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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, August 08, 2019

NorCo GPA Approves $5 M Bond Issuance For Slate Belt Y

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place in late July for an expansion to the Slate Belt Y, which is located in Pen Argyl. Much of the money for this has come from a casino grant obtained by State Rep. Marcia Hahn. On August 6, Northampton County's General Purpose Authority (GPA) authorized a $5 million tax exempt bond issue to complete the project. Voting Yes were GPA members Charles Dertinger, KenKraft, Lori Vargo Heffner, Anne Baum, Paul Anthony, Jr. and Ron Donchez. GPA member Frank Pintabone was absent.

This bond will help finance a six-lane swimming pool and a child care and pre-school wing. Greater Valley Y CEO David Fagerstrom said this project is the culmination of 70 years of effort, including private gifts and a land donation. He expects the project to start in September, and be done in a year.

GPA member Ron Donchez was happy to vote Yes. "This is a really important program for that region," he said. He added the Y is "trying to reach out and make a difference."

During his campaign for Northampton County Executive, one of Lamont McClure's themes was to pay more attention to the oft-neglected Slate Belt.

This bond allows the bank to provide the tax free rate with more certainty. While this is certainly beneficial for the Y and the success of the project, the funding stream is the money it is getting from gaming grants.

Updated 8:30 am. In an earlier version of this story, I incorrectly identified this bond issue as a separate source of money. It is not, but is a vehicle under which the bank can provide a tax free rate.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

"During his campaign for Northampton County Executive, one of Lamont McClure's themes was to pay more attention to the oft-neglected Slate Belt."

I don't think a six-lane pool will do it. But Slate Belt residents can rest assured their autopsies will be performed in palatial surroundings at the McClure Morgue, being built by cronies at a 25% premium with money the Slate Belt probably has no use for.

Anonymous said...

Puts money to this but yet Gracedale is still in dire straits. He is a disgrace!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Hate to break this to you, but the sun dies not rise an set on Gracedale. What happens in the Slate Belt is as important as what happens in Bethlehem or Easton or at Gracedale.

Anonymous said...

Good news for Slate Belt - One of the many areas outside the Metropolis area ignored by Northampton County for years.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, now that you've lost all that weight, the 6 lanes would be ample for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Most people in the slate belt cannot afford to go there to begin with. Just the membership's then add on the costs of the different programs.

Bangor alone has a 14.7% poverty rate and the medium income is 41K for a family after taxes brings it to living on $30K to raise a family of four.

Mr. Suspenders can readily afford it but his tenants cannot-

Membership
Join Fee
Rate:
Active Older Adult
Adult member ages 62 and over

$35.00
$41.00/Monthly

Active Older Couple
Two members in a household, one of which is 62+

$50.00
$57.00/Monthly

Adult
Adult member ages 19 to 61

$50.00
$48.00/Monthly

Family
Family consisting of adults and dependents in a single residence

$85.00
$66.00/Monthly

Single Adult Family
Family consisting of one adult and any dependent children

$75.00
$58.00/Monthly

Teen
Teen member ages 14 to 18

$0.00
$23.00/Monthly

Youth
Youth member ages 13 and under

$0.00
$15.00/Monthly

Anonymous said...

YMCA IS A FRAUD THEY are A CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION that does not even give benefits to their employees they make sure to keep them under certain hours

Anonymous said...

At least the taxpayers in the region aren't saddled with year after year debt like the residents in Bethlehem TWP. And, same sort of monthly membership fees that many residents cannot afford! Government doesn't belong in the fitness center business.

Anonymous said...

Hey, how about a six lane pool in Walnutport/Lehigh Township? We pay Northampton County taxes too.

Bernie O'Hare said...

1:30, the Y has a sliding scale. Funny you did not mention that, but. Hose to take a needless shot at someone.

Anonymous said...

The scale qouted is right off what they provide. Sorry if your feelings are hurt

Bernie O'Hare said...

I am interested in accuracy and do not belong to the Y. I know they have a sliding scale for those with limited income and you failed to mention it. That makes your accusation inaccurate. On top of that, you take a needless shot at someone who has no connection to this story.