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MARCH 23-29, 2023
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Northampton Borough Allen Township Supervisors discuss Council discusses Septic management plan, volunteer Recent threats at Firefighter incentive program NAHS, welcomes Full-time police officer By KERI LINDENMUTH During their meeting on Tuesday, March 14, the Allen Township Board of Supervisors discussed a proposed on-lot sewer management plan ordinance. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires that any new municipality Act 537 Plan includes a program for managing septic system inspection and maintenance. Engineer Andrea Martin of Barry Isett & Associates said roughly 80% of township residents have indicated that they already maintain their septic system every three to five years. This ordinance would simply outline
the township’s monitoring program. However, some supervisors worried about the extra work this could impose on the township. “What this is going to do is force more work on the township to keep records on this…[and] we’re going to have to be funding this [as] the township,” said Supervisor Dale Hassler. “To force people to do something…that is a very contentious idea…particularly if it is unfunded.” He suggested that the township devote resources to educating the public and putting notices online and in the municipal newsletter instead. He also said he would
prefer requiring septic inspection and pump-outs before a house is sold or a certificate of occupancy is granted. Martin added that township residents could apply for waivers based on household size, tank size, or seasonal use. The township also already has a database of properties with septic systems. They would just need to implement a notification system to remind residents to check their septic tanks. The board asked that Martin simplify the draft ordinance language and return to the board.
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Lehigh Twp. Supervisors hear Needs of fire department Police Chief Bryan Kadingo and Officer Robert Lindsay. By SAVANNAH BROWN The Northampton Borough Council met Thursday, March 16 to consider approval for apartments on Main Street, an appointment to the Planning Commission, various requests, an Eagle Scout project, and the hiring of a full-time police officer. During reports, Mayor Anthony Pristash voiced utter disappointment with the Northampton Area School District superintendent and the chief of school police regarding the recent shooting threats at the high school. Northampton Borough Police Chief Kadingo shared that one of the threats occurred on Friday, March 10, which detailed a shooting threat for Tuesday, March 14, yet he was not made aware until Sunday afternoon. Kadingo stated that he had not heard anything from the NASD superintendent at all, but had patrol units in the parking lots of the school and offered to do what he could. The police department, which is only two blocks from the high school, was not contacted, yet the
Pennsylvania State Police and the Moore Township Police Department were called to help patrol and with the investigations. “This has happened in the past,” said Kadingo, adding that the police were called by the district once for a student that refused to remove their sunglasses, but not for terroristic threats. Several council members expressed that a letter demanding the validation and explanation of the events and proof regarding why the police department was not notified is needed, and Mayor Pristash stated that he will be happy to pen the letter. In other business, the Planning Commission had granted preliminary and final approval for the development located at 1204 Main St. in the building that the VFW previously occupied for 15 efficiency apartments contingent on a variance from the Zoning Hearing Board, which was granted for the proposed 21 parking spaces on an area of land that the Norfolk and Western Railway Continued on page 9
By LAURA KLOTZ The Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. Board chairman Michael Jones was absent, as was board member Gerald Pritchard; vice-chairman Cynthia Miller oversaw the meeting. Requests for extensions on two projects were heard. The representative for Bulldog Properties at 4209 Lehigh Dr. reported that progress is being made on the site, where a bakery and pizzeria are being added, and asked for
an extension until June 30. The representative for Riverview SelfStorage informed the board that they have completed the on-site testing and are waiting for approval of their report, and asked for an extension until July 31. Both requests were approved. The recreation board is setting up a pet inoculation clinic and hopes to finalize the details soon. The supervisors were given draft copies of the proposed signage for the Danielsville and Delps parks, although the final draft has not
yet been received. Miller said that the company making the signs also does wooden signs, and suggested that a wooden sign might last longer. Township Manager Alice Rehrig will consult with the company about this option. Frank Zamadics of the public works department reported a largely quiet month. The recycling center is on track to open on April 3, and he is getting a quote to edit the sign which lists the material the center will accept. Continued on page 5
Terroristic threat made to Northampton Area High School By HOME NEWS STAFF On Tuesday, March 14, Northampton Area High School was closed to in-person classes due to a terroristic threat. The phrase “Shooting Up School March 14th” had been found written in a bathroom stall at the high school. On Friday, March 10, NASD Superintendent Joseph S. Koval-
chik sent an email to parents and threat against the school will be guardians, alerting them of the held accountable. threat to the school. Northampton Area Middle 82nd Year, Issue No. 12 School and other district schools were open March 14 as no threats www.homenewspa.com had been made against them, while the high school participated in remote learning. The administration stated that the person responsible for the
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