By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

Frank Petrocelli, Green Advisory Council chairman gave a presentation on two topics: Community Garden and Ordinance to Provide Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic Bags Oct. 20 at the South Whitehall commissioners meeting.

The Green Advisory Council’s mission is to advise the board on the responsible use and conservation of the township’s natural resources to promote a sustainable community for generations to come.

GAC will work with South Whitehall to identify and support initiatives aimed at educating residents and businesses on the economic benefits of environmentally responsible choices.

The proposal was for a pilot project to start a community garden program at a location near the Parkland Community Library.

Food insecurity remains a concern for too many families in the township, particularly fresh food.

Local food banks do not always have access to fresh produce for distribution.

To start, six to eight raised beds would be provided by an Allentown West Rotary Club grant.

Parkland Community Library has some grant funding and is interested in developing educational programming related to the garden.

There is existing infrastructure nearby (fencing, water access) that can be used to reduce the initial investment.

Public Works Manager Herb Bender pointed out the water is free because it is recycled rainwater.

Multiple organizations have expressed interest in providing volunteers, Parkland schools, local Rotary Clubs, Parkland CARES, etc., so there would be no need for paid employees.

There was discussion of alternate sites or expansion to other locations if the pilot is successful.

Parkland Community Library Director Debbie Jack responded when asked about the education program and what would be provided.

“ ... what we’re hoping to do was have some intergenerational programming with our members,” Jack stated. “We would include story time participants so the little ones, grade school, and adults would work with the kids, to teach them about how to start a garden, you know, maintain a garden, and it was also a way to bring the community together to work.”

Commissioner Diane Kelly had some concerns about the location on the municipal building property.

“I do have a concern about it being in the yard and waste center,” Kelly said. “Just because from a traffic perspective, there’s a lot of large vehicles that come in there with trailers.”

Commissioner Tori Morgan commented on the matter,

“ ... what we have in front of us right now is the opportunity to run a pilot project, a small project, to see if it’ll take root and grow right with the library which will give them the educational piece to help us,” Morgan said. “It truly would be a win-win for the township to meet our green initiatives to create education outreach, and also give this garden project the opportunity to take root ... ”

The township will move forward with the concept and it will be no cost to the township.

The next item presented was about an ordinance to provide alternatives to single-use plastic bags.

Bethlehem is currently considering a measure.

The board supports education on the subject and is interested in gathering more information and partnering with the community and residents and to keep it on the table.