Revitalization committee seeks guidance after engineers flag slope, stormwater questions for Palmyra welcome sign

Rebecca Zalot, speaking as a downtown revitalization committee representative and Rotary Club member, updated council on a previously approved welcome sign planned for Mayor's Park at the intersection of Lingol Avenue and Route 422 (a 10-foot-by-5-foot sign with faux stone pillars). Zalot said the committee secured funding for fabrication and typical installation but that site conditions have raised new concerns about the slope where the sign would sit and the possible need for engineering and stormwater work beyond the original budget.

Public works and zoning staff who visited the site described a steep hill and a swale that directs runoff into a nearby drain; any relocation or grading for sightline and maintenance could affect stormwater management and mowing access. Staff recommended obtaining a professional engineered plan before installation to ensure slope integrity, avoid future erosion or a potential landslide behind the sign, and permit safe maintenance by volunteers such as the garden club.

Council and staff agreed the borough could request a proposal from the engineering firm (Written Hour was mentioned as a consultant in the transcript) to estimate engineering and construction costs; staff said they would present a cost proposal to council. Mayor Miller and others praised the revitalization work and said design enhancements (landscaping, lighting) could improve the town entrance.

Next steps: public works staff will request an engineering proposal to define grading, foundation and stormwater requirements and return with cost estimates for council consideration. The revitalization committee said it will remain committed to the project whether or not additional borough funding is required.