Roof Doctor To Make House Call to Archibald Johnston Mansion

Ryan Hall, with his proud Mom, is a member of Troop 317 and FHS Junior

Bill Berry is a former Bethlehem Township Commissioner interested in preserving the Archibald Johnston Mansion at Housenick Park. And he's even found a roof doctor willing to make a house call at no cost to anyone. That's what he told Commissioners at their September 16 meeting.

Barry, originally from Sullivan County, learned that a roofing consultant was used there to evaluate the County Courthouse's 20,000 sq ft slate roof. He was responsible for inspection, specifications and developing bid packages. The replacement cost about $500,000, with a $17,000 fee paid to the roof doctor.

Berry contacted Mark J. Sobeck Roofing Consulting, located in Wilkes-Barre. He is willing to make a similar evaluation of the mansion's 5,320 sq ft roof at no cost to the Township. Berry added that the Township Engineer could provide a similar bid for comparison.

Unanimously, Township Commissioners adopted the suggestion, and Manager Howard Kutzler has been directed to make contact.

Fred Clark warns stormwaters a "catastrophe for children"

In other business, Chetwin Terrace residents continued to complain about storm water run off on their properties. Wayne Kresge told Commissioners there was a foot of water in his back yard after the Labor Day weekend downpour. Frank Clark, who has lived at Chetwin Terrace for 57 years, called it an "ongoing problem" exacerbated by five new inlets from a bank, emptying into a playground next to the bike path. "It's a catastrophe for the children," he warned.

There will be no quick fix. "It's not going to be solved this week. It's not going to be solved next month," remarked Manager Kutzler. President Paul Weiss explained that property owners along the bike path have encroached on the Township right of way, which complicates things. Kutzler predicted that the problem would be addressed in the Spring. and expressed some frustration when Kresge complained about not seeing Township employees along the bike path for months at a time. "You're taking a shot at my staff," Kutzler told Kresge.

Finally, Commissioners heard from Troop 317 Boy Scout Ryan Hall, who is planning to install landscaping and a 20' flagpole at the FBTAA for future sluggers in Miller Heights. The entire cost of the project is $1,900, and hall is already well on his way to raising the money, thanks to a $1,000 dionation from United Way. He asked Commissioners to waive the $25 fee for a permit.

They refused. But that's only because Township Solicitor Jim Broughal offered to pay the fee himself.

Kutzler called it a "very worthy project."

Hall is a Junior at Freedom High School.