ARB: ‘No Substantial Objections’ To Court Addition

MILFORD — After several months of weather-related cancelled meetings, the Milford Borough Architectural Review Board caught up on several applications, including the Pike County Commissioners’ application for the County Courthouse restoration and expansion.

The new plan for the Courthouse has the expansion extending from the Courthouse, parallel to Broad Street and behind the Kenworthey and Lutfy buildings. It includes a property swap with Greg and Trish Lutfy and involves an alley closure and changes to septic systems, requiring several variances.

In keeping with their scope, the ARB focused on the proposed footprint and elevation of the Annex and changes to the exterior of the Courthouse. A letter from the Historic Museum Commission was presented, stating that no historic properties would be adversely impacted by the project, and that they approve of the new plan for the addition.

County Solicitor Thomas Farley emphasized several times that the revised plan for the Courthouse would not be possible without the Lutfys’ help and described the associated swap as an “in kind transfer,” about equal in value. However, the Lutfys will lose their septic system under the addition, so they will connect to the new one for the County. They currently have an oral agreement, but the County would not proceed with the swap and other variances until they knew they had ARB approval for the general plan.

Engineer Michael Lamoreaux described the front elevation of the new Annex design as broken up into five sections, to better match the surrounding area. Color schemes reflected the blue stone and brick of the Courthouse, along with an almond color to match the secondary brick color, aluminum flashing and other trim. The “hyphen” connecting the Courthouse with the Annex has also been modified to have a stone facade, rather than glass.

The ARB struggled to word a motion that would reflect their current opinion, and eventually agreed to have their Alternate Solicitor, Tony Waldron, draft a letter to the Borough stating that they have “no substantial objections to the plan as presented and complete willingness to work with the applicants” going forward, so that other portions of the project can proceed. They will hold a Special Meeting to continue discussion at 5:30 p.m. on March 16... for complete story, get this week's issue.

Team Ruby/Guccini Kicks Off Commissioner Campaign

MILFORD — David Ruby of Milford and Steve Guccini of Greentown officially kicked off their joint campaign for Pike County Commissioners on Sunday with a brunch at Mt. Haven attended by over 70 supporters. At the event, the Democratic candidates released the details of their campaign platform, which is available at www.RubyGuccini.com.

“We’ve seen the ‘same old, same old’ for a long time from politicians who are more reactive than proactive,” said Ruby, a successful businessman whose civic involvement includes 35 years with the Milford Fire Department. “We thought it was time to take a grip of the issues confronting our community and put a plan together to address them.’

The candidates’ specific proposals include rotating Commissioners’ meetings throughout the county during evening hours to increase transparency, supporting the establishment of a Drug Court to more efficiently and effectively address the growing drug epidemic, offering resources to local entrepreneurs through a new Small Business Incubator to help create well-paying local jobs, and exploring the feasibility of a self-funded county recycling center where citizens could bring materials at no cost to promote environmental sustainability.

“The worst words in the English language are ‘we’ve always done it this way,’” said Guccini, an accomplished attorney who has spent decades advocating for child welfare, including as former Assistant District Attorney for Pike County. “If ‘this way’ isn’t working, then we can do something better.”

Several community leaders spoke in support of the candidates, including local attorney and campaign chairman Tony Waldron, Delaware Valley School District Director and campaign treasurer Pam Lutfy, former Pike County District Attorney Michael Weinstein, and Milford Fire Department Chief Tony Mann... for complete story, get this week's issue.

‘February Thaw’ Launches Political Season

SHOHOLA — Shohola Volunteer Fire Department held their 37th annual “February Thaw” on Saturday, which is their biggest fund-raiser of the year. This year, however, the event took a distinctly political turn. Several political hopefuls came out to gather signatures and campaign. Out of about 300 presold tickets, almost a quarter of them were to politicians and their families, according to the fire department’s Chief, Clint Malzahn. The timing of a barbeque in February keeps some hopeful for an early spring season, but this year it also marked the beginning of campaign season.

Kelly Gaughan, Republican running for District Attorney, was there to greet residents with clipboard in hand as they walked in. Minutes into the event she stated, “I already have the 100 required signatures, but I’d like to see how many I can get.” For Gaughan the event was about meeting people, more so than the signatures. She decorated her table with balloons, buttons, and her slogan “tough on crime.”

District Attorney Ray Tonkin also had campaigners present handing out buttons and flyers. As people walked by, they stated, “His record speaks for itself. We need to keep him in.”

Several people running for Pike County auditor were present collecting signatures. Delaware Valley School Board member Jack O’Leary attended, as did school board candidate John Allen. Although the event gave politicians some time with the public, for the fire department, the event provides much needed funds for the year... for complete story, get this week's issue.