Before the Monroe County commissioners meeting began, a presentation was made to Smithfield Township and the Delaware Water Gap Borough by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association.

For 2021, the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Planning Association chose eight Great Places from among three categories: Great Greenways/Trail, Great Public Spaces and Great Streets, and Monroe County was chosen for the Great Greenways/Trail that Middle Smithfield Township and the Borough of Delaware Gap collaborated on. The Cherry Creek Crossing Trail Network located in Smithfield Township and Delaware Water Gap Borough includes 3 miles of trail through a partnership between the municipalities and the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.

The process resulted in a trail designated for shared uses by pedestrians, bicyclists and people using other nonmotorized modes of transportation.

There was a clear focus on preserving the environment by using innovative steppingstones to cross the stream and kiosks with interpretive material to promote protection of the Delaware Watershed. It also has access points and connections to downtown Water Gap, said Penn State Extension Educator Peter Wulfhorst.

With maintenance strategy in place and plans to expand environmental educational features, the Cherry Creek Crossing Trail Network will continue to be a viable asset to the communities from both a recreation and economic standpoint, he said.

There are now 46 designated Great Places in PA in 28 of the state’s 67 counties.

In two public hearings, Martha Robbins, Director of the Redevelopment Authority of Monroe County, addressed the commissioners. The first regarded funding for the 2021 Community Development Block Grant Program for the Stroudsburg Borough in the amount of $110,265. The funds would be used for street repair. The second was for 2020 Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus program proposed modification, in which $156,522 would go to the East Stroudsburg Borough for housing.

Proclamation and certificates

Next, three proclamations and certificates were awarded to the following: Ethan Andrew Acevedo, Eagle Scout; National Recovery Month September; and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs - Pennsylvania Western Pocono Chapter celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021.

Chairwoman Sharon Laverdure spoke about how amazing in these times, that the club has been in existence for 50 years.

“It is certainly an anniversary that should be celebrated,” she said.

Other business

The commissioners executed the following Human Services Development Fund Grant sub-recipient contracts for the following:

C-M-P Mental Health Development Services Adult Services, $48,000 (contingent upon receiving a certificate of insurance listing Monroe County as additional insured); Sights for Hope Generic Services, $9,350; Pocono Services for Families & Children and Youth, $26,807.

Also the funds for the following Homeless Assistance Program Grant sub-recipient contracts for 2021-22 were executed:

Family Promise of Monroe County Emergency Shelter Services, $14,000; Pocono Transitional Area Housing Bridge Housing Services, $10,000; The Salvation Army of Monroe County Emergency Shelter Services, $10,000; Women’s Resources of Monroe County Inc. Emergency Shelter Services, $11,176.

The commissioners meet in the public room on the second floor of the Monroe County Court House at 9:30 a.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month.