Last years statewide gambling expansion will soon allow video gaming terminals in truck stops. This is not something I would want to see in Lower Mac. So, this is something to keep an eye on. What you need to know:
In 2017 the state legislature passed a gambling expansion allowing for 10 new satellite casinos around the state. Part of the law, included the ability for municipalities to opt out and say no to these facilities locally. In Lower Mac we voted to opt out. So, we won’t have a mini casino here in Lower Mac. We prohibited them. We felt it wasn’t something that made sense for us so we shut the door.
Another part of the expansion is a pilot program to permit gambling via video gaming terminals at truck stops. So far however, the state legislature hasn’t put forward a provision allowing local communities to opt out like they did with mini casinos. This prevents us from prohibiting truck stop gambling in the same way we could mini casinos.
Senator Scott Martin (Thank you!) however, is working to change that. I support legislation to allow us to say no to truck stop gambling and encourage local State Senators Pat Browne & Lisa Boscola to co-sponsor Senate Bill 87 which would allow local communities to say NO to truck stop gambling in addition to mini casinos.
I hope to see a companion bill in the state house as well.
Most have heard about the dilemma with the Allentown State Hospital. It was built in 1912 and closed in 2010. A cornerstone of the community, it housed treatment for 2,012 patients at its peak. Since it’s closure, the buildings have sat empty, yet upkept. Photos of the inside show remarkably little damage or decay for a building that’s been vacant for almost a decade.
Many years ago, before I knew what the buildings even were I remember driving past doing a double take, pulling into the campus and taking a walk. The stately grounds and handsome buildings were truly stunning up close. It’s of a character and quality that simply do not get built anymore.
“It is has been said that, at its best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future.” William J. Murtagh, Keeping Time: The History and Theory of Preservation in America
The Allentown State Hospital. Prime candidate for adaptive reuse.
A petition has been established to express a desire to save the Hospital in some form. It’s now surpassed 3000 signatures. Petition here.
An impressive number for the short time it’s been active. While the campus is in the City of Allentown since it’s owned by the state it’s fate is a concern for all residents.
As our communities age, more and more buildings of character with rich histories are finding themselves in need of rejuvenation; adaptive reuse is the conscious decision to preserve the past while planning for the future. It’s reuse of pre-existing buildings for new purposes.
The PA state legislature has, unfortunately, moved forward plans to demolish the campus at a cost to taxpayers of $15 million. This is shortsighted. Of course, the campus has costs associated with allowing it to languish as well. Though, I question the numbers being thrown around (2.2 million a year) as I question a lot of price tags associated with government decision making.
Preservation of this type is not impossible. In fact, around the Country, conscientious communities are putting old institutional sites to new and profitable uses, preserving their local history and boosting their economic base. Is it challenging? You bet. Expensive? Yes. On the backend, however, the economic benefits of historic preservation are enormous. Sometimes to be forward thinking we need to not forget the past. This is called adaptive reuse. We’ve seen it happen on a smaller scale in Lower Macungie with a number of great projects recently. Here is one example. It’s a policy goal to make it even more attractive and feasible. The concept in Lower Mac can be applied to bank barns, farmhouses and other buildings we’re interested in seeing rejuvenated as opposed to bulldozed in favor of a new cookie cutter development.
The offices of Werner & Co. This is an adaptive reuse of an old Chuch converted into office space in Lower Macungie Twp.
With the right private partnerships, adaptive reuse is an option for the State Hospital as well. Here is a wonderful resource to explore other similar projects. (many also former state hospitals). Opportunities just as complicated have been resolved with creativity and dedication. It starts with a mindset.
I also wanted to point out. When an article was posted a few days ago about a potential private investor it was immediately shared all over. Petition signatures spiked. Clearly, the community sees value here. Throughout the day the relatively short article became longer as politicians no doubt scrambled to add quotes to build a narrative for demolition. Some concern is valid. But again, other initiatives just as constrained, complicated and costly have moved forward. I’m disappointed that some of the critique of the potential investor, Nat Hyman of Allentown seems to be politically motivated since he was at one time a Mayoral candidate in Allentown. The biggest naysayer has been a member of the other party. This is an issue that ought to transcend party politics. I hate seeing partisanship creep into an otherwise healthy discussion. I don’t want to focus on that here. But it’s important to consider. Lehigh Valley blogger Bernie O’Hare has some thoughts.
What our local state politicians should be focusing on is reducing the regulatory burden for private investors who want to save these types of structures. Code requirements are incredibly cumbersome. Of course, some are absolutely necessary. It’s been well documented the asbestos issues with this type of old building. (Again, something that’s been addressed in other similar examples)
Locally, next store in the Borough of Macungie there was a wonderful project by a community conscientious business to build a retail cupcake/coffee shop in an old building of character on Main Street. The couple who own a successful business put a ton of money creating a beautiful space. Unfortunately, the project had to be abandoned because of state requirements to retrofit the building which were in some ways just not feasible because of a zero setback off the sidewalk, but also astronomically expensive. This was such a shame.
State Legislators in our area have supported tax subsidies for strip malls and major grants for warehouses. Projects that without question would have moved forward without government bailouts. Historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse projects continue to be a struggle. In part because of the regulatory environment. This is a case of misplaced priorities.
The recent Southwest Lehigh Comprehensive Plan scientific survey told us a few things clearly. One question asked if the community values historic architecture as community identity. 85% indicated it’s extremely, very or moderately important. It would benefit our state elected officials to pay closer attention to public sentiment here.
A survey administered by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission this year asked what Lehigh Valley residents like most and what they like least about living in the Lehigh Valley.
“The survey reached out to a wide swath of Lehigh Valley residents. A random sample of addresses were selected to receive postcards inviting residents to participate by using a web link provided. It also promoted the survey through media, encouraging residents who weren’t contacted to participate. It remained open from March 8 through April 16. The total number of participants: 1,064. “
This survey and similar ones conducted over the last few years, including during the Southwest Regional Comprehensive plan update have driven our local policy goals and priorities.
It’s no coincidence many of the items residents indicated they like most about living here coincide with township initiatives, projects and goals. On the other hand, areas of concern are where we’ve also focused attention to address challenges. This has been by design. Here are the top items and concerns from the survey and corresponding township initiatives:
Residents say they love the Valley’s rich Historic sites and unique architecture and they don’t want to see it lost. So, we worked to preserve a nearly 200-year-old farmhouse by working with a developer to approve a plan to integrate it into a new development. We also support the phenomenally active Lower Macungie Township Historical Society. Last year, they opened the new Bartholomew Center for the Preservation of Township History. Moving forward the township is continuing to integrate more incentives for private property owners to preserve and maintain historic barns and other structures of significance through adaptive reuse.
Access to cultural and entertainment activities are important. We made a major investment in our Community Center and library. A new children’s wing will be completed next year. Each year over 10,000 children attend more than 300 programs in our public library. Also, the community center and our wonderful recreation staff offer a wide variety of programs year round not just within the community center but throughout various public performance spaces in the park system as well.
It’s abundantly clear residents see the preservation of natural and farmlands as a top priority. Lower Macungie is a leader in this area. Most know, we’ve instituted an aggressive farmland preservation program preserving 11 farms on 400 acres of land over the last 4 years. This includes the transformative preservation of the 185 acre Weiner Farm off Sauerkraut and Brookside Rd. This was the largest preservation acquisition of this type in Lehigh Valley history. Additionally, we’ve worked to preserve over 200 acres of non-farm open space including natural areas, the Shepherd Hills Golf Course and other areas.
We’re not finished. Based on the official map of priorities we adopted, we’re continuing to have conversations with landowners to preserve more farms and open space.
Residents love the Valley’s Parks, trails and recreational activities Over the last 4 years, Lower Mac has made significant capital investments throughout our 1400 acre township park system at multiple park locations. We’ve expanded Camp Olympic, staffed a Parks Director position and adopted numerous comprehensive plans that roadmap the future of our system. The township adopted and is now working on implementing an ambitious greenway plan along the Swabia and Little Lehigh Rivers. The first section will be completed next year.
Not surprisingly, the top 3 concerns expressed by residents are warehouses, traffic and trucks. Last year we removed warehouses from the zoning code in all areas except where they are mandated by a court settlement negotiated in 2013 by a previous board. Simply put, the township now has more than our fair share of warehouses. Moving forward, with the new zoning code to be installed next year and through proactively working with developers on better projects we’re focused on attracting higher value employers in less impactful sectors. Development has to provide a higher return on public investments. Our policies work towards that goal. We also updated the traffic impact fee ordinance last year. Which means developers whose projects add significant traffic to Township roads will have to pay more to compensate for the increased congestion.
The Santa Run in Lower Macungie will be Saturday, Dec. 22nd starting around 2:00 pm.
Attached below are the routes and the times that LMFD expects to be in the listed developments.
Important reminders and information about the Santa Run:
1) LMFD provides turn by turn routes and time frames so you can plan accordingly; as you may have to come to a street / intersection that we will be passing by. It is not realistic or feasible to go down every street in the Township. The routes are set up in order to keep them running efficiently and effectively and so that we can hit the maximum amount of area in a reasonable time frame.
2) The times listed are approximate; as the LMFD will also have to respond and handle any emergencies that may come in while we are out.
3) Candy will be thrown to the kids, so please make sure your kids are careful when picking it up.
4) If you would like to submit a picture that you took of the Santa Run, please email it to:info@firestation30.org. The LMFD will be posting them on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
Thank you and enjoy the Holidays!
Note: The LMFD is a Volunteer Fire Dept. Your support is what keeps our fire department in operation! How is it funded?
Before we know it next spring the local and county primary election cycle will be here. These elections never get as much turnout or attention. Which is a shame since in many ways they impact us directly just as much if not more than national elections.
As campaign season is already here in some cases, I had the chance to attend an event with a candidate for Lehigh County Judge this week. County Judge’s are at times tasked with hearing land use appeals which can directly impact our communities. So it’s important for voters to elect men and woman of utmost high character to these positions.
At the event I had the opportunity to learn more about Jared Hanna including his impressive background and education.
One quote from his remarks stuck out. “As a Judge you only protect the process, you have nothing to do with the result” – Jared Hanna
In our legal system due process is everything. Personal political views or considerations other than the law can’t be considered. A sincere acknowledgement of this is the most important quality I look for in a candidate for Judge.
President George H. W. Bush.
Lower Macungie Township flags will be flown at half staff in honor of his life.
The last veteran of World War II to serve as president. He enlisted on his 18th birthday and later was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery. A businessman, congressman, ambassador and family man who loved deeply his wife of 73 years. One of the most qualified candidates to ever assume the office of President. Most important George H.W. Bush was the epitome of steadiness and calm during a time of great uncertainty.
Much will be said about the role he played in the peaceful ending of the cold war over the next few days. But what’s remarkable in hind site and also critically important was his refusal to gloat after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This was representative how he personified a dignified strength which was for most of our history a hallmark of our nations moral leadership.
On this day, put whether politically you agreed with his policies, both foreign and domestic aside. What cannot be argued is the quality of the man’s character. Who he was. His values, ethics. The way he treated other people. His leadership. Self sacrifice.
George H.W. Bush skydived on his 85th and 90th birthdays. He lived an extraordinary life. We will honor this at the Lower Macungie Twp. building by flying flags half staff.
A Government commission… words that rarely instill much confidence.
Gerrymandering remains a structural problem. Pa is among the worse offenders. That’s almost universally acknowledged. The question is, do partisans accept it as an end to justify means when their party is in power OR do they acknowledge something as being fundamentally wrong even when it benefits them. Our state legislature has failed time and time again to take any action to address this.
The latest on stalled reform is that the Governor has convened a commission“that will review non-partisan redistricting processes in other states that reduce gerrymandering, provide opportunities for public comment at community meetings and online, and make recommendations to the governor and legislature for a non-partisan redistrict process in Pennsylvania.”
So at first glance, I’m thinking Ok, here comes some more lip service. More studying. More exploring. I really feel with this issue the more complicated we make it the further we get from a truly fair solution. The goal is create clear and measurable standards (based on the impartial objectives outlined in the constitution) by which citizens may hold those drawing the maps accountable. This is not rocket science. Equal vote, equal voice.
I’ll say I’m happy to see local Amanda Holt as one of 15 people appointed to the commission. Amanda is a Lehigh County Commissioner and an expert on this topic. She single-handedly challenged ridiculous maps through the courts. As a concerned citizen Amanda drew measurably better (from 55 to 23 municipal splits) maps than the legislature produced. She maintains a website with a ton of information.
Residents: Make sure you are enrolled in the township property tax reduction program!
As a reminder, in 2014 the Board of Commissioners adopted a Homestead Property Tax Exclusion Ordinance. As a result, the homestead program benefits Lower Macungie homeowners by offering a reduction or in some cases complete elimination of the township property tax. For example, for homes at the median assessed value, the program reduces the property tax bill by half.
Township homeowners are eligible if their home is not used for commercial purposes and if it is their primary residence. Here is the application. Not sure if your already enrolled? Call the Lehigh County assessment office at: 610-782-3038
*This post is about township property taxes, not school or county which are separate issues.
The majority of the board sought to reduce residential property taxes even further this year by increasing the Homestead reduction, unfortunately an anticipated state law change did not occur yet. Learn more here.
Patriotism and Nationalism are NOT the same thing. For the purpose of clarity I want to keep this post as short and simple as possible.
Patriotism: “A love for and devotion to one’s country.” A quality of showing vigorous support for one’s country.
I am a proud American Patriot.To be a Patriot is to have a loyalty to principle. Shared values. (Life, liberty….)Shared history and lessons learned. Resulting in a sense of responsibility.
Nationalism: Similar but also includes the aspect of “exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups.”
(Both definitions in part from Merriams Dictionary)
I do not identify as a nationalist.To be a nationalist is to have a loyalty to identification above all else. The highest form of identity politics. An uncritical reverence to the nation state. Resulting in arrogance.
First and foremost, I don’t believe that my Christian faith is compatible with nationalism because we’re taught by Jesus about God’s love for the marginalized. That’s simply not compatible with fervent nationalism. The words are similar in some ways and often erroneously conflated, but clearly nationalism is way too loaded with negative aspects. History shows us that it’s a power dynamic.
5 important state and federal races tomorrow. Not a fan of hyperbole. So no, “this is the most important election of our lifetime!!” rhetoric here. Now, I’m not discounting the election. Certainly not. I just believe every election and every vote is important as every cycle represents an opportunity to change things for the better.
One thing I won’t do is hit a button for “straight ticket”. Even if you select all candidates from one party, take the time to choose each race individually. If only symbolic. These decisions are too important to choose candidates based on party alone.
I’m working a poll in Lower Mac the entire day in support of 2 candidates and 2 only. Marty Nothstein and Pat Browne. I’ll be voting in all races but working for these candidates because they put local interests above national partisan politics.
Marty.
Marty’s accomplished some of the same things we accomplished in Lower Mac. He found creative ways to reduce the property tax burden for homeowners, while restoring funding to the farmland preservation program. Also moved forward the critically important renovation of Cederbrook, the County nursing home. The public home is the last line of defense for our most vulnerable seniors.
Pat.
Pat’s again running a local campaign for state office. A good thing. His opponent, a campaign almost entirely focused on national talking points and wedge issues. The saying used to be ‘all politics is local’. Somehow over time we’ve abandoned that. I blame my own party in part. It was 1994 when Newt Gingrich effectively nationalized 435 formally locally-based congressional seats. Everything became about national talking points about wedges. Pat generally doesn’t play that game.
Was disappointed his campaign was so careless to hit send on a negative mailer that turned out to be false. I despise negative campaigning. Even if I get why people do it, (Spoiler alert, it works. Learned that the hard way) but there is a difference between negative and false. If your gonna do it, make damn sure your right.
In the future to be honest, I’d support a primary challenge from a qualified candidate. These positions should not be lifetime careers and Pat has served for a very long time. I hold a core belief in term limits. For this year though, the Democrats nominated someone who has not shown voters anything of substance relative to the unique issues of the Lehigh Valley, (traffic, infrastructure, growth) Lower Mac (preservation, unfunded mandates etc) or our Commonwealth. (skyrocketing property taxes)
So, I’m voting and publicly supporting a candidate who has and will continue to be positioned to deliver for the greater Lehigh Valley. Pat Browne has and will continue to.
As for other races, I have no strong comments. Only that I hope folks have done their homework and that end of the day vote for people, not parties.
Read an article today, The Sad Death of “All Politics is Local” that inspired parts of this. Timely find because I was thinking about the same thing. I do hope someday voters re-focus on the unique culture, needs and issues of their local community and take a hard look at which candidates (regardless of party) will serve those needs. I’ll leave you with this.
America, owing to its Founders’ vision, started out with a local and regional first-past-the-post system that makes (what the Founders thought would be) only occasional allowance (war powers, foreign trade and treaties, and eventually judicial review) for strong federal action. Unfortunately, as it stands today, we currently have the worst of both worlds. It would be wonderful to see an off-year election where local concerns and voices were truly “centered” in the discussion, a midterm that truly put 500 or 600 local spotlights on the individual and unique needs and cultures of individual communities and people, and truly reflected our diversity. Not a hyped-up online and cable smackdown referendum on the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Enough of the virtue-signaling, prattling, and pandering about things of which, at the end of the day, local candidates have no control.
