Whitehall seeks grant for more updates to Ironton Rail Trail

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Whitehall Township will seek a $154,000 grant to continue work on The Ironton Rail Trail.

Township commissioners on Monday approved a resolution requesting a grant of $154,402.17 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for the Ironton Rail Trail Paving and Gates Project.

The Ironton Rail Trail connects nearly a dozen parks and two dozen historical sites in east-central Lehigh County.

The rail-trail comprises a 5-mile loop around Coplay and Hokendauqua on the Lehigh River north of Allentown and a 4-mile spur west toward Ironton.

The grant would help fund repaving of the loop and installation of security gates at key intersections by streets in the township and Coplay Borough.

The CFA caps grants at $250,000 for any project. A 15% match of the total project cost is required.

The township will not learn if the grant is approved until fall.

Established in 2012, the Commonwealth’s Marcellus Legacy Fund allocates funds to the CFA for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.

The funds are collected from active drilling companies throughout Pennsylvania.

Also Monday, commissioners approved a letter of commitment to join Lehigh County in applying for a Keystone Communities Grant to address residential blight.

The grant is for $50,000 a year for three years.

The grant application is through the Lehigh County Redevelopment Authority.

Berkheimer awarded tax contract

Also Monday, commissioner approved the appointment of H.A. Berkheimer Associates Inc. as tax collector of the township’s business privilege/mercantile tax from 2025-27.

Commissioners got a presentation from Jim Hunt, Berkheimer director of sales and client services, during a workshop session last month.

The proposal is supported by the Whitehall-Coplay School District, treasurer and administration.

As of July 2023, $141,595.65 in taxes were unpaid and delinquent in the township.

Berkheimer has the legal resources to secure payment of such taxes, while the township has limited means, the commissioners said.

“We have a collection company now, but it has no teeth to force people to pay,” Whitehall Deputy Mayor John D. Meyers said. “This company [Berkheimer] will not stand for that.”

Berkheimer is contracted with just over 200 Pennsylvania municipalities, including in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

New flooring at senior center

Also Monday, an ordinance was approved authorizing acceptance of a proposal to remove and replace flooring for the Whitehall Senior Center building.

P.C. Curry Floor Covering, Inc., of Phoenixville, Chester County, was the winning bid of $28,035.

The project will be paid from $16,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund and $12,035 from the District 4 Recreation Escrow Account.

In other business, council:

• Accepted a proposal to remove and replace flooring in the Whitehall Active Community Center for seniors at 2301 Pine St. The ordinance was in accordance with the Home Rule Charter, which requires authorization of acquisitions in excess of $25,000.

• Pedro Jose was appointed to the township zoning hearing board for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2029.
• John Cool was appointed to the Ironton Rail Trail Oversight Committee, representing the township as an alternate.
• Janet Minnich was appointed to the township Environmental Advisory Council for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2027.
• Deb Rosene was appointed to the township Shade Tree Committee through Dec. 31, 2027.
• Karen Poshefko was appointed to the Shade Tree Committee through Dec. 31, 2026.
• Janet Minnich was appointed to the Shade Tree Committee through Dec. 31, 2025.

The full board of commissioners meets at 7 p.m. July 8.