Bob Minnich of Minnich Metals, Awards and More on Pine Street reported that a bench he had donated to the borough was recently damaged by a Catasauqua Borough public works snowplow vehicle.

Minnich said one of the adjacent business owners on Pine Street told him they saw the plow strike the bench.

"We have witnesses that saw the snowplow hit it," he said. "They [borough snowplow driver] knew it was there. I had to get the borough involved when I set it on the sidewalk."

Minnich paid for the bench and placed it in front of his store on Pine Street. He opened his business on Pine Street nearly a year ago. He dedicated the bench to the borough so LANTA bus riders have a place to sit while they wait for the bus to arrive.

According to Minnich, he has to submit a form to the borough, after which the incident will be investigated. He said the borough has not indicated whether it will reimburse him for the damage.

"Nobody said anything when they destroyed the bench," Minnich said. "They didn't stop into say they were sorry or anything. Now they need a form. Somebody doing the plowing knew they hit the bench. Why can't they own up to it? I'm a block away, why can't they come down and take a look. Instead, I need to send pictures and go through a bunch of bureaucratic stuff.

"This is a tough stretch for a business and the borough doesn't help us out much," he added.

Minnich noted the snowplow piles snow into the parking area along Pine Street, resulting in the closure of his business to walk-in customers during large snowfalls.

"They have one of those machines that will pick the snow up and move it," he said. "I've seen it in the borough, but it doesn't ever get sent over here."

The bench has sparked additional concerns Minnich has.

"We don't get support from the Catasauqua sports organizations," he said of his business. "They use a firm in Allentown and won't talk to us."

Minnich said he set up three meetings with Catasauqua and school officials canceled all three.

"I heard through the grapevine that they have no intention of considering us," he said. "I'm not going to go out of business because Catasauqua sports teams ignore us, but I can't see keeping my business in Catasauqua. I would rather spend time and send my tax money where I get local support."

There are only two wholesalers in the United States supplying parts for awards and trophies, Minnich said.

"Prices are pretty much the same no matter where you go," he said. "In this business, it is the service that sets us apart."

"Looks like we haven't made an impression on Catasauqua sports organizations," he added.