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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Bethlehem Township's Pre-Election Meeting

Bethlehem Township regulars watch everything
Three of Bethlehem Township's Commissioners are up for election on May 19. Eight Republicans and one Democrats are in the running. So it came as no surprise that their May 4 meeting was a quick one. Even Michael Hudak, who isn't running for anything, stated, "I'm not in a confrontational mood tonight." The most contentious item discussed was a trench restoration ordinance aimed at getting utilities like UGI to leave roads the way they found them instead of a string off 6' x 6' holes extending along 300' of roadway. Commissioners decided to put even that off until Manager Melissa Shafer came back with pictures, showing a need.

They did vote on establishing no parking zones along three roads intersecting with Brodhead Road, where several commercial businesses and no residences exist. They also voted to send SGT Richard for some training.

But Commissioners have no control over courtesy of the floor, and several citizens weighed in with concerns. Green Pond Marsh proponent Jack Glagola argued for more transparency. Martin Comer referred to the proposed $250,000 restroom facilities for the Bulldogs as the "Taj Mahal of outhouses." Commissioners also regularly hear from Roy Roth, Barry Roth and Wayne Kresge, citizens who attend nearly every meeting and serve as an informal check on Commissioners

Commissioners also heard from one former Bethlehem resident who used to live in Jersey but recently returned to the Township. His wife works in NYC. He's upset at the volume of traffic along Bethman Road, where his home sits. "I woke up this morning to the sound of a tractor trailer at 6:30 am," he complained."What can we do to stop people from using Bethman Road as a cut through?" he asked.

Nothing, responded Hudak, noting that people do have a right to drive along public roads.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, they could restrict large trucks from using Bethman Road. There are plenty of roads that restrict large trucks. Get your head out of your ass, Hudak. Those people are paying the bulk of the taxes in the Township.

Anonymous said...

That is assuming that Hudak knows his ass from a hole in the ground.

Anonymous said...

Stop it! The guy just moves in from New York City, has only been a resident like three days and the first thing he does is come to a meeting to complain about the traffic on the road. What was he thinking when he bought the home?!?! But this attitude is so typical. Someone moves in the bitches about it or something This should have been obvious when he bought the home that sits ten feet off of Bethman Road. Then after he bitches he walks out off the meeting. Please move back to NYC. And the picture you used here. That sums up the mentality of most meetings . I don't know if they are Shemp, Mo, or Curley from the three stooges or Manny , moe, or Jack from pep boys. But ask them what have they done That is "positive" in Bethlehem Twsp. Nothing, they just come to whine, bitch and complain. That and a tin cup will earn them 25 cents a day.

Anonymous said...

Bethman Road is not a road where a prospective homeowner would expect tractor trailers to be driving. Further, Bethman Road hardly exists on the radar of BT since it seems to be the last road plowed in the township. Considering the tax base that uses that road, you'd think they'd be more aware. Hudak is like the rest of the rubes running the show. They still think this is Farmersville.

Anonymous said...

A good portion of Bethman Road is State Road (SR2028) controlled by PennDOT and IS a designated truck route. Good Luck getting the designation changed!

Bernie O'Hare said...

2:16, I say, I do love your sense of entitlement and view that the Township has an obligation to take care of the wealthy first. Carry on!

Anonymous said...

Since the tax base is funding the township, I'd say they should get at least some acknowledgement from a snow plow or a street sign. Now THATS entitlement. Let them eat cake.

Give me a break.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I agree that BT has an obligation to maintain that part of Bethman Road that it owns, but your wealth entitles you to no special treatment. If you want that, you need to move somewhere else. Carry on.

Anonymous said...

Tell that to the cops who are on constant patrol.

By the way, where is this place to move to get special treatment? Do you know BT offers no special treatment to certain residents?

Anonymous said...

2:16
If you and the rest of your trust fund baby friends feel unimportant then you should just move back to NY and NJ. We dont NEED you here. your tax base is a drop in the bucket and there are far more high tax areas in this township then yours. You people are not paying the bulk of the taxes in Bethlehem township. Shows how misinformed you really are. you guys were just dumb enough to buy an overpriced house and put millions into a developers pocket. if you work out of state then why are you living here? Want your cake and eat it too I guess, not suprised, quit your whining, nobody wants to hear it.

Anonymous said...

I've lived in the Lehigh Valley for my entire life. I don't believe you are correct about the neighborhood and I don't believe tractor trailers should be driving through Northampton Country Club.

Anonymous said...

Birk, et al, shoving things in doors for the "team": Birk (at-large), Blatz (third ward), Tupone (Magistrate), and interestingly Warren (Supreme Court).

Birk and Blatz buzzwords: "fiscal responsibility" and "transparency". Birk a little mis-leading in being a "life-long resident" since I thought he resigned elected Township Treasurer post moved to Florida for awhile.

Warren was not endorsed by the PA Bar: "concerned about the depth and breadth of her appellate-level experience. The Commission also has concerns about whether the Candidate currently possesses the temperament, collegiality and demeanor required of an appellate court judge. For these reasons, the Commission at this time does not recommend the Candidate for a seat on the Supreme Court." However, her flier buzzwords are "social conservative" and "Constitutionalist".

Sound like Tea Party extremists or RATs.... though kind of comical for Birk. Yet, buzzwords make voters salivate and vote with the bell.