Is Pa Turning Red?

That's what Charles McElwee, founding editor of Real Clear Pennsylvania, has argued in a recent roundtable. ""Places like Southwestern PA, Westmoreland County, was Democratic now it is Republican. Luzerne County is just about 2,000 away from being a Republican-majority county in Northeastern PA. It's the parties that have changed, not so much the voters."

Based on comments I hear from fellow seniors and bus passengers, I think things are trending that way. These are people who I would expect to vote Democratic, but they are disenchanted by the party that actually tries to help them. 

(Blogger's Note: I am under the knife today, so if you don't see your comment immediately, it/s because I'm a bit more groggy than usual.)

NorCo Civil Division to Accept Electronic Filing

At the May 16 meeting of Northampton County Council, Executive Lamont McClure announced that the county's civil division is accepting e-filings for most matters.  "Change comes slowly to Northampton County, and we are dragging it into the 21st century," said McClure. This system is available 24/7, but matters will be processed during regular business hours. Northampton County's Recorder of Deeds has already been accepting electronic recording for several years. 

McClure stated one of his goals is to go paperless by 2025. 

In addition to efiling, the county's Emergency Management has joined the Next Gen 911 network. All communications from and to the county's 911 will also appear in real time with Pennsylvania Emergency Management. A secure fiber network replaces state infrastructure from the '70s.

Memorial Day Events Around NorCo

From Northampton County's Veteran Affairs: The Northampton County Veterans Affairs office encourages residents to remember the importance of Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring those who have died in our nation's wars and is a reminder to honor, respect, and remember the men and women who have served this incredible country and made the ultimate sacrifice. Below are ways the community can keep the memory of our fallen military service members alive.

 

The Northampton County Veterans Affairs office encourages residents to reflect on the significance of Memorial Day. It's a moment dedicated to honoring the memory of those who have fallen in service to our nation, reminding us to pay tribute, show respect, and cherish the bravery of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. Here are some meaningful ways for the community to ensure the enduring memory of our fallen military heroes.

 

EVENTS AROUND THE COUNTY

 

• The Pen Argyl Area High School Memorial Day Assembly will occur at Alumni Stadium on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.. The student body will gather outside for the student-run assembly, where speakers will talk about the importance of Memorial Day and the history behind it. In coordination with the military branches, many traditions and services will be held throughout the assembly to honor fallen soldiers. The event will include a flag-folding ceremony, complete with the playing of taps.

 

• On Saturday, May 25, the American Legion Brown & Lynch Post No 9, in Palmer Township, will conduct Memorial Day ceremonies at 9:00 a.m. at the Veterans' section of the Northampton Memorial Shrine Cemetery, 3051 Green Pond Road, Easton, PA.

 

• Williams Township Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 26, at 6:00 p.m., at the Williams Township Municipal Building, 655 Cider Press Road, to honor fallen heroes, living veterans, and service persons on active duty.

 

• Monday, May 27, the American Legion Post #9 Honor Guard will render prayers and honors at 9:00 a.m. at the Historic Easton Cemetery at the Grand Army of the Republic plot at the flag pole and cannon area.

 

• Bangor Borough will host a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St John's Cemetery.

 

• The Easton Memorial Day Parade will start at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 27, from Sixth and Northampton Streets through Centre Square to the Northampton Street free Bridge. Ceremonies will continue on the bridge, with the playing of the National Anthem, the Brown & Lynch Post #9 firing a volley from the south side of the bridge, the sounding of taps, and the tossing of the Memorial Day wreath onto the waters of the Delaware River. The public will not be allowed on the bridge.

 

• For the 14th year, the SteelStacks Campus will hold the annual Memorial Day Commemoration, transforming the campus into a living memorial honoring our hometown heroes from Saturday, May 25, until Sunday, July 14. ArtsQuest will honor men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country in a community event on Monday, May 27, at 3:00 p.m. The event will feature speaker Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage with "A Time to Remember" in honor of the Lehigh Valley's fallen soldiers from the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

 

• The Historic Fairview Cemetery in Northampton County invites the community to join their Memorial Day observances. The event will take place on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. The two-hour event includes the formal rededication of the newly restored veteran burial areas, American Legion Section 1 and Section 2, and the Monument to the Unknown Dead. The ceremony will be held on the east side of the cemetery. Afterward, there will be a small reception. The Dukes of Albuquerque Band will play military music during the event. Additionally, Warren Brock Orleans American Legion Post 69 will hold a traditional Memorial Day service at the Fairview Cemetery Pavilion on the same day, starting promptly at 11:00 a.m.

Goose 1, Cyclists 0

Yesterday started out nicely enough, but it nearly ended in disaster. It was one of those days where anything that can go wrong, does. Let me tell you how it went down. 

As I believe I've mentioned a few thousand times, I'm a highly conditioned, well-trained athlete. My day began as it usually does, with a routine that involves stretching and core work for at least three minutes. Then I did my warm-up routine by walking a 132-pound English black lab for four miles. I walk him between three and five miles a day but he's actually gaining weight. His owners tell me it's all muscle. Once that was done, it was time for a bike ride, and my grandson told me he was available. 

My neighbors laugh when I tell them I have four bikes, but it's a good thing that I do. 

Plan A was to ride Ironton Rail Trail, the perfect one-hour workout. My grandson wanted to ride the USPS road bike (it's the same model Lance Armstrong rode to win the Tour de France, but I modified it to replace the drop bar with a flat bar). I started to get that bike ready but managed to break the Presta valve on the rear tire when filling it with air. We then went to Plan B.

Plan B was to ride the Ironton Trail with a Fuji cross bike. That's like a road bike, but it has wider tires and the geometry is a little more relaxed. As I rolled that out to my car, I noticed that the rear tire on that one was flat. Since it takes me three hours to change a flat on a rear tire, we decided on Plan C.

Plan C was to ride along the D&L trail between Allentown and Easton. I could use my Bianchi, a very sturdy hybrid that has become much faster than it was when I first rode it three years ago. My grandson would use his Cannondale Trail 5, a beautiful and very fast mountain bike with 29" wheels. But there was a problem, there, too. Last Thursday, we rode in the rain, and my grandson went down twice on wooden bridges at Ironton. As I took that bike to the car, I noticed that the handlebars were off center. Way off center. I pulled out my multitool, and believe it or not, I think I fixed it. 

It was still daylight when we made it to the D&L and started our ride. Three miles in, I realized I had left my phone in an unlocked car. Given that so many things had already gone wrong, I decided to go back and get it. Fortunately, it was still there. 

We continued our journey, and I must say the D&L was in excellent shape. We were cruising along at 13 mph, when suddenly, out of nowhere, we were confronted by Aviary Adversaries of the worst kind. Canada geese. In addition to the shit bombs they drop everywhere, they have goslings this time of year, and are very protective of their young.  

I was confronted by two adult geese who were right in the middle of the bike path, just daring us to pass them. I went as far to the left as I could, but it was not far enough to satisfy this foul fowl. He flew right at me. He nipped at my leg but missed. My grandson, who was behind me, was less fortunate. 

As I went to my left, he went to his right. This gregarious goose and his pissed partner were both quite incensed that I slipped by and took it out on him. They both came at him at once. As a former high school and college basketball player, my grandson has been fouled many times, but never by a fowl. He slid off his Trail 5 and down the bank of a very fetid canal. He managed to catch a root or would have gone in to the deep. 

The Cannondale was not so lucky. It went in partially, but we fished it out. Aside from mossy wheels, it was fine. 

We finished the rest of our ride rather uneventfully and had dinner before heading home. When I arrived back in Nazareth, I realized that I had failed to clamp down the Cannondale in my car. Thankfully, I also had it strapped so there was no issue. 

Today should be better. 

NorCo Council Needs To Stay In Its Wheelhouse

In recent weeks, well-meaning if rowdy college students and pro-Palestinian residents have invaded the city councils of Bethlehem, Easton and Allentown to demand a stop to the conflagration in Gaza. They've been egged on by Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana, but most other local elected officials have rightly recognized that foreign policy is well outside their wheelhouses. They deal with potholes and parking, bridges and administering elections, not the tragedy of war. While Northampton County Council has yet to demand a free Palestine, members are using their elected office to advance agendas that have nothing to do with county government. Lat night, Council member Kelly Keegan introduced a resolution on the divisive topic of abortion. The resilution declares "that the County of Northampton, Pennsylvania declares itself a Right-To-Choose Sanctuary County, recognizing that anyone should have a right to abortion, on-demand, and without question."

In Easton, Council member Crystal Rose told pro-Palestinians, "[W]e want to get back to city business and I think that if we keep bringing this up, we're getting away from the things that the people elected us to do here. I have had an overwhelming amount of people come up to me and email me and ... most of them have been angered that we are focusing on issues that don't involve Easton." Her views sum up the opinions of most local elected officials. They are elected to deal with issues like affordable housing. Easton City Council member Frank Pintabone states residents "did not elect me to represent them on international business. They elected me to represent them in City of Easton business."

County Council member Kelly Keegan has been elected in the Easton district to represent its citizenry on county issues, not hot button topics like abortion or declaring that the county is a sanctuary for this medical procedure. 

I'd love fighting to end everywhere. I believe a woman should be able to choose what she does with her pregnancy without interference. But these are not county issues. 

Keegan's toothless resolution has been tabled for now, but only because Lori Vargo Heffner is uncomfortable with calling NorCo a sanctuary. It will no doubt be brought up again at the next meeting for a vote. All this does is open a Pandora's box for a host of other issues that have nothing to do with county government. 

Dixie Cup Developers Offer Full Throated Defense of Project

On Friday and Monday, I questioned the credibility of Skyline Investment Group., the private equity firm that plans to redevelop the long vacant factory into 405 fashionable apartments beyond the reach of most Lehigh Valley residents. I did so because Skyline wants a 20-year tax incentive known as a TIF. Under this program, it could be 20 years or longer before any taxing authority sees increased tax revenue. But it will be required to provide the services that 405 residential units will undeniably demand. In response to thos criticism, the wagons have circled. 

At last night's County Council meeting, several people involved in the project once again stressed the importance of the project. Skyline principal Bill Bartee, whose website is an exercise in puffery rivalling Donald Trump, was there in the flesh. So was Claudia Robinson, although this time she made sure to make clear she is a consultant. David Amirian, a real estate developer who said he's a "man of faith," identified himself as involved in the project. Finally, Executive Lamont McClure also waxed on about the importance of this project, stating that the giant Dixie Cup will be a symbol for other communities to emulate. He also issued a news release advocating the project.

I'll agree there are numerous arguments supporting a tax break. I expect it to pass easily. But Bill Bartee's website for Skyline Investment Group.is without question blatantly dishonest. 

McClure Administration Makes Case to Borrow $60 Million For New Garage and Office Building at NorCo Courthouse Campus

At yesterday's Finance Committee meeting of NorCo Council, Executive Lamont McClure made the case for borrowing the money needed for a new garage and office building at the courthouse campus. (Preliminary plans were discussed here). His basic argument is that the county is in a very good financial position to assume more debt.

McClure stated that there have been no tax increases in any of the past six budgets presented, including a tax cut in 2022. During that time, the size of county government has actually decreased 31% ($121 million). Moreover, during these six years, outside auditors have annually given the county a clean bill of financial health. 

He also addresses the claim that he is only able to do these things by cutting into the county's fund balance and reducing it until a massive tax hike is necessary. That's just untrue, he observed. He told Council that the average fund balance over the past six years has been $48 million.  He predicts it will be $50 million this year. 

Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron followed McClure. He explained that municipal debt is financed through Non-Taxable Bonds sold on the secondary market. "Acquiring debt to construct buildings and infrastructure for government services effectively reduces the burden on today's taxpayers, distributing payments over the useful life of the facility so that those benefiting from it contribute to debt service payments."

According to Barron. most municipalities consider $1,600 to $2,000 per person as a reasonable debt load. If the county assumes new debt to finance the garage and office building, the burden per taxpayer would be $440.73, which is significantly below the average. 

Barron also told County Council that the total assessed value of taxable county property is over $10 billion. The debt burden of financing a garage and office building would be 1.4% of the county’s assessed value. 

He also discussed the $100 million in annual revenue generated by the county. While many municipalities allocate between 40% and 50% of their revenue to debt service, Northampton County's allocation is notably lower at 16.6%. "In summary, with over a billion dollars of borrowing capacity, we currently utilize only 8.2% of that capacity. The new proposal would bring us to 12%. These factors contribute to Northampton County's Aa1 rating from Moody's and its status as an excellent credit risk, attributed to our timely payments, robust revenue, prudent debt management, and conservative approach." 

Barron then introduced Scott Shearer from PFM, who discussed the options for borrowing $60 million in new debt. He said current rates on bond debt are about 2.6%, below historical averages. Moreover, the county can invest this borrowed money with a 4% return rate until the money is needed. He added that demand is high for tax exempt bonds from highly rated entities like the county. 

There are two ways to re-pay a $60 million bond. The first is through level payments over 20 years, similar to a typical mortgage. The second is through wrap around payments in which the amounts increase over time. 

Shearer told Council that borrowing $60 million should have no adverse impact on the county's bond rating. 

$500,000 Bail Set For Bethlehem Cop Accused of Seducing 14 YO Girl and Taking Upskirt Photo of Middle School Student

Bethlehem police officer Costas Alestas is behind bars. After his arrest yesterday for numerous alleged sexual encounters with a 14 yo East Hills Middle School girl, as well as an upskirt video he shot of another female student, he was preliminarily arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Vivian Zumas. She set bail at $500,000, and Alestas is now off the street.

The criminal complaint, including a very detailed affidavit of probable cause, can be seen below. It is actually somewhat shocking to read. NorCo DA Steve Baratta announced the charges yesterday at a news conference inside Bethlehem's City Hall. I unfortunately was unavailable. 

Yesterday, I received an anonymous comment hurling some serious accusations against other Bethlehem police officers. If you'd like me to publish them, you are going to have to tell me who you are and the basis for your invective. Most cops are decent and honorable people. Unfortunately, an incident like this tarnishes them all. 

Alestas Criminal Complaint by bernieohareiii on Scribd

Municipal Lien Filed Against Easton City Council Member Taiba Sultana

Her list of transgressions continues to grow. Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana has the distinction of being the only Council member who was charged with code violations at her own home. She was placed on ARD after being accused in the domestic assault of her adult son. She has accused Easton City Council members and Mayor Sal Panto of both racism and misogyny while simultaneously blasting older people. Her own adult daughter has been accused of corrupting the morals of minors after she and two of her minor siblings were nabbed by state police in the process of damaging anti-Sultana campaign signs. A judgment has been entered against her in a dispute with a landlord. Her car was booted for failure to pay parking tickets. And now, a $922 municipal lien has been filed against her for failure to pay real estate taxes on her Vista Drive property. 

These taxes are what pay her salary. 

Allentown Mural Arts, Cedar Crest College, Transform Utility Boxes Into Art

Can Allentown's electric utility boxes be transformed into works of art? Shocking, you might say, but that's exactly what's happening. Allentown Mural Arts has teamed up with Cedar Crest College Arts students to create public art out of Allentown's nondescript and ubiquitous utility boxes.

According to Jane Heft, Director of Allentown Mural Arts, this program is intended to "bring color and creativity to otherwise dull and utilitarian structures in the heart of Allentown." This project started May 8 on Hamilton Street and will continue throughout the summer. 

City Center Group and Fast Signs of Allentown have contributed to make this possible. 

Pen Argyl Resident Arrested For Eight Burglaries Late Last Year

I was unable to attend a news conference conducted yesterday by NorCo DA Steve Baratta because I'm getting a series of goofy tests done in advance of an eye operation I'll be getting next week. His office was kind enough to forward a news release announcing the arrest of Pen Argyl resident Shane Lake, who's been accused in a string of eight burglaries last year. I thought I'd share it with you. 

NorCo DA: Pen Argyl Resident Accused in String of Eight Burglaries by bernieohareiii on Scribd

NorCo DA: East Hills Middle School SRO Being Charged With Sexual Offenses

Northampton County DA Steve Baratta will be conducted a news conference tomorrow "at 2pm in the rotunda at Bethlehem City Hall. Costas Alestas, a school resource officer at East Hills Middle School, [is] being charged with Statutory Sexual Assault, Institutional Sexual Assault, Aggravated Indecent Assault, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Criminal Use of a Communications Facility, and Invasion of Privacy."

From what I've been told, a teacher has been either suspended or placed on leave as well. It's unclear whether those matters are related.

Officer Alestas had been a Big Brother. The Bethlehem Police Department, on its Facebook page stated in 2017 that he was "mentoring" students at Broughal Middle School. "The officers meet with their little brothers/sisters once a week and play sports, help with schoolwork, read or just chat about things going on in their lives." 

I realize Alestas is presumed innocent, but this is a bad look for Bethlehem's Police Department, especially during law enforcement week. 

The Argument For the Dixie Cup TIF

Over the past few days, I've been hammering away at the special tax break known as a TIF at the long-vacant Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough. I philosophically oppose most tax breaks but usually have no problem when it's given to develop a blighted urban property or a brownfield. The Dixie Cup is certainly a blighted urban property, but I oppose a tax break there for three reasons: (1) I believe it will exacerbate, not alleviate, our housing crisis; (2) I have no confidence in the private equity developer; and (3) It subverts natural revenue growth. TIF Having said this, I expect the TIF to be granted by the borough, school district and county. And no, it has nothing to do with campaign contributions to anyone. There are none. The simple reality is that reasonable people of good will can look at the same facts and have different opinions.

Yesterday, I received an anonymous letter (not an email, but an actual letter) endorsing the Dixie Cup project. Although I know who the author is, I'll honor his anonymity. Here's what he said: "The TIF is a good thing for certain type properties, like the Dixie Cup property which has sat vacant for too many years. Waiting another 20 years to get the increase in taxes is not a long time. The government bodies lose nothing because without the development there will be no increase in tax base. It's obvious this building will sit forever if no government incentives, like the TIF, are involved."

In addition to this anonymous letter, I also received a "Redevelopment Project Status Report" concerning the project, which you can review yourself below. Though Skyline's Brain Bartee leaves a lot to be desired, he has had enough sense to involve over 20 highly qualified consultants. Moreover, before closing on the deal, over $3.5 million has already been invested into this project. 

I also received a message (I'll keep it anonymous) telling me that doing nothing is what exacerbates the affordable housing crisis. "[Y]ou exacerbate the Affordable Housing crisis by not increasing the overall supply of rental housing in The Valley. So, a warehousing use or worse yet no use at all makes things worse by failing to increase the overall supply. In other words, doing nothing or the wrong thing exacerbates the situation. More supply. Lower rents throughout the market as people will stop renting less housing than they can afford"

The justification for the $1 million the county receives for the TIF is that it will fund affordable housing projects in Glendon Borough, Forks Tp and on the Southside of Easton. But, more importantly it is sending a symbolic message that if you're going to build luxury or mid-market rate with County support, you are going to need to find a way to help us defray the costs of the Affordable projects we are working on all over the County.

I remain opposed to a TIF, but there are two sides to every coin. 

Redevelopment Deal Status Report 240220 Dixie Cup by bernieohareiii on Scribd

Dixie Cup: Skyline Addresses Red Flags About Its Credibility

On Friday, I questioned the bona fides of Skyline Investment Group. This private equity firm plans to buy the long vacant Dixie Cup building in Wilson Borough and convert it into 405 apartments. Why this matters is because it seeks a considerable 20-year tax break known as a TIF. Under this program, it can use the increase in property taxes that result from development to finance additional development. The three taxing authorities (county, school district and borough) will see none of it, although Skyline is willing to give the county $1 million for affordable housing projects in Forks Tp, Glendon and Easton. After I published this story, I received a call from Brian Bartee, the founder of Skyline.  He blew smoke up my ass, telling me that this small blog is very influential. At the same time, he threatened me with a defamation lawsuit from the Morgan, Lewis law firm. The purpose of this story is to review each of the red flags I raised on Friday, along with Bartee's response. You can then decide for yourself whether this is a credible developer. 

Red Flag #1. Skyline Investment Group appears to be a knock off of the worldwide Skyline Development Group. That's owned by Zygi Wilf, who also owns the Minnesota Vikings and is an actual developer. I believe using a name so similar to Skyline Development Group is designed to confuse gullible people.  

Bartee's response. - He chose the name because he likes the word Skyline, did the necessary corporate name search and had no desire to fool anyone. 

Red Flag #2. Skyline Investment Group's website lists locations in California, Florida, New York, Tennessee and Texas. But with the exception of its New York location, it fails to provide a physical address for any of these other venues. The only contact - and it's the same contact for all five locations - is a cell phone number with a 551 area code (in New Jersey). This kind of misrepresentation is designed to make Skyline look bigger than it actually is. 

Bartee's response. He admits he has no physical presence anywhere except for NYC. He blamed it on COVID. 

Red Flag #3.  The sole physical location that Skyline does list is in New York at 200 Park Avenue, Suite 1700. That's the Metlife Building, and the use of that address is intended to create the impression that Skyline has a prestigious address. But it's a virtual address. 

Bartee's response: He admits he uses a virtual address. He also blames this on COVID. 

Red Flag #4. The portfolio for Skyline lists one project called the Louix. It fails to indicate where it is, what it is or when it was built. There is no description at all. 

Bartee's response. He admits there is no Louix anywhere. Apparently, it is a design prepared by CHASM architecture. 

Red Flag #5. The services offered at Skyline' webpage are a ridiculous array of items from accounts receivable to second mortgages to lines of credit to energy production. This is not development. 

Bartee's response.  Before he went into development, and the Dixie Cup is actually his first development. Bartee provided these services, mostly as a broker. 

Red Flag #6. The webpage lists several firms as "partners" that are actually not partners. For example, CHASM Architecture is listed as a "partner." It is actually an architectural firm that would be employed by a developer.

Bartee's response. CHASM Architecture is his exclusive architect for all his development projects. (He has one). He added that Nathaniel Clark, managing partner at CHASM, is a principal in Skyline Easton, the entity that actually is poised to buy the Dixie Cup. So there is validity to his claim that CHASM is a partner. 

Red Flag #7 The public faces of Skyline at municipal meetings have been Claudia Robinson and Neil Griffin. But get this. Neither is actually employed by Skyline at its make-believe office. Robinson is actually employed at AreaProbe, Inc., a Washington DC real estate advisory firm. She is apparently particularly good at snagging tax credits and is obviously working this deal as a consultant.  I don't know what she may have told other municipal bodies, but she failed to disclose exactly what her employment status is with Skyline, despite a direct question about it from Council member Lori Vargo Heffner. As for Neil Griffin, he is a Project Manager at CHASM.

Bartee's response. He acknowledged that neither Robinson nor Griffin is employed directly by Skyline. He stated that he has 80 people working this project, including the Morgan Lewis lawfirm. They are not employees. When pressed, he said he has 11 direct employees. 

Red Flag #8. On Friday, I confused Bartee with another person by the same name and incorrectly stated he was in sales for the medical care industry. 

Bartee's response. He has never been involved in the health care industry and has devoted his career to real estate. He correctly took me to task for that error on my part. He acknowledged that this is his first actual development. 

Why Dixie Developer Needs NorCo To Take Over Wilson Boro Tract

Last week, Skyline Investment Group representatives appeared at the county's General Purpose Authority.   Wilson Borough owns a small triangular piece shown on the tax map you see above as 1C-1. It is 0.35 acres located along the eastern side of 25th Street and is actually the beginning of a bike path that extends from the Palmer Bike path and hooks up with the Tatamy Trail. Skyline wants to take it over and move the giant Dixie Cup that currently sits on top of the factory to this triangle. But Skyline wants this deal to go through the county. It wants the Borough to convey to the county or General Purpose Authority, then have the county or General Purpose Authority convey to Skyline.

Why?

Under the Borough Code, Wilson Borough can convey land to another municipality or municipal authority. But if it desires to convey to a private party, it must do so by auction. 

This provision in the Borough Code is obviously intended to prevent sweetheart deals between a municipality and for-profit developers. But isn't that exactly what is happening? 

UPDATED: Dixie Cup's Questionable Developer Will Exacerbate Affordable Housing Crisis

In March, Northampton County Council approved a nonbinding resolution aimed at capping increasing lot fees charged by the private equity firms that are gobbling up manufactured home developments throughout the country. But at the same time, Northampton County is poised to give a significant tax break for Skyline Investment Group. This private equity firm plans to buy the long vacant Dixie Cup building in Wilson Borough and convert it into 405 apartments. Monthly rentals for single bedroom apartments will be $1,900, which is well above what City Center charges ($1,200) for luxury apartments at the Strata. It's nearly twice what most commercial landlords charge in the Lehigh Valley. Though Skyline is willing to throw a $1 million bone to the three taxing districts for affordable housing elsewhere, all three taxing authorities will have to wait 20 years before they see increased revenue to help their bottom lines. While waiting, ordinary taxpayers will have to pick up the tab for the increased services that the school district, borough and county will have to provide for double-platers who move here from New Jersey and NYC. These transplants will be among the few who can afford these rents. Most of us would agree that tax breaks for warehouse developers should be spurned. Similarly, we should discourage private equity firms like Skyline that exacerbate the affordable housing crisis. They've already taken over the trailer parks and now have their sights set on larger apartment complexes throughout the country. While they certainly have the right to invest in apartment buildings and charge exorbitant rents, the last thing a government should do is incentivize them. 

Earlier this week, I shared Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen's informative description of the project (you can read it here.) In addition to seeking a tax break known as a TIF, which would delay enhanced tax revenue for 20 years, Skyline wants the county to acquire a triangular tract (at least temporarily) next to the factory upon which it plans to move the Dixie Cup that currently sits on top of the building. 

One of my readers asks, "Has anyone done research into this developer? What other projects have they done? Anything of this size? Do they have a reputation as a good operator? I would think that A LOT of research should be done before McClure hands out our tax dollars to them!"

I've done a little digging and can see a number of red flags.

First, this private equity firm (it is not really a developer) calls itself Skyline Investment Group. Just as there are knock offs of name brand products, Skyline Investment Group appears to be a knock off of the worldwide Skyline Development Group. That's owned by Zygi Wilf, who also owns the Minnesota Vikings and is an actual developer. I believe using a name so similar to Skyline Development Group is designed to confuse gullible people.  

Second, Skyline Investment Group's website lists locations in California, Florida, New York, Tennessee and Texas. But with the exception of its New York location, it fails to provide a physical address for any of these other venues. The only contact - and it's the same contact for all five locations - is a cell phone number with a 551 area code (in New Jersey).

Third, the sole physical location it does list in New York is 200 Park Avenue, Suite 1700. That's the Metlife Building, and the use of that address is intended to create the impression that Skyline has a prestigious address. But it's a virtual address. 

Fourth, the portfolio for Skyline lists one project called the Louix. It fails to indicate where it is, what it is or when it was built. There is no description at all. 

Fifth, the services offered are a ridiculous array of items from accounts receivable to second mortgages to lines of credit to energy production. This is not development. 

Sixth, it lists several firms as "partners" that are actually not partners. For example, CHASM Architecture is listed as a "partner." It is actually an architectural firm that would be employed by a developer.

Seventh, the public faces of Skyline at municipal meetings have been Claudia Robinson and Neil Griffin. But get this. Neither is actually employed by Skyline at its make-believe office. Robinson is actually employed at AreaProbe, Inc., a Washington DC real estate advisory firm. She is apparently particularly good at snagging tax credits and is obviously working this deal as a consultant.  I don't know what she may have told other municipal bodies, but she failed to disclose exactly what her employment status is with Skyline, despite a direct question about it from Council member Lori Vargo Heffner. As for Neil Griffin, I was unable to find out exactly who he is and where he works.

So who is the moving force of Skyline? It appears to be one person - Brian Bartee. Amazingly, his LinkedIn page fails to even mention Skyline. He calls himself an investor in venture capital and private equity. He was a salesman for Lifescans for a year and was an account manager for the health care industry.  

If Bartee has lined up a number of investors for the Dixie Cup, good for him. If he wants to charge rents that most of us could never afford, that is his right. But the government should do nothing to help someone who is only going to make the affordable housing crisis worse even if he dangles a $1 million carrot.  

UPDATED (12:30 pm): Brian Bartee, Skyline's owner, called me this morning. The one part of my story that is inaccurate is my confusion of him with another Brian Bartee from Arizona. He also insists that CHASM is a partner, although that's debatable. The rest of my story is accurate. I'll fill you in on that conversation on Monday.  

Bill To Permit Pre-Canvass of Mail-in Ballots Goes to Pa Senate

Under current law, county election officials are unable to start the process of counting mail-in ballots until 7 am in election day, when they are doing 10,000 other things. This can and does result in delays in many jurisdictions. Throughout the state, county officials have been asking the state legislature to allow elections offices to begin this tally sooner. The state house has complied with a measure that will allow pre-canvassing to begin seven days before an actual election. Under this bill, the results will be tabulated, but may not be published or reported until polls close. This bill passed in a 102-99 vote along party lines, with Republicans opposed. It now advances to the state senate, where Republicans are in control. 

NorCo's Primary Election Results Now Official

Northampton County's Elections Comm'n has certified the election results from the May 23 Primary, and they are now official. Tie votes in 16 GOP committee slots will be decided on Friday in a casting of the lots. This will take place at noon, Friday, in County Council chambers. You can appear in person or watch on YouTube.  

UPDATED: Dixie Cup Developer Wants County To Take Over Wilson Borough Tract

Last week, the New York City based developers of the long vacant Dixie Cup building presented their plans to NorCo Council. Skyline Investment Group is seeking a tax incentive known as a TIF. Under this kind of a tax break, the owner can divert increased real estate taxes to pay for improvements over a period of 20 years. In exchange for this benefit, they will make 10% of their apartments "affordable" or kick in a little over $1 million that the county can use for affordable housing elsewhere.  As generous as that may be Skyline has one more request.

Yesterday, Skyline was at the county's General Purpose Authority (GPA) meeting. Wilson Borough actually owns a small triangular piece shown on the tax map you see above as 1C-1. It is 0.35 acres located along the eastern side of 25th Street and is actually the beginning of a bike path that extends from the Palmer Bike path and hooks up with the Tatamy Trail. Wilson Borough wants Skyline to take it over and move the giant Dixie Cup that currently sits on top of the factory to this triangle, where people can offer human sacrifices or whatever to the Dixie Cup gods.  Skyline wants GPA to help with the purchase of this tract. Specifically, it wants the NorCo to assume ownership of the triangular lot, and then eventually pass it on to Skyline. 

It's unclear to me why this is necessary. 

Tina Smith, NorCo's Director of Economic Development, told the GPA that "[I]t's a great project and we hope to see it come to fruition."

Skyline Investment Group descriobes itself on LinkedIn as "one of the premier nationwide commercial real estate finance firms. Senior debt, preferred debt, student housing, construction, multifamily, hospitality, retail, industrial, office, net lease, credit lines and assisted living financing is part of our core business." I'm unaware of any projects in which it has been involved.

Claudia Robinson told Council member Lori Vargo Heffner, "It;s a small industry. My area is historic rehabs." Though she presented on behalf of Skyline, she actually is employed by another firm. She did identify a major investor, but I was unable to catch the name. She stated that monthly rents for 1 BR apartments would be about $1,900.

Dixie Cup Developer Wants Tax Break

Below you will see a detailed report from Wilson Borough resident Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen concerning the redevelopment of the long vacant Dixie Cup factory into apartments. Developer Skyline Investment group wants a tax break known as a TIF in exchange for setting aside 10% of the units for affordable housing. Wilson Borough and the school district have both signed off on this tax break, and all that is left is approval from the county. This TIF must be approved by Wilson Borough, the school district and the county to get the benefit from all three taxing bodies.

I will weigh in with what I think after checking out this New York investor. 

Armando's report:

[On May 2], two representatives from Skyline Investment Group, the buyer for the Dixie Cup site, presented their most up-to-date plans to Northampton County Council's Economic Development Committee. A lot of information was shared in the supporting documents (which you can find here starting on Page 13), but among the biggest updates is that the developer is requesting the Council pass an ordinance to set up a Tax Increment Financing District, or TIF.  

 

What is a TIF?

As Good Jobs First explains it, Tax Increment Financing is a geographically targeted economic development tool. It captures the increase in property taxes, and sometimes other taxes, resulting from new development, and diverts that revenue to subsidize that development. That diversion means local public services do not get the new revenue they would normally get from new re/development. 

 

In the case of the Dixie Cup site, the TIF would be in effect for roughly 20 years. Given this potential diversion of tax revenues, the question on everyone's mind should be "Is a TIF worth it for this project?"

 

What is Being Proposed

Some may recall an earlier image I circulated to show what were some of the major components of this project. The below image comes from the developer's TIF Plan, submitted to County Council as part of their May 2 meeting (accessible here starting on page 24).

• Dixie Cup Seating Area (Red Square): The Dixie Cup currently on top of the building will be brought down to ground level and set up with benches for people to enjoy up close. A replica cup will be created and placed on the roof. Based on the plan provided, this area would be close to where the bike path meets 25th Street.
   
• Access Lane to Bike Path (Green Oval): The bike path that runs along the western end of the site will be accessible from the southern parking lot of the redeveloped Dixie Cup building. This would provide a new outlet for cyclists who can currently only exit this stretch of the bike path at Northampton Street to the north or 25th Street to the west.
   
• Cafe and Dog Lounge (Blue Triangle): The old boiler house will be converted into a retail/commercial space, along with a dog run (note the bone-shaped outline on the western end of the triangle). This amenity, in addition to the Dixie Cup seating area, will be open to the public and provide an additional component of connective tissue between the Wilson Area High School to the east and Easton High School to the west.
   

The previously mentioned fire lane around the building, pool for building residents, and rooftop lounge are still included (the pool can be seen to the west of the 2nd northern-most "finger" of the main building). While the parking lot to the south of the building is visible even today, it's bound to be more active once the building is complete. 

Affordable Housing

Within the TIF ordinance is a section on affordable housing (pages 18-19 for those reading through the documentation). While the text requires 10% of the units to be affordable, there is also language that allows for an owner using the TIF to opt out of this requirement if they contribute $27,000 per unit, up to 10% of the total number of units, to the County's Affordable Housing Initiative Program. The redevelopment plan is for 405 units, meaning either 40 units would need to be affordable OR the developer would contribute $1,080,000 ($27,000 x 40 units) to the County fund. The developer has repeatedly stated they would prefer to contribute to the fund, so the only remaining question is whether $1,080,000 is a sufficient contribution to the fund. 

My Opinion

While the affordable housing question still needs to be answered, this proposal is an enormous validation of community voices--like yours-- that pushed back on the warehouse plan in 2022 and completed my survey in 2023. For those unfamiliar, I asked area residents to score their favorability towards various uses permitted on the Dixie Cup site. The results were very aligned with what Skyline Investment Group is proposing.

Separate from affordable housing, I still have questions regarding some of the more specific details of the site (amenity access, bike path accessibility from Washington Blvd, general questions about vehicular traffic, etc). Regardless, the possibility of a reactivated and engaging Dixie Cup site as part of our community is only because of community involvement and advocacy over the past few years. And if you have concerns about this plan, there is still time to make your voice heard.

Next Steps

County Council will be holding a public hearing on the TIF ordinance on Thursday, June 6. A vote on the ordinance is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3. I'll be attending both and am happy to meet up with others who would like to give testimony. We are so close to getting something that will benefit our community. Let's make it happen!

 

Thanks as always for your collaboration!

-Armando

 

PS: If you think someone would appreciate this information or want to receive updates on this Dixie Cup site, forward them this email!

Allentown Health Assessment Reveals Need For Education and Learning English

Last week, I told you that Allentown's Community Health Assessment (read it here) concludes there's a need to combat loneliness. That's complete horseshit. What it really reveals is a serious need for both an education and the ability to speak English as a second language. Those two things will do more to achieve upward mobility among its residents than anything else. That is made abundantly clear by this portion of the assessment:

Amidst an economic resurgence, many communities within the City of Allentown are burdened by persistent economic distress. Across the City, the poverty rate is 23.3%, and the median household income is $47,700. Compared to the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area, Allentown has a poverty rate twice as high, and a median household income that is lower by one-third. Economic disparity illustrates the reality and the persistence of a citywide prime-age employment gap of 6.1%. The gains of a growing, prosperous regional economy are not being shared by all, especially here in the City of Allentown. Regionwide, there is a noticeable disparity in access to opportunity between different racial and ethnic groups. White individuals are twice as likely to live in an area with very high opportunity compared to Non-Whites. Just 38% of the Hispanic/Latino community in our region have high access to opportunity, 40-points less than white individuals. This disparity is especially pronounced within the City of Allentown, a now majority-minority city following the 2020 Census.

Allentown is a diverse city with 54.5% identifying as Hispanic/Latino and 47.5% identifying as non-native English speaking. Skills and education gaps are the fundamental barriers to employment for Allentown residents. Among this subset of the city, 25% of prime-age residents are not high school graduates. Language barriers accentuate this gap: individuals who do not speak English at home are over three times less likely to graduate from high school compared to those who do. Low educational attainment and proficient skills render many of the higher paying local jobs inaccessible to many within this area. A consequence of this incompatibility is the challenge many residents face arranging transportation to work. Despite 90% of residents traveling to work outside of their neighborhood, one in every three households in this area are without a personal vehicle.

I like to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant in this area once a week. A few months ago, the owner's two nephews immigrated (legally) after waiting for years. Neither spoke a word of English. Despite this handicap, both obtained jobs very quickly. Both also immersed themselves into studying English. While waiting for ESL classes at Northampton Community College, they used an online app to teach themselves. They both speak English quite well now and one of them just bought a car. 

Being an Auschlander hurts you only if you let it hurt you. 

Gracedale Shooting For 450 Census By End of May

Gracedale Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King, who was a bit breathless. updated NorCo Council about the county-owned nursing home on May 2.  She was a bit frazzled because the state Department of Health decided to conduct its annual inspection two weeks early and were at the facility for two days. Stewart-King was happy to report that only two minor deficiencies were found, compared to a state average of 9.3 and a national average of 9.4.

Stewart-King noted that admissions are up. The current census is 434, with 42 new admissions in April. Her goal is to reach 450, which she expects to do this month.  This includes a short-term rehab unit, which currently houses 17 residents with room for 31. 

The home still relies heavily on outside agency nurses, who are usually paid double what is paid to an actual employee. Stewart-King denied that agency nurses are paid $250 an hour. "No, that is not what we pay." She joked if that were so, "I'm joining an agency." She acknowledged, however that agency RNs in the Pittsburgh area were getting $500 an hour during COVID. 

Stewart-King added that outside agency nurses make up about 35% of Gracedale's nursing corps.  

NorCo Received 8,745 Referrals of Child Abuse or Neglect Last Year, Is Down 22 Caseworkers

Maria Torres, Administrator of NorCo's Children Youth and Families (CYF) department, updated County Council on May 2. 

She indicated her department received 8,475 referrals of child abuse or neglect las year, which is the highest number of complaints received since the county began keeping tack in 2015. This year, there have been 2,356 referrals through March. Torres indicated that, though the numbers have decreased slightly from where they were at this time last year, the cases are more complex.

She indicated that 179 children are currently in placement. Of this total, 71 are in county kinship, a program in which relatives care for a child in an effort to reduce stress and promote family stability. Another 73 are with foster care agency vendors. The final 25, mostly teenagers, are in congregate care.  "A lot of people really don't want to deal with teenagers," remarked Torres.

There are 29 vacancies in her department of which 22 are caseworkers. So, when union agent Chris Ellis told Council two weeks ago that there were double digit vacancies in Human Services, he was accurate. 

Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski said there are more vacancies, but there are more positions. CYF has expanded from a department of 125 on 2018 to 164 today.  She pointed out that the county's vacancy rate is 17%, well below the state average of 30-40%.

Has Your Local Sheriff Been Calling You?

I usually ignore calls marked as "potential spam," but accidentally answered one about a week ago. A fellow with a thick accent told me he was with the Sheriff's Office and had a warrant to bring me unless I paid him thousands of dollars. As someone who has been arrested numerous times for unpaid parking tickets, I knew exactly what to say. 

"Get in line!" Then I hung up. 

Actually, since moving away from the skyscrapers of Nazareth's bustling downtown, I've received no parking tickets. So aside from the spam designation on my caller ID, I Knew the call was bullshit. But many people my age and even younger are a bit more gullible. 

NorCo DA Steve Baratta has issued a news release to say his office is investigating numerous scam calls that are supposedly from the Sheriff's office. In those calls you are informed you failed to appear for a court date (that's the only kind of date I get), and you have to pay a certain amount of money. This will be returned of you show up at the next date.

As scams go, that's a bad one. A good scam appeals to our greed. This one is aimed at guilt, which probably appeals most to Catholics. 

In any event, the Sheriff's office wants you to know it is not a collection agency and would not call you this way. 

NorCo Council Delays Consideration of Voluntary Employee Health Center

Northampton County Council was poised to consider a resolution approving the controversial employee health center at last night's meeting. But Council member Jeff Warren, who proposed the measure, moved to withdraw it last night after learning that Council member Tom Giovanni was visiting family in Italy. (I might see him there when I win the Giro d'Italia this year).  Warren would prefer to wait until all nine members of Council are physically present and can vote. The eight members were present, either in person or by phone, voted to allow Warren to withdraw the resolution. 

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure: "We Had a Successful and Uneventful Primary"

Last November's election in NorCo was an unmitigated disaster for anyone who voted in person in NorCo. A coding error compounded by Logic and Accuracy testing that appeared to be neither reversed voter choices in the Superior Court retention races. When the problem was discovered, elections officials quickly exhausted a meager supply of emergency ballots. Rightly or wrongly, the problems resulted in the resignation of Administrator Charels Dertinger. Would these problems continue in the year's Presidential primary?

For those of us who still believe in democratic government, the voting system worked. Executive Lamont McClure told NorCo Council at last night's meeting that "[w]e had a successful and uneventful primary election on Tuesday, April 23. There were no machine issues and in-person turnout was very light across the county. "

McClure added that the Elections Commission signed and certified the unofficial results on April 30, after the canvass of the vote was complete. An Elections Comm'n meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 3 pm, in the training room (3d floor) so that the official results can be certified. 

There are 16 districts with tie-votes in the elections of GOP county committee members. At high noon, Friday, May 10, there will be a casting of lots to determine winners. This will be livestreamed on the county's Youtube Channel.

Thode: Voters Disgusted at Government's Misplaced Priorities

Earlier this week, I pointed to the anemic turnout in our Presidential Primary and posited that voters really have pretty much no choice, which is pretty sad on every level of government. I suggest a real need for both open primaries and term limits. Some readers suggest age limits and campaign spending limits as well. Steve Thode, who is only slightly older but a lot smarter than I, sent me an essay that mainly looks at traffic patterns here in the Lehigh. He believes government has misplaced its priorities, and I pretty much agree. Here's his opinion:

Julie and I vote almost every primary and general election - just as we did last week. I think I have missed just two elections in the last 50 years. Both times because I was called out of town unexpectedly just before the election.

However, I am growing increasingly pessimistic.

I have a few suggestions for you. Take a drive across the Valley on US 22. Stay in the right lane and drive at the posted speed limit. See how many vehicles you pass. Not many. And see how many vehicles pass you going 10-20 miles over the posted speed limit. Lots and lots. Some will angrily honk at you for daring to observe the speed limit. Those who pass you cannot all be climate change deniers!

Speed enforcement is largely a joke. PennDOT recently announced it is going to continue to use photo radar in highway construction zones. However, speeders will face no sanctions whatsoever unless they are speeding more than 10 miles over the posted limit. And, those photo radar units are brightly colored and easily seen at a distance. We all pay for speed limit scofflaws through much higher auto insurance premiums as speeding is a primary cause in most accidents. Why should the public take the government seriously when the government doesn't take itself seriously?

While on your drive, note that the last "upgrade" to US 22 was 25 years ago and only covered the area between the Lehigh River and Schoenersville Road. Virtually all other interchanges are nearly identical to their original configurations in 1954. The PA 191 interchange is a hot mess. And, the cloverleaf merges at interchanges are substandard and dangerous. Drive north on Center Street and try to merge on to US 22 or drive north on PA 309 to merge on to US 22 West or drive east on US 22 to merge on to PA 33 North.

I haven't heard one word about widening US 22 to three lanes each direction. Most weekday afternoons, US 22 West is a parking lot from Center Street to Airport Road. Likewise, US 22 East is a parking lot from Cedar Crest Blvd to the Lehigh River.

Next, take a drive at night along US 22. Note how many overhead lights are either burnt out or non-functional at interchanges. For example, if you are heading east on US 22 and exit at Center Street all of the overhead lights along the entire exit are non-functional and have been for more than 18 months.

I-78 in Northampton County is in terrible shape, especially going east from PA 33 to Exit 75. No significant resurfacing has occurred on this section since the highway was built more than 35 years ago. Millions of loaded semis headed to NYC have beaten the crap out of it. Heaven help a person with dentures who gets stuck in the right lane.

Congress passed the laughably named $1 trillion "Infrastructure" bill last year. Billions in subsidies for windmills, EVs, and non-existent (so far) EV charging stations. But, apparently, little for roads and bridges.

Also note the public employee pension funding crisis in so many states. A State of New Jersey pensioner who retired 14 years ago has never received a Cost of Living Adjustment. Using the CPI as a gauge, that pensioner would need a COLA of more than 40% to achieve the same level of purchasing power they had the day they retired. And, there is no expectation that State of NJ pensioners will receive a COLA anytime soon because the legislature deliberately underfunded New Jersey’s pension obligations for decades.

At the national level, neither political party dares to engage in a conversation about the Social Security/Medicare funding crisis that is less than a decade away.

Many of us are cynical about our elected leaders because, although they spend money like drunken sailors, when it comes to making tough choices like adequately funding roads and bridges, public employee pensions, and Social Security and Medicare, they kick the can down the road. Instead, they craft spending bills that reward special interests at the expense of the general public. Interest payments on the federal debt – alone – consume more than 40% of all personal income taxes. The Treasury Department projects that interest on the federal debt will exceed $1 trillion this year. And, it has taken a bipartisan effort to achieve those startling numbers.

Why should voters believe in the government? I'd like to hear someone make that case.

Tax Break For Dixie Cup and Employee Health Center to Be Considered By NorCo Council Tonight

A tax break known as a TIF for the Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough will be introduced tonight at NorCo Council. Dixie Cup has a TIF before. Principal Joe Reibman failed when he sought a LERTA because it was going to be partially used for warehouse space and there were unpaid real estate taxes. We'll soon learn how the property will be developed. 

Council will also consider a resolution providing for a voluntary employee health center. 

Allentown's Community Health Assessment Released

Allentown has released its community health assessment, which you can read for yourself here. According to a news release accompanying this assessment, three issues have been identified for inclusion in its health improvement plan: (1) loneliness and isolation; (2) a need for safe, stable and affordable housing; and (3) a need for upward economic mobility. 

The three issues identified strike me as wholly misplaced, especially the notion that Allentonians are lonely or isolated.  But the assessment itself provides a great deal of useful data. I plan on reading it thoroughly over the weekend and will weigh in next week on what a health improvement plan might wish to consider. I invite you to do the same. 

Trump's TIME Magazine Interview

Donald Trump recently sat down for an interview with TIME Magazine, a mainstream new publication. It goes well beyond his illegal suggestion of using the military to remove illegal (undocumented) immigrants. It also shows a petty little man who has learned nothing from the attempted coup at a joint session of Congress on January. He actually hinted at violence unless he is elected in November, And, of course, he'll consider a pardon for those who smeared shit on the capitol walls. 

As Biden [I mistakenly typed Buden in original post] said of himself over the weekend, he's grown man running against a six-year-old child.