Dear Residents:

The Township has received information regarding a tax break for township, county and school taxes. The forms and additional information is attached. A check in the amount of $35 must be included with the forms. You will then receive, via mail, a date and time for your appeal hearing. You will need pictures of the damage you have sustained due to the flood in September, 2023.

The township office will be closed Wednesday, April 10, 2024 and will reopen Monday, April 22, 2024. Emails and phone calls will be answered as soon as possible.

The county is holding an onsite program at Weston Fieldhouse April 10-13 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. If a resident is to apply for a loan but are denied, grants may be given out. This is something that residents should be looking into.

Governor Secures Loan Deadline Extension for NEPA Flood Survivors

Shapiro Administration Secures Deadline Extension for Northeast Pennsylvania Flood Survivors to Apply for Low-interest Loans

Thanks to the Shapiro Administration’s Action, September 2023 Flood Survivors Now Have Until April 24, 2024, to Apply for Low-interest Loans in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties 

Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration has secured an extension from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for survivors of the devastating flooding on September 9, 2023, to apply for financial assistance for physical damages. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) requested an extension to the March 25, 2024, deadline last week.

The new deadline to return physical damage disaster loan applications is Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The Friday, October 25, 2024, deadline to return economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) applications remains unchanged.

“We requested this deadline extension to give flood survivors in Northeastern PA additional time to apply for low-interest loans as they continue on a path to recovery,” said Governor Shapiro. “I stand committed to helping Pennsylvanians rebuild stronger than before, and access to low interest loans from the federal government can help homeowners and business owners get the support they need to recoup these unforeseen losses.”

The SBA’s Disaster Loan program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, private non-profits, and businesses located in disaster declared counties who sustained damages from flooding. The SBA can provide up to $500,000 for homeowners to replace or repair their primary residences and up to $100,000 for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property. Businesses and most private non-profits may apply for up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.

Additionally, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations located in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

The SBA offers long-term repayment options to keep payments affordable, with terms up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay. View details about the SBA’s disaster declaration for the September 9, 2023, flooding here.

Applicants may immediately obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov and referencing Disaster Declaration #20166 and #20167. 

Alternatively, loan applications can be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster and completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Affected homeowners and renters are strongly encouraged to complete the SBA disaster loan application, as those who do not qualify for an SBA loan may later be eligible for other assistance.

Newton Township Residents- PLEASE READ

Yesterday, the Township Supervisors participated in a meeting with Lackawanna Emergency Management Agency. The Emergency Management Agency is responsible for the judicious planning, assignment, and coordination of all available resources in an integrated program of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery for emergencies of any kind, whether from enemy attack, man-made or natural resources. During this meeting, discussion took place regarding Individual Assistance Programs. In the event of a Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster, the Individual Assistance program provides help for individuals, businesses, homeowners, and renters as they recover from disasters. These programs are largely funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), although other federal, state, and local agencies support the overall Individual Assistance program.

To learn more about this possible program being available to residents, please visit https://www.pema.pa.gov/…/Individual…/Pages/default.aspx

Please note, that Newton Township, along with all agencies in Pennsylvania will be working tirelessly to fight for the Individual Assistance program. However, nothing is guaranteed, and it will take time for this to be sorted out. In the meantime, we highly recommend that residents of Newton Township document everything associated with storm damage. This includes pictures, record keeping, receipts, etc. Residents should keep detailed information on all damage and repairs so information is ready when needed. Over the next few days, the township will continue to assess damage throughout our municipality. We are asking residents not to call the township office as we are still collecting more information on how to proceed.

What we are beginning to collect is basic information from residents in Newton township who have been affected by the storm. If a resident has property, home or any damages related to the storm please provide the following information to the township via an email. This does include renter’s. If you are unable to send information via email, you may stop in the township building and provide the information to the township secretary. The following information is being requested at this time:

ALL INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE SUBMITTED BY 12 P.M. FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15

Name, Address of property/Home, Email address, Phone # and Damage

Please email all information to:

newtontwp@epix.net

Subject line of email: RESIDENT STORM DAMAGE

In the email body: Name, address, phone #, email address

Please indicate the damage using the information in the photo (Affected, Minor, Major, Destroyed). NOTE: There are 2 separate classifications, Conventionally Built & Manufactured.

At this time, cost estimates and specific damages are not needed but be sure you keep that information in your records. Once the township gathers all the information, we will submit it to the proper agencies.

Regards,

Doug Pallman

Chairman, Newton Township board of supervisors

Newton Township Residents       

This morning, the township supervisors participated in a meeting with Lackawanna Emergency Management Agency.  The Emergency Management Agency is responsible for the judicious planning, assignment, and coordination of all available resources in an integrated program of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery for emergencies of any kind, whether from enemy attack, man-made or natural resources.  During this meeting, discussion took place regarding Individual Assistance Programs.  In the event of a Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster, the Individual Assistance program provides help for individuals, businesses, homeowners, and renters as they recover from disasters.  These programs are largely funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), although other federal, state, and local agencies support the overall Individual Assistance program.  To learn more about this possible program being available to residents, please visit https://www.pema.pa.gov/Recovery/Individual-Assistance/Pages/default.aspx.  Please note, that Newton Township, along with all agencies in Pennsylvania will be working tirelessly to fight for the Individual Assistance program.  However, nothing is guaranteed, and it will take time for this to be sorted out. 

In the meantime, we highly recommend that residents of Newton Township document everything associated with storm damage.  This includes pictures, record keeping, receipts, etc.  Residents should keep detailed information of all damage and repairs to have information ready when needed.

Over the next few days, the township will continue to assess damage throughout our municipality.  We are asking residents not to call the township office as we are still collecting more information on how to proceed. What we are beginning to collect is basic information from residents in Newton township who have been affected by the storm.  If a resident has property, home or any damages related to the storm please provide the following information to the township via an email.  If you are unable to send information via email, you may stop in the township building and provide the information to the township secretary.  The township would like to put together a list of homes that were damaged by the storm.  Here is the information being requested at this time:

Name, Address of property/Home, Email address, Phone #

At this time, cost estimates are not needed but be sure you keep that information in your records.  Once the township gathers all the information, we will submit it to the proper agencies.

Regards,

Douglas B Pallman

Chairman, Newton Township Board of Supervisors

1528 Newton Ransom Blvd.

Clarks Summit, PA 18411

Ph:570-587-1520

Ext. 1

Cell:570-840-0654

Good afternoon! Now that spring sports are in full swing but mother nature is not willing to cooperate, The Newton rec center gym is a perfect place to get some training in! The gym is now open and available to rent!

1 hr. Full gym rental – $60

2 hr. Full gym rental – $110

Gym dimension – 48′ X 66′

Space is perfect for lacrosse, softball and baseball to name a few!

Kids can work on throwing, catching, stick work and passing.

Space is available –

Monday – Friday

3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email inquiries to: newtonrecreationcenter@gmail.com

Facebook: Newton Recreation Center

Over the last year, the Newton Township Board of Supervisors have been reviewing the long term strategic plan for the township. In reviewing the plan, the supervisors identified two issues that need to be addressed in 2023 – 

1. The need for a new Department of Public Works (DPW) maintenance garage

2. The potential sale of the Newton Recreation Center

At the beginning of 2022, the supervisor began to have serious discussions about the future of the recreation center, including the potential sale of the property. Chairman Pallman asked to take the lead on the review of the operation, potential reorganization of a volunteer board and renegotiations of leases.  Also, the board went ahead and paid off the balance on a loan which had been taken out for a major boiler and roof project.  As of today, the center does not have any outstanding debt and currently is able to operate on its own.  However, the center currently has no volunteer board, nor does it have any volunteers willing to help run the center. Our most recent paid rec center coordinator has resigned leaving the center without any day to day leadership supervision. Fortunately, we have some long term staff members who are still working part time to allow for the center to be open for parties that were already reserved.  But, after the month of January, we will be forced to close the center to the public due to a lack of staff.  Also, we are only one major repair away from the center costing the taxpayers money.  So, what does this all mean?  The township board of supervisors at this point are in agreement that the recreation center located on Newton Ransom Boulevard should be sold.  But, before the supervisors move forward with the sale of the property, a special meeting will be held Monday January30th.  The supervisors are asking township residents who have questions or concerns about the potential sale of the center to please attend the meeting. 

As for our DPW and the need for a maintenance garage, this has become a serious topic.  Our DPW currently works out of a converted farm building which has served its purpose but it is time for the township to focus its financial resources on the needs of DPW.  The continued growth of our township has brought additional work to the DPW staff.  At one time, the DPW was made up of 2 fulltime employees.  At the start of 2023, we now employ 4 fulltime employees with additional part time workers filling in during the winter and summer months.  Our roads and drainage is a main priority of the township and with this additional work our staff is in need of a proper Garage to perform these duties.  We will begin to design and put out to bid a new DPW garage for 2023.  This is a must.

With these two potential topics at the forefront of 2023, the supervisors believe that the potential sale of one property and the construction of a new garage on an existing property could work hand in hand to minimize the financial burden on the township and the taxpayers.  This is why we are discussing both of these topics together as one.

So, the supervisors are asking that any resident that is interested in discussing the sale of the rec center, join us on Monday January 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the Newton  Township Building.