Local Government TV

▼

Monday, July 27, 2026

NorCo Leases New DUI Center After Eviction by Bethlehem Tp

At their July 2 meeting, Northampton County Council approved a 10-year lease for a new DUI Center in Bethlehem Tp, next to the Skateaway at 4552 Easton Avenue. The monthly payment is $2,500 to Ridge Ventures, one of many companies owned by Abe Atiyeh. 

This seems like no big deal, except that NorCo was leasing the Coolidge House in Bethlehem Tp as a DUI Center. That is also home to a Bethlehem Area Public Library branch.

It could be that the DUI Center was getting to be a bit much for Bethlehem Tp, which actually filed an eviction proceeding against the county on July 1 for the recovery of the property. A hearing had been scheduled for July 27, but that has been postponed until August 18. 

at

4 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 27, 2026 at 7:07 AM

    So being by Skateaway where loads of kids are dropped off to skate everyday is any better?????

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 27, 2026 at 9:03 AM

    Abe Atiyeh was one of Zrinski's biggest donors. Interesting enough he and his wife also donated tens of thousands to Lamont McClure's campaign.
    The County will pay in rent what is equivalent to two times the cost of the building they are renting. Pays to line the right pockets.
    The Northampton County DUI Center should be in a County owned property , Emrick Blvd would be an ideal site since the DUI Center in only open during evening hours and wouldn't conflict with daytime service operations. Hopefully Zrinski can staff the new Center and police officers won't have to take drunk drivers to the hospital for a blood draw because the "Dui Center is closed".
    Wonder if Sandra McClure presiding over the eviction will be seen as a conflict since her husband was executive and works as County Solicitor.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJuly 27, 2026 at 9:53 AM

    Wow, anyone talking about “conflict of interests” these days?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bernie O'HareJuly 27, 2026 at 11:02 AM

      If there ever was a hearing, which obviously won't happen now, I am sure McClure would recuse herself.

      Delete

You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.