Politics & Government

Nazareth Pool Committee Tests Waters

Nazareth Pool Committee talks plans at first meeting of new board Monday.

They tested the waters.

The Nazareth Pool Committee met for the first time Monday, hoping to make a big splash for residents with a new borough pool to replace the 74-year-old structure which was shuttered this summer.

The eight-member board named Councilman Chris Audenried as its chairman.

"This is a big deal," he said. "The pool is iconic. The whole park is."

The committee is charged with coming up with plans to the council of what kind of new pool Nazareth should have.

Audenried stressed that any plan must include a filtration system that the borough already has in the fold and has paid for.

It also must be decided whether the old bathhouse will be renovated or replaced. The pool was shut permanently due to structure and safety issues.

Officials have estimated that a new pool could cost over $5 million.

Committee member Harry Adams believed the best bet would be to present residents would several pool possibilities since taxpayers will have to foot the bill for the new pool.

"We should present more than one option," Adams said. "If taxpayers are going to pay, they should have a say. Maybe this should go as a referendum. They should have an option with all the bells and whistles an another that fits the culture of Nazareth."

Committee members said that work on the new pool might go out to bid in October.

Committee member Amy Lutte offered this warning.

"I have two teens. No one misses a pool this summer more than me," she said. "But I hate to see this rushed."



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