A large hole on Grand Avenue in Mars was discussed during Monday night's borough council meeting. Officials said Grand Avenue will have to be temporarily closed to fix it.SEB FOLTZ/BUTLER EAGLE

MARS — A “sinkhole” developing on Grand Avenue dropped into conversation Monday night during borough council's meeting.

Councilman Rick Foster raised his concerns during his streets report.

“I don't know how many people know about the sinkhole,” Foster said. “It's just a big, gaping hole.”

Foster said the hole, which developed last week and is near China House, was looked at by Breakneck Creek Regional Authority officials.

At this time, the hole's cause is linked to two holes in nearby stormwater lines, Foster said. At the time of the meeting, Foster said he didn't know the dimensions of the hole.

He said the spot needs to be fixed soon, even if it means temporarily closing Grand Avenue.

“We're going to have to figure out something because we're going to have to shut down Main Street (Grand Avenue),” Foster said. “Pittsburgh (Street) will still be open.”

Council members agreed the situation needs to be addressed.

“We probably don't have any choice, or something's going to drop through there,” said Mike Fleming, council president.

“Temporary inconvenience, permanent improvement,” said Councilwoman Chris Clutter.

Councilwoman Julie Schultheis noted the closure could show council how accessible Grand Avenue is to pedestrians.

“It could be a good test of a walkable Main Street,” Schultheis said.

Foster also informed council Monday night he knows of an asphalt hotbox, which creates an asphalt mix for road repairs coming up for sale.

The tool could be a good investment for the borough, according to Foster.

The hotbox would weigh three tons and probably cost less than $20,000. It could contribute to council's plan to develop infrastructure, Foster said.

Fleming added hotbox patching typically is more durable than cold patching.

“I really want us to think about this,” Foster said. “It's something to think about going into the budget.”

Foster added the hotbox might be able to come out of the borough's liquid fuels money.

The council decided to continue looking into the purchase opportunity. The hotbox won't be for sale before 2021, according to Foster.

After the meeting, Ed Dorsey, a public works foreman, said the hole was caused by erosion around a stormwater pipe. He said it is covered with a steel plate to make sure it remains stabilized.