Year in Review: Gerrity’s market plans move forward

Here is some of what happened in Monroe County in 2017.

Eldred Township

Eldred Township took possession of the old mill property situated adjacent to the stone arch bridge in the middle of town. The mill had set vacant for years and was in danger of falling onto an adjoining property.

After much research, it was discovered that the property had come into the hands of the Western United Life Assurance Co. The insurance company had no idea how it had come to own the property and was more than happy to deed the property over to Eldred Township providing that the township secure release of county and school district tax liens against the property.

In August, the insurance company paid for the demolition of the mill and deeded the property over to the township to be used for the enjoyment of the residents. The township supervisors are looking into making a “town square” out of the property.

Also during 2017, Eldred Township took action to complete a number of traffic studies and set speed limits on various township roads. The studies will continue into the new year.

Chestnuthill Township

Chestnuthill began the year expecting to see some progress on the Gerrity’s Supermarket, planned for the corner of Route 115 and State Road. In February, the township granted the conditional use application for the project. The project has since stalled, this time due to design issues that need to be worked out with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

In April, the township supervisors approved the purchase of a tract of land on Little Mexico Road to add to the townships open spaces.

In June, a crash left the West End Fire Co. short an engine. Thanks to the Polk Township Volunteer Fire Co., the West End was able to secure a loaner engine just in time to respond to a house fire. Chestnuthill Township expressed its gratitude to Polk for its help.

In August, PennDOT visited Chestnuthill for an update on the realignment project slated for routes 209 and 115. The project, which is scheduled to begin in early 2019, will include the construction of two roundabouts along the route.

Chestnuthill finished the year by passing a general fund budget for 2018 that includes a 2.25 mil tax increase. The 2.25 mils will be used to fund a dedicated future infrastructure project line in the budget.

Polk Township

During 2017, Polk Township noted that a high number of heavy dump trucks from out of state had begun to use township roads. As it turned out, the trucks were seeking a shorter route between Route 209 and a project in Palmerton when the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation added new weight restrictions on a bridge spanning the Aquashicola Creek.

In an effort to limit the truck traffic and to protect the township roads, the township adopted an ordinance in November titled “An Ordinance Restricting Truck Traffic Over Certain Designated Roads.” The roads included in the ordinance are Carney, Haney, Burger Hollow, Lower Middle Creek, Dorshimer and Long Mountain roads.

Polk also completed the replacement of the culvert on Hell Hollow Road during the year. Despite some setbacks, the contractor was able to complete the job prior to the cutoff date set by the Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation District for water disturbance.