SEPT. 20-26, 2012 Your Local News
Dartball Returns,
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Page 6
Fashion Show at Moravian Hall Square Page 4
The Home News homenewspa.com
Lehigh Township to Advertise Solar Ordinances for Adoption By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
Two ordinances – one for solar energy and another for an update on storm water management – will be advertised for adoption, the Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors said at their Sept. 11 meeting. The proposed solar ordinance was discussed as it affects residential use. It would set a limit of 18 kwh or 1,000 sq. ft. for an accessory solar system for residences. That would be the norm for a single family home. Anything over that would exceed the limit, and be classified as a business such as MetroTech, which sought to install a solar array at the Lehigh Elementary School. In addition to advertising the proposed ordinance, it will also be on the township’s web page. The other proposed ordinance on storm water management is simply an update to comply with state regulations. Other Matters • Last month, Larry Turoczy of Lehigh Engineering questioned about sewage for a property the company owns. Act 537 would have to be updated for Pa. DEP to allow a sewer module for that commercial district. As it is now, the property does not have public sewerage. Lehigh Township adopted the Act 537 Plan in 1973. If it is updated, the township will need reimbursement of at
71st Year, Issue No. 38
USPS 248-700
least 50% from the developer. • Township Engineer Phillip Malitsch discussed a 15cent per ton “tipping” fee by McAuliffe Hauling to deal with some of the problems on Timberline Road. Solicitor David Backenstoe will work out an agreement with McAuliffe on the fee that would go toward road improvements. • The Supervisors voted to have Buchert-Horn of Center Valley provide a master concept plan for municipal building needs in the township so that they are done in a coordinated manner. The cost: $10,900. • Conditional approval was given to the lot consolidation plan for 496 S. Cottonwood Rd., along with one waiver, and the lot line adjustment for the Dale Ritter minor subdivision on Blue Mountain Drive, with waivers. • MS4 is a set of new regulations by DEP on watersheds, that supervisors chairman Darryl Snover views as more “reshuffling of paperwork” by a state agency that only costs the township money. It requires a permit renewal for 2013. • Township Manager Alice Rehrig reported on applying to Monroe County for three gaming grants, costing $100 each, that if received could pay for a truck, street sweeper and energy management. Mrs. Rehrig is also getting in expense figures from the various township departments as preparations are made for the 2013 township budget. • Supervisor Dell Grove said he is collecting ads to help pay for the new township newsletter. He suggested that the Continued on page 9
Neighbors Continue Protest Over Quarry Fill in Allen Tp.
By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
Larry Oberly and several of his neighbors along Atlas Road returned to the Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday in regard to their concerns about the Krapf property. Oberly read portions of a five-page statement of issues they have with the filling operations going on at an abandoned quarry. Chairman Paul Balliet told Oberly that Solicitor Lincoln Treadwell would review the questions, and the solicitor said he would meet with Oberly over their concerns. The quarry was there long before the zoning ordinance came into existence, Treadwell told him. He added that if the discussion is to take place at a public meeting, he will bring all his records. The neighbors told the board that the issue has been dragging on for years and the Krapf’s have been doing it without a permit. The
quarry and surrounding land was purchased by Howard J. Krapf/Hanover Lines in 1979. At the time of purchase, 20 acres of more than 74 acres were zoned industrial and the remainder conservation. Oberly asserted that Pa. DEP found violations regarding the use of the quarry. By 2003, he said, all the conservation zones were changed and the 74 acres are now zoned industrial. His report showed that in April 2004, “Total Recycling Corp.” was created along with “Impact Environmental.” He said the purpose was to create and develop a clean fill acceptance plan for classifying construction and demolition debris and/or soil as “clean fill” for the Atlas quarry. One resident asked, “Why is it taking so long to fill the quarry, and why so much noise?” He claimed that it occurs even between 2 and 4 a.m. as trucks come and go. The neighbors asserted that their home values are being affected by dumping stuff
from New York in the quarry. Balliet said that he believes that the only thing that will satisfy the people is a cease and desist order. “We’re spinning our wheels,” Oberly said. Supervisor William Holmes remarked that it would be good to get Howard and Kay Krapf to the township meeting, and then the neighbors could vent their frustrations. Again Oberly commented, “Why a zoning ordinance if people aren’t required to get a permit?” Three persons not connected with the issue were asked if a permit is required for all businesses to open, and the answer was “yes.” A resident said, “The township allowed this to start and they will have to stop it,” asserting that there are noises and vibrations during the day as well as at night. Richard Kreglow asked Treadwell if he were in this situation, what would he do? Continued on page 2
Students invited to give ideas For “Library of the Future”
The Northampton Area Public Library Board of Trustees is planning for the future. They need ideas and input in order to accurately anticipate our community’s needs as we move further into the 21st century. Accordingly, the Friends of Northampton Area Public Library are sponsoring a contest to garner ideas from students for our “Library of the Future”. Entries should address the following scenario: The year is 2017 and you walk into the Northampton Area Public Library, describe what you
imagine the ideal library of the future to be. 1st place prize of $100 and 2nd place prize of $50 will be awarded in each of the following categories: Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. A 1st place prize of $150 and 2nd place prize of $75 will be awarded in the Group category. Elementary students’ entries should consist of an 8 ½ x14 poster and an essay. Other entries may be drawings, floor plans, a PowerPoint, multimedia presentation, or any combination thereof.
Each entrant must be a student in grades K through 12 during the 2012-2013 school year. All entrants must be residents of the Northampton Area School District, but do not have to attend school in the district. The contest is open to parochial school students, homeschoolers, cyber schoolers, etc. All entries must be received or postmarked by October 31, 2012. For complete rules and guidelines, and an entry form, visit the library or check the website: www.northamptonapl.org
Sports............................6
Nazareth . ....................10
Gab Over The Fence ........3
Bath...............................7
Obituaries ...................12
Dr. Clearie......................4
Seniors...........................8
Classifieds ...................14
Carol Ritter....................5
Northampton .................9
Police ...........................16
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