Borough Engineer Discusses Planned Improvements

A year from now, the area around Hellertown Borough Hall may look substantially different than it does today.

That will be because of a significant streetscape/landscape project whose goal is to make the area more pedestrian friendly, Borough Engineer Bryan Smith told Hellertown Borough Council July 5.

As part of the project, the corner of Easton Road and Main Street will be built out approximately 30 feet, in order to narrow the entrance to Easton Road and enhance pedestrian safety, Smith said.

The "build out" will create a larger public plaza on the north side of Borough Hall that will be composed of porous concrete paving surrounded by rain gardens, he explained.

The purpose of the rain gardens will be to help handle storm water runoff.

On the south side of Borough Hall, near the intersection of Main and Water streets, "will be sort of a small gathering spot," Smith said.

The focal point of that gathering spot will be an evergreen tree that is considered the borough's Christmas Tree when it's lit each November.

An information kiosk will be located near the busy intersection, and the curb line in front of Borough Hall will be altered to allow for the addition of parking on the opposite side of Main Street, Smith said.

A bus shelter that is scheduled to be constructed may include a "green roof," and benches, trash receptacles and bike racks will be placed around the complex, he added.

Smith said the project will be funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)--the result.

The agency's engineers will be involved in the review process for the plans, he added.

"Because it's federally funded there are some hurdles, unfortunately, that we have to jump through," Smith told council.

Many of the changes were recommended in a pedestrian walkability study that Smith's engineering firm--Barry Isett and Associates--conducted on behalf of the borough in 2010.