HAWLEY, PA — The room was full and the news was positive.

The November 8 monthly meeting of the Hawley Borough Council began with a proclamation read by Mayor David Hawk declaring November 25 to be Small Business Saturday in the Borough of Hawley, encouraging all citizens to support small businesses and merchants on that day and throughout the year. Accepting the proclamation was Rev. William Samford on behalf of the Downtown Hawley Partnership. 

That was followed by a presentation by Joe Adams, a member of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Adams was acting as a private citizen who, in concert with local businessmen James Shook and Craig Smyth, are working on a proposed long-term strategic plan to revitalize Bingham Park. Pronouncing the park to be the “gem of Wayne County,” Adams said that the park is the keystone for bringing people to Hawley within at least a 15-mile radius.

Adams stressed that there was business investment interest on the part of the committee. He offered an engineering rendition of the proposal, noting that the suggestions were preliminary and subject to change. The committee also stated that the improvements would be made in such a way as to minimize ongoing maintenance costs. No funds would be sought from the borough for the renovations; such costs would be funded by grants or private contributions.

The renovations would be done in phases as funds became available.

The committee sought and received unanimous consent of the council to pursue opportunities to fundraise to improve the park at no cost to the borough. A public information meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on December 13, at which time the committee will provide additional details and update the council on its progress.

Grant Genzlinger, representing the Hawley Wallenpaupack Trail Committee, requested that the borough paint lines signifying a crosswalk on Columbus Avenue, where passengers are discharged from the excursion train. He stated that PennDOT has agreed that a crosswalk should be allowed in that location. Genzlinger was asked by council president Ann Monaghan to provide PennDot’s declaration in writing.

It was noted that a conditional-use permit hearing will take place in Palmyra Township on December 4 at 6 p.m. to consider the siting of a small performing arts center. The proposed development would be approximately 4,000 square feet and accommodate 450 people indoors, with additional outdoor seating for 150.

A grant for bulletproof vests that will cover 50% of the total costs of the vests was well received.

The next scheduled meeting of the council is December 13 at 7 p.m., which will follow the presentation on the Bingham Park proposal.