Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners continued discussions on sidewalks and curbing at its Aug. 10 meeting, which began a few minutes late due to some technical issues with the virtual platform. After braving through some frustrations, the board continued with the voting portion of the meeting.

A proposal to defer sidewalk and curbing installation along Quarry Street at 3434 N. Front St. brought a heated discussion between the board and Michael Houston, project engineer, over the value of sidewalks and public safety.

Houston, whose project also involves road widening to make way for a four-home townhouse development on North Front Street, said the sidewalk would empty into nowhere and serve little purpose.

“We are extending our roadway right up to our property line. There is no road left for a sidewalk,” he said.

Board President Philip Ginder argued the sidewalk would help aid in residential mailbox and trash can placement, as well as provide wheelchair accessibility in that area.

Before the commissioners voted, township resident Lori- Ann Fehnel approached the board on behalf of the residents along Quarry Street.

“The residents want a sidewalk,” she said, adding, “there is a woman with a motorized scooter as well.”

Commissioner Joseph Marx suggested a compromise.

“Can you still widen the road and put in curbs and sidewalks?” he asked.

Houston said it could be done.

The board voted to deny the request to defer the sidewalks.

The commissioners unanimously approved a request for a no parking zone along East Columbia and Center streets at the crosswalk.

In addition, the board approved a request to defer the installation of sidewalks along Joab Road for the property at 3645 and 3655 Municipal Drive.

Project Engineer Rob Piligian explained a sidewalk in that area would be useless as no other sidewalk exists along that road and the sidewalk installation would only run about 125 feet.

Commissioner Charles Fisher agreed the sidewalk might not make sense now, but it could in the future, and that should be considered when handling projects.

The board voted 4-3 in favor of the deferral.

The final motion of the evening voted in Jonathan Bolton as a member of the township planning commission. While the board was eager to welcome Bolton, many members took a moment to reflect on the amazing work and dedication of James Molinaro, who stepped down in July.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Fisher reminded everyone August is the last month before schools reopen, stressing the importance for everyone to continue wearing a mask and practicing social distancing for the sake of the children and teachers returning this fall.

The board will next meet Sept. 8, a Tuesday, due to the Sept. 7 Labor Day holiday. To attend virtually, visit whitehalltownship.org for instructions.