As Centre County reopens into ‘yellow’ phase, some local government services resume
As Centre County reopens and Gov. Tom Wolf eases COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the “yellow” phase, some local government and state services will resume.
Public access to county and municipal buildings is still restricted as remote work continues in the yellow phase of reopening, but some agencies will resume services while taking precaution to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
Recycling, brush pickup resume
With altered guidelines to ensure workers’ safety, the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority resumed curbside recycling pickup late last month for Benner, College, Ferguson, Harris and Patton townships and for State College Borough residents, according to the Centre Region Council of Governments.
Residents are asked to hold their recycling for at least one week if someone in the household has been sick or shows symptoms of the coronavirus. All trash should be bagged before being placed inside of next to trash cans; bags should be tied or closed.
The Bellefonte Borough will resume brush and grass pickup on Wednesdays throughout the month of May. Residents are asked to place containers outside on Tuesdays after 6 p.m.
Brush and leaf collection is scheduled for May 18 in Ferguson Township. Residents are asked to place brush and leaves at the curb by 7 a.m. Spring bulk waste collection will occur between May 18-22 on the regular collection day for curbside collection.
The Centre Region Code Authority resumed all operations last week, but the authority has adjusted its guidelines to protect staff and the general public.
Field staff will work out of their vehicles for the next four to six weeks to minimize in-building contact with CRCA staff, and residents will not be permitted to enter the building for at least four to six weeks. All meetings will be held virtually or by phone when possible, and the agency is considering options for virtual inspections for new construction and rental inspections.
Centre County Government employees continue to work remotely as entry to all government and court offices remain limited.
Parking still free in State College, PennDOT services reopen
As some downtown State College businesses reopen, parking is still free, but the borough will enforce loading zones and state law violations if they cause disruption to services or create a traffic hazard, according to its website.
The borough’s ordinance enforcement is the only department to remain 100% active.
Last week, PennDOT reopened some Driver License Centers and Photo License Centers with designated hours for senior citizens. The Rockview center at 812 W. College Ave. in Pleasant Gap is now open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday will be designated for customers 60 and older, according to PennDOT.
Customers will be asked about potential COVID-19 symptoms and will be required to wear masks inside the facility. Seating has been reduced and floor markings added to help visitors practice social distancing.
