Bid for Tamaqua parking lot withdrawn, new one accepted

A $14,600 bid to purchase the parking lot at the corner of Hunter and Spruce streets in Tamaqua has been withdrawn by the original bidders, Tony Prudenti and Matt Hope. The duo made the request in a letter to Tamaqua Borough Council. After the request was approved, council then accepted a $12,000 bid from Tony Pieracini for the same lot. Pieracini operates a restaurant business directly across from the lot.

Council also approved a resolution accepting a $50,000 grant from the John El Morgan Foundation for improvements to the Owl Creek Dams. Tom Banditelli Jr., president of the Owl Creek Reservoir Commission, proposed that the grant be used to replace 10 benches, a deck for the cabin, upgrades to the kitchen, and the replacement of playground equipment and fire rings.

In other business, borough manager Kevin Steigerwalt advised council that the demolition of 241 Lafayette St. has been completed and recommended that the borough consider selling the property as there is no current use for it by the borough. Council agreed to offer the property for sale at a minimum of fair market value.

Council approved a request from South Ward Neighborhood Committee manager Kathy Kunkel to allow the PROMISE program to use the South Ward Community Center office for headquartering their program.

Steigerwalt informed council that the project to convert the borough’s streetlights to LED fixtures has been completed and did come in at least $150,000 under the budgeted amount.

The USDA has been in town monitoring for the spotted lanternfly, and they are asking the public for assistance in identifying evidence that the insect has moved into the area.

Ann Marie Calabrese, the director of community development, said that the state approvals have come through for the proposed opening of the Wheel restaurant, and that project will finally proceed.

“I know people are looking forward to this,” she said.

Police Chief Henry Woods said that the police department will be completing its annual qualification this week at the FOP firing range in Owl Creek, and advised residents that there will be increased activity at the range this week.

Council approved a handicapped parking space application for 327 Washington St.

Council approved the hiring of five more part-time lifeguards and two clerks for the Bungalow Pool.

Council welcomed Scouts from Troop 777 who were working on their communications merit badge.

South Ward Fire Company Chief Mark Bower thanked council for providing a fire hydrant for training purposes.