JUNE 19-25, 2014 Your Local News
Salem UCC Gears Up For VBS Page 3
50 cents
The Home News
Lehigh Township Supervisors Discuss Cherryville intersection, Capital improvement plan
Intersection in Cherryville to get lane improvements. By JOE KORBA The Home News
The intersection of Blue Mountain Drive and Route 248 in Cherryville was one of the topics covered at the Lehigh Township Supervisor’s Meeting on June 10. Jim Milot, of Hanover Engineering Associates Inc., told the board about the planning meeting the night prior that included discussion of the project involving Turkey Hill at the intersection. The developer’s current plans do not include a left turning lane going eastbound on Route 248. “We would like to facilitate turning lanes in all directions,” Mr. Milot said. “It's more efficient and cost effec-
73rd Year, Issue No. 25 www.homenewspa.com
tive to do everything at once.” Mr. Milot also discussed the potential cost of building a fourth lane at the intersection, saying that it would be “in excess of $100,000, but not more than $175,000 or $200,000.” He said that we “don't need to build the Mercedes, we just need a safe, functional turning lane.” Darryl Snover, Chairmen of the Board of Supervisors, thinks that PennDOT may have intentionally stayed away from the project. “I think the state avoids the Cherryville intersection because of right-of-way issues,” Mr. Snover said. The right-of-way problems eventually led to a discourse
-Photo by ALICE WANAMAKER about eminent domain, the compulsory purchase of private property for public us-
Capital Improvement Program
A Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a roadmap that provides direction and guidance for a municipality to carefully plan and manage its capital and infrastructure assets. It is a short range plan, usually four to ten years that allows for the systemic evaluation of all potential projects. A CIP presents the opportunity to stabilize debt and consolidate projects to reduce borrowing costs.
Flag Day retirement Ceremony held at American Legion post
By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
A collection of worn, tattered and torn American flags was burned ceremoniously on Saturday afternoon, in a program held at Eckley E. Patch Post #470, American Legion in Bath. More than 40 persons attended the event in front of the post home. Post Commander Brian Radcliffe opened the program by introducing members of the committee that had arranged it: American Legion Unit 470 President Laura Diehl, Paul Haldaman, Scott Ackerman and Val Slamovich. He then presented the
age. Although very tentative, councilman Keith Hantz wanted to clarify. “Eminent domain is when the township wants to take land, just so I'm clear,” he said. Ultimately, the supervisors seemed to be in agreement that action needed to be taken by the township to have the fourth eastbound lane put in. “I don't want the township debating options to hold up Turkey Hill's project,” Mr. Hantz said. Supervisor Cynthia Miller concurred with the idea of having a fourth lane built. “We want to make sure the intersection is done to the ex-
American Legion Eckley E. Patch Post 470 Scholarship to Kayla Gradwohl. She will be studying electrical engineering at Wilkes University, and thanked the Legion for the monetary award. Local State Representative Marcia Hahn said that the American flag is a symbol of freedom for all Americans. “It stands for the freedoms we all share and is a tribute to the veterans who fought for it,” she told the audience. Cmdr. Radcliffe told of the history of the flag and how it came to have 13 red and white stripes for the Continued on page 2
tent that we need it,” she said. Another agenda item was the potential hiring of a new police officer and public works employee. The public works issue was quickly resolved as the current workers are okay with the current amount of employees, but the police officer hiring proved to be more contentious. Lehigh Township Police Chief Scott Fogel told the supervisors about the problems faced by police short staffing. “To look at it though the funnel of budgeting is a mistake. It's a handicap to only have one officer on from 3 a.m. until 11 a.m.,” Chief Fogel said. “Backup can be ten Continued on page 3
Inside
Northampton ERVICE Re-opening ceremony and open house USPS 248-700
at the newly remodeled Northampton Area Public Library. Page 9
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
Service Water WellService & Pump Service Water Well & Pump eatment Plumbing & Water Treatment
26
Plumbing & Water Treatment
www.kochergeowelldrilling.com (610) 837-8226 (610) 837-8226