The
Journal of the POCONO PLATEAU ©2024, All Rights Reserved
VOLUME 28, NUMBER 17
Late January, 2024
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Tobyhanna Twp. supervisors turn down warehouse conditional use proposal by Seth Isenberg
WELCOME TO CAMP LIFE: Michael Dembinski stands in the entryway to Dembinski Realty’s new home, located in the former Bendixen’s gift shop in Pocono Summit. JP: Ruth Isenberg
Realty office’s new home shows fun of camp life by Ruth Isenberg
Open Houses can be important tools for selling homes. Earlier this month, Michael Dembinski used this tool to show off not only the new location of Dembinski Realty, but also to illustrate how much fun, and how beautiful, ‘camp life’ can be. Dembinski Realty is now located at 2414 Route 940, in the former Bendixen’s gift shop — a space Michael has transformed into a showcase of ideas. A mix of antiques, craft pieces and artwork gives the space the air of a mountain cabin, rustic and sophisticated at the same time.
Michael had a hand in selecting all the furnishings and artwork, with one goal in mind — to reflect the beauty and history of the area Dembinski Realty serves. In a tour of the two-story space, he talked about maintaining the feeling of the mountain camp lifestyle found in their primary service areas of Lake See CAMP LIFE, page 4
There was a full house at the Tobyhanna Township monthly Supervisors meeting on January 16 after a snowstorm. Commercial property developers J.G. Petrucci Co. presented their proposed warehouse project for Mackes Road in Blakeslee. The 364,000 square foot building on 42 acres would host a company that could employ about 300. The building has all of its 60 loading docks on the riverside of the structure — away from neighbors. 298 parking spaces would be on the opposite side of the building, shielded by a wooded buffer. It would have a sprinkler system, and its own septic. Jim Petrucci came before supervisors with his team to explain the project and seek conditional land development approval so they can get started. With approval, the building could be finished in 2026, and occupied by a tenant. Discussed first was traffic, with an estimated 613 daily trips between employees and trucks. They are proposing improvements to widen Route 115 at Mackes Road to ease access, but no northbound turn lane. This was not well received, and
led to questions from several audience members. The Petrucci team explained their position that a left turn lane was not needed. It was pointed out that a proposal to develop the former Village Squire property, just south of the corners, required turning lanes. Discussion turned to a waiver request for spillway design change. The runoff would be sent onto the Dream Mile (Fishing) Club property. Attorney Rick Weist, a Tobyhanna Township resident and member of the Dream Mile Club, spoke against the proposal. Speaking for the Club, he said “We are concerned with the sanctity of the stream.” A particular concern was hot water runoff from the parking areas that could affect the cool temperature of the Tobyhanna Creek. A vote to approve the design waiver failed 3-1-1, Ed Tutrone in favor, Joseph Colyer abstaining. Discussion returned to the traffic issue. Neighbor Ron Habakus, who is not opposed to the project, was a clear voice about the northbound traffic on Route 115. He explained that when he goes to make a left turn into his property, northbound traffic passes him at full speed on
the shoulder. Various other audience members backed up Habakus’ statement. Petrucci said this can be revisited once a tenant is in place. Having completed their presentation, a vote was called for. On a motion to deny the conditional approval of a land development plan, it was 4-1, Colyer abstaining. Other business began with consideration of Resolution #5 of 2024, which changes who can represent Tobyhanna Township on the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Commission board. It passed unanimously — the change allows for three qualified citizens to serve, not restricted to just Board of Supervisors members. Discussion from the audience suggested at least one of the members should be a sitting supervisor. Penn Strategies, the township’s grant writing partner, would like to feature the township in their client spotlight section. Penn Strategies has found numerous grants for the township. This was approved. Reports included the Bureau of Fire, who have been busy with winter crashes and trees down. The Bureau — Station See TOBYHANNA TWP., page 4