|
Palmer Township - Current State
Palmer Township is a suburban township located in the central-east portion of Northampton County. Population in 1960 was slightly above 8,000. By 1970 the population grew to 12,601 making Palmer Township the third largest municipality in Northampton County at that time. It encompasses an area of 10.7 square miles, and has an approximate population of 20,691 (2010 Census). The Township is bordered by Wilson Borough and Forks Township to the east, Tatamy Borough to the northeast, Stockertown Borough to the north, Upper Nazareth Township to the northwest, Lower Nazareth Township and Bethlehem Township to the west, and the City of Easton to the south.
The Lehigh River is the Township’s southern border, and the Bushkill Creek forms the Township’s eastern border from Stockertown in the north, south to Wilson Borough, with the exception of where the Township borders Tatamy Borough. A Walk/Bike Trail extends from Southwest entering Palmer Township from Bethlehem Township, along the Lehigh River and continues along the Eastern border following the Bushkill Creek and through to Tatamy Borough. The Schoeneck Creek also traverses the northern portion of the Township. Flooding has been a problem along the Bushkill and Schoeneck Creeks as well as poor drainage and low terrain areas during significant storm events. Sinkholes have also been an issue in the Township, particularly in the northern portion.
US Route 22 enters the Township from Bethlehem Township and travels east-west across the Township and into Wilson Borough. PA Route 33 enters the Township along the northern border with Stockertown Borough and travels southwest, exiting into Lower Nazareth Township just north of PA Route 248 (Nazareth Road). An interchange at Main Street and Route 33 is currently under construction and anticipated to be completed by Mid-2015. PA Route 248 travels southeast from the border with Lower Nazareth Township to where it interchanges with US Route 22 just west of Wilson Borough, where PA Route 248 continues into the borough as Northampton Street.
PMFD - Current State
Palmer Municipal Fire Department is a volunteer fire department with the exception of the Fire Commissioner. The department provides fire and emergency service response to Palmer Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania; a 10.7 square mile area with a population over 21,600 as per the Township website data.
Palmer Municipal Fire Department has a total of five fire apparatus, three support vehicles, one utility vehicle, and two all-terrain vehicles. Apparatus and equipment are stored at two remote fire stations. The Fire Department will celebrate their 50th Anniversary as a Municipal Fire Department in FY2015.
Fire Station One is located on Old Nazareth Road and is considered the headquarters for the department. The building was constructed in 1993. This building houses five emergency response vehicles in five separate bay areas. Also available at this station are office areas, kitchenette, and a training/day room area. A mezzanine is provided in the engine bay area for storage.
Fire Station Two is located on Freemansburg Avenue. This building was constructed in 1967. Fire Station Two houses three emergency vehicles in two engine bays. Also available at this station is a Kitchenette, two offices, a dayroom area, and meeting room area. This station has very limited storage which has been limited to cleaning supplies and small room to keep hand tools and a tool box.
Neither fire station is equipped for long term or overnight staffing. Lack of sleeping rooms or bunk rooms limits the staffing capabilities during severe weather standby. And neither fire station has physical fitness equipment nor does either station have area for such equipment.
|
