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Pocono Township approves modest MCTI policing rate increase as residents complain about Core 5 construction
Summary
The township board approved renewal of the MCTI school‑police contract with a $3.52 hourly raise to $91.59 and ratified $361,012.02 in expenditures; residents used public comment to press zoning, stormwater and potential data‑center concerns at the Core 5 site.
The Pocono Township Board of Commissioners voted June 1 to renew its contract with MCTI for school‑policing services after approving a modest hourly increase from $88.07 to $91.59.
The chair presented the annual formula used to calculate the rate, which the board adjusts based on budgeted police costs and officer hours. Commissioners debated a larger proposed jump to $97.84 but agreed to a smaller, cost‑of‑living increase of $3.52 per hour; the board approved both the rate amendment and the contract renewal.
The meeting included an extended public‑comment period focused on development at the Core 5 site. Cheryl Parks told the board she and neighbors have endured repeated zoning complaints and court actions she said stem from weak enforcement; “Our quality of life and our property values have been destroyed,” she said. John Burns and other residents raised deed and lot‑number uncertainties and asked the township to provide exact parcel numbers and older deeds. Several speakers pressed for marked property corners, stormwater protections and surveys after contractors reportedly removed stakes.
Online commenters and residents underscored health and safety concerns. Kayla Sarr said construction noise and vibration have deeply affected her autistic son. Others described sediment and filter problems in wells and urged the board to require clearer markers and controls from the developer.
Board actions at the meeting also included ratification of expenditures totaling $361,012.02 across multiple funds; rejection of received material bids (staff were instructed to rebid via PennBid or use CoStars); and waivers of pavilion rental fees for local youth volleyball and the Monroe County Special Olympics.
What’s next: staff will pursue a title search for the four contested lots and supply deeds to the commissioners; public‑works and planning staff will follow up on survey‑marking requests; and the solicitor will review pending ordinance drafts that residents said could affect park use and development approvals.
