Northampton’s Mayor Thomas Reenock was named 2018’s “Distinguished Citizen of the Year” by the Boy Scouts. He was presented with his plaque and citations from Harrisburg during council’s meeting on October 4.
The Cement Belt Friends of Scouting recognized Mayor Reenock during a benefit dinner in September. He was presented with a plaque displaying five merit badges: labor, community citizenship, national citizenship, crime prevention, and electricity.
“I want to thank you all personally,” Mayor Reenock told council. “I could not have done it without your help.”
“[This is] a high honor to achieve,” said Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski, Sr.
In addition to his plaque from the Boy Scouts, Mayor Reenock received citations from State Representative Zach Mako and State Senator Lisa Boscola.
The awards dinner, held by the Cement Belt Friends of Scouting, raised money for new scouts and other scouts in need.
In other news, a report from a cursory walk-through of Miller’s Diner was received by Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst from Servpro. The report states there were no visible signs of rodents or pests in the abandoned diner, but mold and decaying food were visible. Servpro is recommending a thorough investigation of the property.
Councilwoman Judy Kutzler called the situation “sad.”
“It was a beautiful diner,” she said, recalling when lines for a table stretched out the door.
So far, attempts to locate and contact the diner’s owners have failed.
Also during the meeting, resident John Knight appeared before the board to express his concerns about drug-related issues in the borough.
“Would any of you council members like to live next to a drug dealer?” he asked.
After several moments of silence, council members responded “no.”
Knight said the drug problems in the borough are “bad” and he is concerned for the safety of his family. He wants to know that his grandchildren can visit and be safe, he said.
Although he said Northampton is his home, he does not know how much longer he can remain in the borough.
“I love this town, but I do not want to be here,” he told council.
Finally, 30 to 40 feet of illegal fencing that stretches from Allen Township into the borough is frustrating some residents. The fence has been standing for over a year, despite complaints and no permit.
“I know you want to be polite with Allen Township,” said resident Dave Habracker, “[but] no one seems to want to do anything.”
