Could Lehighton eventually be developed into a historic district?

Councilman Joe Flickinger broached the idea to borough council on Monday.

Flickinger said he made the recommendation as part of the borough’s revitalization plans in regard to driving new business opportunities and to enhance tourism consideration.

After the meeting, Flickinger said the borough played a big part in the history of Carbon County, and it continues to drive interest in its past.

“The idea of promoting, preserving and redeveloping our historic assets aren’t a new idea,” Flickinger said. “It was mentioned in the Central Carbon County Regional Comprehensive Plan adopted by council in October 2011, as well as The National Main Street Center Assessment conducted in August of 2013.”

Flickinger added, “Interest and enthusiasm within the community also gained momentum since the Borough’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. We have a decent amount of historic structures, not only in our downtown business district (encompassing the area from the Lehigh River up to Second street as recommended in the Main Street Center Assessment), but throughout the borough.”

“If one truly sits back and takes into consideration all the historic business structures, religious buildings, and former educational structures, just to name a few, we have a lot to be proud of,” he said. “This is a lengthy process, but also gives some of our volunteer groups within the community, such as the Lehighton Heritage Alliance and Scouting troops projects that may also bolster their volunteer rosters and creates a “buy-in” mentality among individuals that they have done something positive to show for within the community.”

Flickinger said, “I am also proud to see that several of our new downtown businesses embraced, preserved and promoted the historic past of the buildings they utilize.”