Palmerton residents voiced concerns to Council last week over fireworks, traffic yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, and the use of skateboards and e-bikes on public streets.

Lisa Snell Kern asked borough council on Thursday what the penalty is for infractions for setting off fireworks, an issue she said has occurred on multiple occasions in the alley between the 200 block of Columbia and Princeton avenues.

The state law allows a fine of not more than $500, which would be set by the magisterial district judge.

The first offense is a summary offense. Subsequent violations within three years can result in fines of up to $1,000. Borough police Chief Tim Kromer said the department is aware of the issue.

“We have been dispatched multiple times,” Kromer said. “We’re doing our best.”

Kromer said officers responded to the general area three times this month, and that on all three occasions, no fireworks were observed by the department, and no one was found to be in the area.

Councilwoman Holly Hausman Sell told Snell Kern she sympathizes with her.

“I hear your concerns,” said Hausman Sell, who noted if the noise from the fireworks bothers pets, she can only imagine how it must be for war veterans. “I wish people would be compassionate.”

Hausman Sell added that neighboring property owners shouldn’t have to deal with the noise.

“It’s just total disrespect,” she said. “I can’t imagine that’s delightful to live around on a regular basis.”

Pedestrians in crosswalks

As part of his report, Kromer briefly addressed the need for motorists to watch out for pedestrians in borough crosswalks.

He said officers are enforcing the matter, and cautioned motorists to be on the lookout for people crossing the streets.

Kromer said officers have been increasing patrols on Delaware Avenue, especially during high traffic times, as the department has received multiple complaints regarding drivers not stopping for pedestrians crossing the street on Delaware Avenue.

“I posted a reminder on our Facebook page that all drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians by Pennsylvania law,” he said. “We have already cited multiple drivers for the violation, and we will continue to stop and cite drivers who are observed failing to yield to pedestrians.”

E-bikes/skateboards

Council President Terry Costenbader expressed concern over skateboards and e-bike usage in the borough.

“That’s becoming some serious stuff,” Costenbader said.

Kromer recommended to contact the local state representative, as e-bikes are treated the same as bicycles.

However, Councilman Andrew Hollywood said he doesn’t believe the borough needs an e-bike law.

Hausman Sell said it isn’t just e-bikes that have become a problem, as it’s also kids on bicycles “just flying down streets, (wearing) no helmet, doing wheelies and on skateboards in the middle of streets.”

Councilman Kris Hoffner said the borough of Coplay has addressed a similar situation with an ordinance.

Hausman Sell said the issue needs to be dealt with before something bad happens.

“Somebody’s going to get hurt, and they’re going to get hurt badly,” she said. “I don’t want to see anybody get hurt.”