Late last week, Traditions took the rare step of filing a mandamus action in Northampton County Court. It is asking that the Court order Bethlehem Tp to replace Pidcock with its backup engineers, Arro Consulting. Since the developer already has all of its approvals, it essentially is accusing Pidcock of a shake down. In one instance, it billed for 35 hours to prepare a one-page email with eight comments. In another, multiple individuals charged to prepare for meetings they never attended. Pidcock billed 30 hours to review stormwater plans even though DEP had already issued a permit.
When Traditions complained, Pidcock stopped working on the project, effectively shutting it down. Though the Township convinced the engineering firm to return, Traditions asserts Pidcock is now throwing up roadblocks to prevent development. It is insisting on using an outdated procedure for utility line construction, which will add another two months of delay.
I am in the process of seeking a public comment from Pidcock.
Back in 2012, former Comm'r Marty Zaarski complained about Pidcock's billing. He also groused about the mileage being charged, noting that Pidcock is located near Route 309, a forty mile round trip from the Township. "There are very, very good engineering firms within ten minutes of here," he observed.
TOA Sues Over Bethlehem Tp&... by BernieOHare on Scribd
8 comments:
I feel their pain. Not! MZ
They have been overcharging in Bethlehem Twp and Palmer for years. The Townships hire them because they are obstructive and can pass the cost onto developers.
Law firms & engineering firms have been sucking local governments dollars for years and it appears that Pidcock see's the end of that tunnel in Bethlehem Twp and is going out with one last project.
Agree with 7:15. Engineering Firms sucking local government dollars.
Favorite saying from my former life in the billable hour world. "If you're not part of the solution, there is money to be made in prolonging the problem"
"Agree with 7:15. Engineering Firms sucking local government dollars."
I'll bet the "dollars" you refer to are being sucked from the developers escrow account. Why shouldn't local residents get thorough engineering oversight of developments like TOA? A strong engineering company is looking out for the Township's best interests. You think TOA will care about the "dollars" local government will have to pay once they turn over a shoddily built development with crappy infrastructure that was approved by a less thorough engineering company?
What ever you say Brian!
Is engineer strong-arming the Easton Area School District? That's what many folks would like to know. A land use appeal was filed by homeowners Eric & Jennifer Adams against Palmer Township in April. Pidcock is Palmer Township's engineer. An overview of the dispute is here:
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2019/10/homeowner-school-board-should-reconsider-eminent-domain-in-drainage-dispute-opinion.html
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