Clear to partly cloudy. Low 43F. Winds light and variable..
Clear to partly cloudy. Low 43F. Winds light and variable.
The Tamaqua Borough Council denied a resident’s request to place a stop sign at Glenwood Avenue and Columbia Street, Tamaqua, shown Wednesday, during Tuesday’s meeting.
South Ward Playground in Tamaqua is shown on Wednesday. A roofing project on an older structure at the playground was discussed at the borough council meeting.
The Tamaqua Borough Council denied a resident’s request to place a stop sign at Glenwood Avenue and Columbia Street, Tamaqua, shown Wednesday, during Tuesday’s meeting.
South Ward Playground in Tamaqua is shown on Wednesday. A roofing project on an older structure at the playground was discussed at the borough council meeting.
TAMAQUA — The borough council approved a motion Tuesday to deny a request for a stop sign to be placed at an intersection that one borough resident feels is unsafe.
Borough resident Edith Trevorah said she installed a camera to capture dangerous driving at Columbia Street and Glenwood Avenue. Her request was denied to place a stop sign at the intersection, which she says is, “a very dangerous intersection.”
“There are children that play on that street,” Trevorah said before the council denied her request.
“The traffic laws in this state say if you’re pulling out from one street to another, you’re supposed to be stopping and looking that there’s no traffic coming,” said Kathy Kunkel, council chairperson.
“If I put a stop sign there the people that are disobeying the law now aren’t going to necessarily stop,” Kunkle replied.
Accessibility issues during festivals held downtown by the Tamaqua Historical Society were brought to the board’s attention.
“I’m trying to make it more accessible,” said Kari Gerber from the seat of her wheelchair during Tuesday’s meeting.
“I want to be able to enjoy it without having to worry about knocking down a person’s merchandise,” Gerber said.
Gerber said she contacted Mayor Nathan Gerace more than once about this issue.
“I do have a request before the historical society,” Gerace said, “to have vendors set up with their backs facing the streets. That would allow a clear walkway to allow strollers, wheelchairs, everything to get right through.”
“I think it’s definitely worth a try,” said Ron Bowman, council vice president.
“They (the historical society) have not approved or denied it yet,” Gerace added.
Tom Schlorf approached the borough about a month ago to discuss replacing the roof on an older structure at the South Ward Playground that’s currently used for storage and small gatherings.
During Tuesday’s meeting Sclorf said, “We requested a new roof on a shanty down there. We submitted two bids. It was referred to the committee and we heard nothing in return. Does the committee have a report?”
“There was a letter sent out. We have the two estimates, Tom,” said Ron Bowman.
The quotes the borough received for the roofing project are $12,767 for shingles or $16,658 for the metal roof from one undisclosed bidder, according to Kevin Steigerwalt, borough manager, or $7,850 from another undisclosed bidder to install a metal roof.
Using community development block grant funds are an option, but that would require reallocation of the federal funds that are passed to states and then administered to boroughs by counties.
CDBG funds are commonly used for demolitions, recreation and street paving projects, according to Steigerwalt. The CDBG fund is approved for a fence at the South Ward playground and would have to be reapproved to be used for the roofing project. Additional options to fund the roofing project include spending from the borough general fund, applying for a grant or the playground holding a fundraiser.
Steigerwalt went on to say the roof isn’t likely to get done this year.
After discussing several options, Bowman said, “We don’t have an answer and I’m definitely open to anyone’s suggestion of what the right answer is.”
Gerace announced trick-or-treating will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Tamaqua Borough and that those wishing to hand out candy should leave their porch lights on. He also announced the Tamaqua Halloween parade will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 25.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil. If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: Moderator Trusted User
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Each day's obituaries, delivered to your inbox.
Preserve the moment with a photo reprint.
We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen!
Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates.
Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-Edition email.
Each day's obituaries, delivered to your inbox.
Get the latest headlines on local sports!
Get our expert short-term forecast, summary of the weather details and news of any severe weather.
Best trending stories from the week.
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Invalid password or account does not exist
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account.
Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
A receipt was sent to your email.