The
Journal of the POCONO PLATEAU ©2024, All Rights Reserved
VOLUME 29, NUMBER 6
Mid August, 2024
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Elements return fires up Tunk Twp residents by Ruth Isenberg It was standing room only at the normally quiet Tunkhannock Township Supervisors’ meeting on Wed., August 14. Over 30 residents attended, unanimous in their complaints about the Elements Music Festival the previous weekend at Pocono Raceway. Complaints centered on
noise, including music into the early morning hours, with bass they said was strong enough to shake their windows; traffic backed up for miles; and allegations that drugs were littered across the property where the event took place. Supervisor’s chairman George Ewald asked Atty. Jim Tressler to address the issue before opening the floor for comments,
and passed out a letter from township solicitor Harry Coleman, who was unable to attend because of a scheduled deposition. The letter noted that the township supervisors were not the party who allowed the event to take place, and that the Zoning Hearing Board had granted a variance to permit the use. He pledged to investigate complaints of noise, traffic
and criminal conduct, and report back within 45 days (at the October meeting). This was not satisfactory to the people attending the meeting. Several people noted that the same problems had occured last year, and supervisors had met with the organizers, who had promised to correct them. Josh Bedell had a copy of the variance that was issued
by the Zoning Hearing Board, which included a statement by Pocono Raceway’s Nick Igdalsky that the festival would not impact the neighboring properties. Bedell noted that since this was obviously not the case, the variance should be revoked. While this was a popular suggestion, Atty. Tressler explained that the See ELEMENTS, page 2
National Night Out marks reopening of inclusive playground at Blanche D. Price Park in Tobyhanna Twp Tobyhanna Township defied the rain and held a combination National Night Out and the grand reopening of the Blanche D. Price Memorial Park Playground on August 6. The newly renovated playground features handicap inclusive areas—ensuring everyone can enjoy their time at the park. A Pour & Place surface with ramp access, wheelchair accessible swings, new Mommy & Me swings, and many other fun elements mean that Blanche D. Price Memorial Park will be added to the National Demonstration Site presented by Playcore, which showcases parks around the country promoting physical activity and handicap accessible parks.
Picture at left, new swings designed for guests of all ages and abilities. Above, ASL Board brings inclusive play to Blanche D. Price Park.