Category Archives: Uncategorized

Lower Mac Christmas Tree Pickup

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FYI: Christmas trees will be picked up by Waste Management on your normal trash collection day (by separate truck) for 2 weeks beginning January 4th through January 15th, 2016.

Trees will not be accepted if they are in plastic bags, bound with twine and/or have any ornamentation on them, including lights. If you wish to remove your tree before or after the scheduled collection, it can be taken to the Yard Waste Recycling Center at 5536 Indian Creek Road. The same rules regarding ornamentation apply. Wreaths should be placed in with your trash, they cannot be recycled due to the wire.

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LMT Community center & residents support neighbors

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Our fantastic community center staff and the generosity of our residents is an ongoing point of pride here in Lower Mac. It’s demonstrated year round. Here are two examples I wanted to share that are recent:


THANK YOU COMMUNITY CENTER STAFF & RESIDENTS!!!!!

Pajamas & Books.
This year the pajama program accepted donations of 328 pairs of new pajamas and 304 books. The donations are collected on behalf of the County Office for Children and Youth Services. PJ’s and books will be distributed to local children’s shelters many of whom are waiting to be adopted.

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Lower Macungie Troop Support Program
Pictured below are soldiers stationed overseas who received items from this years program. This is the 7th year. Residents made the donations at the community center and the township paid for shipping. Over the years the township has sent 578 boxes to 81 solders. 
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State lawmaker spending for East Penn area

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Couple thoughts:
I am glad PA has a professional legislature but size of house should be reduced. In theory a professional legislature makes sense for a state the size of Pennsylvania. However, the size of the house needs to be reduced. Currently in the Senate the average district handles about 250,000 residents. In the house it’s 60,000. I think that number can be increased to about 100,000 residents per district in the house.

I think Reps & Senators should only make the average median income of the district they represent. I wrote about this couple years ago.  Today, the average salaries for our elected officials in PA are the 2nd highest in the nation for professional state legislators.

Clearly, we still need some reform of expenses in both chambers. The Senate is heading in the right direction. At least this past year having reduced expenses 14%. Still, the discrepancies in both chambers between the high spenders and the low spenders remain far too great. And in a lot of cases hard to justify.

This isn’t a partisan problem. We have big spenders and frugal spenders on both sides of the aisle. 

Lastly, I think the Morning Call does a pretty good job pulling together this information each year. Great work by our local newspaper.

HOUSE
Each House district represents an average of 60,498 residents. Pay is an average of 78,000

Gary Day – 68,915.41 (rank 9th highest out of 203)
Ryan Mackenzie – 50,563.09 (rank 124 out of 203)
Justin Simmons – 38,016.89 (rank 176 out of 203)

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SENATE
Each state Senate district represents an average population of 254,047 residents. Pay is an average of 85,000

Looks like for Senators office lease totals are reported as yearly and for the house it’s monthly. Note: Some Senators maintain multiple district offices. For example Lisa Boscola maintains 3. Bethlehem, Whitehall and Easton. Personally, I think that’s a justified service to constituents since Senatorial districts are so large.

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#pabudget fiasco

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Latest on the fiasco that is the #pabudget. Looks like thanks to some procedural maneuvering the Senate “budget framework” is back on the table.

What that means for liquor privatization and pension reform? Who knows. What we do know is the “framework” for spending was moved forward apparently instead of an 11 month stop gap budget. The spending plan will now require an additional 700 million in new revenue. That will be tackled in the coming days. But hey, vote for the spending package first – handle that pesky little detail about how you pay for it later. Makes sense? Right?

Speculation is that it could happen on Christmas Eve. Here come higher tax increases – Merry Christmas!??

There are lots of better sources for evaluation of what this all means. What I like to do here is post how our local LV delegation voted FYI since it’s not always easy to figure it out.

On a vote that essentially positions the 30.8B framework for consideration – as opposed for a stop gap – The original Senate Bill was sponsored by Pat Browne (R)
Voting no (you can only assume in support of a 11 month stop gap?)
Ryan Mackenzie (R)
Justin Simmons (R)
Gary Day (R)
Julie Harhart (R)

Voting yes – (in favor of a return to framework as opposed to stop gap)
Mike Schlossberg (D)
Pete Schweyer (D)
Dan McNeill (D)

I’ll say this. Whole process has been frustration. Pension reform, severance tax and liquor store privatization – all items that majority of Pennsylvanians support based on polling. And yet here we are 150+ days into a deadlock and its possible we have no action on any. Tax increases with no structural reform is total loss for Republicans who hold the majority of the general assembly.

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Why? We have two parties silo’d and slotted into heavily gerrymandered districts. So each one answers to special interest masters.

In PA’s gerrymandered mess voters don’t choose politicians. Politicians choose voters. I sincerely believe that is at the core of this stalemate and the result is a lack of action on most all critical issues. I don’t blame individuals. I blame the system.

Related: HELP SLAY THE GERRYMANDERER! Support SB 484

The 134th - "Contiguous and Compact"......?

Last iteration 134th  – “Contiguous and Compact”……?

The 134th today - "Compact and Contiguous"?

The 134th today – “Compact and Contiguous”?

Leonard Pools Legacy

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Good article in the Morning Call over the weekend. Lehigh Valley Hospital charitable giving questioned. In light of this I wanted to write again about the Farr Tract. Here were my initial thoughts. 

In the article LVHN CEO Brian Nester talks about the legacy of Leonard Pool. Pool of course was the founder of Air Products and provided the initial funding for LVHN’s flagship LVH-Cedar Crest campus.

Of Pools many legacies one is that of environmental stewardship. At the center of which is the 77.5-acre Pool Wildlife Sanctuary. Pool, bequeathed the sanctuary to Wildlands Conservancy in 1975.

Today, Mr. Pool’s ideals live on. You would think in light of his legacy of giving back to the community that he would be concerned with the manner LVHN is seemingly ignoring a very fair offer from the Wildlands Conservancy. One can only guess that LVHN’s submittal of a very impactful “shoe horn” development plan on such a constrained piece of land is an effort to drive up price.

I hope that at some point our community-oriented hospital network decides to get out of the land development business, hear township concerns and reconsider the offer to preserve this land.

This would still allow substantial benefit to be recognized by the network, do no harm to it’s neighbors and honor Mr. Pools legacy in his vision for the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary. 

 

The township fund balance.

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During the budget vote it was stated that Commissioners should have used reserves to balance the budget.

Couple of issues with that premise:

First, the budget was already balanced when the millage/homestead rates were considered. We did that last in the process at the final budget workshop.
The combination millage and homestead reduction is virtually revenue neutral. Before we set the millage and homestead we had already balanced the budget. One Commissioners quote that the millage increase will raise 300k in new revenue is also inaccurate. The forecast is for only a 100k increase which is within a margin of error accounting for early payments or late payments.

Second, the township doesn’t have 9M in unreserved funds. Here is why and the breakdown. 

It’s important to understand Lower Macungie has an adopted fund balance policy. It represents good financial management. You can view it here. Credit goes to the prior board for doing this. I critique them often for some moves they made but this represented sound fiscal planning.

Considering all of the above it’s misleading to imply an un-designated fund balance of “10 million”. But that’s politics. It is what it is. All of the above is designated monies according to township fiscal management policies.

So what about the remaining?
Where does the remaining balance come from? Well it’s pretty simple. It came from removing the 3M+ Quarry Park Astroturf project from the 2016 budget which Commissioners Brown, Gallardo and myself did in November. Artificial turf plan nixed in Lower Macungie

What next?
Moving forward the budget process isn’t quite complete. In January the budget will be re-opened. One item I will propose, is to designate remaining un-designated funds specifically to open space and farmland preservation. This does not mean the money has to be spent. It only means it will be put into purpose restricted “savings account” that will allow the township to react if preservation opportunities arise. This protects the balance from being “chipped away at” over time. Which is always a concern.

How this fits into a preservation strategy.
Over the last two years we’ve considered a number of strategies for funding farmland and open space preservation. Commissioners agreed we did not want an income tax increase. We next explored a bond since the township will retire all our debt in 2019. The issue here is that with a bond we needed preservation targets lined up. Right now the township is actively seeking opportunities. The only strategy that allows flexibility to respond to opportunities as they arise is cash on hand. This gives us the most flexibility to preserve land without an additional tax and without taking on additional debt. 

And that’s what I intend to do. I believe the township has a 5-6 year window to preserve land. I sincerely believe that the window is rapidly closing. I think I was voted into office on a clear platform centered around smarter growth, fiscal responsibility and land preservation. I’ve written extensively why I believe it makes sound financial sense. I intend to honor that promise. I’ve been working 2 years towards that goal. 

Agenda Preview 12/17/15 – 2016 Budget

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12/17 Board of Commissioners agenda with detail.

Last meeting video – 12/3/15

Announcements & Presentations:
At the last meeting of the year we take the time to thank volunteers whose terms are ending and opt not to re-apply. We have a few this year including the current chair of the Environmental Advisory Council –  Scott Alderfer. Scott served for I believe 7 years on the EAC. He’s a founding member. Huge thanks to Scott who has always been a hard working chair. Spearheaded a number of projects ranging from tree plantings to invasive plant removals. Scott is moving on from the EAC will continue to make LMT a better place by chairing the newly formed Arbor Day committee. Each year the Committee plants a tree and holds a ceremony in a township open space.

This will also be the last meeting of Commissioner Jim Lancsek who served for 4 years. Prior to that Jim was the zoning officer for 2 decades. I’m going to write a post about Jim tomorrow. He’s a good guy and I learned alot from him.

Hearings and Approvals: We have the Fields at Indian Creek Project up for final approval. This has not been a very inspiring project. It represents the kind of project we must get away from. Lower Mac is reviewing it but we only have a very small % in our township. The rest is a 50/50 split with Emmaus Borough & Upper Milford.

The project calls for 218 homes to be shoe horned on 72 acres of the former Indian Creek Golf Course.

200+ units shoehorned on the old Indian Creek Golf Course

200+ units shoehorned on the old Indian Creek Golf Course. Many units directly back onto the turnpike. A totally uninspiring project.

The concerns throughout the review were:

  • Emergency Access
  • Open Space (or lack thereof)
  • Ensuring walkability along Indian Creek Rd. and connectivity with Camp Olympic and Cedar Crest Rd. open space.
  • Ensuring a traffic signal is installed at Allen and Chestnut St.
  • Homes jammed up against the turnpike


Bottom line with this one is it’s a real shame this golf course was never preserved. The development is a shoe horn project. Wholly uninspiring. It’s just not at all a good design. And no matter how we handle it access will always be a problem. The proximity to the turnpike also in my opinion is crazy. The noise will be constant. A large percentage of units will abut directly.

There could have been some neat opportunities to do an innovative cluster plan here. But they were never explored. End of the day the fault lies with ALL (LMT, UM AND EMMAUS) of our very poor and antiquated zoning codes which still  allow projects like this. Another reason Lower Mac needs a comprehensive re-write.

 

Communication:
Most of the letters this week deal with volunteer board applications and appointments. thank you to all our applicants.
Engineering:
We have 4 penndot traffic signal permits on the agenda. All are related to “Grandview” crossings development. (The new weis & apartments). 3 are pretty straightforward. I still have issues with signal proposed at Willow Ln and Sauerkraut Rd. All together the township will takeover long term maintenance of by my latest count at least a DOZEN new traffic lights in the next few years. There are going to be costs…
The four signals are:
Willow Lane & Rt. 100
Alburtis Rd. & Rt. 100
Gehman & Rt. 100
Willow Ln. & Sauerkraut

 

Solicitor:
A request to fund a land preservation acquisition fee was put on the agenda by me. An application costs 500.00. I believe we should be doing everything possible to help out landowners who wish to permanently preserve farmland. This property in particular is a very important one. It’s on the already stressed Rt. 100 corridor and has some of the townships best soil quality.

I would ask for a blanket policy for any farmland preservation applicant to ensure everyone has the same opportunity and also that the cost is reimbursed at the end of the process that way if an applicant pulls for any reason the township isn’t stuck with the bill.

 

Manager:
Approving the 2016 Township budget.

Here is an email I sent out with an overview.

It goes into detail my thoughts on some of the biggest picture items. Approving the budget is one of the biggest tasks of the year. It was a multi-month process with 3 public workshops and a month long public vetting period.

If you have any questions on anything not mentioned here please email me at ronbeitler@gmail.com

Interested in the future of Lower Mac? Mark your calendars!

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What will our community look like in ten years? twenty years?
Announcing Southwest Lehigh Regional Comprehensive Plan Update
Public Participation opportunities.

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All meetings which take place the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Lower Macungie Municipal Building are open to the public. In addition there will be some special meetings designed specifically for public participation. The first is coming up Jan 14th:

Click here –> TAKE THE SURVEY <–Click here


What is the the SWLCCP?
The Southwest Lehigh County Comprehensive Plan is an effort by six municipalities to create a coordinated 10 year master plan. The Boroughs of Emmaus, Macungie, & Alburtis along with the Townships of Lower Macungie, Upper and Lower Milford are working together under the guidance of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. Bookmark the SWLCCP site!

Why are we producing a Comprehensive Plan?
By law, municipalities in the Commonwealth are required to produce a master plan every ten years. The master plan assess the state of the built environment and projects a vision to guide future development of the Borough.

Why are we working with other Municipalities?
The answer is twofold.  First, by sharing the effort among six municipalities we are able to reduce the financial burdens on the region.

Second, because of the interconnectedness of our communities, taking regional point of view in developing the Plan is an advantage to all parties and is more likely to be implemented in future development.

So what do we have to do?
The centerpiece of this effort with be a joint Workshop involving interested stakeholders from each municipality coming together to brainstorm ideas for for the region. This workshop ­called a “charette”. And here is the flyer!

Who can be a Stakeholder?
Anyone with an interest! ­From residents to business owners. All are welcome to participate and voice their thoughts and engage in dialogue.

UPDATE: The first large-scale public meeting took place Jan 14th and had over 80 residents in attendance! The 2 day charette the week prior over 100 participants! The Survey is the next step to get involved. Take it now here.

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Farr Tract

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Lehigh Valley Hospital, a property trustee, submitted a by right preliminary plan for 94 single homes on a 54 acre property at 2660 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. & Lower Macungie Rd.

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What this means: A by-right plan means the submittal is conceptually allowed under the current zoning ordinance. It may however, still need waivers or variances. Variances are granted through the Zoning Hearing Board. Waivers through the Board of Commissioners. Only after a thorough review from staff will we know what would be required.

The plan had a first public vetting at the planning commission on Tuesday. The township engineer presented a 20 page review letter of concerns and comments.

My primary concern with the project is unit count. While there are appropriate locations for Urban density in the township, I don’t believe this is one. The access problems are obvious and present safety issues. Further, Cedar Crest Blvd is an identified PennDOT congested corridor. It’s compounded since the corridor is a freight route. I realize the LVPC regional comprehensive plan identifies this area as U. Problem is our township has (unfortunately) changed significantly and deviated from the plan since it’s adoption. Planning only works if you stick to it. In 2010 our township deviated so significantly that the plans are no longer valid relating to us. The township is currently working with partners to address this problem by updating our local Southwest Regional Comprehensive Plan.

At the meeting there were some astute comments by township resident and former Commissioner Deana Zosky representing a group of concerned residents that I wanted to react to. Responding to residents is our first priority.

  • Preservation option? First, it’s been discussed that there is a group interested in buying the property at market value for preservation. Obviously and for a number of reasons that’s an outcome the township would prefer. I base that off adopted visioning documents that state the townships desire for preservation of open space and farmland.

 

  • Downzoning? There has also been a request to downzone the property. Generally speaking for myself that is not an ideal strategy. I have fundamental issues with “takings”. A downzone is a taking. I believe in market preservation. Preservation by zoning is also flawed in that it is not permanent. A conservation easement (market preservation, compensating landowners) is.

 

  • Large lot option? It’s was also suggested at the public meeting (Though the twp. hasn’t been formally engaged) that alternative development plans would be preferred by neighbors. Perhaps a large estate lot plan that would would significantly reduce the unit count and impacts and maintain large amounts of open space. Personally, I’d love to learn more if this is a viable option. It would also be preferable to a shoe horn build out. Again for a number of obvious reasons. It would also be preferred to a maxed out by right plan.

These thoughts are a combination of resident concerns and sentiments reflected in both adopted and draft township strategies. The township has prioritized open space preservation. A strong dollars and cents case can be made here for up front investment to preserve if the opportunity was raised. I would entertain all ideas for the township to participate in preservation or work together to outline a more desirable estate plan with significant open space.

I hope the stakeholders here would consider engaging the township on alternate and more community friendly options that might be on or off the table. I understand they may want to cash out. But if there are market offers I would hope the stakeholders consider community impact. As it stands this project has many issues as documented by the townships extensive review letter.