An old church building on Route 534 in Jonas may get a new life if Polk Township supervisors amend the ordinance that prohibits churches from being in a commercial zone.

A former part of Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic church, later a mail order facility, this 2.29-acre site is surrounded by commercial property. To just change that parcel's designation is not allowed as it would be spot zoning.Hoping to rectify the problem are the leaders and members of the non-denominational Seed of Faith Ministries, who have been having services for a year at the Pleasant Valley High School, according to Pastor Robert L. Kelly Jr.The group envisions church services, Sunday school, Bible School and "hopefully some outreach programs," including Operation Christmas Child, should their dream come true. Their focus is a teaching ministry and that includes a women's Bible study, was the explanation during a time when the supervisors and solicitor were meeting in an executive session for a personnel matter.The supervisors voted 3-0 to change the township regulations to make churches a conditional use in commercial areas and set a public hearing on the matter for 7 p.m., Monday, March 8.The board approved paying $64,087.20 for the work completed on the new preengineered wood frame building in the municipal complex. Ten percent of the total cost of the building will be retained by the township for one year and the supervisors, with the township engineer, will inspect the building and do a check-off list on the building project.The supervisors agreed to offer written support to Smithfield Township's quest in regard to the Kittatinny-Shawangunk National Raptor Migration Corridor to try keep that area out of development.To save time and reduce the cost of managing vehicles needing to purchase diesel fuel, the board voted 3-0 to become part of the Wright Express. That program will give township drivers cards to use at two diesel-selling locations, rather than making sure they come back to the township complex to refuel. It will also allow the township to not install and maintain a tank on the township premises.Chairman Brian K. Ahner announced that if it is snowing Wednesday, the solid waste transfer station would be closed as all pertinent personnel would be needed to plow roads.He advises residents, "Don't use the dump as an excuse to go out." Those who would normally use the facility on Wednesdays may come on Saturday.In regard to the solid waste transfer station, new permits will be sold as of March 1. However, should someone need one on Saturday, Feb. 27, Supervisor Nancy May thought the stickers would be available.The township will be tabulating how many miles of roads must be line-striped and submitting that total to COG where combined municipalities' needs will be put out for bid. The township has over 60 miles to do and bycombining with other townships and boroughs, the price is expected to be cheaper than doing it alone.