Washington Township supervisors have declined a request to rename the Slatedale ballfield in memory of a local resident, citing negative feedback from township residents.

The request was brought by resident Jeremy Frable, who sought to rename the field after his late son, Chase Frable, who passed away in 2021.

Addressing the decision during the meeting, board Chairman Shawn Wanamaker stated, “There was discussion regarding (naming) the Slatedale ballfield after Chase Frable. It was determined that too many citizens were against this due to the fact that there are a lot of people that have worked really hard on the ballfield. Perhaps you would like to sponsor something for the field or possibly a bench or something else for a memorial.”

Wanamaker added that supervisors had received multiple negative phone calls from residents regarding the proposed change.

Frable expressed frustration over the delay and the outcome, noting that he had been pursuing the memorial since spring.

“I have been coming and requesting this since May,” Frable said. “Why hasn’t anyone come forward about it? The park doesn’t have a name,”

Zoning, hearings, grants

In other township business, supervisors authorized the solicitor to attend an upcoming hearing appeal scheduled for Aug. 19, concerning a property located at 6122 Bottom Road in the rural village zoning district. The applicants are requesting variances and appealing a May 28 zoning officer determination regarding an alleged misinterpretation of the township zoning ordinance to operate a banquet facility as a home occupation.

The board also agreed to submit a Northampton/Lehigh County Local Share Account grant application. If awarded, the funds will go toward the purchase of a 2025 Massey Ferguson tractor with a side flail mower, valued at $119,243.45.

According to the July zoning report, the township issued 86 zoning permits and 60 building permits. Additionally, 24 code violations were opened during July, with 10 resolved and closed by the end of the month.

Personnel, fire company

Wanamaker announced that following an executive session held July 29, Brad Slack was hired for the Public Works Department at a rate of $25.53 per hour plus full benefits.

In emergency services news, Friedens Fire Chief Joel Merkle reported that the fire company’s 2006 Pierce rescue engine is officially in service. Merkle noted that the fire company raised all the funds required to purchase the vehicle independently.

The board also formally acknowledged a thank-you note from The Slatington Historical Society for a $2,000 donation — marking the third consecutive year the township has contributed to the organization. The funds are earmarked for the maintenance and upkeep of the museum at Eagle Park.