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VOLUME 14, NUMBER 12
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Kidder holds zoning change, solar farm hearing by Seth Isenberg
Kerry Uher, 8th grade ELA teacher, Allie Tirpak, 7th grade ELA teacher with 6 year-old Taylor York and her mother, Heather Matejik. JPK: Lori R. Cooper
Family Reading Night features Cinco de Mayo theme by Lori R. Cooper The Penn Kidder campus K-8 held its annual Family Reading Night on May 5. Over 100 students showed up for the literacy event, which had a Cinco De Mayo theme. This was the first in-person event held at the school since Covid. Different themes are held at schools
throughout the year, focusing on math and reading. Kimberly Zoba, reading coordinator for the district’s K-8 grades, explained that the event is part of the Family Engagement initiative, funded through Title I. Zoba has taught for 24 years and has been reading coordinator for the past eight years. This night is “an opportunity
for parents to be part of the community and not feel disconnected,” she said. As students entered they were given cards to hang around their necks, which they got stamped at each of the learning stations. ‘Torch tickets’ were earned for getting all the stamps, which can be used for rewards at See READING, page 2
Kidder Township held two hearings on May 12, the first regarding changing the zoning of a tract between Route 940 and Interstate 80 to commercial, and the second about a proposed change in the zoning ordinance that sets rules on large solar power development. The hearings turned out a nearly full house. Citizens were mostly opposed to the change of the Blue Ridge Real Estate (BRRE) property that would allow it to be developed for a commercial use. The roughly 300 acres of land stretches along Interstate 80 and experiences loud traffic noise. It abuts the new warehouse property on its west, extending towards Moseywood Road to the east. There are a lot of wetlands on the land. There is no proposed use, though BRRE mentioned it could accommodate one warehouse, with the rest of the site undisturbed. Ten citizens spoke, most questioning the need for the change. Many spoke about preserving the township’s natural resources. Anthony Giavannone asked “what is the advantage? We’re a resort community.” Fred Maurer expressed concerns about there being “so many trucks.” Mark Peterson
Shelly Lutz defends the area’s natural beauty.
JPK: Seth Isenberg
quipped that “the Kidder Township seal doesn’t have a truck on it.” Business owner Shelly Lutz spoke about how Route 940 to Pocono Summit “used to be so beautiful. Now there are buildings all through… (Our township) is based on recreation and fun… (All these) trucks will make this area miserable.” Township solicitor Robert Yurchak made it a point to note that there is no project for this property. The hearing is about the zoning change, not the potential use. Dave Schena pointed out the Blue Ridge Real Estate company has seen the regrowth of the forests on their See KIDDER HEARING, page 8