Amid a dispute between the borough and property owners, Clarks Summit community members are proposing a new location for a decades-old clock tower and 9/11 memorial.
CLARKS SUMMIT, Pa. — Behind the front gate of the Finish Shop Pocket Park in Clarks Summit is a spot that Mike Parry says is perfect for relocating the Clarks Summit clock tower and memorial plaque for Laura DeFazio, a Clarks Summit native killed in the September 11th terror attacks.
“You know, hopefully it’ll just bring some new purpose to the park—additional purpose to the park,” said Parry.
This mock image shows what the clock and plaque would look like once they are moved.
Parry says plans for other improvements would come as well.
“Not only putting the plaque here, but also adding pavers that members of the community will be able to sponsor,” said Parry. “Then also replacing the chain-link fence around the back with a matching white vinyl fence, adding more landscaping. The master gardeners do a lot of work down here, so we want to make sure there are appropriate raised bed boxes for them because they have elderly and handicapped people who work in here.”
Due to an ongoing dispute between Clarks Summit Borough and the property owner where the clock sits today, the proposed change brought forward by community members would see the clock moved roughly a block away to the donated pocket park that is owned by the borough.
Parry says the DeFazio family is on board with the proposed relocation and that nearby businesses have offered their services to help get the project done if it’s approved.
Giving people a place to remember Laura and keep a part of borough history ticking.
“Just to have a nice place that will surpass my lifetime and many others, where the plaque—and her memory—can honor our hometown girl,” said Parry.
In a statement to Newswatch 16, Clarks Summit Borough Manager Jenn Basalyga says council has not voted to take any specific action. The subject is on the agenda for discussion during upcoming council meetings.