Jim Thorpe landscaping projects in the works
Mauch Chunk Trust Company, on behalf of the Robert B. Connor Foundation, presents a check to the Jim Thorpe Borough Shade Tree Commission for a “crown-raising” project in the borough. From left are Mark Reitz, shade tree commission member; Bill Maehrer, borough resident; and Kelly Heller, Mauch Chunk Trust Company. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Two landscaping projects are in the works thanks to grant applications by Jim Thorpe Borough’s Shade Tree Commission.
The commission has applied for $5,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ TreeVitalize grant program. The money would cover half of a $10,000 crown-raising project in the borough, meaning the lower branches of trees, including those on North Street, would be trimmed.
“The project would improve sight distance for vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” Borough Manager Maureen Sterner said.
In July, the borough accepted a $1,000 check from Mauch Chunk Trust Company on behalf of the Robert B. Connor Foundation.
Other funding, around $2,300, is coming from the borough and in-kind contributions, Sterner said.
The second grant application, which has already been approved, will go toward a beautification project at 102 North St., one of the small properties the borough acquired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at the conclusion of the Route 903 bridge project.
According to the landscape plan, the site will include a shade tree, an evergreen shrub border and ground cover with bulbs. A bench will also be located in front of the landscaping.
“We are also going to be installing a directional sign, visible for those coming from the west side of the borough over the bridge,” Sterner said.
While not finalized, the sign could include the following:
• East Side Businesses (with an arrow pointing north on North Street/Route 903)
• Food and Beverage Markets (with an arrow pointing toward the Jim Thorpe Market complex)
• Municipal Complex (with an arrow pointing north on North Street/Route 903), or Police Department, Municipal Offices and Memorial Park (with the arrows)
• Lehigh Gorge State Park (with an arrow pointing toward the park)
The project is estimated to cost $4,000 with $1,000 coming from Lehigh Valley Main Street Beautification Grant, $1,000 from Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor funding and $2,000 from the borough.
Sterner and Mayor Michael Sofranko will be attending a public announcement reception held by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 22.
