DAMASCUS TOWNSHIP, PA — The Damascus Township Board of Supervisors discussed a range of issues in its meeting of November 18, including the drought conditions currently affecting the Upper Delaware River region and updates on several of the township’s solar developments.

Damascus solar

Honesdale Solar, a solar project represented by engineering firm LaBella, had previously requested an extension on their permit, as the project’s current permit expires this month. Honesdale Solar has received comments from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the next step would be a technical review followed by a period of public comment at the DEP. Half of the project is in Lebanon Township, where the company has a permit that expires on November 20, 2025. Therefore, a motion was made to extend the Damascus Township permit to the same date. The motion passed.

Another solar project, which is sometimes referred to as Cochecton Pike/Tyler Hill Solar, was also discussed. The plan was revised, but more revisions are needed. The plan includes some seven-foot high fences, but an eight-foot fence is required by township ordinance for this project, as well as a permanent driveway. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) approval is also needed.

Skinners Falls Bridge

Leading up to the meeting, there was some expectation that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) would give a presentation on the Skinners Falls Bridge. PennDOT declined to come, but sent the Damascus Board of Supervisors a brief statement; see sidebar for full statement.  

Later in this meeting, it was mentioned that the Lake Huntington Fire Company has documented arrival times at fires that are minutes before the arrival of Beach Lake Fire Company, even when Lake Huntington Fire Company has to cross the Cochecton/Damascus Bridge and then travel on River Road. Thus, if the Skinners Falls Bridge were eventually rebuilt, it would need to accommodate fire trucks, to ensure speedy response to fire emergencies.

Drought conditions

Jeff Dexter, in his report as a representative from the Upper Delaware Council, said, “Every county in the Upper Delaware Basin is in drought.”

Ed Lagarenne, Emergency Management Coordinator, added that outdoor fires, dry leaves and winds might cause wildfires. Therefore, outdoor fires are very risky and are not recommended at this time.

Blue Ridge Cable agreement

There was discussion about the township’s contract with Blue Ridge Cable, including the expressed preference of the township that existing infrastructure be utilized as much as possible. For example, an extra line of telephone poles on the opposite side of the road from a usable line of poles is not ideal. This current agreement is similar to the prior existing agreement but does not seem to include this provision. A motion to table the matter was passed.

Other business

The board of supervisors heard reports on various road and repair projects in the township.

The Davis Road repair project is finished. The Hopkins Road repair project is ongoing. Township trucks are being prepped for winter maintenance. The break in the water line to the Damascus Township building has been repaired.

Also, the board of supervisors reminded attendees about the township’s ordinances for temporary political signs and yard garbage. Violations will be cited. The landowner is responsible. Fines will be levied.

For more information

“Damascus discusses political yard signs, EMS, more at supervisors meeting”: bit.ly/TRR-2024-October-Damascus

State of Pennsylvania Solar Energy Resource Hub: bit.ly/TRR-2024-solar-hub

Skinners Falls project website: bit.ly/TRR-2024-Skinners-Falls-PennDOT