Wehr's Dam, Family Magnet

In 2014,  the South Whitehall commissioners conspired with the Wildlands Conservancy to demolish Wehr's Dam.   Commissioner Tori Morgan assured Abigail Pattishall, from the Wildlands, that it would be an easy deal.  After all, the township's park director(Randy Cope) was the son of a Wildlands director,  and the Wildlands had already formulated the township's master plan park, which called for the destruction of the iconic dam.  Never mind that it is a magnet destination that has attracted generations to its beauty. Never mind that nowhere else can you see water flow over a dam and under a covered bridge in the same spot.

As myself and others rallied to protect the dam,  the Wildlands called in some sacred cow favors. Bill White wrote a column that he wouldn't allow his dog to swim in the water above the dam.  He didn't mention the unique beauty that keeps attracting him to go there,  even though he lives next to a local Allentown park, which also has a pond.  I had to battle for months to get a pro-dam letter printed, finally going over the local editor's head to the publisher.

The commissioners came up with a plan to accommodate the Wildlands.  They would tie keeping the dam to a tax hike, and put it to the voters in a referendum.  When the voters chose to keep the dam anyway,  the township now is ignoring the mandate, and not maintaining the dam. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the Wildlands is corresponding with the state to have the dam condemned.  Although I documented the correspondence,  the Morning Call refused to print my letter, or investigate the situation.

Meanwhile, the township has hired the Conservancy to plan and build a  $multi $million $dollar walkway through the park, as if the dam won't be there.

HERE'S THE IRONY, despite their illegal schemes (ignoring a legal referendum), the dam on Sunday was teeming with families fishing together at the dam.  There is no higher calling for a township and their park department,  than to attract families enjoying themselves. The dam has been doing that for over 100 years.

THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE TOWNSHIP TO DECLARE THEIR INTENTIONS CONCERNING WEHR'S DAM.