A Sharon construction company has been hired to tar and chip the alley by the post office between Adams Street and Council Avenue in Wheatland.

Smith Paving and Construction, Sharon, was hired Wednesday based on a quote of $5,835, the lowest of two.

Council had considered paving the alley, but quotes came in costing at least $1,600 more.

Council had about $5,000 set aside for the project in its budget, and agreed to take the rest from the building reserve account.

Smith will dig out the gravel already on the pothole-covered alley, and apply two coats of tar and chip, officials said.

"This would be, by no means, a permanent measure," said Council President David Cusick. "In two years, we'd be back doing it again."

While borough street workers considered other streets in more need of repair than the alley, council was swayed by citizen complaints, said Councilwoman Lorraine Brown.

"It's the most-used alley in the borough," said borough secretary Sharon Stinedurf. "It's used more than Broadway. You can take the alley instead of waiting at the red light on Broadway."

The borough has no home delivery of mail.

Ms. Brown added the alley allows post office customers to avoid some of the congestion with cars backing out of the narrow parking lot and trying to get onto Council Avenue.