Dutch n' Such cafe on Main Street in Nazareth just south of the YMCA is now open.
The quaint, well-decorated sit down cafe will be closed Monday, but open the rest of the week. I hope to have more information on hours (it is open for dinner) and menu items and pricing in the near future.
If you visit, send me a note and let us all know how it was.
Best wishes to everyone at Dutch n' Such cafe for a successful year!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
ET Letter to Editor - Swim Boosters Speak Up
A letter to the Editor from Sharyn Pysher, Vice President, Nazareth Swim Team Booster Club, ran in the Express-Times today denouncing the potential arrangement between the NASD and the YMCA. The YMCA offer was made at the last school board meeting and seemingly met with much approval from the Board.
The Nazareth Swim Team currently practices and competes at Wilson HS. They previously did so at the Nazareth YMCA.
Pysher is incredulous that the NASD would consider a new agreement with the YMCA. She claims the YMCA facility is not up to standards and that YMCA members will not have use of the pool and should remember this was their concern the last time the team was there.
She further claims the offer is being made only to earn money to fund the renovations taking place and that the YMCA will cancel once it is done.
Having been at the Board Meeting and coincidentally sitting behind Frank Frey, Executive Director of the YMCA, he was kind enough to give me a copy of the offer to the Board.
According to the letter the YMCA is offering:
Pysher notes that the team has nearly 50 members. The offer notes it will charge the same rate the NASD currently pays Wilson with annual increases based on "the cost of living index used to calculate administration wage increases." I don't know what that contract is currently, but I do believe it is less than $200,000 maintenance cost and far less than the $625,000 cost of maintenance plus debt service. When you consider these costs against the number of students who will be using the facility for 3.5 months it is very costly.
In a perfect world a pool would be nice. When given these two options in light of our current budget crisis, the YMCA option is the more responsible decision.
The Nazareth Swim Team currently practices and competes at Wilson HS. They previously did so at the Nazareth YMCA.
Pysher is incredulous that the NASD would consider a new agreement with the YMCA. She claims the YMCA facility is not up to standards and that YMCA members will not have use of the pool and should remember this was their concern the last time the team was there.
She further claims the offer is being made only to earn money to fund the renovations taking place and that the YMCA will cancel once it is done.
Having been at the Board Meeting and coincidentally sitting behind Frank Frey, Executive Director of the YMCA, he was kind enough to give me a copy of the offer to the Board.
According to the letter the YMCA is offering:
- Exclusive use of the YMCA swimming pool for two hours immediately following or before every school day for HS Swim Team practice during the PIAA swimming season.
- Use of the YMCA swimming pool for home swim meets.
- Use of the YMCA pool for off-season practice for swim team members.
- Use of the new wellness center for land training for swim team members.
- Exclusive use of the new multipurpose room for land training for swim team members immediately following the school day.
- Use of the pool for PE classes to teach swimming to students (grade level determined by NASD).
Pysher notes that the team has nearly 50 members. The offer notes it will charge the same rate the NASD currently pays Wilson with annual increases based on "the cost of living index used to calculate administration wage increases." I don't know what that contract is currently, but I do believe it is less than $200,000 maintenance cost and far less than the $625,000 cost of maintenance plus debt service. When you consider these costs against the number of students who will be using the facility for 3.5 months it is very costly.
In a perfect world a pool would be nice. When given these two options in light of our current budget crisis, the YMCA option is the more responsible decision.
Kramer Textile turns 100
In a brief note in the Express-Times this morning it states that Kramer Textiles on Main Street in Nazareth turns 100 this year (read the article here).
The Yarn Shop at Kramer Textiles offers classes for everyone from beginner on up. Classes are $5 and more information is available here.
The Yarn Shop at Kramer Textiles offers classes for everyone from beginner on up. Classes are $5 and more information is available here.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Keller Against NASD's Eminent Domain Plan
JD Malone of the Express-Times reported on Thursday (read the article here) that School Board President Don Keller opposed the use of eminent domain to take six of the nine acres the Calandras own.
Malone's article states:
The article also notes that the Board has already voted to proceed with eminent domain if the Calandras don't accept the offer given. The Calandras contend the offer is half what an appraiser of their own declared the land to be worth.
Malone's article states:
"I'm not happy about it," Keller said. "Doing it to the cement company is one thing. Doing it to a small business owner is something else."
Keller said he expressed disproval with the board on the matter but the majority voted to condemn the land.
"It all comes down to money," Keller said. "The question is what is the dollar amount (going to be)."
The article also notes that the Board has already voted to proceed with eminent domain if the Calandras don't accept the offer given. The Calandras contend the offer is half what an appraiser of their own declared the land to be worth.
It still comes down to doing what is right, not legal. For me, I haven't seen enough proof that this project is the best one for us, using eminent domain against a local business (with a commercial property that is tax generating) to make it happen goes beyond wrong and irresponsible. I only hope more Board members will step up like Keller has and that they will vote again on this issue at the next meeting - with a different outcome.================== ADVERTISEMENT ==================
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Borough Web site & Upper Nazareth's Lack of One
Since sometime this summer there has been discussion now and again about the Borough web site.
Most recently, Mayor Keller noted that the Borough was working with a teacher at the NASD to revise/update the Borough site. Visiting today I did see that the snow emergency information replaced the fall update, but the Council page still read 2006, committee assignments weren't updated, the calendar only has information for January, and most pages had little to no information.
A reader sent an email asking why I didn't include Upper Nazareth in my hot links. Frankly I couldn't recall. When I looked I found that Upper Nazareth doesn't appear to have a web site. Another reader confirmed this and noted it had been discussed at the Supervisors' meeting and that there was money allocated to the project.
Since the Borough and the Township are both looking for a web solution and they both will have very similar if not identical needs from the site, this would be a great opportunity to work together to develop a site structure that each could customize with their own skin and copy.
Having recently been through a torturous web development project (that ended well I'll add), I'd be more than happy to help at the very least offer insight into areas of opportunity and pitfalls based on my experience. I'm sure there are others who could help as well. Mostly I'd suggest they have a firm and complete understanding of their business requirements before engaging a developer.
The biggest cost is development, by sharing this expense both communities could get more for their money and provide a great service to the residents.
Most recently, Mayor Keller noted that the Borough was working with a teacher at the NASD to revise/update the Borough site. Visiting today I did see that the snow emergency information replaced the fall update, but the Council page still read 2006, committee assignments weren't updated, the calendar only has information for January, and most pages had little to no information.
A reader sent an email asking why I didn't include Upper Nazareth in my hot links. Frankly I couldn't recall. When I looked I found that Upper Nazareth doesn't appear to have a web site. Another reader confirmed this and noted it had been discussed at the Supervisors' meeting and that there was money allocated to the project.
Since the Borough and the Township are both looking for a web solution and they both will have very similar if not identical needs from the site, this would be a great opportunity to work together to develop a site structure that each could customize with their own skin and copy.
Having recently been through a torturous web development project (that ended well I'll add), I'd be more than happy to help at the very least offer insight into areas of opportunity and pitfalls based on my experience. I'm sure there are others who could help as well. Mostly I'd suggest they have a firm and complete understanding of their business requirements before engaging a developer.
The biggest cost is development, by sharing this expense both communities could get more for their money and provide a great service to the residents.
Calendar Items
While most people primarily read the posts on this page. There is also a place for you to submit information about activities and sporting events, books you've recently read or are interested in, and a community calendar.
The Community Calendar is run through Upcoming.org, which is now owned by Yahoo! During the summer and fall of last year I was able to get a fair number of events onto the calendar.
If you know of an event or if your group is planning one please forward it to me so I can add it to the calendar. It will not only be helpful to residents, but also to those traveling to the area.
Please include Date, Time, Location, and if possible where to get more information (phone, web or email).
The Community Calendar is run through Upcoming.org, which is now owned by Yahoo! During the summer and fall of last year I was able to get a fair number of events onto the calendar.
If you know of an event or if your group is planning one please forward it to me so I can add it to the calendar. It will not only be helpful to residents, but also to those traveling to the area.
Please include Date, Time, Location, and if possible where to get more information (phone, web or email).
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Rachael Ray Makes Over Kitchen in Nazareth
JD Malone of the Express-Times reports that Rachael Ray, host of her own daytime TV show, was in Nazareth yesterday (read the article here).
He reports that Tom and Jessica Shafnisky were visited by Ray following a long weekend when Ray's team renovated their kitchen as part of America's Ugliest Kitchens.
While you may not want to be known for having the ugliest kitchen, I'm sure the moniker will be worth the makeover and the vacation probably didn't hurt either.
He reports that Tom and Jessica Shafnisky were visited by Ray following a long weekend when Ray's team renovated their kitchen as part of America's Ugliest Kitchens.
While you may not want to be known for having the ugliest kitchen, I'm sure the moniker will be worth the makeover and the vacation probably didn't hurt either.
Stockertown Appoints New Councilperson
Arlene Martinez reports today in the Morning Call that Stockertown Borough has appointed a new member of Council to replace its Council President who resigned (read the article here).
Jason Martin was selected to replace Russ Mathews on Council and Councilman Paul Zaboy was voted council president, while Robin Davis was named vice president.
Stockertown is currently debating the best way to provide fire coverage for its community.
Jason Martin was selected to replace Russ Mathews on Council and Councilman Paul Zaboy was voted council president, while Robin Davis was named vice president.
Stockertown is currently debating the best way to provide fire coverage for its community.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
School Board Meeting 1-22-07 pt. 2 Budget
The primary discussion at the Board Meeting was in regard to the 2007-08 school budget. The most recent version is available here (PDF).
It was noted that the budget will need to be on review for public display (see the link above). It will be updated based on the outcome of the meeting. The Board must adopt a preliminary budget by February 12. The district has received referendum exceptions for this year (the people will not vote on it even if the district exceeds 4.2% allowance). The Board must make a final adoption by June 18.
A presentation was made by the Audit and Finance Committee which presented 10 scenarios looking forward to the 2011-2012 school year (it was noted this would be available and while it wasn't this morning I'd anticipate it will be posted on this page).
Of great concern was that each scenario included a gap analysis that visually demonstrated an inability to balance the budget without fairly significant tax increases or use of the reserve fund.
I was also surprised to see that expenditures in 2006 were listed at $49 million, while those for 2012 are projected at $74 million. This represents a $25 million dollar increase in six years. In comparing enrollment the 2006 actual was 4604 ($10,643 per student) and the 2012 projection is 4809 ($15,388 per student).
The Committee determined that the NASD will need to cut about $1.2 million from this year's budget to balance it without using the fund reserve or more significant tax increases.
Superintendent Lesky identified 13 items that amounted to $912,000. The cuts included replacing retiring teachers with entry level teachers, eliminating two proposed IT positions, ending the NASD matching program for the rent-rebate program, having purchased a van this year (so as not to pay service next year), cutting the compensation to tax collectors, cutting three laptop labs for elementary schools, eliminating the MS/HS resource officer, reducing staff development, reducing the athletic budget (and possibly implementing a pay to participate system for all extra-curriculars), cutting the activity bus, and reducing EPED positions.
Even with that the NASD is nearly $420,000 short of the cuts requested by the Board.
At the end of the meeting Dr. Lesky asked the Board for guidance in regard to what he was to do about the budget. He gave them three choices:
The discussion showed me that we have serious financial challenges. What surprised me most was that the cuts are framed in such a limited fashion. I'm no expert and I don't regularly attend these meetings (I'll stick to Council and if Brad can keep attending I'll be as happy as can be), but here are some areas that ought to be considered:
It was noted that the budget will need to be on review for public display (see the link above). It will be updated based on the outcome of the meeting. The Board must adopt a preliminary budget by February 12. The district has received referendum exceptions for this year (the people will not vote on it even if the district exceeds 4.2% allowance). The Board must make a final adoption by June 18.
A presentation was made by the Audit and Finance Committee which presented 10 scenarios looking forward to the 2011-2012 school year (it was noted this would be available and while it wasn't this morning I'd anticipate it will be posted on this page).
Of great concern was that each scenario included a gap analysis that visually demonstrated an inability to balance the budget without fairly significant tax increases or use of the reserve fund.
I was also surprised to see that expenditures in 2006 were listed at $49 million, while those for 2012 are projected at $74 million. This represents a $25 million dollar increase in six years. In comparing enrollment the 2006 actual was 4604 ($10,643 per student) and the 2012 projection is 4809 ($15,388 per student).
The Committee determined that the NASD will need to cut about $1.2 million from this year's budget to balance it without using the fund reserve or more significant tax increases.
Superintendent Lesky identified 13 items that amounted to $912,000. The cuts included replacing retiring teachers with entry level teachers, eliminating two proposed IT positions, ending the NASD matching program for the rent-rebate program, having purchased a van this year (so as not to pay service next year), cutting the compensation to tax collectors, cutting three laptop labs for elementary schools, eliminating the MS/HS resource officer, reducing staff development, reducing the athletic budget (and possibly implementing a pay to participate system for all extra-curriculars), cutting the activity bus, and reducing EPED positions.
Even with that the NASD is nearly $420,000 short of the cuts requested by the Board.
At the end of the meeting Dr. Lesky asked the Board for guidance in regard to what he was to do about the budget. He gave them three choices:
- Raise taxes by 5.2% with cuts have noted.
- Raise taxes by 4.2% and cut an additional $420,000
- Raise taxes by 4.2% (I think this was the amount) and use the fund balance to make up the difference.
The discussion showed me that we have serious financial challenges. What surprised me most was that the cuts are framed in such a limited fashion. I'm no expert and I don't regularly attend these meetings (I'll stick to Council and if Brad can keep attending I'll be as happy as can be), but here are some areas that ought to be considered:
- Not once was regular transportation noted as a place where money could be saved. A 5% cut $3 million would result in $150,000. We recently purchased new software for busing and each day I watch half filled buses pull into the elementary school. We could actually increase state revenue and reduce expenses if we maximized our bus utilization.
- If we are going to roll back or cut, let's start in areas that don't directly impact student learning and activities. Support Services line items (2300, 2500, & 2800) for Admin, Business, and Central Office are budgeted for $4.6 million. A 5% reduction in these areas would result in $231,000 in savings. Five years ago these services cost a little less than $3.1 million and eight years ago it cost $2.4 million.
- Budgetary Reserve. This may be a case of not planning well, but up until 2006 we did not contribute money to the reserve in the budget. This year we are scheduled to spend $150,000 on this item. Again, I don't know what we are carrying, but if we don't spend it why cut programs to add to it? Maybe it is that low, but if it is how can we even have the discussion of borrowing from it?
- There is a line item I'm unfamiliar with so if someone can explain it that would be great - community services. We are budgeted for $145,000 for this item. Until 2002 this amount was mid $30,000's, then it jumped to $54,000, $82,000, $93,000, and up over $100,000.
- The Blue Eagle Education Foundation is in place to assist with professional development and grants. It would be insightful to know what money and programs they have available that could be used to offset cuts in teacher development. It would also be important to know if any funds exist to sponsor student activities led by staff (EPED positions) or in what other ways the Foundation could assist the NASD financially as there is support the other way around.
- Finally, there is not much that can be done in the way of revenue. There are big changes with the shift to EIT and reduction in property. One area we can realize some additional revenues is in Facility Use. Obviously the NASD walks a fine line between providing space for the public and charging for that space, but it is an area that could be examined in more detail. Often fees are waived for groups and there is often good reason, but at the same time if we are looking at cutting teachers (by not replacing retiring ones), cutting teacher development, cutting paid positions for student activities, we should at least look at this.
School Board Meeting 1-22-07 pt. 1
I'm hoping Brad Moulton will still send to me his notes because I'm sure at this point he is better able to synthesize the 3 hours worth of notes into something meaningful better than I. I'm going to hand select a couple I can actually get my arms around.
Last night's meeting got under way about 7:45 and ended about 10:45. There were roughly forty people in attendance. There was one comment on the agenda, three comments during community corner, and three pieces of correspondence were recieved (one concerning class sizes, one a thank you from Maureen Kehoe, and one from the Nazareth YMCA offering use of its pool to the NASD).
The primary discussion took place around the 2007-2008 budget. There was also an explanation of the new Standards Based Report Cards and of the redistricting that will need to take place at the elementary level beginning next year.
During the Budget Discussion it was noted that the inclusion of a pool at the new MS would account for $425,000 per year of debt service and $200,000 per year to operate and maintain. To date, $35,000 has been spent on drawings related to the pool and it is estimated that $300,000 would be needed to keep it in the plans through final approval. Given the offer made by the YMCA (which did not indicate the amount of the rental fee) for exclusive use of the pool (it was a two page letter of which I do have a copy and it does seem to address the issues against using the pool in the past) and potential alternative option of using the pool at Wilson HS, the Board passed a motion to halt further work on pool plans until the 2/12 Board meeting. Between now and then the curriculum and athletic committees would meet to discuss the offer and make a recommendation to the Board.
The new Standards Based Report Cards will eliminate report cards as we know them, but they are being slowly rolled out as a work in progress. To start five students per teacher per school will begin to use them. Over time a handbook will be developed to help clarify to parents what the standards entail on a grade by grade basis. In short a student will be evaluated based on his/her ability to meet expected standards for that grade level in multiple areas per subject level. Students will not be graded based on their performance against their peers. As an example there will not be a grade for math, instead a student will be scored on proficiency within the areas being tested in math that are based on the state standards.
Given the length of the budget discussion, I'm going to put those notes under a separate post.
The redistricting report was a summary of what was discussed on Thursday at the Committee meeting (read the post from that meeting here).
The Express-Times JD Malone had two articles this morning from the meeting (and the Express-Times implemented a new search tool) one based on the budget on on the YMCA offer.
Last night's meeting got under way about 7:45 and ended about 10:45. There were roughly forty people in attendance. There was one comment on the agenda, three comments during community corner, and three pieces of correspondence were recieved (one concerning class sizes, one a thank you from Maureen Kehoe, and one from the Nazareth YMCA offering use of its pool to the NASD).
The primary discussion took place around the 2007-2008 budget. There was also an explanation of the new Standards Based Report Cards and of the redistricting that will need to take place at the elementary level beginning next year.
During the Budget Discussion it was noted that the inclusion of a pool at the new MS would account for $425,000 per year of debt service and $200,000 per year to operate and maintain. To date, $35,000 has been spent on drawings related to the pool and it is estimated that $300,000 would be needed to keep it in the plans through final approval. Given the offer made by the YMCA (which did not indicate the amount of the rental fee) for exclusive use of the pool (it was a two page letter of which I do have a copy and it does seem to address the issues against using the pool in the past) and potential alternative option of using the pool at Wilson HS, the Board passed a motion to halt further work on pool plans until the 2/12 Board meeting. Between now and then the curriculum and athletic committees would meet to discuss the offer and make a recommendation to the Board.
The new Standards Based Report Cards will eliminate report cards as we know them, but they are being slowly rolled out as a work in progress. To start five students per teacher per school will begin to use them. Over time a handbook will be developed to help clarify to parents what the standards entail on a grade by grade basis. In short a student will be evaluated based on his/her ability to meet expected standards for that grade level in multiple areas per subject level. Students will not be graded based on their performance against their peers. As an example there will not be a grade for math, instead a student will be scored on proficiency within the areas being tested in math that are based on the state standards.
Given the length of the budget discussion, I'm going to put those notes under a separate post.
The redistricting report was a summary of what was discussed on Thursday at the Committee meeting (read the post from that meeting here).
The Express-Times JD Malone had two articles this morning from the meeting (and the Express-Times implemented a new search tool) one based on the budget on on the YMCA offer.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Bill White's Four Versions
This morning in my haste to get other posts up I forgot to include a note regarding Bill White's follow-up column regarding the possible Sunshine Law violation by the NASD (read it here).
White notes he's heard four versions of what actually happened during the Executive Session that took place prior to the last regular Board Meeting, and that you'll have to decide which one believe.
He also states that no one has claimed violations are widespread, but instead the issue arose out of a desire to be as transparent as possible. And that is a good thing.
In the end, he reminds officials to be as open as possible and reminds residents to elect officials who are.
White notes he's heard four versions of what actually happened during the Executive Session that took place prior to the last regular Board Meeting, and that you'll have to decide which one believe.
He also states that no one has claimed violations are widespread, but instead the issue arose out of a desire to be as transparent as possible. And that is a good thing.
In the end, he reminds officials to be as open as possible and reminds residents to elect officials who are.
Petition Circulating to Halt NASD's Using Eminent Domain
Several readers sent notes and a comment was posted regarding petitions in local businesses in town calling for the NASD to not use eminent domain to acquire the Calandra's land.
As noted here previously, there is a big difference between doing what is right and what is legal. The NASD is within its legal right to proceed, but their action doesn't make it the right one to take. Not only is it against most people's wishes to see the NASD utilize eminent domain to take property the owner is not offering for sale, but it appears the choice of location and building type may not be the best solution to the NASD's need, nor the most cost effective one.
A lot of discussion came up last week when I posted based on the Morning Call article. In short, the Calandras have 9 acres of land, the NASD would like 6 acres of it to place two sports fields to the north of their proposed new MS building. The new MS building will replace the MS building opened in 2000 in order to give the NASD a HS/MS campus. The current MS will be converted into an intermediate school for 4th to 6th grades. The elementary schools will house K-3.
The NASD has a space issue, particularly at LNES.
The new MS will cost $58 million to build and an additional $2.1 million per year to operate. Many of its features already exist in the current MS and will be replicated (auditorium, gym, etc) while improvements will be made to the school's athletic fields including all-weather track and turf, and possibly the addition of a swimming pool.
In order to build the MS, the NASD will need to borrow $50 million, paid off over 30 years. The current debt service will increase from $5 million to as high as $12 million in a few years.
While the conversation has been based on addressing class space for k-8, no discussion or plans have been announced for 9-12. The concern being if the current plan goes through will there be any money left for annual expenses and/or an expansion to the HS.
An alternative approach would be to seek a more cost effective building now that resolves the classroom crunch and to purchase land now for future possible expansion. A new elementary school for 1000 students would allow the NASD to bring 6th grade back to the elementary level, make the current MS a 7 & 8 facility, and reduce transportation costs by keeping more students closer to the schools they attend.
An elementary is the most cost effective building to build. The NASD evaluated 50 properties with 20+ acres. Now may be the time to purchase land for a future building, so when the time arrives they set to the task of building the building without having to determine the location and wind up in the situation they are in now.
These decisions, however, are in the hands of the Board of Directors. You can influence their decision by signing petitions, attending the Board meeting (tonight at 7:30 p.m.), emailing them (their addresses are listed on the NASD web site), and by writing to the local newspapers to help ensure as many of the residents of the NASD are aware of the situation as possible.
As noted here previously, there is a big difference between doing what is right and what is legal. The NASD is within its legal right to proceed, but their action doesn't make it the right one to take. Not only is it against most people's wishes to see the NASD utilize eminent domain to take property the owner is not offering for sale, but it appears the choice of location and building type may not be the best solution to the NASD's need, nor the most cost effective one.
A lot of discussion came up last week when I posted based on the Morning Call article. In short, the Calandras have 9 acres of land, the NASD would like 6 acres of it to place two sports fields to the north of their proposed new MS building. The new MS building will replace the MS building opened in 2000 in order to give the NASD a HS/MS campus. The current MS will be converted into an intermediate school for 4th to 6th grades. The elementary schools will house K-3.
The NASD has a space issue, particularly at LNES.
The new MS will cost $58 million to build and an additional $2.1 million per year to operate. Many of its features already exist in the current MS and will be replicated (auditorium, gym, etc) while improvements will be made to the school's athletic fields including all-weather track and turf, and possibly the addition of a swimming pool.
In order to build the MS, the NASD will need to borrow $50 million, paid off over 30 years. The current debt service will increase from $5 million to as high as $12 million in a few years.
While the conversation has been based on addressing class space for k-8, no discussion or plans have been announced for 9-12. The concern being if the current plan goes through will there be any money left for annual expenses and/or an expansion to the HS.
An alternative approach would be to seek a more cost effective building now that resolves the classroom crunch and to purchase land now for future possible expansion. A new elementary school for 1000 students would allow the NASD to bring 6th grade back to the elementary level, make the current MS a 7 & 8 facility, and reduce transportation costs by keeping more students closer to the schools they attend.
An elementary is the most cost effective building to build. The NASD evaluated 50 properties with 20+ acres. Now may be the time to purchase land for a future building, so when the time arrives they set to the task of building the building without having to determine the location and wind up in the situation they are in now.
These decisions, however, are in the hands of the Board of Directors. You can influence their decision by signing petitions, attending the Board meeting (tonight at 7:30 p.m.), emailing them (their addresses are listed on the NASD web site), and by writing to the local newspapers to help ensure as many of the residents of the NASD are aware of the situation as possible.
School Board Meeting Tonight - 1-22-07
There is a NASD School Board Meeting tonight, Monday, January 22, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room located behind the high school in the North Campus.
The agenda is available here (PDF).
Based on the agenda:
The agenda is available here (PDF).
Based on the agenda:
- The public is reminded that January is School Director Recognition Month.
- There is an Executive Session preceding the Public Meeting.
- The standard series of reports on curriculum, technology etc. as well as conferences, student teacher assignments, etc.
- A discussion on the 2007-2008 Budget.
- Amendment to the health benefit plan is to be voted on.
- Approval to transfer from Capital Project Fund $150,489 for equipment, furniture, phones, etc for the new Maintenance Building.
- More of the standard reports and approvals including facility use and Superintendents report.
Upper Nazareth Gets Park; NASD New Students
The Express-Times reports today (read the article here) that Upper Nazareth Township, which currently has less than 4 acres of recreational land, will soon have a 33 acre park thanks to Tuskes Homes and a new Maintenance Facility (4 additional acres). The park will be located near Route 248.
Tuskes Homes Vice President Rick Krasley is quoted as saying, "We like to give back to the community. It is a give and take in development. It was a win-win situation for Upper Nazareth."
In addition to the land, the Township will get a concession stand, fields, and a maintenance building.
JD Malone's article closes by noting:
Tuskes donated the properties as part of a pre-trial settlement in December 2003. Tuskes plans to build 299 homes in the 170-acre subdivision. That number of homes is about twice the amount permitted under township zoning laws. Krasley said about 80 homes have been built so far.
And therein lies the rub. While Upper Nazareth gets a park, 299 homes, twice the number permitted by the townships zoning laws, were approved. If each home has 1.5 children, it would equal 448.5 new students for the NASD. Based on the proposed 2007-08 budget, where the cost per student will be about $13,000, the total cost to educate these students would be $5.8 million per year.
Now that is not going to happen immediately, but its hardly a win-win situation for the taxpayers, especially those outside Upper Nazareth.
Tuskes Homes Vice President Rick Krasley is quoted as saying, "We like to give back to the community. It is a give and take in development. It was a win-win situation for Upper Nazareth."
In addition to the land, the Township will get a concession stand, fields, and a maintenance building.
JD Malone's article closes by noting:
Tuskes donated the properties as part of a pre-trial settlement in December 2003. Tuskes plans to build 299 homes in the 170-acre subdivision. That number of homes is about twice the amount permitted under township zoning laws. Krasley said about 80 homes have been built so far.
And therein lies the rub. While Upper Nazareth gets a park, 299 homes, twice the number permitted by the townships zoning laws, were approved. If each home has 1.5 children, it would equal 448.5 new students for the NASD. Based on the proposed 2007-08 budget, where the cost per student will be about $13,000, the total cost to educate these students would be $5.8 million per year.
Now that is not going to happen immediately, but its hardly a win-win situation for the taxpayers, especially those outside Upper Nazareth.
Faux Downtowns in Farmfields
The Morning Call had a cover story in Sunday's paper titled, "New Downtowns are in the 'burbs" (read it here), which addressed the trend of developers creating new shopping center in the suburbs modeled after a traditional Main Street as opposed to a mall or strip mall.
It struck me as interesting because many borough based communities are struggling to find ways to attract stores and shoppers, yet this trend shows the Main Street atmosphere is sought after.
Jeff Pooley, a Muhlenberg College professor assistant professor of media and communications, considered these new centers a slap in the face to traditional Main Streets and stated, "I think the downtowns could easily host these stores.''
The article does present both the pros and cons of this new trend, its occurrence at the cost of the downtowns, and a variety of opinions on it all.
I mention it here because in Nazareth there have been several groups working to build up the Main Street area, the culmination of these efforts is the Main Street Initiative that will create an independent 501(c)(3) not-for profit corporation to help coordinate, assist, and promote existing businesses while encourage growth in the area.
And at the same time, there is a reasonable lack of retail opportunities within the NASD municipalities and it would be a significant boost to our tax revenue base if a major retail outlet would be developed here. To date it seems our biggest attraction is homes, followed by some recent new distribution centers, and finally some commercial properties, mostly in the route 33 and 248 area.
It struck me as interesting because many borough based communities are struggling to find ways to attract stores and shoppers, yet this trend shows the Main Street atmosphere is sought after.
Jeff Pooley, a Muhlenberg College professor assistant professor of media and communications, considered these new centers a slap in the face to traditional Main Streets and stated, "I think the downtowns could easily host these stores.''
The article does present both the pros and cons of this new trend, its occurrence at the cost of the downtowns, and a variety of opinions on it all.
I mention it here because in Nazareth there have been several groups working to build up the Main Street area, the culmination of these efforts is the Main Street Initiative that will create an independent 501(c)(3) not-for profit corporation to help coordinate, assist, and promote existing businesses while encourage growth in the area.
And at the same time, there is a reasonable lack of retail opportunities within the NASD municipalities and it would be a significant boost to our tax revenue base if a major retail outlet would be developed here. To date it seems our biggest attraction is homes, followed by some recent new distribution centers, and finally some commercial properties, mostly in the route 33 and 248 area.
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