Hellertown Borough Council advanced plans for improvements to the busy Main Street and Polk Valley Road intersection at its meeting Monday, hiring engineering firm Barry Isett & Associates to handle the project’s surveying and design work.
The requests for proposal for the intersection upgrade–which will be overseen by PennDOT–had been sent to six engineering firms, Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft said.
The improvements are expected to include installation of curb and sidewalks, a pedestrian-activated solar-powered rectangular rapid flashing beacon, crosswalks, a paved trail and new signage, according to borough documents.
The intersection of Main Street and Polk Valley Road on the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Township border can be challenging for pedestrians to cross due to the traffic in the area. The goal of planned improvements is to change that. (FILE PHOTO)
Heritage Day Plans Take Shape
Hellertown Historical Society president Don Mills presented detailed plans for Hellertown-Lower Saucon Heritage Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 16. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill, with the Saucon Valley Conservancy also opening the nearby Heller Homestead. Traditionally, the Lower Saucon Township Historical Society also participates in the event.
Mills said the society is planning extensive programming, including living history exhibits and demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, tavern talks featuring reenactments of historical figures, a children’s area with activities and a magic show, antique and classic cars, food trucks, a petting zoo and performances by the Blue Valley Bluegrass Band and Allentown Band.
The event will also recognize the mill complex’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, with hopes to unveil a plaque and have dignitaries in attendance, Mills said.
The historical society inquired about the possible use of Dimmick Park for off-site parking to accommodate an anticipated 1,000 to 2,000 attendees, with plans to shuttle people via buses. Council members suggested checking with the Saucon Valley School District about the potential use of off-site parking there.
The next planning committee meeting for Heritage Day is Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Grist Mill Tavern Room, 150 W. Walnut St., Hellertown.
New Church Welcomes Community
Pastor Pablo Morais of the Lehigh Valley Brazilian Church, which recently purchased a building in Hellertown’s Mountainview neighborhood, introduced himself to council and expressed gratitude for the welcome the congregation has received since arriving in the borough.
“We are a family of simple people, mostly Portuguese speakers,” Morais said. “We have the mission of obeying the Great Commission and fulfilling the great commandment.”
Morais said the church wants to be part of the community and partner with leaders, organizations and neighbors to help meet needs, whether through prayer, volunteering or simply being a place where people can find hope.
Saucon Valley Farmers Market
In other business, council approved the 2026 Saucon Valley Farmers Market permit application. The market is scheduled to run from May 3 through Dec. 6, 2026, every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hellertown Area Library at 409 Constitution Ave. The market expects 30-40 vendors to participate, with 700-1,000 customers visiting weekly, according to the application.
The next borough council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17, due to the Presidents Day federal holiday. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall and on YouTube.