Hurricane Sandy Swats Salisbury

Pippysqueak reports from Eastern Salisbury Township: "Power has been out since 10 pm Monday night in eastern Salisbury. Massive tree came down on some major power lines." She tells me that, fortunately, this tree only hit part of the house.

Hone located at Lawrence and Savercool Sts. in Bethlehem - Salisbury Township

Salisbury Basketball Program Might Be Saved

Yesterday, I told you that Lehigh County Commissioner Glenn Eckhart has graciously offered to foot the bill for security during the final two weeks of basketball games played by kindergarten through third-graders at Salisbury Township's Truman Elementary. School officials are rightfully upset at the petty vandalism by older kids who enter the building during games and have demanded this precaution.

It's beginning to appear that the kids will be able to get one last week of hoops. The Salisbury Youth Ass'n is working on a plan to salvage the final week and will advise Eckhart of the cost.

Eckhart, who coached there for thirteen years, is likely to this expense from his own pocket. But to be honest, I'd have no problem with him using campaign funds. In fact, I wish more politicians offered campaign funds for worthy projects that benefit kids.

Salisbury's Southbury Park: 100 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Land Down the Tube

Dan Poresky and the Sierra Club's Lehigh Valley chapter have some deep concerns about the proposed Southbury Park residential subdivision. For one thing, it's located on 100 acres of environmentally-sensitive South Mountain. And a Lehigh County judge has already overruled a Salisbury Township Commissioners' decision to grant a variance for this development, calling it an "abuse of discretion."

Tonight, at 7 PM, the state DEP will consider a developer request to divert construction activity stormwater right into Trout Creek and Black River. The purpose of tonight's meeting is to solicit public comment and concerns. This meeting will take place at Salisbury Twp. High School Auditorium, (off Emaus Ave near S. 4th St.)

Why should you care?

1) Because the highlands of South Mountain are a natural resource that Federal and State Agencies have named as worthy of conservation

2) Because you feel a responsibility toward the inheritance we leave future generations, not just today’s privileged interests

3) Because you’re concerned about the potential for more flooding in the area and the degradation of Trout Creek, one of the state’s few remaining high quality streams.