Ever since the Blizzard of 2016 dropped 30-plus inches of snow on the Saucon Valley, public works employees in places like Hellertown have been working around the clock to remove snow from roads, so life can soon return to normal.
Crews work to remove a large amount of snow from the 600 block of Main Street (Rt. 412) in downtown Hellertown Monday. The effort to clear roads has continued unabated since the Blizzard of 2016 dumped upwards of 30 inches of snow on the area on Saturday.
And while there has been sporadic criticism of the quality of the work on social media–as is typical after a major snowstorm–most area residents seem genuinely grateful and satisfied with the snow removal efforts taking place.
“I just wanted to give a huge shout-out to the borough of Hellertown and the incredible job they have done clearing the streets of Hellertown,” wrote Gina Gecsek McCormick in a comment posted on the Saucon Source Facebook page Tuesday. “I work in Bethlehem and the difference in the condition of the streets is incredible and makes me even more thankful! Thank you to each and every worker who has been working hard to make this happen!”
Hellertown has even gotten help with snow removal from local businesses such as Walters Excavating–one of two subcontractors who have brought in heavy equipment to help remove the snow piles from along Main Street in the downtown.
Snow removal operations continued late into Monday evening in Hellertown. Pictured, heavy equipment along Main Street near Magnolia Road.
“Thank you Hellertown for doing this,” commented Angelique Sinka on Faceook. “It was extremely efficient the way they had the trucks line up to load the blowing snow and then cart it away. Not all towns do this for their community Again, THANK YOU!”
In an update posted on its Facebook page Monday, the borough said it expects to lift the snow emergency that’s been in place since Friday and restore parking along snow emergency routes by Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone with a snow removal-related area of concern should e-mail we*******@he***************.org with the details.
“On behalf of the Mayor, Borough Council, Public Works and all Public Safety personnel, thank you for your continued effort and patience during our snow removal undertaking,” the borough said in a message to the community posted on Facebook.
As a way of thanking the public works staff members for their extraordinary commitment of time to what’s turned out to be a monumental effort, a local woman is coordinating sponsorship of Girl Scout cookie donations for the workers.
Tagalongs
“If you would like to sponsor a box (or boxes) of Girl Scout cookies to be dropped off, please private messsage (PM) me with your name and the message you would like on the tag we will attach for you,” Leah LaValle Cassellia said in a post on her Facebook page. You can also call or text her an order at 516-318-1817.
The cost of the cookies is $4 per box. Payment can be by check, written to GSEP (Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania) and dropped off/mailed to 427 Willow Road, Hellertown, PA 18055, or via Paypal (le************@gm***.com).
If you would like to drop off other treats for the staff you can do so at Hellertown Borough Hall, 685 Main St., Hellertown, PA, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or Lower Saucon Town Hall, 3700 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem, PA, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
