At first, Harte was greeted by stony silence.
Abe Atiyeh's attractive wife, Nemo, has waged a hard-hitting campaign for Commissioner. In ten mailers, she has complained that Bethlehem Township is "stuck in traffic," thanks to Commissioner Tom Nolan. One mailer warns, "Don't Get Stuck in Traffic ... Vote No to Tom Nolan." She adds, "Tom Nolan + Increased Traffic + Out of Control Development = Lower Quality of Life."
After a few moments, Commissioner Michael Hudak quietly suggested that the Planning Department should take a look at it. Then there was another awkward pause, and Commissioner Jerry Batcha spoke out.
Batcha, who is stepping down from the Board at the end of his term, noted that area really could use a gas station, even though there are traffic and concerns about its location near the crest of a hill. But then he began quoting an Atiyeh response to a news inquiry in which she complains that "I am prepared...to stand up to developers and let them know the township will not tolerate any more out-of-control development...and traffic congestion." Noting the inconsistency between Nemo Atiyeh's flyer and Abe Atiyeh's proposed gas station, Batcha said, "I don't know if hypocrisy is the word I'm looking for, but it is interesting."
Township Manager Howard Kutzler suggested that Harte make a presentation to the Planning Commission.
Other Atiyeh flyers complain that Bethlehem Township is homeless, its Community Center is a "money pit," and it's overtaxed; all thanks to Commissioner Tom Nolan. Interestingly, despite these mailers, Atiyeh has yet to file a pre-election expense report, which was due on October 28.
Gotta' admit, I laughed my ass off at the "homeless" flyer, which looks like some kid was hired to smear dirt on his face and pose for the camera.
Commissioners will meet again on Monday, November 21, 7 PM, at the Township Municipal Building, located at 4225 Easton Avenue.
Updated 7:33 AM, to supply the correct quotation used by Mr. Batcha. I thank him for pointing it out.
The Rajah of Rezoning is at it again. Could someone please send this guy back to Allentown.
ReplyDeleteWhy not make it a drug rehab, luxury apartment, high end gas station. yeah, lets get an exemption for that.
I have been waiting for over a month now to vote for Tom Nolan. The mailings were the most absurd crap I've ever read. Today's finally the day!
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for Nolan.
ReplyDeleteThanks for covering Bethlehem Township. With their cutbacks, the papers do not cover local news like they used to.
ReplyDeleteI just want to clarify a little. After getting Mr. Harte to admit that Mr. Atiyeh's proposal would a.) require rezoning, and b.) would contribute to the traffic on Rte 191 compared to the current residential use, I did reference Mrs. Atiyeh's flier that you picture bemoaning traffic. However, I was actually quoting from Mrs. Atiyeh's response to the Morning Call's (11-4-11)question about development in which she says "I am prepared...to stand up to developers and let them know the twonship will not tolerate any more out-of-control development...and traffic congestion."
Yes, I think a gas station in the general vicinity would be nice. Truth in advertising is also desirable.
Jerry Batcha
You're making a hypocrisy charge against Nemo for something her husband is doing. She's a free agent, she's not just going to vote how her husband tells her to vote. I believe I read on this very blog that Nemo disagrees with some of Abe's development ideas. Yes, the Atiyeh household has the same financial interests, but she's pretty obviously running against more development.
ReplyDeleteI'm not making the hypocrisy charge. I'm reporting what was said at a public meeting. It's called reporting, Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteI suspect the reason for your strident defense is Nemo's political party.
". However, I was actually quoting from Mrs. Atiyeh's response to the Morning Call's (11-4-11)question about development in which she says "I am prepared...to stand up to developers and let them know the twonship will not tolerate any more out-of-control development...and traffic congestion."
ReplyDeleteWill clarify.
Actually, Will correct. I had the wrong quote. Thanks for pointing it out. Guess I wasn't reporting, either.
ReplyDeleteThe gall of these people. Do they think the people are stupid enough to fall for the obvious ploy? As if everyone doesn't know exactly what Atiyeh's agenda is? Its certainly not traffic control. LMAO.
ReplyDeleteYou're making a hypocrisy charge against Nemo for something her husband is doing. She's a free agent, she's not just going to vote how her husband tells her to vote. I believe I read on this very blog that Nemo disagrees with some of Abe's development ideas. Yes, the Atiyeh household has the same financial interests, but she's pretty obviously running against more development.
ReplyDeleteOh please. I'm on your side generally but this is ridiculous.
This one is easy - she's a "free agent" because she agrees with Geeting.
ReplyDeleteIf she agreed with the Rajah and was running for office, she'd be a puppet of her husband and unable to make any decisions herself.
Anyone who thinks she'll be making her own decisions doesn't know anything about the Atiyeh family.
The system that politicians of the past and the present are the ones who have made the system so fucked up, it's disgraceful!
ReplyDeleteAtiyeh is yet another 2 faced wannabe politician and if anyone votes for her (them), you get what they paid for!
Personal attacks against the Atiyehs aside, Bethlehem Township, especially north of 22 needs a Wawa or Sheetz. As a resident of the Township, there isn't a nice place to get gas and a good cup of coffee without going down to Bethlehem.
ReplyDeleteSometimes people can have a good idea. This sounds like one to me. Thank goodness people like Kutzler agrees and can put politics aside for the good of the Township.
@10:13
ReplyDeleteGO north about 1/4 mile and there's a gas station mini market, coffee is as good as any.
The Twp does not "need" a Wawa or Sheetz, plan your trips of out and about more carefully!
I love it when I get my cake and eat it, too.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't?
What-Am-I-Gettings-From-Big-Government? defending the defenseless, as usual a la Anthony Weiner, is the proverbial and decorative icing.
FELDMARSCHALL VON BLUECHER
@10:13 There is a gas station ALREADY on 191 north of 22. Where have you been!
ReplyDeletePersonal attacks against the Atiyehs aside, Bethlehem Township, especially north of 22 needs a Wawa or Sheetz. As a resident of the Township, there isn't a nice place to get gas and a good cup of coffee without going down to Bethlehem.
ReplyDeleteSometimes people can have a good idea. This sounds like one to me. Thank goodness people like Kutzler agrees and can put politics aside for the good of the Township.
I don't think anyone is necessarily that opposed to a little commercial development. Just don't run for office claiming you are going to be against development when you are not - and when your husband is a developer.
The mind boggling hypocrisy was cast aside dramatically by the voters.
Wm Penn Highway is where the Wawa type store is needed.
ReplyDeleteCounty website has Nolan, Zawarski and Barnard as victors as of 10:51pm. WFMZ is really lagging.
ReplyDelete