Concerned Citizens
Outrage in East Stroudsburg Over Proposed 29% Property Tax Hike
At the December 17, 2024, East Stroudsburg Borough Council meeting, residents expressed outrage over a proposed 29% property tax increase. The meeting highlighted a striking financial disparity: non-taxable properties, including hospitals, East Stroudsburg University (ESU), and public schools, account for an estimated $3-$4 billion in property value, while taxable properties total only $400… Read MorePosted on:
Monroe County Zoning Enforcement: Are Third-Party Zoning Officers the Right Choice?
Zoning enforcement is an essential part of maintaining order and safety in our communities, but in Monroe County, there has been growing concern about the use of third-party contractors to handle these responsibilities. While municipalities are tasked with enforcing local zoning laws, some have opted to outsource the role of zoning enforcement officer to private companies. This decision has… Read MorePosted on:
2025 Budget Question & Answers (Q&A): East Stroudsburg Borough
We have received a response (link to previous article) from Kelly Lewis, Borough Manager of East Stroudsburg Borough:2025 Budget Question & Answers (Q&A):East Stroudsburg Borough Independent Audits are posted on the Borough website. When the 2023 Audit is received and accepted by Borough Council the 2023 Audit will be posted on the website. The 2024 independent audit cannot be… Read MorePosted on:
East Stroudsburg Residents Demand Transparency on Proposed 29% Tax Hike
Update: This letter has received a response from Borough Manager of East Stroudsburg BoroughThe East Stroudsburg Borough Council has proposed a staggering 29% property tax increase for 2025, sparking outrage and concern among residents. This comes on the heels of a 15% tax hike in 2024, totaling nearly a 50% increase in property taxes over two years.For many, this significant financial burden… Read MorePosted on:
Monroe County awards various bids
The Monroe County Commissioners awarded several bids during their meeting on Nov. 20. A couple of the bids drew comment from a resident.Resident Anna Lanke questioned the cost of uniforms for the Sheriff’s Department. She said there are about 25 deputies and 10 bailiffs, and the county plans to spend nearly $100,000 for uniforms for them.She wanted to know their uniforms cost so much more than… Read MorePosted on:
Clearing the Air on Route 611 & 715
From Pocono Township Facebook page We’ve heard the buzz and want to set the record straight—there is NOT a circle or roundabout proposed for the intersection of Route 611 & 715. Instead, the state plans to create a solution that goes through the mountain, improving traffic flow for our community.In other updates, the current "Welcome to Pocono Township" sign will be coming down. New,… Read MorePosted on:
East Stroudsburg proposes 29% tax hike for 2025 budget
EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — The talk of every neighborhood in East Stroudsburg isn't about the weather or the upcoming holidays, it's about another tax hike.The borough recently announced its proposed 2025 budget, which includes a 29% tax increase."That is a big increase for one year; last year, my bill went up from $2,100 to $2,600," said Jim Kelte of East Stroudsburg."Wow, that is a lot, that's… Read MorePosted on:
Board of Education Meeting at the Pleasant Valley School District
The regular board meeting will be held at the Pleasant Valley School District's Administration Building in the conference room, 2233 Route 115, Suite 100, Brodheadsville, PA 18322 beginning at 7:00 p.m. on 11/25/24. The meeting is being recorded and will be available within 48 hours on their website. Posted on:
Monroe County Commissioners Reverse Decision on Undated Ballots; 2% Audit Highlights Procedural Concerns
Monroe County’s handling of the 2024 election has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding the controversial issue of undated mail-in ballots. On November 18, the County Commissioners reversed their earlier decision, announcing they would not count improperly dated or undated mail-in ballots, a move that aligns with Pennsylvania law and recent state Supreme Court rulings. Separately,… Read MorePosted on:
Cold weather shelter sees uptick as temps drop
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It has been a mild November, but this week’s overnight temperatures are leaving those experiencing homelessness out in the cold with few shelters to turn to. The front lights are always on at the Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church on North Fifth Street. But during the colder months, its side door is also lit and a welcome sign is out, serving those in need… Read MorePosted on:
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