50¢
71st Year, Issue No. 28 USPS 248-700
JULY 12-18, 2012 A General Circulation Newspaper Serving The Community Since 1942
SERVING BATH, CHAPMAN, NORTHAMPTON, NAZARETH BOROS; ALLEN, E. ALLEN, MOORE, LEHIGH, BUSHKILL, LOWER NAZARETH & UPPER NAZARETH TWPS.
Dumpster ordinance tabled As questions raised at Council By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
Bath Borough Council was ready on Monday, July 2 to adopt an ordinance amending a chapter of the borough code on regulating dumpsters. But a flurry of questions from four persons – two businessmen and two representing organizations with social clubs – stopped Council. The ordinance was tabled and will NICK TRAGO gave up his long hair of 20 years to barber Tara be discussed at a continued Tordonato. It was part of the Bath Republican Club fund-raiser, meeting on Monday, August “Wigs for Kids.” (Story & photos on page 7.) – Home News photo 6 at 6 p.m., with possible action on changes following at a regular meeting scheduled for one hour later that night. Roger Rehrig of Thirst Quenchers questioned about the screening and how it would apply. He was told it By BILL HALBFOERSTER velop it. The latter exempts real would affect new construcThe Home News property from further millage tion, but not those who are
School board learns value Of farmland preservation
Northampton Area School Board members, and the visiting public, on Monday night heard a presentation on farmland preservation and how it is more cost effective to the municipalities, school districts and county over development for housing. Also part of the meeting was an explanation on the highly regulated process the district will need to go through with the Pa. Dept. of Education over the coming weeks in regard to the construction of a new middle school. Mrs. Maria Bentzoni, director of the Northampton County Farmland Preservation Board, explained about conservation easements and offered reasons for preserving farmland. She said four square miles of farmland and open space is lost each year to development. She explained the difference between Act 319/515 and Act 4. The former adjusts taxes on land, but the owner can still de-
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increases, and the land is forever committed to open space. Mrs. Bentzoni’s presentation was an effort to convince the school district to adopt Act 4. Only Nazareth and Northampton school districts have not in Northampton County, and to do so would mean fiscal benefits, for preserving farmland today, saves money tomorrow, she said. It costs the school district an estimated $14,560 to educate a student, while revenue per student is only $8,398. She said the impact for 125 acres of farmland per student would only be $41.45. While the school board had questions, persons in the audience were heard as well, both for and against the program. Mike Meyers of Lehigh Township asked what happens if land is preserved as a farm, and his children later don’t want to farm it. Mrs. Bentzoni said there are farmers who would use it. She said the program is 100% voluntary, and if land is chosen for preservation, it carries on for future generations. David Tashner, chairman of the Moore Township Board of Supervisors, said he’d rather see farmland than have the impact of subdivisions from stormwater issues, roads, and other long-term maintenance costs. “Ultimately, it is a saving to the school district to have the Continued on page 2
remodeling. Then he wanted to know if it is the tenant or the landlord who is responsible for the dumpster. Answer, the landlord. Are garbage cans part of the ordinance? No, only dumpsters. Emmanuel Mirabito, owner of My Place Pizza Restaurant, said that landowners should be responsible for what the tenant does. ------------------------------
“Are we having garbage gestapos to regulate us?” Manny Mirabito, My Place Pizza Restaurant -----------------------------He asked how many sides must the dumpster be screened to hide it from view. Three or more is listed in the ordinance. Does the law require a building permit to put a structure such as a fence
around the dumpster? No, a permit is only required for the dumpster. Lids must be closed and locked so that garbage can’t be seen or allowed to fly around. Mirabito said the new rules will be costly to merchants who have dumpsters, when all they want to do is keep them clean. “Are we having garbage gestapos to regulate us?” he asked. He said he can’t be going out very early in the morning to check on dumpsters when working late at night. Jim Pasquariello of the Bath Fire Co. Social Hall said as the law is written, cars can’t park in front of the dumpster. If the owners have a hardship with how they have to handle their dumpster, Council said they would have to prove it. The Continued on page 13
Moore Township buying Leaf collection trailer
By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
Promising not to wait until the last leaves fall, the Moore Township Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 3 voted to lease purchase a leaf collection trailer. Chairman David Tashner said it is one step in making the collection more efficient. The township does not pick up leaves by streets, but by districts, and will place ads in the paper when and where the leaf collections will be held in the fall. At the end of three years, the self-contained trailer with a capacity of 25 yards will be purchased for $34,014. Other Matters • A lot line adjustment was on the agenda for Zion Wesleyan Church, but at the meeting it was revealed that the Moore Township Planning Commission found that the plans can’t go forward at this time. The church will have to go back to the planning board since they need 24 feet of land. The church spokesman said under the township’s subdivision and land development ordinance they wouldn’t have to, but Tashner said they would, under state rules. Zion Wesleyan’s planning module and the lot line adjustment will go to the MTPC in August. Blue Star Quick Stop at
Klecknersville requested an extension of time to July 1, 2013 and it was approved. The Eagle Point subdivision deed of dedication was approved by resolution. Two other plans have been granted an extension in time to Sept. 30, and will be brought before the supervisors in August. • Glenn Shoemaker, for the Environmental Advisory Committee, said that the recent recycling drive was a success, bringing in 49,230 lbs. of electronics and 9,480 lbs. of air conditioners, dehumidifiers and refrigerators. The next annual collection in the township will be on June 8, 2013, and the board granted
$500 to advertise it. Shoemaker complimented the supervisors for their recent special meeting, particularly with how they made a decision regarding the Schiavone property. It was announced that on July 9 the farmland preservation committee would discuss Act 4 with the Northampton Area School Board. Act 4 will be retroactive to the farms that have been purchased. • Under recreation, engineer Al Kortze said he would attend a meeting on July 6 concerning the five-year comprehensive plan. Recreation Center roads are closed for now due to Continued on page 15
Working on the gazebo
Bobby Ricci & Jerry Wotring, Trunzo employees, finishing forms. (Story on Page 16.) – Contributed photo