Local News

We understand that there is concern about a lack of action due to abandoned, dilapidated properties.  If you live near an eyesore property, the first thing you should do is call the township and complain.  (570) 595-2602  If a phone call doesn't get things done sufficiently, there is a "complaint" form (PDF) that you can file to officially record your complaint with the supervisors.  Once your complaint is on file, a zoning officer will review the property in question and determine with the supervisors whether further action is warranted. 

There are local zoning ordinances that say that you don't need to be staring at piles of trash in your neighbor's driveway.

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Matthew Herbik. I have lived in the Pocono Mountains for the last 15 years. One of the reasons I chose to live in this area is one of the natural resources: the beautiful, dark, starry night sky. I’m an amateur astrophotographer. Over the past 15 years, there has been a lot of construction in the area of all kinds: residential, commercial, and industrial. During this time the light pollution has increased dramatically as can be seen on this link:

http://www.lightpollutionmap.info/

You are invited to attend the 58th Annual Antique Show & Sale at the Mountainhome United Methodist Church...
...at the junction of Routes 191 and 390 "In the Heart of the Poconos"

Friday and Saturday
July 22 and 23, 2016

We have long awaited the summer sunshine to enjoy the outdoors.  Over 20 antique dealers providing a wide array of antiques, collectibles, unique / interesting garden decor, plus much much more...

By David Pierce
Pocono Record Writer

Posted Jun. 2, 2016 at 11:06 AM

The Monroe County commissioners vote 3-0 Wednesday — despite strong opposition voiced during a 90-minute public hearing — to authorize a countywide reassessment of all properties, aimed at achieving more equitable property values for tax purposes.

Edit 3/17/17: It seems the new PA Contact for spraying this year is Triple F Flying.  Source WNEP.

To the Editor:
Please do not hire the outfit from Georgia to fly over your house and spread poison throughout our environment.  The following article was posted to Facebook by the Audobon Society of Rhode Island in response to a person asking why they found these dead songbirds after having their trees sprayed.  This outfit from Georgia, "Bruces Flying Service" has a "PA Contact" listed in their ad of 570-595-2303.
- Anonymous

So, I was checking my voicemail this morning and there was one from a caller who said that she had her trees sprayed for caterpillars – trees occupied by three bird feeders - and now, she is upset that there are no birds at all for her to watch. She wonders if the spray could possibly have something to do with it. (Yes, spraying pesticides on your trees will have an effect on the songbirds.) It is not uncommon for us to get inquiries such as these, and it is with great frustration and sadness that we often are faced with educating people after the damage has been done.

There is much discussion everywhere about our food supply. Where is it coming from? is it safe for us? how nutritious is it? and so on. Would you like the opportunity to grow your own vegetables on a plot of land that has been plowed for you, and leveled for planting by dedicated volunteers? The Community garden offers you a small plot of land that is yours for the summer, free of charge, to plant and maintain. We are a pesticide free garden so you can be assured that your vegetables will be safe and good for you. You can connect with nature and enjoy the miracle of seeing your plants respond to your care by giving you their gifts of fresh, healthful vegetables.

By Sharon Rothman
Originally posted on the Pocono Record

Posted May. 5, 2016 at 8:44 PM

Farm-to-table foodies can indulge in a wide variety of offerings when the Monroe Farmers Market begins its summer season 8 a.m. to noon this Saturday at Courthouse Square.

A staple of the downtown Stroudsburg scene for more than 37 years, the market will continue to be open every Saturday morning, rain or shine, throughout the growing season until mid October.

We're Busting At The Seams & Doing Some Spring Cleanin'
Friday June 17th and Saturday June 18th 2016
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Indoor & outdoor weather permitting.

Something for everyone. Christmas items, all seasons gently used clothing for the whole family, housewares, games, toys, puzzles, cd's, video movies, framed art, tons of books, old working t.v.'s..Great prices, Lots to choose from.

Learn how to turn your garbage into rich soil that many gardeners call "Black Gold". Classes are free of charge. Every attendee is entered into a drawing for a chance to win a composter.

WHEN: June 13th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Sept. 12th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Oct. 10th 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

WHERE: Monroe County Waste Authority 183 Commerical Blvd Blakeslee, Pa 18610

Class sizes are limited to 20 people. Contact Cindy Parks to pre-register: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (570) 643-6100

[Source]

Update March 2016:
BARRETT TOWNSHIP -- The old Buck Hill Inn in Monroe County will once again be up for an online auction.

The online sale for the Buck Hill Inn near Mount Pocono is scheduled to begin on March 8. The starting bid is $350,000.

The inn sold for $750,000 in October, but the buyer failed to follow through with the contract, according to realtors.

[Source]

Well, that didn’t take long.  Only a few months after getting rid of the Barrett Township Police Department, the ESSA Bank on Route 390 in Mountainhome was robbed.  

This article may be “too little, too late,” but we can still ask questions about the way our Township Supervisors are conducting business.

1.  Why did we go with Regional over State?
Looking only at the distance between Barrett Township and the corresponding police headquarters:
- State Police Barracks in Swiftwater: 11.1 miles (19 minutes according to Google)
- Mount Pocono Regional Police: 14.9 miles (26 minutes according to Google)

November 7, 2015

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I understand the PMSD board will be further discussing and evaluating the addition of major changes to the West High School field this evening. I am very concerned that the ongoing decrease in student population may eventually lead to a closing of the West HS so the potential expenditure may be of little value long term. It seems logical to use the funds that are liberated in the selling of closed schools for other capital needs that will then allow excess tax collections to be used to reduce debt and lower taxes.

As you know all four of the districts in Monroe County (MC) are experiencing declining school enrollments and one has to ask why?  I have little doubt that high school taxes while not necessarily the root cause have exacerbated the population decline.