Politics & Government
Demolishing and Developing Pinebrook: "It's a Win-Win"
Tom Williams, owner of the property, met with council to discuss sewer access and possible demoliton of the buildings.
last week talked with Tom Williams, owner of Cityline Construction, on access to the public sewer system and possible
demolition of the former Pinebrook Junior College.
“It’s in the borough’s best interest to develop them into taxable units,” Councilman Jack Felch said of the property.
(Follow this story, like us on Facebook or subscribe to our Twitter Feed)
Find out what's happening in Upper Sauconfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The property, at 600 S. Main St., was to be demolished in spring 2011 and a in December received no reply. Felch noted that Williams had not responded to an invitation to the meeting.
Williams and Council could not reach a conclusion on implementing a public sewer system plan for the property. Coopersburg had (Equivalent Dwelling Units) last January but at last Tuesday's meeting Council could not guarantee he would receive one. “At this point I don’t know if there are EDUs available,” Williams said.
Find out what's happening in Upper Sauconfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The property needs approval of a planning module to access the sewer system but Upper Saucon Township will not sign off, Township Engineer Bill Erdman said. “I am not prepared to send a [planning] module to Upper Saucon on a whim,” Williams said.
Council asked about property maintenance issues for Pinebrook. In an earlier article, former borough manager Dawn Kresge had noted that the property was the scene of break-ins and Councilman Dennis Balascak claimed windows at the property were unsecure. “We’re talking about securing that building as it is now,” Balascak said.
The property was in the same condition it had always been, Williams said in an earlier article. The property was being used for storage and the fire chief was informed of the contents, he said. “What used to be in it was nothing that was flammable,” he added.
Williams' temper flared when questioned about the property, saying the meeting was no different than past ones. "That new plan [killed the old plan],” Williams said of sewer access.
He then proposed Council look into grants to pay for the building's demolition. “That’s a win-win,” Felch said of the plan.
Williams did not respond to phone calls seeking further information.