With the Summer season now behind us, Autumn well underway, and Winter rapidly approaching, it is an ideal time of the year to reflect on the significant accomplishments that the Township has achieved this past year.

In recent months, the Township has successfully completed the annual paving program and several key Public Works projects, including bridge inspection work, stormwater improvements, and essential maintenance activities. Within the Township Parks network, a new mile long extension of the Jordan Creek Greenway was recently completed in Covered Bride Park. The new section of the trail runs from the existing one-mile section of trail/boardwalk on the western edge of Covered Bridge Park and continues through the north side of Covered Bridge Park to the Lapp Road parking lot.

South Whitehall Township adopted the first ever South Whitehall Landscapes Plan on September 18, 2024. Throughout the comprehensive planning process, which involved numerous public outreach meetings, residents emphasized the need to preserve the community character and the Township's valuable resources. The South Whitehall Landscapes Plan is an extension of the South Whitehall Township Comprehensive Plan and a reaffirmed commitment to preserving the heritage, character, and environment of South Whitehall. Please be sure to read the Landscapes Plan, which is available on the Township website. 

On January 17, 2024, the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners passed an Ordinance adopting a newly revamped South Whitehall Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC).

The purpose of the EAC is to advise the Board of Commissioners and other Boards/Committees on matters dealing with the protection, conservation, management, promotion, and use of natural resources located within South Whitehall Township.

The EAC meets regularly each month (the meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Township Municipal Building), and the EAC will work closely with Township staff and the Board of Commissioners to work on the goals and action items set forth in the adopted South Whitehall Landscapes Plan.

The Township is also in the midst of developing the budget for the upcoming year, with the Board of Commissioners set to review the first draft of the proposed budget at a workshop special meeting scheduled for October 30^th (5:00 PM), with the proposed budget presentation scheduled for the first November regular business public meeting (November 6^th at 7:00 PM). The budget will ensure that resources are allocated efficiently based on overall department needs and established priorities of the Township.

Please check the Township website for all information concerning upcoming Township public meetings and events.

Thank you for taking the time to read this e-newsletter, and it is the hope of Township officials that you will find this to be a resource for timely and important information concerning the ongoing initiatives of South Whitehall Township. 

Sincerely,

Thomas R. Petrucci, MPA

Township Manager

The Township will begin its 2024 leaf collection on Monday, September 30th, 2024 and will continue until December 4th. 

Leaf Collection is one of Public Works largest operations involving 20 employees, 14 trucks and many hours. It is the responsibility of the resident to prevent their leaves along the street from blowing throughout the neighborhood.

• Place leaves two feet from the curb so that they don’t interfere with the rain and storm sewers.
• Leaves will not be collected on private property.
• Park all vehicles 15’ away from where the leaves are piled. 
• Collection crews will not pick up empty plastic bags or containers, branches, grass clippings, shrubbery, garbage or building material. These objects can cause extensive damage to the leaf collection equipment and will contaminate the leaves that we ultimately dispose of. 

With the increasing number of maturing trees each year in various areas of the Township, it is impossible to guarantee a specific pick-up day for any one location. If leaves are not in place when the crews go by, they will be picked up on the next rotation. The crews will not make any return trips. Leaf collection is subject to inclement weather, mechanical breakdowns, and Township emergencies requiring Public Works personnel and equipment. Your area could be skipped at any time should these situations occur. Please be patient; your area will be collected.    

For more information visit our Leaf Collection webpage. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

. January 14

February 11

March 11

April 8

May 13

June 10

July 8

August 5 (National Night Out)

September 9

October 14

November 11

Safe Winter Driving Tips:

Avoid driving during winter storms unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must travel, here are a few driving tips to keep you safe!

• Know the current road conditions. Call 511 before travelling. 
• Plan: Drive during daylight hours preferably not alone, avoid driving during the worst part of the storm, stay on main roads, and make sure your gas tank is full, and charge your cell phone!
• Stock Up: Stock your car with some basic Winter Driving Equipment: jumper cables, small shovel, windshield scraper/brush, flashlight with batteries, flares, extra windshield fluid and antifreeze, blankets, a couple snacks, and something for traction like sand, a towel, or salt.

• Clear snow and ice from windows, lights, the hood, and the roof before driving.
• Leave extra room in front of you to stop and lower your speed. Be wary of black ice and icy Bridges as they freeze first. The speed limits are for dry pavement!
• Some vehicles are heavier than others, such as trucks, making them slow to stop. Avoid cutting in front of them. 
• Clear snow and ice from windows, lights, the hood, and the roof before driving.
• Leave extra room in front of you to stop and lower your speed. Be wary of black ice and icy Bridges as they freeze first. The speed limits are for dry pavement!
• Some vehicles are heavier than others, such as trucks, making them slow to stop. Avoid cutting in front of them.