Borough of Tenley Falls

What is Ordinance 1053?

Ordinance 1053, titled “Traffic Calming — Mandatory Roundabout Installation,” is a borough ordinance adopted by the Tenley Falls Borough Council on October 17, 2023. The ordinance establishes a phased program for the installation of roundabouts at designated intersections within the borough for the purpose of reducing traffic speed, improving pedestrian safety, and decreasing the frequency and severity of vehicle collisions at high-incident locations.

The full text of Ordinance 1053, including all proposed amendments, is available on the Ordinance 1053 information page.

Why was a roundabout installed at Elm and Spruce?

The intersection of Elm Street and Spruce Avenue was identified as a priority location under Ordinance 1053 based on findings from a comprehensive traffic study conducted by Tri-County Engineering Associates, LLC in 2022. The study, which was commissioned by the Borough Council and completed in consultation with PennDOT District 12-0, documented seventeen (17) reported traffic incidents at the intersection during the five-year period from 2018 through 2022, including two (2) incidents involving pedestrian injuries.

Based on the traffic study data, intersection geometry, average daily traffic volume, and an analysis of available traffic calming alternatives, the roundabout was identified as the most effective traffic calming measure for this intersection. The design was prepared by Tri-County Engineering in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines and PennDOT Design Manual Part 2 standards. The design was reviewed by PennDOT and received a Highway Occupancy Permit prior to construction.

Phase I construction was completed in February 2024 by Markle & Sons Contracting, Inc. under a contract awarded through the Borough’s competitive bidding process in accordance with the Pennsylvania Borough Code.

Is the roundabout permanent?

The improvements at Elm Street and Spruce Avenue were constructed as permanent infrastructure in accordance with the specifications set forth in the Tri-County Engineering design plans and applicable PennDOT and FHWA standards. The materials, grading, and curbing were installed to the same durability and longevity standards as any other borough roadway improvement project.

However, as with all municipal infrastructure, modifications may be considered by Council through the ordinary legislative process should the Borough Council determine, at a future date and based on available data, that such modifications are warranted. Any changes to existing traffic infrastructure would be subject to the requirements of the applicable borough ordinances, PennDOT regulations, and the terms of any grant funding agreements associated with the original construction.

Residents who wish to express their views on this or any matter of borough policy are encouraged to attend regular Council meetings, held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Borough Hall Community Room, or to submit written comments to the Borough Secretary at 147 Commerce Avenue, Tenley Falls, PA 15338. Comments may also be submitted through the Public Comments page of this website.

How do I drive through a roundabout?

When approaching a roundabout, drivers should reduce speed and be prepared to yield to traffic already circulating within the roundabout. The following steps are recommended:

1. As you approach the roundabout, slow down and watch for signage indicating the roundabout ahead.
2. Yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the roundabout. Do not enter until there is a safe gap in traffic.
3. Once you enter the roundabout, proceed in a counterclockwise direction. Do not stop within the roundabout unless necessary to avoid a collision.
4. Use your right turn signal as you approach your desired exit street, then exit the roundabout.
5. Continue to watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk at your exit point.

PennDOT educational signage has been installed at the Elm Street and Spruce Avenue roundabout, including advance warning signs, yield signs at entry points, and directional arrows within the circulating roadway. Additional informational materials are available at the Borough Office.

The Borough is aware that some drivers have reported difficulty navigating the roundabout and is exploring additional signage and pavement marking options in coordination with PennDOT. Residents who observe specific safety concerns are encouraged to report them to the Borough Office so that they may be documented and reviewed.

Will there be a roundabout at Oak and Main?

The Borough Council authorized a Phase II engineering study for the intersection of Oak Street and Main Street pursuant to Ordinance 1053, Section 3(b). However, this matter is currently the subject of pending litigation (Case No. 2024-CV-03821, Garrett County Court of Common Pleas). The Borough, on advice of the Solicitor, is unable to comment further on this matter at this time.

Updates will be provided as appropriate and in accordance with applicable law.

What is Amendment 1053-C?

Amendment 1053-C is a proposed amendment to Ordinance 1053 that, if adopted, would add a requirement that any future roundabout installation within the borough be approved by the voters of Tenley Falls through a borough-wide referendum prior to construction. The amendment would not affect the existing roundabout at Elm Street and Spruce Avenue, which was constructed prior to the proposed amendment.

A public hearing on Amendment 1053-C is scheduled for February 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the Borough Hall Community Room. Written comments on the proposed amendment may be submitted to the Borough Secretary in advance of the hearing. Following the public hearing, the Borough Council may take action on the amendment at a subsequent regular or special meeting.

The text of the proposed amendment is available on the Ordinance 1053 information page and in hard copy at the Borough Office during regular business hours.

When is trash collection?

Curbside trash collection for the Borough of Tenley Falls is every Wednesday. Trash receptacles should be placed at the curb no later than 6:00 AM on the day of collection and removed from the curb by 9:00 PM the same day. Recycling collection occurs every other Wednesday. The current recycling schedule is available at the Borough Office or by calling (724) 462-0173.

Collection may be delayed by one day following borough-observed holidays. The annual holiday collection schedule is posted at Borough Hall and is available upon request from the Borough Office.

Can I sign the recall petition?

The Borough of Tenley Falls does not administer or have involvement in recall petitions. Such petitions are governed by applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Borough Code and the Pennsylvania Election Code. The Borough is not in a position to provide guidance on the petition process, eligibility requirements, or signature thresholds.

Questions regarding the petition process should be directed to the Garrett County Board of Elections at (724) 462-0200.

Has the roundabout reduced accidents?

Since the completion of Phase I construction in February 2024, the Borough has received reports of four (4) traffic incidents at the Elm Street and Spruce Avenue intersection, compared to an average of 3.4 incidents annually at that location over the preceding five-year period. The Borough notes that this data reflects a limited timeframe and that drawing definitive conclusions regarding the long-term safety impact of the roundabout would be premature at this time.

A comprehensive traffic safety review, encompassing the first two full years of roundabout operation, is planned for early 2026. The results of that review will be made available to the public and will be presented to the Borough Council and the Traffic Calming Advisory Committee.

My vehicle was damaged by the roundabout curbing. Who is responsible?

The Borough recommends that all drivers exercise appropriate caution when navigating the roundabout, particularly those operating oversized vehicles, vehicles towing trailers, or vehicles with low ground clearance. The roundabout design, including curb heights and lane widths, meets all applicable FHWA standards for the roadway classification of Elm Street and Spruce Avenue.

Claims against the Borough for property damage should be submitted in writing to the Borough Secretary at 147 Commerce Avenue, Tenley Falls, PA 15338. All claims are reviewed by the Borough’s insurance carrier in accordance with the Borough’s standard claims process. Claim forms are available at the Borough Office during regular business hours. The Borough is unable to provide legal advice regarding individual claims and recommends that claimants consult with their own insurance provider or legal counsel as appropriate.

How do I reserve the park pavilion?

Reservations for the Tenley Falls Community Park pavilion may be made by contacting the Borough Office at (724) 462-0173. The reservation fee is $25.00 for borough residents and $50.00 for non-residents. Reservations are accepted beginning January 1 of each calendar year and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. A completed reservation form and payment are required to confirm the booking.

Reservation forms are available at the Borough Office or on the Parks & Recreation page of this website.

Where do I pay my water/sewer bill?

Water and sewer bill payments may be made in person at the Borough Office during regular business hours, by mail to Borough of Tenley Falls, 147 Commerce Avenue, Tenley Falls, PA 15338, or via the payment drop box located outside the main entrance of Borough Hall. Payments placed in the drop box after regular business hours will be processed on the next business day.

Online payment is not available at this time. The Borough is evaluating online payment options and will notify residents if and when such a service becomes available.

How do I obtain a building permit?

Building permit applications should be directed to the Borough Zoning Officer. Application forms are available at the Borough Office during regular business hours. Depending on the scope of the project, permits may also be required from Garrett County or from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. The Borough Zoning Officer can advise applicants on which permits may be required.

Please allow a minimum of ten (10) business days for permit review. Fees vary by project type and are established by the Borough’s fee schedule, which is available upon request.

What are the Borough office hours?

The Borough Office at 147 Commerce Avenue is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The office is closed on weekends and on all state and federal holidays observed by the Borough. A complete list of borough holiday closures for the current year is posted at Borough Hall.

After-hours water and sewer emergencies should be reported by calling (724) 462-0199.

How do I file a Right-to-Know request?

Under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008), requests for public records should be submitted in writing to the Borough Secretary, who serves as the Borough’s designated Open Records Officer. Request forms are available at the Borough Office and on this website. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, by fax at (724) 462-0174, or by email to info@tenleyfalls.gov.

The Borough is required to respond to Right-to-Know requests within five (5) business days of receipt, unless an extension is invoked in accordance with the law. Fees for duplication of records may apply and are set in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.

Why was the Tenley Falls Community Facebook group suspended?

The Borough of Tenley Falls does not operate, administer, or moderate any social media accounts, pages, or groups. The Facebook group referenced in this question was a privately managed community page that was not affiliated with the Borough government in any capacity. The Borough has no information regarding the status of that group or the circumstances of its suspension.

Questions about the group should be directed to its administrators. The Borough’s only official online presence is this website (www.tenleyfalls.gov). Any information published on social media platforms that is attributed to the Borough of Tenley Falls should not be considered official unless it is also published on this website.