Macungie Borough Council began its Oct. 16 meeting with a discussion regarding the Main Street Streetscape Plan. There has been a significant amount of concern from citizens and business owners regarding the Main Street Streetscape Plan, but Macungie Borough Council President Chis Becker is not discouraged.

“It takes a vision and persistence to make change,” Becker said.

“The whole point of the project is to slow traffic down entering the borough. It helps with our sense of community,” Becker said.

Alburtis resident Gary Block was concerned District 5 of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation did not approve of the streetscape plan. Specifically, Block was concerned about the turning radius at the Race Street intersection. Council said members of PennDOT’s District 5 signed off on all of the necessary documents.

Business owner Tim Romig claimed PennDOT’s District 5 Technical Engineer Dennis Toomey said the borough was uncooperative and went over his head using politics when submitting plans for the streetscape project.

Romig questioned the ability for drivers to turn right at the Race Street intersection saying it doesn’t work.

“When I say that PennDOT and the engineers approved the plan, I have faith that PennDOT and the engineers are doing their jobs properly,” Becker said.

Council talked about adding a center line on Race Street. Residents had concerns about safety with the current construction.

Becker explained council would be willing to re-address the Race Street concerns and take action if necessary after the streetscape plan is completed.

Resident David Fatzinger spoke about the recurring issue of a moving company truck parked where it should not be. It is believed the resident does not own the company, but works for the company, takes a truck home and leaves it in front of the house for a long period of time.

“We are just trying to have a neighborhood, not an industrial zone,” Fatzinger said.

There was a discussion of the cluster mailboxes on Village Walk Drive. Council member John Yerman suggested the cluster boxes be rotated 90 degrees. Concerns were raised that mail carriers don’t want to have to get out of the truck. Macungie Mayor Gary Cordner was against eliminating the parking spots in front of mailboxes as parking is already limited in the neighborhood.

Council also discussed the role of the emergency management coordinator, wanting requirements and certifications for the position.

Council questioned whether David Boyko would be able to attend meetings because council cannot hold meetings with less than four members present. Boyko agreed he would attend meetings and rescinded his resignation tendered at the previous meeting. Becker said Boyko has been a valuable asset to the borough for a long time.

The event coordinator position at Macungie Institute was also discussed including a title change to facility manager and additional parts of the job description previously deleted. A decision was made to place an ad for the position.

The Friends of the Macungie Institute will hold its annual meeting Nov. 2 where they will honor Karen Holt, the longtime Macungie Institute building coordinator, who is set to retire in December.

Cordner said Luke Cellini has been selected as a part-time officer of the Macungie Police Department.

Council will have its next meeting 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Macungie Institute.