmembers voiced that they would like this done for safety and uniformity, independent of the W. Gene Henry Memorial placement decision.

Brantner said the other sidewalk project was around $5,500. This sidewalk would be longer. If the project is under $11,500, the council does not have to seek out bids. The council voted to add the sidewalk issue to the agenda and voted to extend the sidewalk using money from the reserve fund.

Councilmembers were encouraged to look at the proposed locations for the memorial. The location will be voted on at the next meeting.

The W. Gene Henry Memorial Committee reached its $10,000 goal for the plaque and granite. The committee thanked the community for its ongoing support, as all funds for the project were supplied by donation. The committee encouraged anyone who would still like to donate to do so in order to help with landscaping around the memorial.

Other Business

Police Chief Kerry Hoover noted that the police department is getting busier with the weather changing.

With Spring Clean Up Day coming up on Saturday, April 23, Brantner updated the council on the shredder, which he does not believe they will be able to obtain this year due to how expensive it is.

Martinsburg residents received letters about Spring Clean Up Day. The day will start at 9 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. at Martinsburg Borough Garage (371 South Nicodemus St.).

The letter details everything that will be accepted on cleanup day.