Green Lane Borough Council held a lengthy discussion at their meeting on July 10 concerning a nine-unit rental property owned by McCuskin's Properties, LLC that is expected to be part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remediation. The property is located along Lumber Street and Route 29 in the borough.

            The borough council agreed to have Solicitor Dave Comer continue negotiations with McCuskin's Properties.  If an agreement is concluded each tenant in the property will be provided with approximately $7,500 through FEMA to find other living accommodations.  The borough council is concerned for the safety of its residents.  It fears what another catastrophic flood could do if the borough does not act precipitously to protect its citizens.

            Most of the borough council members consider the FEMA buyout a good solution because it removes residents in a flood-prone area from danger.  It provides the opportunity for the tenants a chance to move at FEMA's expense.  If negotiations for FEMA to purchase the building do not work out and a life-threatening flood occurs, the borough possibly would be forced to condemn the building and remove the tenants, all at the borough's expense. 

            Previously, FEMA agreed to purchase 11 properties along Lumber Street and Main Street that were ravaged by flooding during Hurricane Ida.  Most of the properties on Lumber Street have been purchased and subsequently razed.  The land on which they were constructed has been returned to nature.

            In a related matter, FEMA plans to survey the lots it purchased after the Hurricane Ida remediation so there will be no boundary disputes with adjoining neighbors.

            Several months ago, Freedom Valley Ambulance, a successor to Community Ambulance Service, Inc., offered to sell the former ambulance building to Green Lane Borough.  The borough council will have a conference with the United States Department of Agriculture to determine if all or a portion of the funds to purchase the building could be obtained through the agency.  A purchase price has not been determined.

            Thus far, the borough council has made no decision on the use of a single trash hauler for the borough. Currently, several trash companies service the borough. As a result, there is a lot of traffic on the borough alleys at different times of day.  If there were only one trash hauler for the borough, wear and tear on borough roads and alleys would lessen.

            The borough council noted its fireworks ordinance does not supersede the state fireworks laws.  Borough residents are concerned that fireworks are shot off and land on neighboring rooftops.  It was explained that the Pennsylvania State Police will not always respond to a call concerning fireworks.  State police prioritize their response based on the urgency of the emergency.

            A resident of Green Lane expressed concern that the storm drains on Fourth Street between Main and Walnut streets are not being cleaned.  The borough council assured the resident that it will look into the matter.

            Sidewalks along Route 29 are completed.  Lighting will be installed by Oct. 30.

            Green Lane Borough's 150th anniversary will be celebrated on Sept. 19-20 with a rain date of Sept. 21.  On Sept. 19 there will be a reception, by invitation only, for organizations that assisted Green Lane Borough in acquiring grants to upgrade the borough.

            On Saturday, Sept. 20, there will be a borough-wide celebration centered on Isaac Smith Park.  There will be a blacksmith demonstration behind Red Men's Hall and a barbershop quartet on the steps of the barbershop.  The Whetstone Band will perform.  A 10K trail run will be held early in the morning.  Food will be provided by Freiden's United Church of Christ and Saint John's Lutheran Church.

            Additionally, there will be a pie contest and a car show.  It is recommended that car show entrants register prior to the event. 

            Donations for the 150th Anniversary will fund improvements to the Isaac Smith Park.