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.
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                        A dispute between the Whitehall Township Tax Office and Mayor's Administration has come to a head after legal action was threatened.
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                        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.
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                        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)
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                        Elected officials are taking steps to adjust development laws that some see as unfair, but they face an uphill battle. (Fourth of 5 parts)
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                        Relief was denied to a couple seeking to overcome a violation for a recreation complex built without a permit in Lower Macungie.
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                        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.
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                        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.
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                        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.
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                        The bill introducing tax abatements for condemned properties met a roadblock in Emmaus, and will be re-introduced at a meeting in the near future.
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                        Lehigh County Commissioners in recent meetings discussed the need for action related to a dearth of beds for the county's detained juveniles.
 
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                        Rep. Ro Khanna of California's Silicon Valley and former Obama staffer, visited the Lehigh Valley on a tour of Pennsylvania and Ohio to discuss what the economic building blocks for the Lehigh Valley were in its recovery, and how it could be replicated.
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                        Zoners approved variances for lighting and signage as the Raising Cane's project heads again to the township's planning commission in July.
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                        Over $10 million in renovation work at the Borough of Emmaus municipal building and central fire and EMS station offices is nearing completion after interiors of the buildings were gutted and redesigned.
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                        A survey undertaken by the Borough of Emmaus resulted in residents not wishing to implement a costly quiet zone for nighttime trains.
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                        The Southern Lehigh Public Library Board of Directors voted to create a fact-finding committee related to the Lower Saucon Township proposal to join their library over continuing their partnership with the Hellertown Area Library
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                        Sets of two courts will go up at Furnace Dam Park and Emmaus Community Park, in part due to funding received from the Chestnut Ridge at Rodale development.
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                        Developer Luke Jaindl of the Jaindl Land Co. discussed the vision for the proposed Lehigh Valley Town Center project, currently on its way to a conditional use hearing in Lower Macungie Township.
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                        The Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission recommended approval for the nearly 59-acre Lehigh Valley Town Center project, including its TopGolf component. Township commissioners could give the green light at their July meeting.
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                        The East Penn School Board approved changes to the middle school calendar as recommended by teachers and administrators.
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                        The 2023 Alburtis Community Days, a sprawling event of activities and live music, is set to take place at the Alburtis Area Community Center on Saturday, driven by the community center's new board
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                        The East Penn School Board gave final approval to its 2023-24 budget and set a tax rate lower than initial projections. The new budget retains administrative priorities such as 7 reading interventionists and 6 learning support staffers.
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                        The Macungie Diner will be opening Monday, according to a message from its Facebook page