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Emmaus resident and library representative raise parking and library fundraising at borough meeting
Summary
At the May 18 Emmaus Borough Council meeting a library representative outlined upcoming programs and a $300,000 entrance-renovation campaign, and a resident urged police enforcement of chronic high-school parking that blocks emergency access.
Ann Zayats, speaking for the Emmaus Public Library, thanked borough council for funding a security-camera upgrade and outlined upcoming programs and fundraising progress.
"I'm Ann Zayats, and I'm here on behalf of the Emmaus Public Library," Zayats said, noting the library's new website, a Hawk Mountain birds-of-prey program on May 21, a June 5 visit by the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Theatre to present As You Like It, and a summer reading program beginning June 8 called Unearth a Story. She said a planned renovation of the library entrance will begin around mid-August and that the library has raised about $135,000 toward a $300,000 capital campaign, with May donations doubled up to $20,000 by matching donors.
Why it matters: The renovation affects access to library services and requires moving two memorial sculptures; the library is seeking community support and coordination with the Arts Commission.
During public comment, resident Michael Shirey described persistent parking by high-school students on the 600 block of Ridge Street that he said blocks on-street parking for residents and impedes emergency vehicles. "It's gotten to the point that from ... you can't park in front of your house," Shirey said, asking council to refer the problem to police for enforcement.
Council handled the request as a referral. Chair (speaker 1) said the issue would be sent to the police/public-safety department for follow-up; council members noted prior complaints and encouraged continued reporting to police if hazardous parking is observed.
The meeting also included organizational announcements: upcoming community fundraisers by Rotary (June 6) and Kiwanis (June 7), and a Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. on May 25 at the Veterans Memorial Triangle (no parade this year). The borough manager reported recent hires for concession stand and EMT positions and said the borough is deep in planning for the America 250 event.
What to watch next: Library leaders said construction and sculpture relocation will be coordinated with donors and arts officials; council referred the parking complaint to police, which is the next step for residents seeking enforcement.
