Op-Ed By: Brian Evans
March, 19th 2025
As native to Northeastern Pennsylvania, I’ve been visiting Jim Thorpe all my life. Five years ago, when I moved here full-time, I was filled with hope and inspiration—the same kind that so many others feel when they arrive in this unique and, in many ways, magical town. My hope was to build a life with my family and, someday, retire here. My inspiration came from everything around me and a deep desire to be part of it.
Five years later, that hope remains. So does the inspiration. But reality—perhaps along with my own maturing perspective—has introduced a measure of despair.
Maybe it’s the social and political climate of our times, the growing tendency to impose personal beliefs on our neighbors without truly respecting one another. But one truth has become painfully clear: this town is divided by more than just the old geographical lines that once separated East and West Mauch Chunk.
For residents who don’t engage with the downtown, the overwhelming influx of visitors has led to a revolt of those who feel their quality of life has been hijacked by outsiders. While some acknowledge that tourism brings economic benefits, they don’t see the trade-off as worthwhile in its current form. These residents are the most vocal, they are the majority, and they are not wrong.
But the other side of this coin—especially not lost on long-time residents—is that Jim Thorpe’s downtown was once a blighted, desolate shell of its former self. In the 1950s, residents launched a “nickel a week” campaign, desperate to preserve what was left of the town’s history in the face of neglect and economic decline. Their creativity and passion saved Jim Thorpe from the fate of so many other coal towns—blight, job loss, empty buildings, and a dwindling tax base.
Thanks to their efforts, Jim Thorpe became a model for revitalization, the envy of struggling communities across Pennsylvania. Our downtown now attracts national attention, and we are recognized as a vital economic hub for Carbon County.
Yet today, many residents feel disconnected from that success. What good is a thriving downtown to families and business owners when it takes an hour just to navigate through town? What does it mean to those who don’t shop on Broadway, who believe there is no financial benefit from the influx of visitors?
The Governing Bodies Shaping Our Future
At the core of Jim Thorpe’s direction are two primary governing bodies: the Planning Commission and Borough Council. Over the last five years, their decisions have fundamentally shaped our town’s trajectory.
One of the most significant actions involved the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. In 2019, the Borough and the school district sued the railroad over unpaid amusement taxes, leading to a shutdown. By early 2020, pressure from the business community forced the Borough Council to drop the lawsuit. Since then, the railway’s investment has grown, with nearly 340,000 passengers in 2024—a 5% increase over 2023—helping make Jim Thorpe its most popular destination.
Next, Borough Council tackled Short-Term Rentals (STRs). In 2021, in response to growing frustration from residents, the council passed new regulations governing STRs through a special exception process. STRs were already operating in town, fueled by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Council President Greg Strubinger acknowledged this, stating, “They’ve been operating here, several hundred of them, and we really had to address it. Our (zoning) ordinance didn’t address it. Since they were already operating, we opted to allow it but regulate it.”
Then came parking. In 2022, the Borough passed a residential permit parking ordinance to ensure that residents had dedicated parking. But since its implementation, business owners and residents have argued that the restrictions are too severe. John Drury, owner of the Mauch Chunk Museum, told the Times News, “We have been parking on High Street behind our building for 30 years. Now there is no parking except permits. Those spaces are always empty now.”
Local tax collector and business owner Trish Spillman recently challenged the Borough Council, pointing out that none of its members live downtown and are unaffected by the very parking laws they passed. Addressing the council, she said, “Pretty much everyone on this stage doesn’t have to think about this. You just have family stop by and friends. But you’re the ones making all the decisions, and I don’t think you can really understand what it’s like.”
The New Era of Zoning Laws
In 2024, Borough Council passed sweeping new zoning regulations, expanding the town’s zoning code from 85 pages to a staggering 253 pages. Among these changes were 30 pages dedicated solely to signage regulations. One clause states:
“COMMERCIAL MESSAGE — Any sign wording, logo, or other representations that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a nonresidential establishment, product, service, or other commercial activity.”
By strict interpretation, this law makes it illegal for any artwork to be displayed on a building without Borough approval. Had this regulation been in place before 2024, many of the murals and artistic expressions that contribute to Jim Thorpe’s unique character might never have been permitted.
This is just one example of the growing bureaucracy now governing nearly every aspect of life in Jim Thorpe.
What’s coming next, Jim Thorpe Borough’s Expanding Regulations: Prioritizing Restrictions Over Solutions
The Jim Thorpe Borough Council and Planning Commission are actively developing new regulations, many of which primarily target the downtown area. While governance and structure are necessary, recent initiatives raise concerns about prioritization, feasibility, and fairness.
Jaywalking Ordinance Without Crosswalks
A jaywalking ordinance is in development, aiming to regulate pedestrians crossing streets unlawfully. While no one wants people impeding traffic, jaywalking isn’t a widespread problem outside of downtown. However, what makes this initiative particularly questionable is that downtown only has one crosswalk—at Broadway and Susquehanna St.
Since Broadway and W. Broadway are state roads, adding crosswalks requires PennDOT’s approval and assistance—a step the borough has not pursued. Instead of improving pedestrian safety through infrastructure, officials are opting for enforcement measures that are unlikely to work.
Short-Term Rental (STR) Crackdown Without Cause
The Planning Commission is pushing new regulations for short-term rental (STR) properties, requiring annual “safety inspections” conducted by a building and zoning code enforcement officer.
However, no issue or incident has prompted this regulation, and no other property type—residential, commercial, restaurant, hotel, B&B, or shop—faces such inspections. This raises questions about fairness and whether STRs are being unjustly singled out. These new ordinances are actively being discussed by planning and immanent without immediate public engagement to voice dissent.
New Parking Lot Tax Instead of Parking Solutions
Borough officials are considering a parking lot tax ordinance targeting commercial lots as a new revenue source. This follows continued budget shortfalls, with Borough Council President Greg Strubinger stating, “Unfortunately, the borough does not have this fictitious printing press or money tree.”
While revenue generation is necessary, this move comes at a time when Jim Thorpe has a long-standing parking crisis, which the borough has made little effort to solve.
In 2022, a proposed shuttle service from Lawrence B. Morris Elementary School was rejected by the borough, despite the community’s ongoing complaints about residential areas being overrun with tourist parking.
By October 2023, traffic congestion forced unprecedented closures due to insufficient planning and parking availability.
Rather than expanding parking solutions, the borough is targeting parking owners with taxation, potentially reducing parking availability even further.
School Board’s Ongoing Budget Deficits
Meanwhile, the Jim Thorpe School Board has faced multimillion-dollar budget deficits but hasn’t raised taxes except for selective assessments on new property owners.
2022-23: The board rejected a tax increase that would have raised $1.2M to help close a $5.3M deficit. Instead, they cut transportation, facilities, and staff.
2023-24: A $3.1M deficit resulted in further cuts, including 14 full-time jobs and bus routes.
2024-25: Despite yet another multi-million-dollar shortfall, no property tax increase was passed.
School Board Member Gerry Strubinger, family member of Borough Council President Greg Strubinger, stated, “I think we have enough in the fund balance that we don’t have to put any new taxes out there.” The rejected half-mill increase would have raised $325K toward closing the deficit, while a one-mill increase would have cost property owners only $50 per year on a $49,400 tax assessment.
High Street Steps: A Legal Battle Over Public Access
In June 2024, Judge Joseph Matika ruled that the High St. Steps are a public thoroughfare, obligating the borough to maintain them.
The borough initially closed the steps in 2017 following an insurance claim, which revealed they crossed three private properties.
A lawsuit was filed in 2019, with the borough attempting to avoid responsibility.
The court found the borough had historically maintained the steps (installing railings, painting, and repairing them), proving public dedication.
Despite the ruling, the borough chose to appeal, prolonging costly legal battles rather than investing in necessary repairs. This ongoing effort to evade responsibility for the High St. Steps not only burdens taxpayers but also restricts access to paid parking—a resource that employees urgently need and could utilize if the steps were restored.
Asa Packer Mansion: Borough Takes Over After 70 Years
On July 2, 2024, the Lions Club withdrew from their successful operation of the Asa Packer Mansion, citing “unnecessary obstacles” and increased “political bouts.”
Since then, the borough has struggled to staff the mansion, resulting in limited public access. Some fear the borough is positioning for to sell the property, which would be a major loss for the historic district. While job postings for staffing continue, no clear plan has been communicated for operation of this critical community resource and historic site.
Glen Onoko Falls: Borough Rejected Reopening, Then Backtracked
Gov. Josh Shapiro recently announced a plan to expand Lehigh Gorge State Park to include the Glen Onoko Falls Trail, closed in 2019 due to safety concerns.
In 2024, I formally requested the borough engage in discussions to restore safe public access to the trail.
Borough officials rejected the request outright, stating it was outside their jurisdiction and showed no interest in reopening it.
However, once the state announced its intent to reopen the falls, Borough President Greg Strubinger stated he “hopes the borough will have a seat at the table in discussions.”
This lack of proactive leadership is troubling—especially when reopening Glen Onoko could help alleviate downtown congestion by providing visitors an alternative destination and make the falls safe for residents.
Entertainment Ordinance: More Red Tape for Musicians & Artists
Borough officials are also considering an ordinance to regulate street performers, musicians, and film crews in early 2025.
Currently, noise complaints are handled under state disorderly conduct laws, which allow police to intervene.
The new ordinance would require performers to obtain a permit and pay a fee.
Police Officer Kyle Kohler noted, “Most musicians comply when asked to turn the volume down.”
Rather than fostering creativity and culture, this ordinance introduces unnecessary bureaucracy, further restricting public entertainment and the arts in downtown spaces.
A Crossroads for Jim Thorpe: Moving Forward Together
Considering not only the millions of dollars that people have invested in this community, but the time in their lives that has been invested that has lifted this community up and improved the lives of all that live here in so many ways, I can’t help but share my frustration with the current status quo and the shortsightedness of punitive governance that is dominating Jim Thorpe. These issues need to be documented, and seeing them collectively, in context, paints an important picture—one that borough officials may not have had the opportunity to step back and fully recognize before.
Borough Council and Planning Commission play a critical role in shaping the direction and future of our town. It’s a difficult, demanding, and often thankless job. Those who take on the responsibility make real sacrifices, and for that, they deserve our gratitude and respect.
At the same time, it is essential that officials set aside personal opinions and ideological biases to ensure their decisions reflect the needs and desires of the entire community. No single segment of our town—whether business owners, residents, or officials—should impose its will at the expense of the broader public good.
Yes, the growth and success of our historic business district have introduced challenges for some residents. But to ignore the tremendous benefits it has provided would be shortsighted.
Jim Thorpe offers solid, well-paying jobs—opportunities that don’t exist in many neighboring towns.
Infrastructure improvements that once seemed impossible have been made feasible through economic development.
State and county tax revenues generated downtown are reinvested each year, strengthening our community.
Investment in buildings has raised property values and expanded the tax base.
Our historic legacy, once fading due to neglect, is now being preserved in ways that weren’t imaginable decades ago.
Jim Thorpe has become a model for small-town revitalization, proving that industry and job creation can thrive in new ways.
But we now find ourselves at a crossroads.
A town once united by a shared vision of revitalization is now deeply divided—over tourism, governance, and the future of our community. No one likes change, but change is one constant in life. We'll either get the change we plan for or the change that we don't. What we need now is a plan—a plan for the change we want. One that lifts up both our business district and quality of life for our residents, ensuring that progress benefits everyone, rather than placing an undue burden on downtown businesses and homeowners. We must stop with the punitive and restrictive form of governance and seek progressive solutions to help address our biggest needs. We would all benefit most from planning that encourages economic growth and sustainability as well as solutions to address the problems that exist that don't involve reducing the amount of people that live or visit Jim Thorpe. We can accomplish these things with the will and vision to do so. The mantra of "We are full" is simply not true, and it lacks any effort or creativity to understand and solve our biggest challenges.
So, where do we go from here? How do we move forward in a town so politically fractured, yet so desperately in need of planning and a sustainable path ahead?
That remains the most pressing question. And it’s one we must answer together.
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