The latest October tourism surge that led to traffic gridlock and safety concerns has Jim Thorpe Borough outlining plans for a new committee to tackle the growing challenge.

Police Chief Joe Schatz detailed the proposed committee, which aims to bring together representatives from the borough, county, fire department, ambulance services, residents and the Emergency Management Agency. The goal, he added, is to devise a collaborative, comprehensive plan to address the traffic challenges in the town.

“What we have found is that when the roadway starts to become congested, everybody jumps on Google and Waze, and they each tell you a different way to go,” Schatz said. “So unlike years ago when you knew how everyone was coming into the borough, now all of the ways you can come into town are becoming congested. We’re going to get a big roundtable together with all of the players, including residents, coming to the table with ideas of what we should be doing and what we shouldn’t be doing so that we don’t see this situation again.”

Schatz characterized Oct. 28 as the worst day traffic-wise in his 27-year career with the department. The situation became dire enough by 8 or 9 a.m. that all available officers were deployed to help manage the gridlock.

During last week’s meeting, Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko acknowledged the town’s reliance on tourism, while highlighting the strain it puts on the borough’s infrastructure and residents. He emphasized the need for a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders to effectively manage the influx of visitors.

“Jim Thorpe can no longer go at this alone,” Sofranko said. “It’s going to take everyone. We’ve heard a lot of things since that day including canceling trick or treat, or canceling the Halloween parade. That isn’t fair to the residents here. They deserve those events.”

The committee proposal also includes efforts to involve Reading and Northern Railroad in the discussions, recognizing the impact of train arrivals on town congestion.

Increase in visitors

More than 290,000 people have already come through the visitor center near Josiah White Park in 2023, Schatz said.

“That doesn’t even count November and December,” he added. “It’s up about 60,000 people from last year.”

Striking a balance between accommodating tourists and ensuring residents have a good quality of life has been an ongoing challenge for borough officials. Jim Thorpe resident Betty Lou McBride cautioned against anti-business measures as potential solutions to the issues.

“I remember 40 years ago when we had one tourist here we were so excited and we used to chase them down the street to give them information for your business,” McBride said. “Agnes McCartney used to inflate the numbers. We would get 100 people in town and she would announce it was 750. Joe Boyle reported it that way and it looked good. We’ve worked very hard to get the town where it is now.”

Councilman Robert Schaninger shared a similar perspective, describing the town’s change over the past half-century.

“Having driven through this town in a tractor-trailer 40 years ago, I’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation,” he said. “Back then, we had boarded-up buildings, and now we’re recognized as one of the top small towns in the United States. I would rather we have a healthy town filled with visitors than see it decline like some other places. Yes, we face challenges, especially on weekends, but it’s a small price to pay for keeping our town vibrant and alive.”

Traffic brings danger

Council President Greg Strubinger acknowledged the danger associated with the increased traffic, especially during festivals.

“What’s been happening with the traffic that the uptick in tourism and the danger that it’s brought into the borough the last few years has obviously been eye opening,” Strubinger said. “Our concern obviously is how we would get emergency vehicles where they need to go if something should happen.”

Like many who call home Jim Thorpe home year round, Amy Kubishin said that the Oct. 28 crowds in town were among the largest she has ever seen.

“The no-brainer solution is more parking,” Kubishin said. “However, we can’t put parking where there’s no space for it. I think what we can have is more coordination with planning of events, which is being covered. I’m really excited about that and more than anxious to participate.”

Kubishin also promoted the expansion of the downtown business district, which she said could spread visitors over a larger area.

“I know that’s been suggested before, but obviously I don’t think we can avoid it any longer,” she said. “It’s too obvious here.”

Schatz said the goal is to start the roundtable discussions at the beginning of 2024.