A Northampton man's proposal for a skate park was placed on the "back burner" at a recent borough council meeting.

Council assured Brian Ruff, who wants the plan for a skate park to move forward, that it wasn't dousing the idea with water, but rather trying to keep the flame burning.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said going along with Ruff's plan would cost the borough $19,000 for macadam. The skate park would be located on the lot which for several years was used by youths as a skateboard and bicycle park.

Ruff maintains the skate park would be an asset to the town, serving as a place where children and adults could play roller derby or street hockey. The park could then be the basis for the formation of leagues.

Another concern raised by Zarayko is what the Northampton Area School District will have when it opens the new middle school along with parking for picnics at the nearby municipal park.

Still, council did not want to shut down Ruff's idea.

"I don't know what the future of the skate park is," Zarayko said. Presently it is not being used for skateboarding.

Asked by Zarayko whether there is interest regarding his plans, Ruff replied " I could bring you names."

When Council Vice President Robert McHale said for now the idea is on the back burner, there was then mention the borough owns a piece of flat land: of Howertown Road.

Further discussion by council has Ruff's idea being sent to borough Community Planner Victor Rodite for review and recommendation, possibly putting the project on the front burner.