Good morning PMLE. With another weather event on the horizon, we're providing this information to all residents for clarity. We want to ensure that your issues, concerns and complaints are dealt with in a timely fashion, while at the same time not giving any credence to trouble makers, pot stirrers or antagonists.

First and foremost, please be advised, that Facebook, has been and will be ignored. It's not an official outlet for the Board. Anyone who posts on there, posts as a community resident, with his/her own opinions and ideas (the very nature of Facebook) and not in an official capacity, unless the heading states "Official PMLE Business" and is from a Board member or Committee chairperson.

Second, let's remember that respect is earned, not given. I'm sure we all understand this statement. So, when we make our posts, where you think your gaining the Board's attention, and they are filled with malcontent, negativity and the like, the responses you receive will most likely follow the same course of action. In fact, I can assure you that you'll start receiving more cynicism and sarcasm, or just be ignored altogether. Keep your snark to the Pike County Road page, or better yet, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. Let's be honest, immediately after winter, I can assure you, Facebook will be buzzing with complaints about potholes and road conditions. This is the ebb and flow of this community. If people can't complain about one thing, they certainly find another to gripe about.

Further, I believe it's time that the entire community understands that the methodology for maintaining our roads during a weather event hasn't changed. Years ago, it used to be that roads were cleared "enough" for emergency vehicles to traverse through the community. With final "clean up" being completed after the event is over. The standing rule was/is to plow, as needed, all main thoroughfares within the community and treat ALL hills, curves and trouble spots (such as ice buildup, etc), as well as the parking lot, then move to do the same for all secondary and tertiary roads. The only change to this directive, is that the roads must be opened, not only for emergency access, but for incoming/outgoing local traffic, such as deliveries, family members, etc. That's it, these are the only changes made.

With all of that said, let's talk about some areas of the community. Ledgeway Drive (the main drag) is considered a main thoroughfare, as well as Sugar Maple Drive, Port Drive, Mountain Top Drive, White Pine Drive, Loftus Lane, Oak Ridge Drive, Janets Way, Rockledge Road and the School Bus stop. All other roads, albeit, side streets, dead ends, mailbox area and cul-de-sacs are considered secondary and tertiary roads/areas.

Now, let's talk about weather in the Poconos. Some of you have lived here for, at least 5+ years, others are relatively new. So, let's level set expectations, and be real. If you are looking for roads maintained like NJDOT, you moved to the wrong area. Their budget is bigger than ours, end of story. Power outages, occur and can happen frequently or for extended periods of time in this area. Be prepared for this, as PMLE isn't FEMA. However, many of us, if made aware, are willing to get together and lend a hand if needed. Whether it's getting fuel to you, heaters, food, etc. Understand that snowfall amounts tend to be greater than surrounding areas due to our elevation. I'm sure there are others, but this is a good base.

Finally, please remember these simple reminders during all adverse weather events:

1. DO NOT park on our roads or our shoulders. Going forward, the vehicle will be towed at your expense. The only exception to this is in the Parking Lot. If you cannot make it back to your home, please use the parking lot, but park out of the way and off to the side for plowing to continue. Should you wake up one morning and your car is gone, we use Wrenches. Any and all fees have nothing to do with us.
2. REMOVE your garbage cans from the side of the road. Our contractor will not to protect your cans. If they are damaged, or lost, that will be the homeowners responsibility.
3. DO NOT plow, shovel or snow blow your snow from your property onto our roads, especially if the contractor has already plowed. We've received some complaints from neighbors about their neighbors doing exactly this.
4. DO NOT ask the contractor to plow your driveway. Our contract explicitly states that he works for the Board to maintain PMLE roads, not for your individual/personal plowing/snow removal needs.
5. DO NOT stop the contractor from performing his/her duties, PERIOD. The contractor isn't here for your advice, suggestions, complaints or nonsense.
6. PREPARE. As with any event, we could suffer power outages, large snowfall/ice amounts. Have enough food/water on hand for at least 3-7 days. Have a means for alternative heating and/or a generator, if you can.
7. DRIVE with caution, keep your speed to 20 MPH or lower, as posted. Have good quality tires for the winter on your vehicle.
8. CONTACT US correctly. If you have any complaints, in relation to Snow/Ice removal, contact the board through the proper mediums (outlined below):
   1. Through the website (contact form): Contact Us
   2. Via phone: Call Us
   3. Via email: Email Us
9. IF you require snow removal services, Robert (Rob) Miller, a local PMLE resident, offers these services. He can be found on Facebook or via phone 570-618-5225. Contact him directly for his fees and availability.
   

Please be reminded that the quarterly dues payment, for those that opted in, is due on March 1st, 2021. This payment goes directly to Berkheimer. If you have any issues, please reach out to the board directly via email or phone.

Berkheimer Phone: (610) 599-3143
Berkheimer Mail:
HAB-MISC
PO Box 21450
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002
Berkheimer Online Payment: Click Here (Found under Hab-Misc)