Milder temperatures have Jim Thorpe Borough officials thinking about spring and summer work.

Council on Thursday approved its list of 2023 road paving projects with three streets fitting into the budget.

“The streets department is recommending paving Center Street, Walnut Avenue and Chapman Street this year,” Council President Greg Strubinger said.

Public Services Manager Joe Bolesky said while there are other projects the borough would rather do, the list came down to money.

“We couldn’t even accomplish one of the streets that would be a higher priority with the stormwater issues that need addressed,” Bolesky said. “These three fit the best budget wise.”

Thorpe had planned a major Front Street stormwater, curbing and sidewalk project last year but the price tag forced council to pump the brakes. It unanimously voted in March 2022 to delay the project at least a year after expressing concern that it may cost significantly more than the latest estimates showed in November 2021.

The borough was looking to replace old terra cotta conveyance pipes under Front Street in a project that would also update curbing and sidewalks from Center to South Street, impacting five property owners.

“I’m a proponent of curbing and drainage, but I’m also a proponent of getting things done,” Councilman Jay Miller said last week. “We have to come to some type of compromise. Drainage is a big issue and it has to be addressed. But Front Street is up to $400,000 and I think we should do these paving projects to show we’re out there getting things done.”

In addition to paving, council also approved its street sweeping contract for 2023.

Affordable Sweeping, based in Bucks County, will be doing the work for $12,500.

“It is the same company we used last year and we’re actually saving $1,500 over what we paid in 2022,” Strubinger said.

According to the contract, an operator will be provided for two weeks stretching from April 24-May 5.

“The road closures will be posted closer to that time,” Strubinger said, “and we look forward to getting this work done.”