Shortway gives up on Appalachian trail parking

VERNON — Vernon Township Mayor Harry Shortway on Monday said he has given up on the idea of building a parking lot near the Appalachian Trail boardwalk due to financial constraints.
According to Shortway, the cost of the project would be upwards of $200,000, with no promise of aid from the state Department of Environmental Protection, Appalachian Trail Conservancy or other grants.
Instead, Shortway said he now exploring the possibility of an ordinance that would prohibit parking on municipal streets in the vicinity of the trail. Parking along Routes 517 and 94 would still be permitted since those roads are owned by the county and the state, respectively, Shortway said.
“I'm big on the trails, I want to bring people in, but we can't go through what we did last spring with the traffic,” Shortway said. “This isn't about writing tickets. It's about safeguarding the privacy of our residents.”
Shortway said his office also is looking into the sale of the Township's sewer system to a private company.
According to Shortway, two private entities have already expressed interest in making such an acquisition. A resolution would be needed from the council to move ahead with a sewer deal, and the transaction would be considered for referendum, Shortway said.
Shortway said an economic feasibility report for such a sale is due in mid-August.