Jim Thorpe borough and Mahoning Township are considering writing a joint letter concerning road maintenance in the Highland Hills development.

The letter, Borough Manager Maureen Sterner said Thursday, was prompted by concerns received during the winter from residents complaining about icy conditions and lack of road treatment.

“This is a private development, and property owners in that development are responsible for maintaining the road,” she said. “When you have a development such as this, it’s not uncommon for every few years for someone in the development to go before the elected body seeing if they can get someone to take care of the roads.”

The absence of a homeowners association, Sterner said, has complicated coordinated road maintenance in the area.

The borough reached out to Mahoning Township, and both agreed on the idea of drafting a joint letter to inform and remind property owners of their responsibilities.

“Mahoning has spoken to them several times on this issue. Apparently, it’s not sinking into them,” Sterner said. “We thought this letter wouldn’t hurt as far as describing their responsibility. It was very, very icy and there are some disabled people back there.”

The letter would emphasize that in emergency situations, such as when a fire truck or ambulance needs to access the area, the residents must ensure that the roads are safe and passable.

Jim Thorpe, according to discussion at Thursday’s workshop, will vote on sending the letter at its action meeting next week