DAMASCUS, PA —  Damascus supervisors say the recycling program has been especially popular these last two months.

Seven vehicles were waiting in line during the last two recycling days, they said at their July 15 meeting. And quite a bit of cardboard is being recycled, likely because of the popularity of online shopping.

They agreed that the recycling program, which runs on the same day and at the same place as the Damascus Manor Community Center’s popular pancake breakfast, is getting heavy use. 

• Community center: Jeff Dexter said the Damascus Manor Community Center’s pancake breakfast was a success; the funds raised were split with the food pantry, which as of June 20 has served 30 families. The next pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 10, at the center, located at 60 Conklin Hill Road. The cost is $12 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. The menu includes eggs, sausage, bacon, buckwheat and classic pancakes, applesauce, coffee, tea, juice, and locally produced maple syrup.
• UDC grant: Supervisors are considering how to spend money from an Upper Delaware Council (UDC) Technical Assistance Grant. They discussed getting a large-screen monitor for giving presentations, or maybe a mini-split air-conditioning unit.
• Alternative energy: Supervisors finished clarifying the standards for alternative energy systems in the township. The amended ordinance (2024-2) has been implemented and is now posted on the township website.
• LaBella/Honesdale Solar: The LaBella/Honesdale Solar project extension remains in effect until November 20. The supervisors said they have addressed every public comment individually and updated the planning commission on LaBella’s plans. Supervisors said federal and PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT) permits have been received and the rights-of-way have been approved.
• Funaro Solar Energy Land Development: Supervisors discussed Funaro Solar Energy Land Development’s preliminary plan, which is still incomplete. The board has already granted Funaro a conditional use permit. The project still needs a highway access plan and a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
• New secretary: Supervisors hired Jennifer Goodwin to serve as planning commission secretary.
• River management: The township’s planning commission will participate in meetings on the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) River Management Plan.
• Telecommunications: Supervisors approved a franchise agreement with NEP DataVision, a telecommunications provider based in Forest City, PA. They will send the agreement back to NEP with a change of wording for review and notarization.
• Fees: Supervisors updated the township’s fee schedule.
• Service station: Supervisors reviewed a notice of transfer application for Sohi Beverages LLC, a service station and convenience store on Hancock Highway.
• Roadwork: The following roadwork has been completed:

Schuman Road: Culvert.

Schnackenberg Road: Graded.

Bavarian Hill: Graded.

Boyce Mills Road: Weed-whacking around guardrails.

Upcoming work:

Hopkins Road: Started July 18.

Stonehouse Road: Culvert, waiting for permits.

Hopkins Road; Bridges, waiting for estimates.

Branch Road: To start August or September.

Davis Road: To set pricing and get estimates.

• Water levels: Levels at the Delaware Basin reservoirs—Cannonsville and Downsville—are low at this time.