WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — “I always feel like somebody’s watching me!”
That line, from Rockwell’s 1983 hit song "Somebody's Watching Me," may also apply to folks who will visit Whitehall Township parks and recreation sites.
The township board of commissioners on Monday approved an ordinance authorizing acceptance of a proposal to buy and install video surveillance equipment at specified locations.
“The cameras will be monitored inhouse and reviewed. They’ll be at all of our parks, plus the Parkview Pool and Jefferson playground.”Joseph J. Marx, Whitehall Township mayor
Keystone Fire and Security submitted the winning bid of $36,515.
The video cameras, which are being installed because of incidents of vandalism, will enhance security and are intended to deter such incidents, officials said.
“We had some windows that were broken, then broken again,” said Mayor Joseph J. Marx. “We put [the funding] in the budget.
“The cameras will be monitored inhouse and reviewed. They’ll be at all of our parks, plus the Parkview Pool and Jefferson playground.”
'We want them as soon as possible'
Cameras will be installed at Allencrest Playground, Cementon Park, Egypt Memorial Park, Mickley-Prydun Farm and Hokendauqua Park and Playground.
Also, at Jefferson Street Memorial Playground, Schadt Avenue Playground (Zephyr Park), Stiles Playground and West Catasauqua Playground.
The cameras will be installed per the vendor’s schedule, Marx said.
“But we want them soon as possible,” he said.
Several years ago, because of vandalism, commissioners Vice President Jeffrey Warren independently set up cameras in an effort to identify and apprehend perpetrators.
Warren subsequently approached the board about funding the purchase of cameras.
The board on Monday also authorized the purchase and installation of internet technology to support the video surveillance equipment.
PenTeleData was the winning bid with a five-year commitment for $1,319 per month.
In other news Monday, commissioners advanced a resolution requesting $266,496.50 from Lehigh County to effectuate repairs and upgrades to the township’s fire training center.
