Editor’s Note: The Borough of Tatamy has been described as a wholesome, family-oriented community that is home to generations of families and home to a small-town culture. Mayor Anthony Jaskowiec was elected the borough’s leader in November 2013 and recently sat down with LVEDC to showcase what is happening in the Northampton County borough.

LVEDC: When folks speak about Lehigh Valley, Tatamy Borough is rarely mentioned. Here’s your chance to inform the Valley about what a great town you preside over and about any major initiatives that are underway in your neck of the woods.

Mayor Anthony Jaskowiec: The new Route 33 interchange (labeled the “Tatamy Interchange”), the Chrin Commerce Centre and the Signature Homes development will change the landscape but not the character of Tatamy. The interchange results in access, the Chrin Commerce Center in jobs and industry, and Signature Homes in housing. Our village activity will become more robust yet still provide the neighborhood-friendly atmosphere.

LVEDC: Let’s talk about the “Chrin Interchange” for a moment. Plans call for major economic development and the creation of as many as 5,000 jobs. What effect will a project of this magnitude have on Tatamy? 

Mayor Jaskowiec: It will change the view, but not the vision. We are working to manage the change and have been preparing for that change. The Charles Chrin Companies involved Tatamy Borough Council, Tatamy Fire Company, Tatamy Police Department and the mayor early in the project concerning the direction of the business plan. The traffic increase will be significant. The additional municipal services will need to be addressed.

LVEDC: How do you prevent your quaint town from being swallowed up by Palmer Township to the south, Nazareth Borough to the west, and Stockertown to the north, and Forks Township to the east?

Mayor Jaskowiec: Tatamy is a community with the hometown qualities that attract families. We have two churches, a restaurant, an internet café/computer store, service station, a fire company social hall, a cleaning service, a craft shop, a Masonic hall, a farm bureau, retreat, wellness and event center, a speed shop, a barber shop and a national brand warehouse. All are within walking distance of any home. Our children go to the Nazareth schools, play sports with the Stockertown and Nazareth teams, and use of the Easton Public Library. Our families are involved in our community. We cooperate with the surrounding municipalities, organizations, and businesses and work with their representatives for mutual benefit. This cooperation of communities is where our small borough fits in with the larger municipalities.

LVEDC: What are some of your future plans or goals for Tatamy?

Mayor Jaskowiec: We would like to complete the connection of the rails-to-trails to Stockertown, construct a new firehouse/social club, a new municipal building and to keep our post office and zip code.

LVEDC: Does Tatamy have any room for growth? If so, what would you like to see come to your town in the way of new businesses?

Mayor Jaskowiec: Yes, the Chrin Commerce Centre is our growth area. Businesses in this area are compatible with the spectrum of growth found around interstate intersections. This could include hotels, chain stores, retail and niche stores, and restaurants. We would like to see professional offices and services, all of which would be within walking distance of the residents.