Hawley Borough Council President Ann Monaghan, at council's June 12 meeting, indicated that council will be providing a letter of support for the concept of refurbishing the skate park carrying the theme of awareness of the problem of substance abuse and addiction and seeking help to overcome them.
Bill Messinetti, who is leading the effort, first came before the Parks & Recreation Commission and then the full council in May. Parks & Rec recommended approval of the concept. Messinetti, who lives in Tafton, explained that the inspiration for the project was born from the loss of his son to a drug overdose. He calls the project "Awareness Park."
He forwarded to the council three proposals of the design, with prices for the new skate park ranging from approximately $103,000 to $154,000 from American Ramp Company. The upgraded skate park would cover the same footprint of the present facility, which was built in 2006 in Bingham Park.
Council President Ann Monaghan advised obtaining a letter of support from the Wayne County commissioners and their office relating to mental health. Letters from local legislators were also recommended. These support letters can be used to bolster grant applications. Messineti said he already has letters from the Pike County commissioners and the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission. Messineti is a member of the latter's Opioid Task Force in Pike County.
Jamie Drake, director of the Commission, said in her letter that Messinetti "is a true advocate for my agency's cause" and works to fight stigma and raise awareness about substance abuse disorder.
"Providing a healthy alternative for youth and a place to hold awareness events all in one location would be an asset to the community," Drake wrote.
The National Alliance of Mental Illness, Northeast Region, also indicated support, he said.
He noted that the park is used by Pike County residents as much as Wayne County; Hawley is on the Wayne County border.
"I just think it would be a good idea for the community to have a focal point... to educate people on it," he said. "It's education about the stigma; the stigma goes both ways. There's a stigma about people who look at drug addicts... the public has a certain viewpoint of that person, and we all know it could happen to anybody... The people who have the issue know how the general public looks at that them, and it's a snowball effect of the negativity that surrounds these people who need help."
Monaghan advised him to let the council see what funding sources he identifies. She said they can then have a better idea if the idea is feasible for grant funding, to avoid the borough from having to finish the project. Councilor Michele Rojas, who coordinates the grants for the borough, has offered to assist Messenitti.
She said the borough zoning officer will need to approve the design. Messenitti said the final design will depend on what funding becomes available but will stay within the current dimensions. Monaghan said they will be able to provide a letter of support.
More Hawley business
Noreen King made a complaint about storm water runoff coming down the hill over the borough line from Palmyra Township, affecting her Hawley property at the corner of Highland and Spruce streets. Water is not going into the culvert drain, she said. Borough Public Works Director Scott Mead said he will check it out and consult with the township roadmaster, Joseph Kmetz.
Hawley Police Chief Daniel Drake has been researching costs for the online system for issuing traffic tickets, which law enforcement agencies have been switching to, in advance of the system becoming mandatory. He stated that he obtained one quote for $16,255.54 for two tablets to carry in their police vehicles. He said that Honesdale Police obtained one for each of their four vehicles.
Chief Drake and Mayor Nichols offered positive remarks and thanks concerning the Hawley Memorial Day parade. The July 4 parade is scheduled for noon, on Main Avenue.
Approval was given for Downtown Hawley Partnership to wrap crocheted fiber art around trees as part of the "Paint the Town" project in Hawley that includes the new banners displaying works of Wayne County artists.
Hawley Council meets on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m., at Borough Hall, 94 Main Ave.
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.
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