The major area of concern during the Feb. 4 Bath Borough Council meeting involved a property located at 224 West Main St.

The property, owned by the borough, sits at the corner of Race (Route 329) and West Main streets, across from the clock.

During the past few meetings, council members have been scratching their heads trying to decide how to effectively use the property. Some options have included selling it, converting it into a nature center or using one floor for office space and converting the other floor into a nature center.

Councilman Michael Reph said the original plan for the property involved using it to form part of the trail path.

"The plan was to connect it with East Allen Township since the property is in the center of the town," he said.

In the meantime, the borough is covering the maintenance expenses. Council estimated $25,000 may be needed to repair the building.

Borough Manager Thomas Petrucci reviewed a prospective grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) that will help to enhance the property and the surrounding natural resource areas.

According to the DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation website, grants assist communities in revitalizing the enhancement of natural resources and community revitalization efforts.

In an effort to find a solution, Councilwoman Carol Bear-Heckman said, "We need to do our homework. We have four great parks. We should try to connect them with a plan – a feasible plan – and figure out what we are doing."

Council praised the borough manager's efforts in assessing the needs of the property and its natural resource location.

The Parks and Recreations Committee will review the application for the grant later this month.