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You’ve probably seen a lot of their trucks recently, carrying water for the natural gas drilling operations. They’re Equipment Transport, LLC of Carlisle, and its Chief Executive Officer, David Florance, appeared before the Hallstead Borough Council at its October meeting on the 18th to, as he said, lay to rest some rumors about what’s going on at the old foundry property on Main Street. And no, it won’t be a Wal-Mart.

Mr. Florance, local boy made good, is planning a waste-water handling operation at the site to service the gas operations in the area, which he figures will be around for another 20-30 years. He said the planning is in its “very, very early stages,” but he wanted to get the support of local officials as he moves forward.

The historic homes of Isaac & Elizabeth Lewis Hale, and Joseph & Emma Smith are to be restored. So said Stake President Keith Dunford on Saturday, October 13, at a special presentation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The presentation was conducted at Susquehanna Branch Chapel, Locust Hill Road. President Dunford explained that the church’s far-reaching development of “Harmony Township” (now known as Oakland Township) would also include “The Sugar Bush,” a maple grove of paths for contemplation and meditation; restoration and preservation of the Hale/Smith slate headstones in McKune Cemetery; designation of the historic baptismal site on the Susquehanna River; and construction of the Meetinghouse and Visitor’s Center at the heart of the complex. Dispelling several rumors, he noted that the church will not be building any hotels or restaurants in the area. Entrepreneurs may see economic opportunities due to increased tourism because of this project, and decide to build commercial facilities to support that tourism, but the church itself will not be involved in such enterprises.

Before the church’s ambitious development and restoration plans can be effected, PennDot will have to complete its work. Route 171 will have to be realigned to the north so that when the Hale and Smith homes are rebuilt, they will be on the same side of the road - to the south of Route 171. The earliest that PennDot can begin that road alignment work is November, and if they don’t get started then, spring 2013 will be when road work commences. Either way, the church projects their restoration work will not be completed before late 2014, and a 2015 completion date may be more likely. President Dunford also made clear that the church is paying for the rerouting of Route 171. This road work is at no cost to local, county, or state taxpayers.

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