Ross Township resident Lenny Ventre wants to donate 43 acres to the township.

“I want to turn my property into a park, create two entrances for parking, picnic areas by the creek and trails throughout,” he told Ross Township supervisors Monday during their monthly meeting.

The property is located between Anchorage Road and Brick Church Road. A majority of the acreage is inside Ross, and a small section is inside Hamilton.

One gravel parking lot entrance would be in each township.

The land was developed in the late 1930s and meant for Bethlehem Steel executives to build houses on, he said.

Only two houses and a couple garages were ever built.

“It’s too steep of a hill and there was no consideration for stormwater runoff,” he said.

Ventre purchased portions of the property over the years and now wants it to be used for recreational purposes.

“I think it would be an excellent supplement to your current park. I don’t want to see it developed into houses,” he said.

Science classes could study the stream and vegetation, and history classes could study fossils there, he said.

“The land is worth about half a million dollars,” he said. “I want to do this now. The park will take multiple years to develop.”

Vice Chairman David Shay called the offer “extremely commendable,” but worried about costs the township might accrue along the way. Expenditures could include pole lighting, parking lot maintenance, port-a-pots and removal of dead trees.

Chairwoman Tina Drake and Supervisor James Zahoroiko were more optimistic.

“I would love for the township to take this wonderful gift and provide passive trails and picnic tables,” Drake said.

Zahoroiko wanted “to honor what you want done,” he told Ventre.

Pocono Heritage Land Trust wants this property if Ross passes on it.

Fallon Horan, Monroe County Planning Commission open space coordinator, encouraged the supervisors to talk to the trust, and perhaps form a partnership with the trust and Hamilton.

Ventre said he had not yet presented his idea to Hamilton. He liked the idea of the three groups possibly forming a partnership.

Drake also liked the idea of a partnership.

Since the property is a donation, Ross Township could apply for Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant money.

Horan said the property would have to be appraised and surveyed.

Shay asked Ventre to submit his idea in writing so the supervisors can continue to think it over. No decision was made about accepting the proposed donated land.

In other business

• The Ross Township Community Day will be held Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the park. Zahoroiko said his son’s five-piece band, called Funk Norris, offered to play for a rate of $750 for three hours. Shay considered it too pricey and made a motion to offer the band $400 for three hours. Zahoroiko had to abstain from the vote. The vote passed with two votes. Zahoroiko said he would let his son know of the proposed lower rate. Drake said she could contact another band if Funk Norris turned down the gig. Supervisors will sell hot dogs, snacks and beverages at Community Day. A few vendors have shown interest to participate.

• The township’s fall cleanup days are Sept. 17 and 18. The drop-off area is behind the municipal building. Residents may bring metals, tires, automobile batteries, mattresses, appliances, carpet, furniture and bikes. There is a fee for tires. Residents may not bring items such as household garbage, construction materials, paint thinners and hazardous chemicals. For the complete list and more information: www.rosstwp.com.

• Supervisors voted in favor of allowing the township building to be used as a polling place for the Nov. 2 Election Day.