Upper Nazareth resident and Express-Times editor Joe Owens called me out on his blog (read it here) for not covering his editorial depicting a recent Upper Nazareth Township Supervisors meeting (read it here).
I replied on his site, but did note that I would make mention of it here as well.
In short, Owens spent a night at a recent meeting and requested two street lights be fixed. From his editorial, it appears the lights were installed by the developer, I'd assume the electric bill is paid by the township, and now the cost to repair is also on the township. Simple solution - don't fix them - save money. Fix them - pay more. So they've gone for a year without being fixed.
To me this is the problem the townships have when they make special arrangements with developers. They don't plan/think these things through long-term. More requirements should be put on the developers. Require sidewalks. Require a recreational area in the neighborhood. Require street improvements leading to the development. Consider where school buses will pick up these students or how these students will walk to school. And consider how these things will be maintained and paid for over time.
So many developments have been created it seems almost too late, but I hope moving forward more thought is given to these issues.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
I Pulled Into Nazareth...
It is the opening line of The Band's classic, "The Weight" and is said to have been inspired by Robbie Robertson's looking into the sound hole of his Martin Guitar and seeing Nazareth, PA stamped in it.
Now, Martin Guitar will be honoring Robertson with two signature models according to the Morning Call (read the article here).
The article notes:
Now, Martin Guitar will be honoring Robertson with two signature models according to the Morning Call (read the article here).
The article notes:
The new Robertson models, officially called the 00-42K and 00-42K2, will be based on another Martin in the guitarist's collection -- a one-of-a-kind 1919 00-45K. Robertson's instrument is the only guitar of that type Martin has ever made with a Hawaiian koa-wood top, according to Dick Boak, the company's director of artist relations.
''It's a gorgeous, gorgeous instrument,'' Boak said.
More on Indian Tower Vandalism
Alyssa Young of the Express-Times has more on the Indian Tower Vandalism (read it here) the biggest point being residents tipped police resulting in the immediate identification of the teens on site with spray paint cans.
Congratulations to the residents who made the call to police. This serves as a good reminder to us all to contact police when we see something illegal taking place.
Congratulations to the residents who made the call to police. This serves as a good reminder to us all to contact police when we see something illegal taking place.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Repayment Day Rose Sale
Next week the Nazareth Rotary Club will be holding its annual "Repayment Day Rose Sale" on Friday and Saturday (June 22 & 23).
While many of us think of Nazareth as a colonial town, it actually has medieval origins.
In 1682 William Penn granted 25,000 acres to his daughter Letitia. After his death, in 1731 the final 5,000 acres, the Barony of Nazareth, were selected. Under the medieval system of land grants Charles II granted to William Penn, Letitia owed her brothers allegiance (the father was then deceased and they took over the 'business'), which was paid in the form of one red rose every year on June 24th. Hence, Repayment Day's date and rose.
According to the release:
While many of us think of Nazareth as a colonial town, it actually has medieval origins.
In 1682 William Penn granted 25,000 acres to his daughter Letitia. After his death, in 1731 the final 5,000 acres, the Barony of Nazareth, were selected. Under the medieval system of land grants Charles II granted to William Penn, Letitia owed her brothers allegiance (the father was then deceased and they took over the 'business'), which was paid in the form of one red rose every year on June 24th. Hence, Repayment Day's date and rose.
According to the release:
The Nazareth Rotary Club will sell individually wrapped red roses with a commemorative card at various establishments throughout the town. Nazareth florists, including Lynn's Florist, Nazareth Floral Designs and Donohoe Farms, have helped to support this new tradition. Each rose sells for $3.50. Proceeds from the rose sale will benefit the Nazareth Downtown Revitalization Plan.Sale sites include: Nazareth Center circle, Nazareth YMCA, KNBT on Broad Street, Moravian Hall Square retirement community, Nazareth 7-Eleven and Bajan's market.
4 Teens Vandalize Indian Tower
The Morning Call reports (read it here) that Upper Nazareth Police Chief Alan Siegfried noted that four teens who vandalized the Indian Tower are "facing criminal charges in juvenile court."
According to the article one of the four was from Nazareth and "They were released to their parents, and charges of institutional vandalism and criminal mischief will be filed against them in juvenile court, he said."
No names were provided only that one was from Nazareth and the other three from Bethlehem.
According to the article one of the four was from Nazareth and "They were released to their parents, and charges of institutional vandalism and criminal mischief will be filed against them in juvenile court, he said."
No names were provided only that one was from Nazareth and the other three from Bethlehem.
More on the LN Warehouse Proposals
Thanks to Joe Greene and the Lower Nazareth Citizen's Forum for a detailed report on Wednesday's hearing (read all about it on their site here). BTW - If you live in Lower Nazareth, bookmark the forum's home page as they provide excellent granular detail of what is happening in the township (you can also visit the site using the link in the left sidebar).
The Express-Times also had an article (read it here) that I didn't include on yesterday's post about the meeting (read it here).
The Express-Times also had an article (read it here) that I didn't include on yesterday's post about the meeting (read it here).
LN to Support Colonial Regional Police
Lower Nazareth Supervisors agreed to support the building of new Colonial Regional Police Department regardless of Bath Borough's decision according to an article by Courtney Lomax in the Express-Times (read it here).
Nazareth Teen's Accident Closes Route 33
The Morning Call reports that a 16 year old Nazareth resident lost control of her car on route 33 on Thursday eventually closing both southbound lanes between 191 and 248 (read it here).
According to the article State Police stated that Samantha Powell was driving south bound when she lost control of her vehicle going from the median across both lanes and down a slight embankment. She was flown out from the scene and was listed in fair condition last night.
According to the article State Police stated that Samantha Powell was driving south bound when she lost control of her vehicle going from the median across both lanes and down a slight embankment. She was flown out from the scene and was listed in fair condition last night.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Warehouse hearing draws 100+
According to an article in the Morning Call over 100 people attended the hearing on the new warehouses being planned in Lower Nazareth Township (read it here).
The hearing included detailed presentations from IDI and will be continued on July 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the MS.
The hearing included detailed presentations from IDI and will be continued on July 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the MS.
More on Lacrosse Coach Guilty Plea
Today the Morning Call (read it here) has an article providing more detail on the Nazareth MS Coach who pleaded guilty to hitting a 13 year old from an opposing team following a game noted in a post yesterday (read it here).
In this article it notes that "Bill Stoerrle, Adam's father, said Kelly had to be restrained during halftime of the Moravian match because he was angry at Adam. Then after the match, as the players and coaches lined up to shake hands, Adam said Kelly slapped his hand and then surprised him with a blow to the chin -- with a closed fist, not an open hand as the citation states."
It also notes that the team was not fully funded by the NASD and as a result the coach was hired by the booster club, who worked in conjunction with the NASD.
This arrangement makes one wonder what liability there may be and who would be responsible if the family filed a civil action. While kids may grow up fast the situation is pretty bad, a 47 year old school sponsored team coach strikes a 13 year old player during post game handshake, not once, but twice. In this litigious society I'm sure at least someone has been considering this.
In this article it notes that "Bill Stoerrle, Adam's father, said Kelly had to be restrained during halftime of the Moravian match because he was angry at Adam. Then after the match, as the players and coaches lined up to shake hands, Adam said Kelly slapped his hand and then surprised him with a blow to the chin -- with a closed fist, not an open hand as the citation states."
It also notes that the team was not fully funded by the NASD and as a result the coach was hired by the booster club, who worked in conjunction with the NASD.
This arrangement makes one wonder what liability there may be and who would be responsible if the family filed a civil action. While kids may grow up fast the situation is pretty bad, a 47 year old school sponsored team coach strikes a 13 year old player during post game handshake, not once, but twice. In this litigious society I'm sure at least someone has been considering this.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Fundraising Concert for the Family of Chief Ruch
Please mark your calendar, save the date, and purchase your tickets for the Friday, June 22 fundraising event at the Holy Family Club to benefit the family of former Nazareth Police Chief Ruch.
Chief Ruch passed away a month ago at the age of 48 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. The event will begin at 8:00 p.m. and end at midnight and will feature live music by 9919, Point-O-Eight, Magic Bean, and Dave Doll. There will be a cash bar and a raffle to win a guitar donated by Martin Guitar (must be present to win).
Tickets are $12.00 per person and available at the Nazareth News Agency and Holy Family Social Club.
Chief Ruch passed away a month ago at the age of 48 following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. The event will begin at 8:00 p.m. and end at midnight and will feature live music by 9919, Point-O-Eight, Magic Bean, and Dave Doll. There will be a cash bar and a raffle to win a guitar donated by Martin Guitar (must be present to win).
Tickets are $12.00 per person and available at the Nazareth News Agency and Holy Family Social Club.
Last Day of What Was a Tumultuous School Year
Today is the last day of school for students and what a year out of the classroom it was.
The Teachers' Contract talks began in January of 2006 and by mid summer the threat of strike was likely and loomed over all activities in and out of the classroom. While the contract was debated in a very public fashion, plans rolled out to build a new MS in the area of Mitchell Fields and the NASD sought to take land from a nearby property owner via eminent domain. The building project further tore at the community as questions arose regarding its needs and costs. Eventually the Board and Administration kept all amenities including a pool, despite at the same time acknowledging the budget couldn't be balanced now without a tax hike exceeding the Act 1 index. A later 'windfall' of revenue from County Assessments kept the tax hike at the index level, but future years will face the same challenge.
In January the Teachers' Contract was finalized and this was shortly followed by a retroactive pay raise to Superintendent Lesky and a new Administrative Team Contract.
With the MS building in place and a budget essentially set, construction began on a new synthetic football field, fencing, sidewalks from Liberty Street at the field to Center Street to the Gym, and other cosmetic improvements around Andrew S. Leh Stadium. To accommodate all sports' field size requirements, the track had to be removed and rebuilt near the new MS as a stand-alone facility.
The Administration again grew with new positions added and there was turnover again on the building level as Shafer, MS, and HS all had new Principals or Vice Principals. The MS turnover is of particular concern with Kern being the fourth (I believe) to serve in the position since 2000.
When School Board elections rolled around, it was a bit of a surprise to see Board President Don Keller not seek re-election. He was joined by member Angela Callie. Few candidates stepped forward to run for office excepting in Bushkill where there will be a three way race for two seats in November.
PSSA testing was again at the forefront of determining where our schools rank in comparison to others across the state and within the region and contrary to the perception of having the best schools, Nazareth was mid-pack in the Lehigh Valley (7 out of 17) and 'above-average' statewide being at the very bottom of the top third (144 out of 498 districts according to the Pittsburgh Business Times).
While there were many individual accomplishments of merit by students and student groups, there is much room for improvement. Let's hope that all the controversy of the 2006-2007 school year has resulted in establishing the base needed to turn the focus from staff, building, and facility issues to classroom issues that will improve student performance in 2007-2008.
The Teachers' Contract talks began in January of 2006 and by mid summer the threat of strike was likely and loomed over all activities in and out of the classroom. While the contract was debated in a very public fashion, plans rolled out to build a new MS in the area of Mitchell Fields and the NASD sought to take land from a nearby property owner via eminent domain. The building project further tore at the community as questions arose regarding its needs and costs. Eventually the Board and Administration kept all amenities including a pool, despite at the same time acknowledging the budget couldn't be balanced now without a tax hike exceeding the Act 1 index. A later 'windfall' of revenue from County Assessments kept the tax hike at the index level, but future years will face the same challenge.
In January the Teachers' Contract was finalized and this was shortly followed by a retroactive pay raise to Superintendent Lesky and a new Administrative Team Contract.
With the MS building in place and a budget essentially set, construction began on a new synthetic football field, fencing, sidewalks from Liberty Street at the field to Center Street to the Gym, and other cosmetic improvements around Andrew S. Leh Stadium. To accommodate all sports' field size requirements, the track had to be removed and rebuilt near the new MS as a stand-alone facility.
The Administration again grew with new positions added and there was turnover again on the building level as Shafer, MS, and HS all had new Principals or Vice Principals. The MS turnover is of particular concern with Kern being the fourth (I believe) to serve in the position since 2000.
When School Board elections rolled around, it was a bit of a surprise to see Board President Don Keller not seek re-election. He was joined by member Angela Callie. Few candidates stepped forward to run for office excepting in Bushkill where there will be a three way race for two seats in November.
PSSA testing was again at the forefront of determining where our schools rank in comparison to others across the state and within the region and contrary to the perception of having the best schools, Nazareth was mid-pack in the Lehigh Valley (7 out of 17) and 'above-average' statewide being at the very bottom of the top third (144 out of 498 districts according to the Pittsburgh Business Times).
While there were many individual accomplishments of merit by students and student groups, there is much room for improvement. Let's hope that all the controversy of the 2006-2007 school year has resulted in establishing the base needed to turn the focus from staff, building, and facility issues to classroom issues that will improve student performance in 2007-2008.
Former MS Coach Guilty of Hitting Opposing Player
The Expres-Times reports that the former MS Lacrosse Coach at Nazareth plead guilty to charges he struck a Moravian Academy player with an open hand after a game as the teams were lining up to shake hands (read the article hear).
According to the article, "Francis W. Kelly Jr., 47, of the 400 block of Main Street in Stockertown pleaded guilty to harassment on May 17 and paid a $100 fine plus $121 in court costs, according to court records."
As a matter of personnel the NASD had no comment, but did note that Kelly is no longer employed by the NASD.
The victim was 13 years old and according to the boy's father did go to the hospital afterward and had some bruising as a result of the hit.
According to the article, "Francis W. Kelly Jr., 47, of the 400 block of Main Street in Stockertown pleaded guilty to harassment on May 17 and paid a $100 fine plus $121 in court costs, according to court records."
As a matter of personnel the NASD had no comment, but did note that Kelly is no longer employed by the NASD.
The victim was 13 years old and according to the boy's father did go to the hospital afterward and had some bruising as a result of the hit.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Library Funding From State Again At-Risk
We were at the Library on Monday to sign-up for the Summer Reading Program and my older daughter took part in the art activity, which she really enjoyed.
While there I noticed three items worth mentioning.
First, Upper Nazareth has a vacancy on the Library Board. If you are interested contact the Township to learn how you can apply to fill the position.
Second, the Summer Reading Program kick off event is Wednesday.
Third, the State Budget as it currently exists includes a three tenths of one percent increase for the Public Library Subsidy. The PA Libraries Association is advocating for a 3.5% increase.
Library funding is based on the state money plus that from the supporting communities and donations. The biggest challenge for the libraries right now is that area inflation is at about 7% so even the 3.5% would leave them short of cost of living adjustments, compound this with the huge hit in funding the Libraries took in 2003-2004 when Rendell recommended cutting the Library fund in half and the situation is that much worse.
The eventual cuts to the Library fund budget resulted in a situation where the Library Funding Formula could not be met. As is noted on the PA Libraries Association web site:
It may be easy to overlook the benefit of the library, but it is critical as it is an equalizer and enabler for many people and used by many more.
If you want to see more funding allocated to the Library Fund, discussions are taking place in Harrisburg now. Contact Senator Boscola, Rep. Grucela, or Rep. Dally to encourage them to support your position.
While there I noticed three items worth mentioning.
First, Upper Nazareth has a vacancy on the Library Board. If you are interested contact the Township to learn how you can apply to fill the position.
Second, the Summer Reading Program kick off event is Wednesday.
Third, the State Budget as it currently exists includes a three tenths of one percent increase for the Public Library Subsidy. The PA Libraries Association is advocating for a 3.5% increase.
Library funding is based on the state money plus that from the supporting communities and donations. The biggest challenge for the libraries right now is that area inflation is at about 7% so even the 3.5% would leave them short of cost of living adjustments, compound this with the huge hit in funding the Libraries took in 2003-2004 when Rendell recommended cutting the Library fund in half and the situation is that much worse.
The eventual cuts to the Library fund budget resulted in a situation where the Library Funding Formula could not be met. As is noted on the PA Libraries Association web site:
The funding formula was specifically developed to do two things: first, to bring all libraries up to a minimum level of service, using state funds, and second, to provide incentives for local government to better fund public libraries. When the Office of Commonwealth Libraries is unable to run the formula, as has been the case since FY 2003-2004, there is no incentive for local government to step up its efforts to improve funding, as all libraries receive the same percentage increase. With a sufficient investment in the Public Library Subsidy, the distribution of funds will recognize the increases in local funding made by some local governments over the past few years, without decreasing funding below the FY 2006-2007 levels for any library.Having adequate funding for the Public Libraries is critical to local investment in them. With the funding formula in place, local investment will be further rewarded. The biggest winner will be the people who can benefit from programs like "Young Authors", "Summer Reading Programs", "Story Hours", and all the other events in addition to the access to the internet, materials for research, preservation of local history, and leisure of reading a good book.
It may be easy to overlook the benefit of the library, but it is critical as it is an equalizer and enabler for many people and used by many more.
If you want to see more funding allocated to the Library Fund, discussions are taking place in Harrisburg now. Contact Senator Boscola, Rep. Grucela, or Rep. Dally to encourage them to support your position.
LN Warehouse Hearing - Wed - June 13
There will be a meeting tomorrow regarding the building of new warehouse/distribution centers in Lower Nazareth near the Palmer Township Border (Northwood to Buzas Greenhouse area).
Thanks to Joe Greene and the Lower Nazareth Citizens' Forum for sending the reminder my way. Here is the reminder forwarded by them:
Thanks to Joe Greene and the Lower Nazareth Citizens' Forum for sending the reminder my way. Here is the reminder forwarded by them:
The IDI Warehouse Conditional Use Hearing will be held at the June 13, 2007 regularly scheduled Lower Nazareth Township Board of Supervisors Meeting, location has been CHANGED from the township offices to: the Nazareth Area Middle School Auditorium. The regularly scheduled Board meeting will commence at 6:00pm. the conditional use portion will NOT start prior to 7:00pm. You can expect this to take approximately three hours.
2007 Election Write In Candidates
I was glad to see that the Express-Times (read it here) ran an article on the candidates who made the ballot based on write-in votes. I believe the Morning Call had run something similar previously and I had intended to get a post up but don't believe I did.
Of interest to those in the Nazareth area:
Of interest to those in the Nazareth area:
- Howard Kostenbader (13) for Bushkill Township supervisor (D)
- Robert Kucsan (18) for Lower Nazareth Township supervisor (D)
- Nathan Powers (11) for Tatamy Borough Council (R)
- Robert Lund (11) for Tatamy Borough Council (R)
- Christopher Moran (11) for Tatamy Borough Council (R)
Monday, June 11, 2007
ET Reports on Jamestown Performance
The Express-Times has an article on the choir performance that several Nazareth students participated in and that was previously noted here on NewsOverCoffee.
You can read the Express-Times article here.
You can read the previous post from NOC here.
Congratulations again to the students who were able to participate in this once in a lifetime event.
You can read the Express-Times article here.
You can read the previous post from NOC here.
Congratulations again to the students who were able to participate in this once in a lifetime event.
More on the Cell Tower
The Express-Times has an article on the proposed Cell phone tower at Andrew S. Leh Stadium (read it here).
As previously noted on this site (read the post here) it didn't seem this proposal had been discussed at any NASD Board meetings and in the article today, it cites NASD administrator Judy Swigart as stating, "the proposed tower is just an idea at this point."
The article makes two other interesting comments, the first that the rent paid by T-Mobile will be $833 per month and the second that the township building will be the second site under consideration if the stadium cannot get the variance.
It is a kind of interesting scenario in that the NASD has an opportunity to earn some revenue that doesn't come directly from taxpayers and from the accounts I've read so far doesn't seem to be very interested in it and conversely if the township does not provide the zoning variance, the township could earn that same money instead of the NASD. It will be interesting to see what happens.
As previously noted on this site (read the post here) it didn't seem this proposal had been discussed at any NASD Board meetings and in the article today, it cites NASD administrator Judy Swigart as stating, "the proposed tower is just an idea at this point."
The article makes two other interesting comments, the first that the rent paid by T-Mobile will be $833 per month and the second that the township building will be the second site under consideration if the stadium cannot get the variance.
It is a kind of interesting scenario in that the NASD has an opportunity to earn some revenue that doesn't come directly from taxpayers and from the accounts I've read so far doesn't seem to be very interested in it and conversely if the township does not provide the zoning variance, the township could earn that same money instead of the NASD. It will be interesting to see what happens.
Upper Nazareth's Tuskes Park
Upper Nazareth will have a park for recreation in the near future. The Supervisors accepted $240,000 in improvements being paid for by Tuskes Homes according to an article in the Express-Times (read it here).
The Park is expected to be completed in the fall and turned over to the Township at that time, though the fields will take another year to be completely finished.
The Park is expected to be completed in the fall and turned over to the Township at that time, though the fields will take another year to be completely finished.
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