Several repairs are set to be made to the iconic bandshell in the Palmerton Borough Park.

Joe Federanich, on behalf of the Palmerton Chamber of Commerce as well as several other organizations in the borough, broached the concept to borough council on Thursday.

Federanich said that it’s been over 30 years since any improvements have been made to the bandstand.

He said that while everything would be funneled through the Chamber, it’s the Palmerton Concourse Club, Palmerton Community Festival, and Christmas in the Park organizations who are the primary parties involved.

Council granted permission for the following improvements known as Phase One of the project:

• All electrical interior lighting would be replaced with new fixtures to accommodate LED lighting.

• The exterior lighting would be changed to LED with the current fixtures.

• All outlets would be changed to GFI outlets.

• Four microphone jacks would be installed in the ceiling to allow for microphones to be dropped to improve the sound from various sections of the bands. Palmerton Band director Joseph Plechavy will oversee and pay for the sound improvements.

Federanich also discussed future improvements:

• The floor would be repaired and sanded. A decision would be made to keep it natural color with coatings for protection, or to repaint.

• The white surfaces would be repainted, except the wooden railing, which would be removed. A new steel railing would be installed that is designed to meet with code. The railing would be powder coated to prevent rusting. He said drawings have been forwarded to borough zoning officer Duane Dellecker for proper approval.

• They would like to remove the wooden railing and pour a concrete step to replace the broken step at the entrance to the bandstand.

Federanich told council there were essentially two options: To ask for some assistance, or to make it a two-year plan.

“We would do all the electrical work this year, and the rest of the work next year,” Federanich said. The group will ask for groups who use the bandshell and individuals for donations. “We simply want to make improvements to the bandstand.”

Councilman Richard Nothstein told Federanich he believes he will be surprised by how the people of Palmerton come together to provide assistance.

Council President Terry Costenbader suggested to Federanich that he contact the Palmerton Historical Society as well.

Councilwoman Holly Hausman-Sell said that taking any part of the wooden structure concerns her with the aesthetics.

“I commend you; my concern is we don’t make it too modern,” Sell said. “I’m just a little concerned with having the wood off.”

Sell expanded on her reasoning.

“It’s an old historic part of town; I’d hate to see taking the wood out,” she said. “I think what you are doing is commendable.”

Federanich said they initially anticipated that the entire project would cost about $15,000, but that the likelihood is it will cost about $25,000.

He said that anyone who has a connection to the park may send their donations to the Palmerton Chamber of Commerce, 410 Delaware Ave.

Those who mail a check should include in the memo line that their donation is for the bandstand project.