DAMASCUS, PA — The Damascus Planning Commission has submitted a revised version of the township’s sign ordinance to the township supervisors, who will review and then refer it to the legal counsel, where changes may be made. Following that, a public hearing will be held, according to discussion at the supervisors’ meeting on Monday, May 19. 

Past discussion of the Damascus Township sign ordinance has considered whether the township needs to revise the ordinance, specifically the section regarding political signs.

Also, the planning commission was asked to look into proposing a new ordinance for driveways, specifically addressing where residents’ driveways meet the road and taking into account time needed to do work, as well as pre-existing and non- compliance situations.

Comments from the public 

A resident of River Road has complained that a neighbor is burning trash, including plastics and diapers. The neighbor has resisted the suggestion that he could give some warning so that windows could be closed, and has not expressed any interest in the offer, as a favor, to have his trash taken to the dump in Sullivan County, according to this resident. 

Another resident brought up information that construction trucks loaded with stones have been turning off of Shakenburg Road several times a day and driving up in the direction of Duck Harbor. There is dust and noise. 

The response from the supervisors was that contractors who own or lease land adjacent to a public road have the right to use that road. A plan was made to have the township apply calcium chloride in the area to keep down the dust. 

River accesses and more

The Upper Delaware River has 25 public river access locations. According to discussion at the supervisors’ meeting, the three busiest ones are in Damascus Township. Damascus Township has five access locations in total. 

It was reported that 21 litter sweeps were done during the cleanup season this spring. 

This year, the National Park Service has 10 summer seasonal employees in the Upper Delaware, and the employees have arrived, according to a discussion at the supervisors’ meeting. 

In township park news, the bench donated by the 4-H Agricultural Club has been installed. 

The bathroom project is ongoing. 

Summer season help is still needed. The township is hiring part time and full time. 

The chip seal/black top project was advertised and put out to bid for Blackwell Road, Plank Road, Shady Lane, Circle Drive, High School Road, and part of Steep Hill Road. New culverts were completed on Shady Lane.