JACKSON TOWNSHIP NEWS
Your Community News
Source
Spring, 2004
SPRING CLEAN-UP SET FOR 2004
Spring Clean-Up has been scheduled for May 3rd thru
7th, 2004. Pick up will be on your regular collection day. You will be
allowed one large item. Items that will not be picked up are yard waste,
branches, construction materials, refrigerators or air conditioners containing
Freon, batteries, car parts, old paint, hazardous material, freezers and tires.
Refrigerators, freezers or air conditioners can be picked up ONLY after
the Freon is properly removed. Certification of Freon removal is required.
Township residents wishing to haul their own refuse to the landfill may do so
with a FREE permit issued at the Township Office only during the week of
Spring Clean-Up. To insure the continuation of Spring Clean-Up, regular weekly
garbage should be in regular Township garbage bags.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INFORMATION NEED UPDATED?
If you received this newsletter and your name or address
information is incorrect, or if you know of any resident of Jackson Township who
didn’t receive it, please call the Township Office at 749-0725.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JACKSON TWP. NEWS EARNS AWARD}
Jackson Twp. News earned an award in the Pennsylvania State
Association of Township Supervisors 36th Annual Township Citizen
Communications Award Program. All entries were judged on the usefulness of
information presented and how well the information was communicated to Township
residents. Publications were also judged on the overall attractiveness and
readability. Jackson Township earned 3rd place in the category
of "Most Improved Newsletter". Jackson Twp. competed with over a
thousand Second Class Townships across the State of Pennsylvania and was the
only Township in our region to earn an award.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
In the event of an emergency, an individual should call 9-1-1.
For emergencies that impact a large amount of area or people within the
Township, Jackson Township does have an Emergency Operations Plan in place as
does every other municipality within Cambria County. The plans are coordinated
with Cambria County 9-1-1 and then with the State of Pennsylvania. The purpose
of the Emergency Operations Plan is to prescribe activities to be taken by
Municipal Government and other community officials to protect the lives and
property of the citizens in the event of a natural, terrorism emergency or
disaster and to satisfy the requirements of the Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Services Code. Jackson Townships Emergency Management
Coordinator is Jeffrey Croft. In most cases in Cambria
County including Jackson Township, the Emergency Management Coordinator serves
on a volunteer basis without compensation. In the event of an emergency,
emergency management personnel from various agencies could include Elected
Officials, Fire & Police Chiefs, Public Works employees, etc. In the event of a
disaster in which the Emergency Management Plan for Jackson Township would be in
effect, residents affected would be directed to shelter locations within the
Township that would have adequate staffing and supplies.
JACKSON VOTING PRECINCT # 1 MOVING TO PIKE CHURCH
Helen Cook, Judge of Elections of Jackson Township Voting
Precinct # 1 wants to remind voters that the polling place is moving from Rodney
Pauls Auction Barn along Fords Corner Road to the Pike Grace Brethren Church in
Mundys Corner. The polling place was previously in the basement area of Pike
Church and will be returning to that location this year for the April Primary
Elections. According to Ms. Cook a new polling location had to be found due to
the unavailability of the Auction Barn location.
ZONING CHANGES APPROVED BY SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors adopted several changes to the Jackson
Townships Zoning Ordinance that were well received by residents who attended two
public meetings held in March. The Jackson Township Planning Commission
recommended the changes after receiving input from Harry Baker, Zoning Officer.
One of the biggest changes was the reduction of setbacks in the
Agricultural Zone. Originally all setbacks were 50 feet from neighboring
properties. The change now makes setbacks for residential properties in the Ag
Zone along with accessory buildings (garage, shed, etc.) the same as in R1 & R2
Residential Zones. This means that a homeowner in the Ag Zone will now have
setbacks of 40 feet front and 15 feet from side and rear property lines.
Non-residential buildings (barns, farm buildings, commercial, etc.) will still
have 50 foot setbacks in the Ag Zone. Another change favorably received was the
reduction of the setback to put up a solid fence. The setback for
a solid fence of 4 feet or higher was previously 15 feet from the neighboring
property line. This was now changed to 1 foot or greater from the neighbors
property line. Other changes that favor existing homeowners include allowing
accessory buildings to be built on lots not meeting minimum size
requirements in the Ordinance. Reductions in setbacks were also
included in the R1 & R2 Residential, Agricultural, Commercial & Industrial Zones
where if 50% of the neighboring properties within "a block" had a lesser
setback, you could have the same setback on your property as well. In the
Commercial Zone the front setback was reduced from 50 to 30 feet.
Accessory use setbacks in the Commercial & Industrial Zones were
also changed to be the same as in the R1 Residential Zone. Wording was added in
the Ordinance that no temporary signs are regulated as well as signs along Route
22 & Route 271 will go by PA State Regulations. "Changes in the Ordinance are
favorable towards residents while still maintaining some control over unwanted
development and adult businesses within Jackson Township" according to Bruce
Baker, Chairman of the Jackson Township Planning Commission.
JACKSON TWP. FESTIVAL UPDATE
The Jackson Township Heritage Festival Committee is moving full
speed ahead to host a community festival during July 17-18, 2004 to
coincide with the Cambria County Bicentennial celebrating 200 years. The
festival will be held in and around the Jackson Twp. Fire Hall and Senior
Center. There will be a large variety of food booths sponsored by
local organizations and churches. On the menu so far is Philly Cheese Steaks,
French Fries, Ham Pot Pie, Pigs In a Blanket, Salad, Apple Dumplings, Strawberry
Shortcake, Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches, Funnel Cakes, Rosettes, Nachos &
Cheese, Fried Chicken, Pizza, Hot Pretzels, Popcorn, Baked Potatoes, Fruit Cups
and Assorted Baked Goods. Craft booths are also welcome to set up for the
two day event. Cost for a booth is $35 for both days combined. There is
lots of room for crafters and vendors to set up along the new walking track
which should soon be completed at the Senior Center grounds. If you know of
anyone interested in setting up at this event, please pass the word on to them
so they can reserve a spot.
A
wide array of entertainment is also scheduled. On Saturday the
festival will have the Jackson Senior Center Line Dancers & Kitchen Band,
followed by childrens entertainment, Rosie & The Jammers followed
by the Fabulous Flashbacks. Sunday’s line-up includes the
Riverfish Gospel Group, Clay Bowser who plays a wide
variety of music followed by Beaver Creek who specializes in
Bluegrass music. Additional entertainment is to be added to the schedule but
details are not yet available. Other activities scheduled will include
games, bingo, petting zoo and even a model train display.
A Student Art Show will also be held featuring the artwork of
Jackson Township students for which awards will be given. There will also be
additional activities for the children to enjoy as well. This event should be a
fun day for everyone to enjoy and hopefully bring our community together.
Several local businesses have stepped up to be sponsors of the event including
Waste Management, Jackson Twp. Vol. Fire Company, Dolans Welding & Steel,
First National Bank of PA and Direct Value Outlet. Many
other businesses have expressed an interest in being a festival sponsor. Any
business who contributes $500 or more will be listed as a sponsor of the
festival. Festival sponsors will be listed on banners or in any advertising done
to promote the event. If your business would like to be a festival sponsor,
please call Paulette Baker at 322-1863 or Dave Hirko at 322-3433.
Other businesses who have contributed are Ameriserv Bank,
Mercik’s Bi-Lo Supermarket and Vinco Pharmacy. All contributions of any
size would be greatly appreciated to make this event a success. For more
information on the festival, enlisting a booth, or if you wish to volunteer in
any capacity, please feel free to contact one of the following: Paulette
Baker 322-1863, Dave Hirko 322-3433 / 749-0725 or George Straub 322-3761 /
322-3155
STATE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE TO TAKE EFFECT THIS YEAR
The State Uniform Building Code will take affect this year and
will be enforced throughout the State of Pennsylvania. The revised code
will not require a inspection for anything that is repair. The word
"Replacement" in most cases mean that an inspection is not required.
Some of the items that will not require inspections are fences less than six
feet high, painting, papering, carpeting, cabinet or counter top installation or
similar finishing work, replacement of glass in windrows or doors, replacement
of a furnace or water heater providing the size of equipment or source of energy
doesn’t change, replacement of existing siding or sheds less than 500 square
feet. Beginning on April 8th and for the next 90 days, each
municipality will have to decide whether to opt-in or opt-out of the Building
Code. If a municipality opts out, the law remains in effect for the residents as
this code will be enforced through Pennsylvania. Residents would then have to
contact the State directly when they would want to build anything requiring an
inspection or permit. By opting-out there would no longer be any local control
of building activity or rates charged for inspections. Everything would be set
by the State if a municipality opts-out.
The law
won’t be in effect in Jackson Township until the Board of Supervisors pass an
Ordinance adopting the State Code at one of their meetings.
Any permits issued for construction will be "grandfathered"
prior to Jackson Township adopting an Ordinance to opt-in the State Code.
Jackson Township Building Permits are good for two years provided some form of
work begins within 90 days of the permit being approved. Once the Code
is adopted, either a local agency or third party inspection company would
perform the inspections needed as building permits are applied for. After the
necessary inspections were performed, a Use & Occupancy Permit would then be
issued. The process would pretty much remain the same in Jackson except for the
addition of required inspections depending upon what the particular building
project involved. Pennsylvania is only one of a few States not having a
Statewide Building Code in place. The revised Code adopted by Pennsylvania is
not nearly as restrictive as the one first proposed by the PA Dept. of Labor &
Industry.
TOWNSHIP AUDITS COMPLETE
Barnes, Saly & Company, Certified Public Accountants have
completed the Township Audit for calendar year 2003. Mr. Terry Shook presented
the Audit at the March 25th Board of Supervisors Meeting. Mr. Shook
said the audit found a "clean opinion" on the financial statements and there
were no problems encountered during the Audit or disagreements with Management
over accounting matters. He added that they did not identify no unusual
transactions and thanked the office staff for being extremely cooperative. A
Liquid Fuels Audit was conducted for PennDOT earlier in the year and everything
was found to be in good order and meeting all requirements of the Audit.
VOLUNTEERS TO PLANT FLOWER GARDENS AT SENIOR CENTER
Deb Nagel
is heading up a group of volunteers to
plant flowers in the three islands located at the Jackson Township Senior
Center. Deb is a member of the Penn State Master Gardeners who is
planning on developing the gardens. The local Girl Scout Jr. Troop is also
working with the garden group as a community service project. The volunteer
Gardeners Group is looking for donations in the way of flowers and plants or
funds. Mrs. Nagel said they are hoping that individuals or groups will
consider contributing flats of Annuals and / or Perennials. Any money donations
towards the purchase of plants and flowers will also be greatly appreciated.
Recognition will be given to contributors by placing markers in the islands
at the Senior Center. If you wish to make a donation in memory of a loved one,
please specify that in order that proper recognition can be given. The hope is
that the gardens will help beautify the Senior Center grounds. The group is also
planning on cleaning the area up around the new Community Flag Pole as the
Senior Center is planning on hosting special events to honor Veterans on
Memorial Day & Veterans Day. If you are interested in helping in contributing
plants, flowers or donating funds towards the project, you can contact Deb
Nagel at 322-4600.
A HOUSE NUMBER COULD MEAN LIFE OR DEATH
With Cambria County having a 911 system in place, the importance
of having an address number on your home can not be emphasized enough.
Consider this real-life incident that recently happened in Jackson Township. A
call was placed to 911reporting that a man was undergoing cardiac-arrest.
Jackson EMS was dispatched to the address. They were desperately searching for
an address number on homes along the street and stopped at three homes that had
no number. Fortunately the residents were home and they eventually got directed
them to the correct address.
"In life-threatening
situations, every minute is critical" according to Tim Hofecker, President of
the Jackson Twp. Vol. Fire Company.
Mr.
Hofecker advised that residents should have a house number placed near their
front door that is visible from the highway. Reflective numbers or one
of the new light-up signs are recommended. At the very least, any house number
is better than none at all. Another concern to consider is that many Jackson
Ambulance / EMS employees do not live in Jackson Township and not familiar with
all of the streets or family names. This is all the more reason to have a house
number clearly posted by your front door. If you still need another reason
to post a number on your home, fines can range from $30.00 to $300.00 according
to Police Officer Melanie Kline. The main concern of everyone is for the safety
of the residents of Jackson Township. You never know when you may be the next
one to call 911 for an emergency. Be sure your house number is posted and
visible from the road so you can be found as quickly as possible as every minute
counts.
SENIOR CENTER TO HOLD MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
The Jackson Township Senior Center will host a special Memorial
Day Ceremony on Monday, May 31st at 11:00 a.m. The
ceremony will honor the service men and women who were killed in all wars. The
event is open to the public and it is hoped that the turnout will be as good as
the highly successful Veterans Day Ceremony held last year when over 140
individuals attended plus numerous television stations and reporters.
Johnstown VFW Post 155 will have their Honor Rifle Team in attendance.
Col. Marty Kuhar will also be on hand as well as other guest
speakers. Light refreshments will be served. The Center is also trying to get
names of all service men and women from the Township who died in any of the
wars. There has been discussion and interest by Township officials, the Senior
Center and residents of the community on establishing a permanent memorial
by the community flag pole at the Center. Any names of those
who died in the wars or served in any branch of the Armed Forces would be
appreciated. Names can be submitted to Frank Singel by
calling 322-3327 or Dave Hirko at 749-0725.
POLICE REPORT
Submitted by Police Chief, Bob Fatula
November, 2003 through February, 2004
911 Calls Dispatched to Police 1030
Reportable incidents: 109
~Harassment-19
~DUI (Driving while under the influence)-19
~Theft-15
~Disorderly Conduct-13
~Criminal Mischief-12
~Assault-10
~Vehicle Theft-6
~Public Drunkenness-5
~Burglary-2
~Armed Robbery-1
~Child Abuse-1
~Criminal Trespassing-1
~Firearms Violation-1
~Rape-1
~Stalking-1
~Threats-1
~Trespassing-1
Total Accidents Handled: 68
Non-Traffic Citations issued: 25
Traffic Citations Issued: 59
Criminal Charges Filed: 69
~DUI (Driving while under the influence)-19
~Disorderly Conduct-13
~Assault-8
~Harassment-5
~Public Drunkenness-5
~Theft-3
~Armed Robbery-2
~Criminal Conspiracy-2
~Criminal Trespassing-2
~Receiving Stolen Property-2
~Terroristic Threats-2
~Threats-2
~Burglary-1
~Criminal Mischief-1
~Firearms Violations-1
~Vehicle Theft-1
FIRE COMPANY NEWS & EVENTS
The Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company is a beehive of
activity with Spring just around the corner. They just received a new
four-wheel drive ambulance unit to better serve the citizens of Jackson
Township. You may have seen it on the Township roads and it is a beautiful unit
we can all be proud of. There are many events at the Fire Hall including a
bingo held every Sunday evening sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary.
Another fundraising event scheduled is a Gun Raffle to be held on
May 2nd. A Safety Day is scheduled for May 28th
at the Jackson Elementary School. The Fire Company will have its emergency
equipment on the scene and possibly even schedule a Medical Helicopter. Members
will be knocking on doors beginning the first week of June to kick off their
Annual Fund Drive. With Spring in the air everyone wants to clean up
their yards and burn rubbish and debris that has accumulated over the Winter
months. Fire Company officials wish to remind everyone to please burn
responsibly. They emphasize the need for individuals to pay attention to
the weather and to use common sense when burning. If it is a windy day, maybe
burning could wait until a calmer day comes around. Residents should never take
the risk of starting a brush fire. Also with Spring, residents driving Township
roads and streets should use caution as more children will be out playing and
enjoying the warm weather. Fire Company members urge all residents to
drive carefully and "look out" for the safety and well-being of all
children within the Township.
As in the past, the Jackson Township
Volunteer Fire Company members wish to express their sincere thanks to all of
the residents who are so very generous with their support!
SENIOR CENTER NEWS
The Center was alive and bustling with activity in recent months.
One recent event was having Senior volunteers help to ID children
at the Jackson Elementary School. Several speakers hosting programs included
Dave Leach, Manager of the Johnstown Social Security Office who spoke on the
new prescription drug program under Medicare, Ms. Sandy Ritzier of
the Area Agency on Aging who spoke on Pennsylvania’s PACE / Percent
Program and Louis Benin, Master Hearing Aid Specialists from Trinity
Hearing in Johnstown who talked about hearing problems and gave free
hearing tests. There are many special activities coming up over the
Summer months. The Center will be starting a Horseshoe League this
Summer. Anyone interested should contact the Senior Center at 322-3327. On April
22 at 11:00 a.m. Ms. Barb Gerenser, Director of the National Consumer Protection
Agency will be at the Center to talk about Mail Fraud. The Center
along with the UMWA Health & Welfare Funds will sponsor a Health &
Wellness Fair on Saturday, June 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. The event is open to the public and there will be free screenings on Bone
Density, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Hearing Tests, a 911 Call Demonstration
and more. More details will be announced as the event develops. On July 8th
the Center will host the Horseshoe Tournament as part of the
Cambria County Senior Games. Members from all 10 Senior Centers in the County
can register to participate in the tournament. Another activity is now available
at the Center as a pool table was donated to the Center for its members to use
and enjoy. The Center will take an active role in the first Jackson
Township Heritage Festival to be held on July 17-18th. The Center will
participate in many ways including ethnic food, crafts, model train display and
bingo. The Center has met with Silver Sneakers on designating the
Center as a station for one or more exercise programs. If all goes
well the Center could have an instructor come in twice a week to lead exercises
for Seniors who carry Highmark’s Security Blue, Freedom Blue, Security 65 or
Medi-gap Blue Health Insurance coverage. Silver Sneakers will supply the
instructor, chairs, ball, resistance tubing, hand held weights and all equipment
needed for the exercise class at no cost to the Center. The classes would last
about 45 minutes and would be limited to 30 in a class. A local representative
as well as the Vice-President from Arizona came to the Jackson Sr. Center to
discuss the possibility of having a Silver Sneakers Program at the Center. There
will be a "55 Alive Drivers’ Training" class at the Center for
Seniors who are age 55 or older. The class will be presented by AARP on
Thursday, July 29th and Friday, July 30th. The cost is
$10.00 and is open to the Community. You must sign up and pay the entrance fee
by July 12th as space is limited. A maximum of 25 students will be
accepted on a first come basis. In most cases your auto insurance premiums are
reduced as a result of attending this class. You can check with your insurance
company to see if your rates would be reduced. If there is enough interest, a
second class may be scheduled. If you are interested contact the Senior Center
at 322-3327. The Center has just signed a contract and ordered exercise
machines to equip the designated Exercise Room. The machines should
arrive before Summer and at that time training sessions will be scheduled on how
to use the machines. If there is a need, additional machines may be ordered. The
Exercise Room is unique to Senior Centers in Cambria County and Jackson Township
Senior Center members are fortunate to benefit from it. The Center still
has special weekly events for members including lunch which is available three
times a week, bingo, board games, pinochle, ceramics, weekly movies and many
different crafts. They also have a line dancing group
which goes out to personal care and nursing homes to entertain the residents.
They also donate lap robes knitted or crocheted by some of the members. Senior
Center hours are Monday from 6 - 9:30 p.m, Tuesday & Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. If
you have any questions about the Jackson Township Senior Center or any of the
events or activities scheduled, please call 322-3327.
WATER AUTHORITY NEWS
The Jackson Township Water Authority would like to thank
their valued customers for their patience over the past month One major project
scheduled is to make several improvements to their 500,000-gallon water
storage tank located in Mundys’s Corner. This welded steel tank was
constructed in 1958 and was last painted in the 1970's. Industry standards
recommend maintenance should be preformed every ten years. The first step in
this long endeavor was to have another tank available for water before they
could take the Mundy’s Corner tank off line. The newly constructed Vinco Tank
accomplished this hurdle. In preparing to drain the Mundy’s Corner Tank, they
flushed the lines beforehand. This was done to lessen the turbidity when they
reversed the flow of water from one tank to the other. As you have read, this
has been a project in the works for several years. As part of their maintenance
program, the Authority recently performed a comprehensive inspection of the
tank. The inspection revealed that the tank was in overall good structural
condition. Minor corrosion was observed on the tank interior and it was
recommended that the interior be painted within five to ten years. The tank
exterior has significant corrosion and sandblasting and painting are both
needed. The Authority plans to paint the exterior of the tank this Summer. In
addition, they also plan to make several repairs to the piping and valves while
the tank is out of service. They expect the project to be started in late Spring
and the work is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. They
would like to emphasize to their customers that this project expense will in
no way be reflected in their water bills. In other business, the
Ford’s Corner - Route 22 Relocation Project is scheduled to start
mid-Summer. Approximately 8 to 10 thousand feet of water line will be moved. The
Authority decided to upgrade the lines at the time with larger lines and several
new fire hydrants in this project area. All new lines will be laid before any
service interruption occurs. An outside contractor will be doing the relocation.
With this in mind, they will notify customers as soon as possible when
interruptions may occur. The Solar Street Water Line Extension
is 95% complete. An outside contractor and the Cambria County Redevelopment
Authority are doing the work. The Water Authority has no cost into this project
as it is entirely funded through Community Development Block Grants. Through the
Authority’s Engineers, they have submitted a grant application to the Southern
Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission for the purchase of materials to
upgrade the water lines on Teal Street & Fairview Avenue from 2"
to 6" lines and add an additional fire hydrant. Finally, JTWA is in the process
of hiring a new meter reader for the Vinco area. The new meter
reader will have proper identification and a JTWA uniform. Please do not allow
anyone into your home without proper identification.
OTHER JACKSON TWP. NEWS
~Amfire Mining Gearing Up for Opening
Amfire Mining is going forward on plans for producing coal at the
former Bethlehem Mine # 38 along Swigle Mountain Road. The mine could employ up
to 75 positions when in full operation. The "Madison Mine" is clearing timber
and brush to construct a new entrance with greater visibility for vehicles
pulling in and out of the mine. Amfire is planning on using Swigle Mountain
Road, Pike Road in both directions as well as William Penn Avenue for coal
trucks to access US Route 22. A Road Bond Agreement was issued by Jackson
Township for using Pike Road East. The other roads to be used are State Roads.
If you are interested in applying for employment at Amfire you can send a resume
to Human Resources, Amfire Mining Company, LLC, One Energy Place, Latrobe, PA
15650.
~Community Development Block Grant Meetings Held
- Larry Custer, Executive Director of the Cambria County
Redevelopment Authority held two meetings on CDBG entitlement funds available
for Jackson Township. Jackson Township is one of only five entitlement
communities in Cambria County that receives CDBG funds on an annual basis.
Feedback and ideas was received for use of future funds. One of the areas shown
the most interest from residents attending the meetings included housing for
Senior Citizens. The Board of Supervisors committed 2004 funds along with the
previous two years towards construction of a water line to serve 22
families on Wagner & Pintail Roads. It is also possible that residents
along Chickaree Hill Road who are currently not served by water
from Vintondale Borough may also be included in the project. OFR Associates have
been hired as the engineer for the project which is projected to cost
approximately $500,000.00.
~Contract with Humane Society Approved
- A new contract was approved by the Board of Supervisors to address animal
complaints within Jackson Township. The new contract took effect on April 1,
2004 and allows for 40 animal complaints handled on an annual basis.
~Frank "Buck" Alexander Promoted to Assistant Road Foreman
- Buck Alexander was promoted to the position of Assistant Road
Foreman at the Board of Supervisors March 25th Meeting. The unanimous
vote made the promotion effective immediately. Buck started with the Jackson
Township Road Crew in May of 1982. We extend our congratulations to Buck on his
promotion.
~Resolution Passed for Township Assistance
A resolution was passed by the Board that allows for Roadmasters
to provide assistance to other Governmental agencies (Water Authority, Sewer
Authority, Fire company and PennDOT) within the geographic boundaries of Jackson
Township. The idea is to allow local Government agencies to provide help to one
another as needed for the common good of residents within Jackson Township.
~Route 22 Project Update
The new Route 22 project is moving full speed ahead. Structures
are being razed and utilities are relocating services in order that the $35
million project can get underway. Most of the actual highway construction will
take place next year and through 2006. New Enterprise is the General Contractor
for the project and a Summer of 2007 completion date is projected.
~St. Pauls Breaks Ground for New Church Hall
St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church located along William Penn
Avenue broke ground on Palm Sunday, April 4th immediately following
the morning church service for a new $335,000 Church Hall to be located directly
behind the existing church building.
~Storm Water Ordinance under Development
- The Board of Supervisors authorized Solicitor Bill Barbin to
develop a new Storm Water Management Ordinance from a combination
of the existing one in place along with the new requirements imposed from the
PaDEP for Jackson Townships NPDES MS4 Permit. The Permit is
required for Jackson Township to meet new requirements from the PaDEP due to the
fact that part of the Township lies in what is considered to be the Johnstown
Urbanized Area and water from the Vinco area flows into the Hinckston Run
Watershed.
~Street Lights Lighting Up Twp. Intersections
Nearly all of the street lights approved last year have been
installed at Township intersections providing greater safety and visibility for
motorists and pedestrians. Several intersections where lighting was installed
are where school buses stop to drop off children. The feedback from the lighting
has been very positive from Township residents. The street light program may be
expanded to include additional intersections and locations. If you know of an
area that you feel a street light would greatly improve the safety of motorists
and residents, please contact the Township Office at 749-0725.
JOIN JACKSON ONLINE NEWS
Township residents who have access to the internet can now join
our new email group to receive up-to-date Township news by email. We would like
to invite you to join Jackson Township Online News where you can receive online
newsletters, announcements, and important information concerning Jackson
Township. To subscribe just go to the Jackson Township website at
www.jacksontwppa.com and
subscribe to the Jackson Township Online News by entering your email address in
the space provided. You will then be sent a confirmation verifying that you wish
to subscribe to the online news. You must return the confirmation via email to
be added to the newsletter list. We also encourage you to invite others to join.
If you encounter any problem signing up, just email us at
office@jacksontwppa.com or
call us at the Township office at 749-0725 and you can be added manually.
PLANNING A BUILDING PROJECT?
If you are planning on building a new building or adding on to an
existing building, be sure to stop at the Township Office to apply for
building permit. You can also print one off of the Jackson
Township website at
www.jacksontwppa.com
Be sure to allow plenty of time to get your permit prior to building. By doing
this, your permit can be addressed in plenty of time before you actually begin
construction. Also if you are planning to pave or alter your driveway, a
driveway permit is required. Roadmasters Bruce Baker & Dave Bracken said
that driveway permits are not to inconvenience residents but are necessary to
make sure there is a swale or pipe to direct stormwater. They also make sure
that driveways are not higher than the road so snow plows don’t catch the edge
of the driveway. When a driveway enters onto a Township road, a safe sight
distance is also very important. PennDOT requires permits for driveways entering
onto State roads within the Township.
Return