The Nov. 16 Hellertown Borough Council virtual meeting was a short, uncontroversial one, with perhaps the most noteworthy topic of discussion winter 2021 plans for an outdoor art display at Borough Authority Park. Pitched again by borough resident Erica Shorb, the project is similar in design to the Hellertown Community Art Walk, which was installed at the park in September and October.

Shorb, who originally organized the autumn display as a response to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, said she was approached by the Hellertown Area Public Library and Hellertown Community Center with ideas for a new project themed around seasonal images, in conjunction with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January and Black History Month and Valentine’s Day in February.

The project would tentatively feature free-standing murals centering on Dr. King’s messages of inclusivity and love for one another, she said. Community members and elementary students in the Saucon Valley School District will be invited to contribute individually-crafted snowflakes, representing the diversity and uniqueness of the community, to be hung from trees in the park. She also indicated that middle and high school art students from the district would be welcomed to participate in a few different ways, and that several local art teachers, both in and outside the school district, have already expressed their desire to assist with the project.

As the project would extend through February, blown-up photographs of civil rights figures such as Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks and recently-deceased Congressman John Lewis would be appropriate to add in commemoration of Black History Month, Shorb said, and an “element of love” representative of the traditional Valentine’s Day theme in February will be present in the pieces as well.

The council praised her work on the 2020 Art Walk and enthusiastically endorsed her vision, with Councilman Mike McKenna saying, “I think it sounds fantastic.” Earl Hill, also a member of council, added, “I think the last one was a success and this will be, too.” Council approved the project unanimously.

In other news, police Chief Robert Shupp provided follow-up to the council’s prior discussion on modifying the traffic pattern on Furnace Street to allow moving vehicles in only one direction. He indicated that redirecting traffic off the street could cause an overflow of vehicles to travel via Oak Street, which he characterized as “filled with potholes” and not a street on which additional traffic would be handled well. Council President Thomas Rieger recalled that the same proposal was brought up “a few years ago” and was met with similar concerns. Ultimately, upon Shupp’s recommendation, the council decided to leave the pattern as is.