Dear Editor:

Attention all people who drive on North Street of Jim Thorpe.Currently the zoning committee in Jim Thorpe is considering a proposal by Todd Mason to build a two bay carwash in the middle of the 200 block of North Street (Route 903). I, and many others, perceive this proposed carwash to be an extreme, potentially deadly safety hazard for traffic as the proposed exit and entrance will be directly onto North Street in the middle of the block.Getting into and out of the carwash will require a sharp 90 degree turn and this would necessitate cars come to a stop or a near stop in the middle of the street. This creates the potential for deadly violence.Also, the entrance and exit to the carwash are adjacent to each other, which would obstruct a driver's vision if a car is coming and another leaving at the same time. Additionally, since the proposed hours of the carwash are 24/7 that means the headlights of cars entering the access to the carwash would shine up North Street into the vision of cars traveling south.There is an adage - "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Join me and many other local residents in opposing the construction of this carwash by Mr. Mason.To stop this construction we need to raise our voices, be heard, and convince our zoning committee that this potentially dangerous and deadly plan is not in the best interests of the community, but rather it is one man trying to profit while placing all drivers on North Street potentially at risk for an accident.I attended the zoning committee meeting on Sept. 7 along with others who oppose this plan. The zoning committee concluded at the end of the meeting that they were "perplexed" and have allowed 14 more days for submission of a finding of fact and a legal period. After which time an additional meeting will be scheduled.A petition will be circulated in Jim Thorpe opposing support of the carwash. Join me and many others in helping to provide "an ounce of prevention" before we have to supply a tragic "pound of cure" by signing the petition. Questions, call me at (610) 377-6529.Submitted withconcern for public safety,Terry WattoLehighton