Country Club Will Talk to Council about Sidewalk Plan

Representatives from want to talk to Hellertown Borough Council about .

The mandate was delivered in October, after council approved a subdivision plan for a small section of the country club property that abuts Durham and Depot streets.

The subdivided parcel includes an old stone home and its separation from the main country club property will allow for its sale in the future.

The club had sought a deferral of the ordinance-mandated sidewalk requirement, which was denied.

On Jan. 17, council members were told by solicitor Michael Corriere that an attorney for the country club wishes to address them in early February.

Corriere said a concern expressed to him is the number of "old" trees that may have to be removed in order to comply with the requirement to install sidewalk.

He said the country club plans to propose the installation of an alternative type of walkway.

Council president Phil Weber told Corriere that the club doesn't have to remove trees in order to install sidewalk along the perimeter of the property.

"I thought we discussed that they could keep the trees in place and do half circles (around them)," he said.

"They seem to think the trees have to be removed," Corriere responded.

"Maybe that's something you can talk to them about," he added.

Councilman Tom Rieger said that if the existing trees' roots are disturbed by the installation of sidewalk, they will have to be taken down "eventually."

He added that he is "all for" representatives of the country club bringing their concerns before council.

Council subsequently agreed to have a discussion about the sidewalk plan placed on its next meeting agenda.

The next Borough Council meeting will be held Monday, Feb. 6 at 7pm in Borough Hall.