Kinloch residents in June gave Lower Burrell officials a directive: let’s get some progress in their often-overlooked portion of the city.

Now, they’ve seen what city officials have been up to during a meeting at the Kinloch Volunteer Fire Company.

“I was optimistic, and I’m even more optimistic,” said resident Tom Bertocki, who was among more than two dozen residents who pressed council this summer on issues ranging from blight to public safety. “It’s little by little; it won’t happen overnight.”

One concern was what residents believed to be a lack of police presence in the neighborhood. Mayor Chris Fabry said that, from June 12 to Nov. 6, city police had 165 calls in Kinloch — accounting for 9% of the department’s calls.

Council this summer also adopted a fireworks ordinance as a direct response to concerns raised by Kinloch residents, Fabry said.

City officials also explained how code enforcement works — another common concern from residents.

Lower Burrell has undergone a blight study to identify areas and improve their chances of getting grants to combat blighted buildings.

“They explained a lot of things,” Bertocki said.

On business development, Fabry said a Tractor Supply store would be opening along Greensburg Road next fall. He said he is in talks with a potential developer regarding another property in the area.

“While it’s far from a commitment, it is something and progress is being made,” Fabry said.

Lower Burrell also is eyeing improvements to parks and public works in Kinloch. There have been “significant repairs” to the Kinloch park and playground, including new mulch, flowers, bushes removed, swing sets ordered and a relocated sign, Fabry said. The city also is considering a cleanup day in the park.

An upcoming sewer project also is targeting the Kinloch area, within the sanitary sewer lines along Chicago, Broadway, Pittsburgh, Wells, Wills, Atlantic and Pacific avenues; Fayette Street; and Millers Lane. That project is expected to be complete by next fall.

“The city received almost $1.2 million in grants this year, of which over $500,000 is being used in Kinloch alone,” Fabry said. “Over 40% of grants went to Kinloch.”

The city’s proposed 2025 budget tentatively includes paving projects on Chicago, New York, Broadway, Wells, Wills, Atlantic and Pacific avenues; Zane, Pittsburgh, Pike, Fayette and Pacmil streets; the unpaved portion of Hill Street; Trailer Boulevard; Silvermoon, Fairview and Lori drives; and Dugan Way.

“I thought it went real good,” Bertocki said of the meeting. “They are trying. They’re making an effort to do things.”

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