North Lebanon Township has received grant funding toward two major projects for the upcoming year: the restoration of Lion’s Lake and the replacement of the Jay Street Wall.
Lion’s Lake Restoration
The lofty Lion’s Lake project — including shoreline restoration, new playground equipment, and walking path/parking lot upgrades — is anticipated to cost $712,300.
The township has received $250,000 in DCNR grant funding for the project, as well as a $250,000 contribution from the Lebanon County Stormwater Consortium. The remaining $212,300 will be paid out of the township’s Capital Improvement Fund.
In addition to shoreline restoration (as the shore of the lake has receded significantly over the years), the island in Lion’s Lake will also be removed. Township manager Lori Books explained that the island poses two problems.
The island is depositing excess sediment into the lake as it erodes, she said. Also, the island is a common nesting place for geese, and the township cannot control the goose population if it cannot access the eggs.
She said geese droppings from the overpopulation of geese both contribute to a worse experience for guests to the park and algae growing in the lake.
Both parking lots will be paved (or repaved) as well as the path through the park, Books said.
She also said the new playground equipment will have separate play areas for children aged 2 to 5 and 5 to 12, to conform with DCNR requirements.
Work on restoration is slated to begin in February.
Jay Street Wall
The Jay Street Wall, first built in around 1950, has generated headaches for local officials in recent years as it has deteriorated beyond the point of repair. The wall protects the road from sediment falling from the adjacent property.
As the wall falls in the township’s right of way, it is North Lebanon’s responsibility to replace it, a project estimated to cost $325,000.
Books said that while the project has not yet been contracted, the township plans to use more modern, sturdy technology to create a wall that lasts up to 100 years.
North Lebanon has received a huge assist on the project through the PA Local Share Account Grant of $300,000, leaving only around $25,000 for the township to pay.
Books said funding was the result of statewide changes to the grant. Originally, this funding — generated through tax on the state’s casinos — could only be allotted to projects near casinos, but now grants are available statewide.
Books said that North Lebanon hopes to break ground on the project as soon as possible, but that will likely be mid- to late 2025 due to administrative items, design, and bidding.
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