Inaugural K9 Cash 5K run and pet walk held at Delps Park, Page 14
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SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2019
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Allen residents argue They should have had Say in garbage contract
Tony Pristash, Chair of the Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce, Tony Iannelli, President & CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jessica O’Donnell, EVP of Affiliated Chambers and Ashley Lorah, Manager of Affiliated Chambers.
Uptown Northampton Street Fair celebrates 30th year anniversary By ERIN FERGUSON Main Street in Northampton transformed itself into an atmosphere filled with over 100 local food, craft and merchant vendors, Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the return of the annual Uptown Northampton Street Fair. In its 30th year, the street fair presented live music from local musicians on two stages and included games, activities and demonstrations by participating local businesses. “This event attracts over 5,000 people yearly and is driven by a large amount of community involvement,” comments Jessica O’Donnell, EVP of Affiliated Chambers and the Northampton Area Chamber Liaison. The smell of food from Geakers Tacos, Josie’s Fancy Funnels, the Taza Truck, Island Expressions
and Northampton’s Grace United Church, just to name a few, filled the streets as you walked around enjoying the sounds of local musicians. During your tour around the fair, you could listen to Henry Laurito as well, a strolling accordion player who performed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day began with Cub Pack 26 and Boy Scout Troop 93 leading the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance on the Main Stage, and the National Anthem sung by Isabella Huerta. Following that were musical performances by Jordan White, Brenna, the Child ID Program by Community Partners 4 Kids, demonstrations by Elite Mixed Martial Arts, Andrew Lobby, performances by 3D Dance Studio, Bryant Brothers, and Tim Harakal ending the day on the Main Stage. After the fair, the Gin Mill
& Grille hosted an after party with food and drink specials including live music from Billy Trexler of the Large Flowerheads. All musical performances were sponsored by the Gin Mill & Grille. Theatre tours were available all day at the Roxy Theatre. The street bar was also open, serving adult beverages such as beer, cider and wine all in commemorative cups, and of course, water for the pups during this pet- friendly event. Despite the gloomy weather, Main Street Northampton was jam-packed with members of the community to make the 30th year anniversary a huge success. The Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce has already begun planning for next year to make year 31 even bigger and better.
By KERI LINDENMUTH Following years of unlimited garbage collection, Allen Township has signed a new contract with Advanced Disposal that only allows three bags of garbage to be put out to the curb every week. While the new garbage agreement does not include a rate hike, some residents believe they should have had a say in the decision. Allen Township resident Tony Bennet spoke before supervisors during their meeting on Tuesday, September 10. He said that the decision should have been put to a vote. “Let township citizens decide between a rate increase or a loss of service,” he said. “How much of a rate increase are we talking compared to the inconvenience?” Gary Seng, another township resident, said Advanced Disposal workers are allegedly ripping open bags and going through trash, rejecting entire bags if one item is not in compliance. “We have got to work around new restrictions,” he said. Despite resident complaints, grass clippings and lawn waste were never allowed to be picked up under old contracts. Supervisor Larry Oberly said that not every decision can go to a public vote. “This is why the Board of Supervisors exists,” he said. “We cannot take things to the people every time.” Before the board entered into a new contract, they used a consultant to put together the bid. Supervisors admitted that they did not read the bid closely enough to realize that garbage was no longer unlimited.
“Most of us were led to believe that everything was staying the same,” admitted Supervisor Dale Hassler. The consultant not requesting a price for unlimited collection further frustrated residents. Solicitor Lincoln Treadwell told residents that “the whole world of trash collection is changing” and that trash collectors face huge fines for not following the rules. As a result, residents should expect to see new regulations. To help residents get around the three-bag limit, Hassler recommended marking a calendar with the number of bags put out each week. If a resident only puts out one bag instead of three, they should be allowed to accumulate the extra bags, he argues. Supervisor Gerald Montanari recommended that residents ask their neighbors to share bags. However, Oberly clarified that these are individual recommendations and not recommendations made “as a board.” In other news, supervisors approved the construction of dugouts at Howertown Park’s main baseball field. The dugouts came at the request of the Bath-Allen Youth Club, who will be contributing $2,500 toward the total cost of $49,000. Funds will be coming from the township’s recreation fund.
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