Jay Bradley
East Penn Area reporterAs the East Penn Area reporter, I primarily cover the area of Emmaus, Macungie, and other nearby municipalities to highlight the goings-on and culture of the community. I’m originally from Southern Tier New York. Previously, you could see my work in The Ithaca Times, WBNG-TV and NewsChannel 34, and I served as news director for WICB-FM at Ithaca College. Outside of news, I consider myself an okay trumpet player, love exploring new cities, spend a lot of time outdoors, and occasionally work in the world of grassroots esports events. Contact me at JayB@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8162.
-
Up to $1 million in PennDOT funds are headed to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for a study of Route 22. The highway is among the most traveled in the region, hosting nearly 110,000 vehicles per day according to the LVPC -
Developments consisting of hundreds of housing units came before the Upper Macungie Planning Commission during Monday's workshop meeting, one being the Sunset Orchard plan that drew ire from nearby residents. The developers are seeking preliminary approval.
-
The Islamic learning center Al-Maqasid plans a two-campus, nine-building complex that will host seminary training, K-12 education, religious services and recreation facilities. It will be years in the making and cost about $100 million, according to organizers.
-
Over a thousand employees from businesses and groups throughout the region volunteered thousands of hours of labor to assist nonprofits and community projects throughout the Lehigh Valley for United Way.
-
Various local craftspeople, businesses, food amenities and more will be on display and available for attendees at the annual Emmaus Farewell to Summer festival
-
Lehigh County commissioners began reviewing the $520 million budget proposed for 2024. It anticipates the hiring of new positions and wage increases for nonunion employees, but no new property taxes.
-
Projects in the over $4 billion plan include road improvements, pedestrian access, and highway expansions in the coming years
-
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is seeking public comment for its 25-year, $4.39 billion Long-Range Transportation Plan until October 6
-
The South Whitehall Board of Commissioners approved a five-year waste management contract with J.P. Mascaro & Sons after debate over multiple bids at a prior meeting. The approved bid, the lowest five-year quote the township received, is set to increase next year's cost for the township by 62.54%.
-
58 jobs at Coca Cola's Upper Macungie syrup plant are to be cut by the end of the year due to reorganizing effort by Coca-Cola to a third-party
-
The Emmaus Memorial Triangle is set for a major facelift after veterans group secured enough donations to see their vision come to life.
-
The Borough of Emmaus, after multiple meetings of discussion and refinements, has passed a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, or LERTA, program for borough properties.
-
Seeking to enhance public safety, increase mobility, make streets safer for walking, cycling and public transit and have cleaner air as a result, the city is getting feedback from residents about the changes they want to see.
-
Governor Josh Shapiro came to a growing district in the Lehigh Valley — East Penn School District — to celebrate an increase in public school funding through the 2024-25 Pennsylvania state budget.
-
A dispute between the Whitehall Township Tax Office and Mayor's Administration has come to a head after legal action was threatened.
-
Whitehall Tax Collector Tina Koren has been subject to "a series of possible civil rights and other violations" and is seeking legal remedies, according to the lawyer, Matthew Mobilio.
-
Many municipalities were caught off guard by the explosion in warehouse development. Through experience and experimentation by local governments like Lower Macungie Township, a playbook of sorts has formed to help manage development. (Fourth of 5 parts)
-
Elected officials are taking steps to adjust development laws that some see as unfair, but they face an uphill battle. (Fourth of 5 parts)
-
Relief was denied to a couple seeking to overcome a violation for a recreation complex built without a permit in Lower Macungie.
-
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is looking to review zoning ordinances in Slatington and Washington Townships. A public hearing is set to take place Sept. 9.
-
The project, costing approximately $78 million, will address traffic congestion and modernize infrastructure while preserving the bridge's historic features, a PennDOT consultant project manager said.
-
South Whitehall Township is seeking comments on a draft for its "South Whitehall Landscapes" plan, which is set to be the township’s guide to landscape preservation, including preserving open space, historic spaces, and agricultural and natural resources.
