DAMASCUS, PA — Damascus Township is currently processing paperwork related to property damage caused by the August 9-10 storm.

The state has issued an emergency declaration, with the township meeting the threshold for state assistance, said supervisors at their August 19 meeting. Applications for aid will be available once all the estimates are collected.

Supervisors said the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting a rapid survey to assess if flooding has impaired the watershed or put property owners at risk.

To find out about assistance available to damaged farms, utilities and residences, call the Damascus Emergency Management coordinator, Ed Lagarenne, at 570/224-4410, or email him at zoningdamascus07@gmail.com4.

NEP Telephone

Representatives from NEP Telephone Company and NEP Data discussed their plans for Northeast Pennsylvania, including high-speed internet, fiber optics, and video services. They emphasized their compliance with FCC regulations and contracts with other municipalities, and said they aim to comply with the laws of Damascus Township, the approving entity.

The representatives questioned modifications to NEP’s signed agreement with Damascus. Supervisors advised NEP to use existing infrastructure, such as PPL and Verizon poles, to avoid adding new poles unnecessarily. Private property rights were also discussed, and NEP’s agreements with Penn Electric and Verizon to use existing lines and poles.

In related business, supervisors picked Blue Ridge Cable over PennTeleData phone and internet services for township administrators.

Political signs

With the November election coming into view, supervisors reviewed the zoning ordinance regarding political signs.

Temporary signs, including special advertising or business identification signs or banners, are permitted in all districts. They may not exceed 64 square feet in size.

They can announce special events such as commercial sales, cultural or entertainment attractions, or charitable activities. These signs are allowed for the duration of the activity but must be removed within seven days after the event.

Political signs are permitted on a similar basis.

No sign, except a public sign, visible from a public road, shall use words like “stop,” “danger” or any other term that could be interpreted by motorists as a public safety warning or traffic sign.

In other business

• Roads and bridges—Supervisor Steve Adams reported on bridge and road projects on Chicopee Road, Grist Mill Road and the Davis Road cul-de-sac. Bids are being sought to chipseal (tar and chip) Stone House Road, Old Road, First Street, Second Street, Third Street, Elizabeth Street, High School Road, Atco Road, Edward Road, Plank Road and Main Avenue. Kellam Road needs ditching, and the culvert pipe on Stone House Road washed out twice. The township is considering purchasing a used motor-grader, a piece of heavy construction machinery used for grading and leveling, and has one in mind. Supervisors agreed to demonstrate the motor-grader on site at the township building grounds or a nearby location.
• Technical assistance—Damascus will apply for a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG), state funds that help municipalities cover engineering, environmental studies and other technical costs to support infrastructure improvements and community development. Supervisors said the commonwealth will not approve an application to install a monitor screen in the Damascus Township Building because the grant should be used for services, not products.
• Callicoon-Damascus Bridge—Jeff Dexter, vice-chair of the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) and Damascus representative, said the $17 million upgrade is underway at the Callicoon-Damascus Bridge. This project includes replacing the bridge deck and repairing the piers underneath. A causeway will be built to allow equipment access at the river level. The work is expected to continue until November 2027.
• Invasive snakehead—Dexter said an invasive snakehead fish was spotted near Easton, PA, but not caught. Anglers are advised to report sightings of this aggressive predator, which has been linked to declines in sport fish like bass. Signs with photos are posted near the Delaware River. Anglers should kill any northern snakehead fish they encounter.
• Pancake breakfast—The community breakfast on August 10 was a success. The Anacheck family, new owners of Wahoo Ice Cream, provided ice cream for the event. The menu included eggs, sausage, bacon, buckwheat and classic pancakes, applesauce, coffee, tea and juice, with locally produced maple syrup. The next Recycling and Community Pancake Breakfast takes place on September 14.