Weissport residents are eager to return to more of a sense of normalcy as Carbon County moves forward into the yellow phase this Friday.

Council addressed the move this week.

Beginning this weekend, the playground is likely to reopen for children to play, however, people are asked to continue social distancing. People should be mindful of the number of people gathered in a generalized area, such as a closed-in playground area. Groups of people may not exceed 25, and wearing masks is still required while involved in such gatherings.

The board is glad to begin attending to the deterioration of roads, namely White Street, now that road crews could get back to work. Council discussed searching and applying for grants to help filling in potholes and repave surfaces where it’s needed the most.

“We can only work on one road at a time,” said President Arland Moyer.

Roads in the borough were considered to be a chief complaint among the people, and all of council agreed.

Solicitor Gregory Mousseau suggested that the borough reach out to state Rep. Doyle Heffley, as he may be able to provide information on road repair grants available.

In addition to road work, the board collaborated on ideas for crews who will be getting back to work, and Councilwoman Linda Schoenberger brought up the cost saving idea and possibility of having certain tasks be made available for someone to help crews in exchange for community service hours.

The borough will not permit the use of costly equipment by certain people, however will allow simple tasks like picking up litter and garbage alongside roads, in the park, and especially outside of eating establishments.

Moyer spoke about the garbage that litters the borough and how often he picks up trash in the neighborhood, noting that the trash disposal cans in the community are often full, if not overflowing.

The borough is seeking to buy a few more waste disposal cans for outdoors, particularly adjacent to eateries on both sides of the park. Much of the trash that is overflowing consists of pizza takeout boxes and paper plates, beverage cups, and things like dirty napkins and unfinished ice cream cups.

The borough set $200 aside to purchase additional waste cans.

Council members would like to get the ball rolling on sidewalk maintenance outside of the municipal building.

Other maintenance work discussed included the excavation of the old sidewalk, the sweeping of cinders on every street, as well as painting the curbs throughout the borough.

The borough wants to remind residents that all events that were scheduled to take place this summer in the park, such as the car show and family movie night for example, have been canceled until further notice due to the coronavirus.

If Carbon County can stay at the yellow phase and progress to the green phase later this summer, it is possible that some events will still take place.