Council Questions the Future of Coopersburg's Pinebrook College

Council members want to know: What's happening with the former Pinebrook Junior College?

At the Dec. 13 meeting, borough manager Dawn Kresge reported Cityline Construction had not replied to a letter from Council sent Dec. 1 on the proposed demolition of Pinebrook. Council members weren't pleased.

“Unacceptable. There should be follow-up on [letters sent], especially if a resident comes in to express concern about safety about the property," said Councilman Dennis Balascak. Residents expressed concern about the property at a November meeting.

A 2007 Morning Call article stated Tom Williams, owner of Cityline, purchased the property in 1997, dividing it into three subdivisions. Cooper Mansion stood on one of the parcels and houses were built on another, the article reports. Remaining is the property, the final pieces of the college, proposed to be demolished.

According to Kresge, the college building has been the scene of break-ins. Buildings have also been for the Coopersburg Fire Company.

Council was told the property, at 600 S. Main St., would be demolished in spring, says Kresge. Council discussed the next step now that there has been no reply.

“The goal, in my mind, is that building torn down for his construction plan. It's not my goal to see it back to his property maintenance problems,” said Councilman Jack Felch, who lives near the property.

Council is looking toward using zoning measures, says Kresge.

“It’s well overdue. It’s ridiculous. We’ve got to keep the pressure on, there’s no reason for any of this,” said Councilman Gary Hovis.

When reached by phone, Williams disagreed with this characterization.

“[The college is] in the same condition it’s been in for 20 years,” contested Williams, saying the space is vacant and used for storage.

“We’re waiting to see if they’re going to issue [Equivalent Dwelling Units],” says Williams. The borough by releasing 40 EDUs. Williams claims he is ready to move forward but is waiting for permit capacity and does not have sewer rights.

“We’ve been waiting six months for a reply [about EDUs],” Wiliams added. He denies receiving any letter from Coopersburg.