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See TUNKHANNOCK TWP
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A proposed conditional use application was filed by Route 115 Associates on January 27. The township will have 60 days to conduct a conditional use hearing. The Planning Commission accepted the application on February 9 and a hearing date will be set in March.
An application for the proposed subdivision of Joker Road was also accepted by the planning commission.
Emily Daly has been appointed to the Planning Commission.
The Clymer Library has a new librarian, Mary Erm. One of three fundraisers was just completed. Mountaintop Lodge provided potpies to sell with the library getting $2 from each pie.
Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department reported 154 calls last month. The township is over 50 hours for the month, and 67 year to date. The department announced that they are looking to hire new recruits.
During public comments residents of Indian Mountain Lake asked if the board could do anything to help with recycling pickup in the community. The response is that a permanent solution is needed.
A resident asked about the Economic Development Committee and it was noted that there was not enough participation from township residents. When asked how to start this committee back up the supervisors advised to put in a request to the board.
Ellen Lott, a member of the Planning Commission, followed up from the last meeting about concerns that protected lands do not bring in taxes. She noted that the values of protected lands include they “clean your air, water and there is no need to put up an infrastructure. Studies have shown protected lands improve the quality of life in communities.”
The next regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be held on March 9, at 7 p.m.
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Supervisors change height limit in January
by Lori R. Cooper
The Tunkhannock Board of Supervisors meeting was held on January 13 at the Tunkhannock Township Fire Company to allow ample space for residents to discuss the pending zoning ordinance change regarding building height limits. Some members of the community were for the proposed height increase while others spoke up against it. Ultimately the Board voted in favor of increasing the height limit in C2 (commercial, office and retail) buildings from 35 feet to 60 feet.
The TextMyGov application will soon be up and running. This will allow the Township to alert the community to any emergencies and township news. Other information, such as how to get building permits, will be available through this application.
A proposed Tunkhannock Township Fire Company request for $100,000 to fix a tanker and $100,000 to upgrade radio equipment as required was discussed. As this money ties into COVID relief, the township is awaiting word from the federal government to move forward.
The County Waste Authority will be looking into options for recycling in Indian Mountain Lake. The contract with the County Waste Authority and IML began January 1 with no recycling plan, which is required in Monroe County.
An opening for a constable was announced. Anyone interested should contact Monroe County Board of Elections.
Residents of Tunkhannock Township are encouraged to go to the township’s website and Facebook page for continuing updates on what is happening in the Township.
Tunk Planners accept warehouse appplication
by Ruth Isenberg
Tunkhannock Township Planning Commission accepted two applications during their February 9 meeting. The first was an application for conditional use from Rt. 115 Associates for a warehouse facility. The second was a proposed subdivision at I80/Route 115.
The meeting opened with township supervisor Fran DiPiano, shown at right, explaining why he believes business development is needed in the township to prevent having to raise taxes.
Planning commission members had questions, both about the applications and about the process it should follow. Solicitor Harry Coleman explained that the Commission has a certain amount of time to investigate applications and make recommendations to the board of supervisors. The supervisors must then hold a hearing on the application, and they are then the final decision makers. Commission members requested access to any hearings or meetings applicants have with state agencies.
Community Clothing Closet to open at Pocono Lake UMC
Pocono Lake United Methodist Church is pleased to announce our new ministry to the community; the Community Clothing Closet which will be open on Tuesday, March 1, 5:30 until 7:30 p.m.
Our Clothing Closet is free to all individuals who are experiencing a season of need. We will stock a variety of children, teen and adult sized “gently used” clothing as well as shoes, boots, coats and accessories.
We are excited about this ministry and hope the clothing closet will serve our community well. Please come by and visit and shop if you are experiencing a need.
The Community Clothing Closet will be open the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. and the third Sunday of the month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
You can learn more about our church on our website, www.poconolakeumc.org or visit us on facebook.
Pocono Lake United Methodist Church is located at 1188 Route 940 in Pocono Lake between Pocono Pines and Blakeslee. For more information, call the church 570-6462650.
THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, FEBRUARY 11-24, 2022—PAGE 5 Changing Long Pond into an Industrial Complex
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Journal was unable to attend the January Tunkhannock Township Supervisors’ meeting, and based its report on the previous page from interviewing township officials. The following press release recaps that meeting from the standpoint of the newly formed Tunkhannock Township Residents Committe.
Tunkhannock Township Supervisors made one small change via a zoning amendment but expect to see big results in the form of up to four 60′ tall warehouses and potentially a manufacturing facility on commercially (C2) zoned lands in Long Pond. Approximately 30 residents attended a Public Hearing on January 13, most to protest the supervisors’ proposed ordinance amendment that will allow commercial buildings in the C2 zone to be 60′ tall rather than the current 35′ limit. The Supervisors also received 37 letters and emails from residents opposed to the change.
Board Chairman Fran DePiano stated that the proposed change will make the area more attractive to commercial businesses. Two warehouse developers have provided sketch plans for four warehouses in the township, one just south of Routes 115 & 903; the other three warehouses are being proposed along Route 115 opposite the Dixon Miller Recreation Area.
DePiano pointed out that the township has a lot of protected land that does not provide tax revenue. He said one warehouse would provide an estimated $50,000 in tax revenue yearly, and that Tunkhannock Township supervisors have not raised local taxes in years.
In November, the township’s Zoning Hearing Board unanimously denied the request from one of the warehouse developers for a height variance to enable them to build a 58′ warehouse. The minutes indicate the primary reason given for the increased height was to make the project more economically beneficial to the developer.
In December, after the Zoning Hearing Board rejected the height variance, Township supervisors DePiano, George Ewald and Steve Malaico overruled the Board’s recommendation and proposed an amendment to raise the C2 building height limit to 60′.
All residents who spoke at the Public Hearing were against the proposed height change. Most were particularly worried about adding to the truck traffic on Routes 903 and 115, the township’s main thoroughfares. Residents of Brier Crest, located just off of the intersection, showed concern for the estimated 250 trucks per day, every day, 24 hours a day, from just one warehouse addition. Their only access point, directly on Route 903, has already become more hazardous with the opening of the turnpike interchange, and additional trucks would only add to their risk.
Another resident reminded the Supervisors that the Township’s Volunteer Fire Company does not have a ladder truck to handle emergencies at 60′ buildings. Others pointed out that they moved to the Long Pond area for its beauty, wildlife and natural lands.
A woman who grew up in Long Pond and recently returned to raise her children urged the supervisors not to raise the height limit, a move that would attract warehouses and other businesses that are inconsistent with the township’s rural nature.
Several residents pointed out a connection between the Routes 115 & 903 warehouse to Pocono Raceway, which is located down the road. The Township Supervisors stated that the project was not affiliated with the Raceway, however late in the meeting, Raceway CEO Nick Igdalsky spoke via Zoom, saying that the land being sold for the warehouse was owned by a shell corporation of the Raceway.
After listening to nearly 75 minutes of township residents’ urging them to not raise the height ceiling for C2 businesses, the supervisors closed the Public Hearing and unanimously voted to approve the ordinance, changing the permitted height in C2 zones to 60′. This will affect all C2zoned land in Tunkhannock Township, of which Pocono Raceway owns more than 1,000 acres.
For More Information
contact Tunkhannock Township Residents Committee by email TTRC570@gmail.com; or call 570-243-1763.
From the Statehouse
2021 property tax and rent rebate applications available
by State Rep. Jack Rader
Forms for the Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program are now available for eligible Pennsylvanians to begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2021. Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Help is available from my district offices in Effort and Blakeslee at no charge.
The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Revenue Department automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.
The deadline to apply for a rebate is June 30. Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law. Additional information, as well as claim forms, is available on the Department of Revenue website, www.revenue.pa.gov.
In addition, property owners are reminded that the Pocono Mountain and Pleasant Valley school districts are once again offering rebates to residents on property taxes paid in 2021.
Property owners in Pocono Mountain can learn more about its rebate program at www.pmsd.org/pmsd, on the “Business Office” page.
This year, the Pleasant Valley School District is expanding its rebate program. Learn more at www.pvbears.org, on the “Business Office” page.
Friday Lenten Dinners are back at St. Max Parish with take-out format
BRIDGEPORT ISLANDERS
FRI FEB 11, 7:05 SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS
SAT FEB 19, 6:05
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For many years, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Social Concerns Committee has held three dinners during the Lenten season; proceeds have helped to fund their many outreach endeavors. The committee is actively involved in programs benefiting both the parish and the surrounding community. They have served the community at large by supporting the following agencies with their gifts of time, talent and treasure: Family Promise of Monroe County, Shepherd’s Maternity House, Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos, Nurse Family Partnership, Women’s Resources of Monroe County, Meals on Wheels, and the Top of the Mountain Ecumenical Council Food Pantry. The Committee also has provided holiday gifts for parish families in need and have hosted in the parish hall several free Community dinners each year; these dinners warmly welcomed all who gather to share fellowship and a delicious meal.
While the pandemic made it necessary to suspend all parish dinners for the past two years, the SC Committee has decided to try a different format for their sole fundraiser this year. In our effort to keep patrons and staff safe during the pandemic, we regret that we cannot offer our usual multichoice, multi-course buffets of the past at this time. It is our sincere hope that meals can return to their former extensive format in the near future.
This will be a drive-thru event—no need to leave your car. Pick up time is from 4–6:30 p.m. For each Friday event, your take-out meal will include one entrée selection, salad, bread, and a homemade dessert. You will have a choice between two different entrées at every Take-out Dinner; the entrée options will change for each week. (For our first dinner on March 4, you may select Stuffed Shells OR Vegetable Penne for your entrée.) The cost of each dinner is $10.
Order forms will be available after Masses, in the Parish Office during Office Hours, and on the Parish Website. Complete the order form and seal it in an envelope along with cash or a check made payable to
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St. Maximilian Kolbe. (Please write “Lenten dinner” on the memo line.) Drop the envelope in the offering basket, leave it in the parish office or hand it to a committee member. Members will be available after all Masses on February 20 and 27 (the last day to reserve your meal).
Please help us plan by pre-ordering & pre-paying for your meal(s). If you are unable to pre-order, stop by and we will fill your order while supplies last. If we cancel a meal, your payment will be returned. If you fail to pick up your meal(s), your pre-payment will be considered a donation to the committee.
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish is located at 5112 Pocono Crest Road, near the intersection of Routes 940 and 423. For more information, call 570-6466424 or visit www.stmaxkolbe poconos.org.
THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, FEBRUARY 11-24, 2022—PAGE 7 Delano appointed to Mount Pocono council
by Pat Albano
Norman Delano was appointed to the vacant council seat on Mount Pocono Borough council on February 1, and sworn in by Mayor Altemose. Council then approved Delano’s resignation letter from the Municipal Authority and Struckle’s resignation letter from the Safety Committee.
Council held both a public hearing meeting on the budget and a regular meeting at the Borough Hall. The public hearing was for consideration of the 2022 revised budget.
Council president Don Struckle stated, “It was a tough decision. We reopened the budget and looking at the numbers we must be realistic in goals given the increase in utilities.” Struckle added, “Residents asked for more police, and we have added 20 hours to the budget.”
Also mentioned was the downtown crosswalk which Struckle stated “is important for residents and people who visit the Township.” He concluded “it is unfair to residents if we are in the hole at the end of the year.”
With no public comment, the budget hearing adjourned, and the regular session began.
Of three bids submitted for the borough website, council voted unanimously to award the bid to Proud City. Mayor Randy Altemose stated,” The current website is not secure, and errors have not been corrected. It needs to be more interactive and user friendly.”
Several board members asked for additional time to review the proposals on the appointment of a security company to install intrusion alarm, fire alarm and surveillance system.
Stacy Turrell was named to the Parks and Recreation Board, and Mackenzie and Barbara Wilson to the Pocono Mountain Public Library.
Polygon’s estimate was $64,300 to clean and scan borough documents. Council members Claudette Williams and Lori Noonan questioned the amount. Noonan made a motion to accept Polygon, subject to the estimate.
There was discussion on purchasing an interactive zoning map from MapLink Pro for $6,500 with Altemose indicating MapLink provides satellite and street views. Council member Ann Marie Harris asked, “Are people really going to use this?” and borough manager Josh Walker answered, “It is another tool, gives a professional look and to developers, there is potential.” This was tabled pending further review.
Also tabled was Banner Resolution No 1 of 2022 for Big Brother/Big Sister.
On the reappointment of Campbell Durrant, PC as labor attorney [union negotiations] Struckle said, “I kept that meeting brief given costs for one-hour at $225.” This passed unanimously.
Reports:
Struckle attended a two-day boot camp for new mayors and council members which he said taught “how to run meetings, make motions and most important—networking. It was a great course and I want to congratulate Norman Delano on his appointment to the Board. We will have a good year, and we will disagree at times, but I want no egos and we will do what’s right for residents.”
Walker reported on trash liens. Between 2009-2014 the township collected $22,000. Harris asked how much was collected recently and Walker answered “$2,928 last year, $2,912 the previous year and I budgeted $3,000.”
Bills since January 11 totaling $114,426.70 were preented for payment. Struckle asked why the borough is behind on bills, to which the response was, “because of the open budget.” The motion passed unanimously to pay bills.
Zoning Officer Alexis Wilkinson gave an update via conference call on municipal liens on 32 Brunswick, and a STR Conditional Use Hearing.
Struckle asked if residents are being sent notice to shovel sidewalks. He stressed “Safety comes first and let’s take care of small problems, so they do not become big ones.”
Public comment centered on input from Safety Committee chair Jodi Bohdal on snow removal and people falling on the ground. She also discussed Del Mar Road saying “Something needs to be done to fix the road.”
Joseph Young asked council to consider the problems of Short Term Rentals and loud music and parties near his home. “Parked cars are blocking access to my mailbox and there is vandalism. After 25 years as a resident I want
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to move. I have approached Council several times over the last two years but now with a new council that appears more civilized I am hopeful.”
Council member Claudette Williams mentioned Black History Month. She told the history of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six-Triple Eight, comprised of 855 Black women who in 1945 were sent to Europe to sort 3 years’ backlogged Allied mail—17 million pieces worth—to improve morale. 26 year-old Major Charity Adams headed the group. She was the first African American woman to become an officer in the Women’s Army Corps.
Great shows are coming
The Pocono Mountains Music Festival’s 2022 lineup has something for every taste and style. Jazz, classical, Broadway, our own Pocono Pops! Orchestra, and many others will share the stage, performing in venues in and around Buck Hill, Skytop, and Stroudsburg, July 21 - 30.
The Festival’s dedication to bringing comprehensive Performing Arts education to students continues with this year’s Performing Arts Camp Experience. Rising 9th graders through graduated 12th graders are invited to participate in the two-week Camp Experience and learn from industry professionals, July 18-29.
Don’t miss out on the great performers and performances coming to the Poconos. Check out our website: www.poconofest.org for updates and be the first to reserve your tickets.
Tunk Planners accept warehouse appplication
