Overtime Showdown: Mayor vs. Fire Department

Apparently Easton is not the only city wrestling with the overtime issue...

Posted by: Noel Jones


In Colin McEvoy's article in Thursday's Express Times, Mayor Panto takes on the Fire Department over the subjects of both overtime and filing grievances for compensation--both of which get paid out of our tax dollars.


This is one of those union issues that, much like the EASD's struggle with the teachers' union earlier this year, really wears me out. On one hand, if we didn't have unions, we wouldn't have such concepts as the 9-5 work day, a mandatory lunch break, sick leave or medical benefits. We could easily be like China, where millions of people work 14-16 hour days in factories and are lucky if they get one day off. But I fear that due to either greed, stubbornness, or both, unions are so reticent to negotiate--even during one of the worst recessions our country has ever experienced--that the tide of popular support for unions is beginning to turn, and talk of "union-busters" is tossed around like citizens of Gotham calling for Batman.


One one hand, anyone who is willing to risk burning alive to rescue someone they don't even know (and who may not even deserve it) is a true living hero in my book. On the other hand, in a city of only 5 square miles, why do we have to have 10 firefighters on duty at all times? Couldn't we have five on duty and five on call? And if we have the ability to call the Wilson firefighters (which we do) when we need extra manpower before using Easton firefighters who are already on overtime, then why is it wrong for the Mayor to try to save us money that way?


What do you think? Post your comments here--this is a complicated discussion and it's worth hearing everyone out, to get all perspectives before forming an opinion.

More on the Old EASD Admin Building

811 Northampton Street

Posted by: Noel Jones


Read the latest developments on the proposed sale of the old Easton Area School District admin building at 811 Northampton in this article written by Colin McEvoy. There is no mention in the article of when the next meeting will be, when the school board will vote on whether or not to sell the building to the buyer. I checked the EASD web site and did not see any dates posted past the date of the last meeting, so perhaps it hasn't been decided yet. I had originally heard that the decision was only being tabled for a few weeks (and that was a week ago). If anyone has more specific information, and/or opinions on the sale of this building to this buyer, post here!

Security Cameras Coming to the West Ward and Wilson

Posted by: Noel Jones

In an Express Times article by Michael Buck, a new plan to install security cameras in the West Ward along Northampton is outlined. I know residents seem to be split on this issue--some residents say they will feel safer and that having security cameras might cut down on crime, while others feel that it makes the neighborhood look like a police state. Still others worry that it will discourage good families from buying homes in our neighborhood. Some are ok with more cameras as long as they are they are hidden from view, while others feel that that would defeat the purpose--deterring crime. How do you feel about it?

Mercantile Finds New Home

Posted by: Noel Jones

A message from West Ward residents and entrepreneurs, Ken Jones and Ron Morris, owners of Mercantile Home:

After two wonderful years in our charming colonial storefront at 526 Northampton Street, we are pleased to announce that Mercantile will be moving to a new home at 140 Northampton Street,  on the ground floor of The Grand Eastonian Suites Hotel, in the Fall.  Our shop and design studio will finally live under one roof! Thanks to your support, our little dream has grown by leaps and bounds over the past two years, and more room is needed for it to continue to spread its wings. Please join us as we celebrate the past two years in a final celebration at our current location on: Saturday, August 14th 4 - 7pm We will be in touch soon with updates on the move, as well as information on other wonderful developments in the Mercantile Home story. In the meantime,  we look forward to seeing you on August 14th!

EASD Administrators Get a Raise

Please memorize these School Board members names for the next school board election--they voted against cutting 72 teaching positions and against giving all EASD Administrators and custodial staff a 2% raise. They themselves do not get paid a dime.

Posted by: Noel Jones


In an almost unbelievable finish to a community drama that has drawn out for months, that saw hundreds of teachers and residents pack the high school auditorium for school board meetings in a district confronting both financial and educational crisis, the Easton Area School District has not only refused residents' requests to offer to take a pay cut in solidarity with taxpayers and to open negotiations with the teachers union, but voted instead to fire 72 teachers and give themselves a raise.


Before everyone gets out the pitchforks and starts hunting down the school board, it's important to know who you're mad at. The three board members above, Kerri Leonard-Ellison, Jen Holzberger and Jodi Hess VOTED NO on the raises. The rest were either good with it, or absent.


Read all about it in Colin McEvoy's Express Times article.

This Could Be Us: The HydroFracking Nightmare

A satellite view of natural gas drilling sites in New Mexico. 
These sites have all popped up in the last 5 years, since 
the last administration drafted the Halliburton Loophole, 
an exemption for natural gas drilling companies from 
the Clean Water Act.

Posted by: Noel Jones

I finally had the opportunity to see the film GASLAND at the Bethlehem Film Festival, and while I went in concerned, I came out shocked, stunned and downright scared. I had thought, going in, that the debate over new natural gas drilling, or hydrofracking (short for hydraulic fracturing) as it is commonly called, would be something akin to the ongoing debate of whether it is worth destroying our forests, mountains, farmland and oceans in the pursuit of fossil fuels--or whether or not there really is such a thing as "clean coal"--in other words, nothing newly dangerous, or more dangerous, just more of the danger we've become accustomed to living with in the U.S. lately.


Well, I was wrong. This is even worse. This is about defending our access to clean and safe water in our homes. We're talking tap water that you can set on fire.


As Americans, in general, we have had to consider the safety of coal mining when a mine collapses, or when miners die of black lung. We consider the effect on the environment when we see images of mountains in West Virginia topped and flattened. We feel sorry for their communities from a distance and try our hand at lofty debates about carbon emissions and "cap and trade." Or we watch the BP oil disaster on the news, feel sad for the fisherman, the pelicans, the coated coastline and the loss of pristine white beaches. We think twice about whether we want to eat shrimp for a while. Criticize our government, curse corporate greed. But it is all from a distance.


Well this is right in our own backyards; soon to be on our doorstep if we do not do all we can to stop it now. Literally, on our doorstep. Because, you see, when "natural" gas companies engage in hydraulic fracturing, and pollute the streams and rivers that supply our drinking water with 596 (known) chemicals--among them carcinogens and neurotoxins that can't be filtered out by our municipal water treatment systems--when your water turns brown and you begin suffering from dizziness and loss of motor function, they are gracious enough to begin delivering free tanks of clean water to your porch so that you can ration it to cover your washing, bathing and drinking water needs. Isn't that nice? This is what is happening in Dimock, PA--just 2 hours north of Easton.


If you have not seen the film, you must see it. It is available on HBO On Demand. The film maker, Josh Fox, is a resident of Milanville, PA and started filming out of concern for the creek that runs

Just When You Thought It Was Safe...

By Dennis R. Lieb
















As the late winter, spring and summer rolled by, many of you attended the ever-unfurling saga of the Easton School District budget. I must admit a certain glee in not having had to endure that nonsense with you and rather enjoyed the seemingly simple tasks of wading through Planning Commission meetings and wrestling with the design of the new Intermodal Center. But as luck would have it, I wasn't able to avoid the lurking presence of the EASD after all. I received information late today about the Board's intent to vote on the sale of the Cottingham School building in the 800 block of Northampton Street. Apparently, a non-profit outfit that does some type of counseling/housing for teenage girls has offered $300,000 for the property and the District is eager to settle.

Some of you may remember that the WWNP had interest in obtaining that building to house their offices and perhaps other organizations involved in serving the Easton community. It seems like a reasonable idea that the EASD would want to accommodate the neighborhood in some way since they have systematically eliminated numerous neighborhood schools over the past fifty years, including three of the WW elementary schools that I attended for nine years. Bob Freeman, Curt Ehly and myself made pleas at the microphone tonight for the EASD to table their vote on accepting this offer until provisions can be made to present a plan to them about possible acquisition by the city and/or WWNP.

During the run-up to the meeting though, other ominous details have come to light about this proposed

PSSA Scores for EASD Are Out!

Posted by: Noel Jones


Check out the Express Times article by Colin McEvoy and Sara Satullo on the dismal performance of our schools again this year. Easton Area High School has not met standards for the seventh year since testing began in 2003. I think we all agree that this is a crisis of education in our community, but what I would like to hear from readers, is how we think these results will be affected by the recent firing of 72 teachers?


And even more important, what potential solutions are out there?

Read The New Summer Issue of THE WEST WORD On Line!

The Summer Issue is here at last!

Posted by: Noel Jones


THE WEST WORD Summer Issue is now available to read on line. Just click "Downloadable Documents" on the right side bar of this home page to read the pdf version!


Featuring stories about the EASD, the proposed skate park, our community gardens, three West Ward neighbors, local West Ward businesses and more. Also available in local businesses around Easton and beyond--pass it around!

Spread The Word

HOT and fresh off the press.

Grab a donut,
Meet your neighbors,
Pick up a distribution list,
And help spread The West Word.

Donuts and Distribution Day
Saturday, July 17th
10:00 a.m.
5th St. Community Garden (at Ferry)

One hour of your time will make a world of difference.

See you there!

A Message from Weed & Seed

A message from Laura Accetta of Weed & Seed:

THURSDAY JULY 15, at 6:00pm 
THERE WILL BE A SAFETY MEETING AT CENTENNIAL PARK/SUMMER NIGHTS.
Please attend as Lt. Remaley and the Easton bike officers will be there to address neighbors concerns and take questions. There will be refreshments available for both children and adults earlier in the evening 4-5:00pm as well as age appropriate safety activities for the kids. Easton Blockwatch will be handing out information in how to sign up to keeo your block safe. In case of rain we have tents!

Please join us and let the Easton Police know what needed in the West Ward to maintain neighborhood safety. "It takes a Village".

Thanks,
Laura Accetta
Weed and Seed Site Coordinator
1 South Third Street
Easton, PA 18042
Phone: 610 250-2066
Fax:   610 250-6736
Follow Weed and Seed on facebook: www.facebook.com/weedandseed

The West Word hits the streets. Please join us this Sat.,10 am, at the 5th St. Community Garden. Grab a donut and help distribute if you're able.

From today's official announcement:

The West Word proudly announces that the Summer issue is now available.

The Summer issue features articles about:

-The Easton Area School District’s struggle to control pension debt, rising taxes, and failing grades
-Youth activists pushing for a skate park
-Community gardens in the neighborhood
-Community policing
-Free weatherization grants,
-and more.
In addition, the Summer issue introduces “ShopTalk,” a new section featuring the doings of West Ward businesses. Our inaugural ShopTalk features two businesses that anchor the corner of Northampton and 7th Street: Porter’s Pub and The Banana Tree.

The West Word thanks its many contributors and supporters.

As mentioned in post title, please join us at the 5th St. Community Garden (5th and Ferry) this Saturday at 10 am. Get your very own copy of The West Word, meet your neighbors, grab a donut and help distribute if you're able. Thank you!

Roll Out the Red Carpet!

Easton in the Oscar's?

Posted by: Noel Jones


This is exciting! Please read Colin McEvoy's article in the Express Times--a documentary made about our local Freddy Awards--given for best high school theatrical performances in our area every year at the State Theatre--has made the first cut for Oscar consideration and will be screened at the DocuWeeks Festival in New York and Los Angeles! 


This is a great opportunity for positive exposure for our area, and also to rally support for our arts programs in the Easton Area School District, which tend to not get nearly as much attention as our sports teams. Congratulations to all the teens who were a part of the Freddies this year!


I know we have some readers of this blog who have been passionate about attending the Freddies for years--please post your comments here!

Wish You Could Change the EASD? Here's Your Chance!

Posted by: Noel Jones


For those residents who have criticized how the EASD has chosen to spend tax money on building projects over the years--no more complaining--get involved! Below is a message (and challenge) from school board member Jen Holzberger:

Hi all,

 

Just a quick update since many people are in summer mode and not checking the [Easton Area School] district web-site too often.  The following is on the site:

 

The Easton Area School District is currently reorganizing the Facilities Utilization Ad Hoc Committee. New members are welcomed. Meetings are on an as needed basis throughout the year. If interested, please contact Sue Ferretti at ferrettis@eastonsd.org by Friday, July 16, 2010.

 

The Facilities Committee was most recently involved with the redistricting plans for the elem. schools.  There has been a huge decline in participants in the past year.  With future building needs and financial concerns, the committee is looking to regroup and start planning/recommending a course of action for district facilities.  If you or anyone you know would like to participate, please see the contact info above.  Meetings are usually in the evening at the admin. building once a month as things progress.   Please share this information with your friends and neighbors who might be interested.   All are welcome.

 

Thanks for your consideration.

Jen

------------

Especially for those readers who have experience with construction, engineering, HVAC, facilities management, etc. this is a golden opportunity for you to make a difference by lending your experienced advice, and helping to save taxpayers money at the same time! (Ahem! Are you reading this, Marty Jones?)

By the Book: Results of the NorCo Dem Party Do-Over

They are now being followed

Posted by: Noel Jones


Recently, several new committee precinct captains were elected to Easton's Democratic Committee and they have been shaking things up a bit--which is a good thing. For years the Democratic Committee has suffered from lethargy, with many of its precinct captain seats vacant. The EDC is the committee that is supposed to go door to door in each precinct to learn the concerns of its voting Democratic residents, strategize as to where to find good candidates in the community to run for office, and put on fundraisers to raise campaign money for Democratic candidates. A few weeks ago, Northampton County's Democratic Committee held their reorganizational meeting to vote for the new chair and vice chair of the committee. At the county committee meeting, all committee members from cities within the county are allowed to vote.  But unfortunately, things over the years had become so lax that bylaws were not being followed during the voting process, and the new blood on the committee protested the following:


1. That these elections cannot, by state law, be conducted by secret ballot--all members must sign in to vote
2. That no one was asking for identification from proxies that were sent to vote in the place of committee members who couldn't make it
3. That some people were allowed to hand in proxy votes on paper for people who couldn't make it--not allowed--a proxy is a proxy--they must be there in person--you can't mail in a proxy
4. That the "tellers," or vote-counters, were all supporting one candidate--no checks and balances on the count
5. That the number of votes did not match the number of people who had signed in


The vote was Michael Laws 40, Walt Garvin 42, so the concerns were heightened by the possibility that following the bylaws could possibly affect the outcome of the election. But the new members were very clear about expressing that they were not so much concerned with the result, as with everyone's ability to have faith in the integrity of the process.


So the new members voiced concern to the longstanding members and to the state, and a new election was ordered. Both sides agreed to

Are We Being Played?

Posted by Julie Zando-Dennis

Unveiled at the June 7, 2010 Easton Planning Commission meeting was a sketch plan of the proposed 9-floor apartment building to the 600 block of Northampton Street. In attendance was the developer Ari Schwartz, who explained that the project would attract young professionals just out of college, as well as empty nesters.

Some in attendance were deeply skeptical. After the presentation of the plan, one community member was convinced that Mr. Schwartz intended to rent the units as Section 8 low-income housing, and "nothing in the law could stop him." This community member's concerns are quite legitimate. According to a Coalition for the Homeless report entitled "Homeless Families At Risk: Hazardous Conditions in the Housing Stability Plus Program," Mr. Schwartz is identified as a “Major Problem Owner” and known to New York City community and tenant organizations as a "notorious slumlord."

According to the report, 11 of Mr. Schwartz's 300 properties have logged 2,407 violations, including 463 "immediately hazardous" violations. One resident reported that upon moving in there were no locks on the doors to the unit or the building, a broken intercom, and no guards on the windows in her first floor unit.

At the Easton Planning Commission meeting, Mr. Schwartz defended his record, explaining that he purchases dilapidated buildings with the intention to gentrify them. He said that the buildings he buys have many pre-existing code violations, but that once in control, he remedies the violations, forces out disruptive or unpaying tenants, and makes improvements to the buildings. In 2001, Schwartz commented to the Village Voice, “That's what I do. I make people's lives better.”

What to believe? Not sure at this juncture. If Mr. Schwartz is sincerely making a commitment to invest $9 million in a grocery store and middle income housing, as he professes, then the City of Easton should work to support him. We should gather more facts, not jump to conclusions, and proceed with caution.

Godzilla Eats Main Street

Posted by Julie Zando-Dennis

On the agenda for the City of Easton's public Planning Commission meeting is a proposal for a 9-story mixed-use building spanning multiple lots at 616-630 Northampton Street.

WOW. 9 stories is out of character for that block.

On the other hand, the proposal could be exciting ― it includes a market and café on the first floor, and generally, I support investment in Easton -- as long as its thoughtful.

Numerous apartments (44 in all) are included in the plan. That’s a lot of density.

What are we talking about here? Upscale housing? Low income? A desirable and stablizing mixed income population? ARE EXISTING HISTORIC STRUCTURES PLANNED TO BE DEMOLISHED? Unless you attend the planning commission, you’ll never know.

Planning Commission Meeting
Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 6:30 PM
City Council Chambers, 5th Floor, City Hall, 1 S. 3rd Street .
The room is handicapped accessible.

Your Input is Requested

By Dennis R. lieb











The Preliminary Rendering of the Easton Inter-Modal Center

Wednesday night at 6:30pm in City Council Chambers the Planning Commission (including me) will do the first review of the Intermodal Center. This is the project on the former Perkins/Marquis Theater site that will be cleared and redeveloped into a mixed use project consisting of a three-story parking deck, a ten bay bus terminal for LANTA, Trans-Bridge, Greyhound, Susquehanna and other private carriers, a public plaza and a three story, commercial lease building fronting the street that will supposedly contain a retail space, sports restaurant and National High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

As you can see, it is still something of a landscraper. We're working on that aspect now to fit it into downtown better. If you have concerns about the accessibility of public restrooms, ADA requirements, bicycling accommodations, green design issues or just want to weigh in on what the thing should look like please join us.

The three previous public meetings were poorly attended. This is one of a dwindling number of opportunities to see the design and ask questions of the design team. I suggested that one additional public meeting be held that wasn't part of a formal approval process and that will be done sometime this summer. I believe it is a requirement of the Federal environmental review process anyway but at least it is happening. I always like to attend as many of these as possible and do my whining and complaining before things get set in stone. If you want to do your own whining and complaining, now is the time. Don't say you weren't invited.

Come on out and make my evening more interesting...I'm tired of empty rooms.

The Drive-in Utopia is Closed

By Dennis R. Lieb

Is the planet trying to tell us something? Over the past two centuries it has given up it's resources to us; at first freely, then more begrudgingly and lately with great resistance and negative side effects. It might due us well to examine at what cost we pry the last remnants of cheap energy from the ever more obstinate earth. Many people view history as a disconnected series of events they had to learn about in high school rather than the living continuum from "then" to "now" that it really represents. The Industrial Revolution appears to many to be the culmination of a series of Divine rights that has placed us at the cusp of today's cheap oil fiesta - a stasis of easy living that never ends - rather than just a phase we must move through in order to get to what comes next.

It really should have been called the Fossil Fuel Revolution anyway because without it none of the other industrial processes we take for granted would have been possible. But at what point do we realize that the drive-in utopia is over and that it is time for the next chapter in human history? Will generations to come look back at the Industrial Revolution as a necessary stepping stone to an enlightened future or the last grotesque deformations of a society in collapse?

If you live in Easton you get your drinking water from the Delaware River. So do 17 MILLION other people in Philadelphia, New York City and the metro areas of Pa. and NJ. Once it is spoiled you will be getting your water in bottles - at 100 times the cost - from corporate scumbags like Coca-Cola and Nestles.

Once our land and water is destroyed you can kiss this state's reputation as a Mecca for tourism, hunting, fishing and outdoor activities goodbye...and that reputation - along with the economic value of those activities - won't be coming back.

Once local property owners can't drink their own well water or live safely on their own land, the drilling corporations will buy it up for pennies on the dollar and do with it whatever is deemed cost effective for their operations.

We will go from a state of individual, small land owners and vast, public lands set aside for the recreational use of all people to a privately held, corporate serfdom. They are already drilling on public land - contrary to state law - thanks to our Governor's willingness to balance the budget on the backs of future generation's water supply. I see no indication that his possible replacements will think any differently. Are they taking gas money for their campaigns? You bet.

We have everything to lose by ignoring this gas drilling invasion. With the oil disaster in the Gulf de-legitimizing deep water drilling; with recent coal mine disasters; with our failed national policy towards leveling the playing fields for renewable energy sources; and with the purported "clean & safe" labeling of natural gas, all indicators are that this country will further defer the necessary transition to renewables and again take the path of least resistance with the defacto "safe choice" of natural gas.

Typical Fracking Well Site



Domestic Water Well Explosion - Dimmock, Pa.






If you want to see just how clean and safe gas is at the production end you can't afford not to see this film. If you want to protect you drinking water supply from corporate destruction you must be sure to see it. If you want to make good choices for the future, you will demand to know from those running for Governor this fall how they will stop this disaster before it starts.

All indicators point towards the Marcellus shale formation becoming the golden goose for the near term energy needs of the U.S. It is a false choice. The golden goose will not survive. We in Pennsylvania have sovereignty over our shale gas deposits. We can decide to leave them in the ground for the betterment of the state and the region. We can decide that compact communities, walkable neighborhoods and rail transit is the better alternative. Running the nation's auto fleet on NatGas vehicles is insanity wrought large and does nothing to stop the congestion and sprawl that is destroying us. More cars running on a different fuel source solves nothing.

When a child wants something they can not or should not have they will often do things detrimental to their own well-being to get it. If the piggy bank is full of quarters that the child wants to spend on candy and no one is there to stop him, he will smash the bank open to get the money out. Once it is spent the short-term urge is satisfied. The piggy bank lies shattered on the floor but you can't put it back together. You can't use it anymore to save for the next thing you want.

If we destroy the naturally occurring qualities of Pennsylvania - the qualities that provide us with clean drinking water and the natural landscapes and waterscapes that everyone cherishes - then we will have the short term gain of cheap energy for a few more short years. We will have deferred yet again the needed transition to a better way of life that is already overdue. We will not be exchanging the broken piggy bank of our lost landscapes and waterscapes for new ones at WalMart.

We will just be screwed...forever.

Think about it...Go to the movie.

DRL

What We Fight For

By Dennis R. Lieb


View of downtown from South Fifth Street

Many of us are involved - to varying degrees - in the fight to preserve our community, our way of life and it's values. I don't mean "community values" as in some political slogan but the real, day-to-day kind of actions that protect order from chaos; that preserve dignity over disgrace; and that nurture a kind of renaissance from the physical decrepitude threatening our daily progress.

Within this environment there are times that our zealous dedication and commitment to these goals can create a certain fervor - even conflict; sometimes between the very people whom would otherwise be friends and allies.

We need to break away from the battle from time to time and take stock of what we've accomplished...to feel good about who we are and what we do. We need to encourage each other and share the feelings that threaten to divide us so we can become stronger as a whole.

Some of you know about my family picnic that took place on June 19th. It is the one time a year that we all come back together from across the map to reconnect and reacquaint. To eat and drink and play and laugh and not worry about the battles that lie over the next ridge (or during the next commission, board or council meeting). I hope those of you that attended enjoyed it since it is my feeling that you are all part of my extended Easton family. For those that couldn't make it, the next one is going to be better!

My sister Stephania and her family live in Virginia. They attend the picnic every year and she emailed me today to update me on some post-picnic happenings. She also sent along this YouTube link. I can't really come up with a better way to explain what I fight for in Easton than by having you take a look at it for yourselves.

Have a Happy Fourth of July and a Great Summer!

"Gasland" at Third Thursday Film Club on July 15, 2010 - Whitaker Auditorium

The SouthSide Film Institute(tm) is pleased to join with Clean Water Action of the Lehigh Valley in presenting this most riveting and timely documentary film. If you have any question about this film's importance, please watch the trailer! GASLAND was awarded the Special Jury Prize for a Documentary at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Note the change in location: Whitaker Lab Auditorium on the campus of Lehigh University, a facility that can accommodate over 200 people.

Josh Fox, director of Gasland, will be in attendance and available to take your questions following the screening.

"The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a "Saudia Arabia of natural gas" just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. Part verite travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown."

Watch the trailer HERE.

Screening begins at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July15 at Whitaker Lab Auditorium, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. (Doors open 7:00 p.m.)

Admission is $10.