NorCo Receives $1.5MM Grant to Get the Lead Out

Northampton County is the beneficiary of a $1.5 million grant to help residents with lead remediation in its owner-occupied housing rehabilitation projects. Frank Brooks and Mike Brett of Northampton County's Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), under the leadership of Director Tim Herrlinger, deserve the credit for money that should help the county's neediest homeowners, and more importantly, their children.

The state Department of Health warns that lead is especially harmful to young children. At low levels, it may make learning difficult, interfere with growth, harm hearing and delay development. At high levels, lead may cause coma, convulsions and even death. The leading cause of lead poisoning is lead dust from lead-based paint which was used in many homes until 1978.

It's expensive to remove. According to the County DCED, up to 40% of the cost for home rehabilitation is for lead remediation. The County hopes to put this money to work, starting this year. DCED will administer this grant countywide.

Since 2012, 12 homes have been rehabilitated under the County's Owner-occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. The purpose of the program is to “maintain and preserve the availability of safe and affordable housing for homeowners who have low-to-moderate incomes through Northampton County’s boroughs and townships.”

Three more homes are under contract, and five more under the intake and review process. There is a pipeline of over 30 prospective clients.

DCED plans to administer the grant funds based on need, with a priority for child-occupied properties with children under the age of 6, as well as seniors aging in place in homes with identifiable lead-hazards.

DCED works with the code departments of the boroughs and townships to identify the neediest households. After the program has been advertised publicly, direct contact is made with any households determined to be in need by the local municipalities. It is up to the homeowners to submit applications. Those are reviewed based on the income criteria and eligibility of the requested activities on a first come basis, with few exceptions for emergencies or circumstances where there is an imminent threat to life or property.

Pre-application forms are also available on the county website.

DCED Director Tim Herrlinger said the grant will help "a greater number of citizens throughout Northampton county to improve their living spaces by removing the dangerous effects of lead, helping to bring more households up to a safer living standard.” Executive John Brown added that the grant "supports a creative program designed to provide real solutions to the challenges our neediest citizens face throughout the County, keeping healthy and safer home environments."

If you have a question about lead, you can call 1 (800) 424-LEAD [5323].

NorCo DCED Director Sued Over $15k in Credit Card Debt

Tim Herrlinger is Northampton County's Director of Community and Economic Development. A member of Executive John Brown's cabinet, he oversees the distribution of a great deal of money flowing through the county coffers. CDBG grants. Bond money. Casino funds  His department provides the administration of the General Purpose Authority, which has embarked on an ambitious, and costly, bridge bundling program. And he's been sued for $15,884.32 on a credit card.

A complaint was filed in Northampton County Court by American Express Centurion Bank on January 6 (File C-48-CV-2017-00123). After a complaint is filed in court, it is delivered to the Sheriff's office for service. The record reveals that deputies attempted to serve him four times at his Fairview Avenue address in Wilson Borough, but were unsuccessful. They apparently were unaware that he is a cabinet official.

Herrlinger, contacted late yesterday, said he was unaware of the complaint. When asked about four separate attempts by the Sheriff to notify him, he responded, "I am not often home." He said he was aware that Discover Bank was after him for $11,000, but knows nothing about American Express. He declined comment until he speaks with an attorney.

No judgment is on record against Herrlinger in this or any other matter. There are times when credit card holders have legitimate disputes over what is owed. But in view of Herrlinger's high-ranking role in NorCo government, this is something the public should know.

County Administrator Cathy Allen is subject to four tax liens.but a foreclosure brought against her was withdrawn by the suing bank in March.

Cathy Allen Confirmed as Director of Administration

A divided Northampton County Council voted last night to confirm Cathy Allen as Director of Administration, with a starting salary of $91,790. The vote was 6-3. Hayden Philips, Matt Diet and Bob Werner voted No. The remaining Council members supported her.

Werner noted that Allen has been the recipient of an illegal raise and has improperly charged the County over $1,000 for meals and travel to which she was not entitled. Matt Dietz added that, in a meeting with Allen, he was appalled when she accused several Council members of opposing her because they are sexist. Phillips is concerned about Allen's previously reported tax liens and foreclosure.

Executive John Brown stuck by Allen. "I believe we all have shortcomings, we all have challenges, we all misstep at times, and that's just our human nature," he said in her defense. "Ms. Allen has been and continues to be on a daily basis instrumental in making sure that the objectives of this administration get implemented in a way that moves this county forward." He noted hat Allen attacked the scalding water problem at Gracedale when she was first brought on board and, most recently, administered a well-run presidential election. He claimed that, to many employees, she is a go-to resource.

Mat Benol, who had previously opposed Allen, changed course. "What sticks in my mind is when she came to a prior council with [union agent] Justus James," he said. "That spoke volumes to what her abilities are."

Peg Ferraro said she is "absolutely torn" but decided to give Allen the nod. "Our Executive is doing an excellent job and he has complete faith and trust in this person ... . If he feels the confidence, I guess I will feel the confidence also."

After she was confirmed, one person in the back attempted to applaud, but no one joined him.

Less controversial was the appointment of Tim Herrlinger as Director of Community and Economic Development, at a salary of $83,718. He was confirmed unanimously. "Tim, I think you've done a great job so far," said John Cusick.