Walker Twp. residents air concerns about zoning

Walker Township heard concerns from residents last week, including Sam Williams, who shared his concerns about potential zoning violations. Others asked questions about ongoing road projects, especially pothole repairs.

Safety is a big concern, said board Chairman William McMullen.

“We are also in need of more manpower to help speed up this process,” he said.

Road Master Chad Felty added to this discussion by stressing the importance of finishing road repairs before the summer comes to an end.

Felty addressed upcoming roadway maintenance plans involving adding a seal coat to several roads and an update on the 2018 road project bids.

The 2018 project would include adding a seal coat to several roads including 23,263 square yards on Valley Road, 3,391 square yards on Shady Lane and 505 square yards on Swamp Road.

Dave Humanansky gave new information involving the Zion’s Church Project.

He discussed potential traffic issues and ways to create a safer entrance to the building.

In regard to the timeliness of the project, secretary Ann Ostergaard said, “This is a process, many questions remain unanswered … that is why plans were tabled. It is still a process that we have to follow.”

Recreation

Also on Thursday, Nate McDonald gave a brief introduction on behalf of the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission.

The ESRC strives to create and maintain recreational activities in the eastern Schuylkill County area. The group plans to add more activities this summer, including basketball teams, volleyball nights, tennis clinics, corn hole, pickle ball and more.

The group maintains the walking, hiking and bicycle trails in the area.

Ostergaard addressed recent zoning permits both already issued and those that are still pending, including Zion’s Church, Koch’s Turkey Farms, a house on Wildcat Road, a house on Mountain Road and two pool permits.

Walker Township officer Todd Woodward addressed managing security at Tamaqua Area Senior High School during its graduation ceremony, a burning on Wildcat Road, Tamaqua and other minor discrepancies.

Plans to conduct a traffic study on Wildcat Road were created and a motion to further look into road maintenance bids was passed.