Social Media and Substance Use in Teens

Erie Police School Resource Officers invite caregivers of teens to an informal session to address substance use and social media on Thursday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Erie Police Department. Reservations are required, and ages 18 and older are invited. To learn more, and register, visit www.erieco.gov/TeenSubstanceUse.

Town Center Update

As part of the due diligence prior to purchasing the “Regency” property at the northwest corner of Erie Parkway and County Line Road, the Town is now conducting additional geotechnical investigation of the site to assess potential mine subsidence mitigation costs. This 19.41-acre site is a key part of the new Erie Town Center project, which outlines plans for a new grocery store, hotel, mixed-use commercial, and civic uses for this specific parcel of land.  Town staff has been working with Regency for more than two years to stimulate development at this location.  Historic coal mines underly portions of this property, dating back to the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.  This new geotechnical investigation will be completed by the Town’s consultants during the first week of May, and information provided will help to determine the general condition of those mines, and if any additional mitigation is necessary to prepare the site for new development.  To learn more about the Town Center project, visit the Town Center page of the Town’s Economic Development website. 

Is Your Child Ready to Ride?

Mark your calendars for the Bike Rodeo, hosted by the Erie Police Department. Officers will be conducting bike checks and helmet fittings, and your kids will love taking runs on the safety (obstacle) course! This free event is limited to 50 participants on Saturday, June 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Calvary Bible Church (615 Evans Street). For more, visit: https://www.erieco.gov/PoliceBikeRodeo.

Earth Day Everyday

Inspired by Earth Day and want to act towards energy efficiency in your home or across your HOA? Check out this toolkit of local energy-related opportunities. It’s intended to provide residents with information and resources that can quickly and easily lower your utility bill while saving energy AND caring for our planet. It also outlines ways to share these opportunities with your neighbors! Let’s work together to make Erie more sustainable. Visit the sustainability page on the website for more information.  

Building Safety Month

May is Building Safety Month. With the explosive growth of new building construction in Erie, the role and responsibilities of the Building Division are more important than ever.

“Our main objective is to make sure the housing stock and commercial buildings are safe to occupy, live and work in,” said Chief Building Official Ed Kotlinski. “We do this by ensuring compliance with fire and life safety codes for all new construction.” 

Erie follows the International Code Council (ICC) “I-Codes”. ICC is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions that include product evaluation, accreditation, technology, training, and certification. The ICC updates their codes every three years and communities following the I-Codes update as needed.

Erie’s last code update was in 2019 and is currently being revised with new code (2021 I-Codes) and amendments, which will be adopted by October 2022. While the ICC creates the international standard, communities can adapt and adjust as needed. For example, since the 2009 edition of the I-Codes fire suppression systems in single family homes are required, but sensitive to the costs of retrofitting homes, Town of Erie Board of Trustees elected not to include that requirement with the current I-Code update.

The assurance of building codes also benefits homeowner’s pocketbooks. Insurance rates are set by adherence to a jurisdiction’s fire and safety codes. Without a strong building code, premiums would be more expensive.

In addition, building codes help ensure the safety of first responders who may have to enter a home during a fire. Firefighters found that floor joists on the ground level of homes would burn quickly and created a hazard for firefighters who would fall through the floor. The code was subsequently updated to include a treatment material to slow the burning of these joists so firefighters are at less risk.

“We are here to help homeowners who want to do home improvement projects, from decks to full remodels,” said Kotlinski. “We can help offer options and alternatives to design issues so they comply with building codes. Some are non-negotiable, such as the rise and run of stairs, but whenever possible, we work to assist the homeowner to achieve their home improvement goals while still complying with the code.”

Learn more about Building Safety Month at www.buildingsafetymonth.org, join the conversation on social media using #BuildingSafety365 and follow the Erie Facebook page for tips throughout the month.  The themes for this year are:

• Week One - May 1-8 | Planning for a Safe & Sustainable Tomorrow
• Week Two - May 9-15 | Exploring Careers in Building Safety
• Week Three - May 16-22 | Understanding Disaster Mitigation
• Week Four - May 23-31 | Creating a Safe & Abundant Water Supply

 
Learn more about the Planning Department at the Town of Erie.