At its workshop meeting Monday, Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners halted its efforts in seeking grants for the proposed historic preservation district that covers several blocks of Hokendauqua - labeled as the Thomas Iron Works neighborhood.

The board indicated more precise information is needed, as well as assurance that residents - whose properties would be affected - are on board with such a decision.

The Thomas Iron Works area is replete with homes and mansions from an era when iron-making by David Thomas was the model of the American Industrial Revolution.

Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt has led the campaign for the creation of the historic preservation district, holding one town hall meeting in September and planning another one in December.

The area to be covered would be from Front Street to Third Street and from Quigg Street to Carbon Street. Dutt said information on the proposal has been sent to the homeowners in those blocks.

The project would require commissioners’ approval of the township’s preparation and submission, by Whitehall Township Industrial & Development Authority, of a Keystone Historic Preservation Project Grant application, available through the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, and other grants that may be available to fund a consultation and other necessary steps to obtain approval under the National Register of Historic Places.

Commissioners President Phillips Armstrong, in having the issue halted until more specific information is provided, said, “We need the exact house number of each street that is designated (for the historic preservation district) identified.”

Commissioner Linda Snyder had concerns that specific requirements, such as what kind of siding and other matters affecting the homes, could be mandatory.