Concerned Parents of Parkland - CPOP

Tomorrow, Tuesday April 21st, will be the next school board meetings.
At 6pm, there will be a presentation on LERTA during the workshop session.

The drug manufacturer Eli Lilly has plans to build a large manufacturing facility in Upper Macungie, potentially bringing new jobs to our district. Upper Macungie Township, where the facility would be located, has approved a “LERTA” designation for that property, meaning that improvements to the property will be tax assessed at a reduced rate over the next 10 years (no real estate tax on the improvements in the first year, 90% exempted in the second year, etc.). LERTA stands for “Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance” Act.

The UMT Commissioners’ minutes state that “The School District and County will need to adopt similar ordinances for their respective real estate taxes. Both PSD and the County are aware of the Township’s intent and view the designation as favorable.”

We are still learning about how this LERTA designation will affect the school taxes paid by Eli Lilly to the Parkland School District, and the School Board’s Solicitor will explain more about this issue and the options available to the Board at this week’s meeting (Tuesday, March 17 at 7 PM at the Administration Building). We encourage you to attend the meeting if you have questions about this important issue facing our District!

Note: This post was edited to more accurately reflect our current understanding as of 3/15/26.

PBS39 hosted a community conversation last night regarding data centers. Watch it here.

A Community Conversation: The Data Center Debate Artificial intelligence is driving an unprecedented demand for data centers, large-scale facilities that consume significant land, water, and energy. In Penn...

Review of massive data center complex near Parkland High School delayed A highly anticipated review of a massive data center campus proposal will have to wait for another day.

Take what helps.
❄️TAKE HEED! ❄️
❄️GREAT WHITE HYPE IS COMING! ❄️

BEFORE THE STORM (24–48 HOURS AHEAD)
❄️1. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️2. Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️3. Get cash in small bills in case card systems go down.
❄️4. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️5. Download movies, books, and maps for offline use.
❄️6. Identify one warm room in the house to “camp out” if power fails.
❄️7. Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️8. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️9. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️10. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️11. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️12. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️13. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️14. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️15. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️16. Have manual can opener available.
❄️17. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk if needed.
❄️18. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️19. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
❄️20. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️21. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️22. If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️23. Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️24. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️25. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
❄️26. Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️27. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins.
❄️28. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
❄️29. Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️30. Replace old wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
❄️31. Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
❄️32. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️33. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️34. Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️35. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️36. Know where warming centers may be in your parish.
❄️37. Have extension cords ready if using a generator outside.
❄️38. Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️39. Bring pets indoors with extra food and water.
❄️40. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
❄️41. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
❄️42. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️43. Keep a written list of medications and dosages.
❄️44. Store a small first-aid kit with thermometer and basic meds.
❄️45. Have backup batteries for medical devices.
❄️46. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️47. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines.
❄️48. Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
❄️49. Avoid trimming trees during the storm—do it beforehand.
❄️50. Photograph property for insurance before conditions worsen.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

DURING THE STORM
❄️51. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️52. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️53. Use only safe indoor heating methods.
❄️54. Check on neighbors, especially elderly, by phone if possible.
❄️55. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

AFTER THE STORM
❄️56. Walk carefully—ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️57. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️58. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️59. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️60. Be patient—restoring power after ice can take several days.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

KEY REALITY FOR SOUTHERN ICE EVENTS
❄️A quarter inch of ice can bring scattered outages.
❄️Half an inch can cripple travel and power for days.
❄️Ice is more dangerous than snow for the Deep South

(I'm not sure the original author of this or I would tag/ give credit!)

The first meeting with the LV Planning Commission is today at noon! (link to virtual meeting in comments!)

Lehigh Valley planners get a look at another massive data center project The land sits at 2493 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., across the street from Parkland High School.

Info on the proposed data center across from the high school!!!!

Hyperscale data center proposal in S. Whitehall going under the microscope Next week, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) will discuss its initial review of the plans.

A big win for North Whitehall!!!!

Proposed North Whitehall warehouse can't go forward, judge rules A Lehigh County judge has denied an appeal that sought to clear the way for Nexus 78, a 501,000-square-foot warehouse proposed for North Whitehall Township. The ruling is unlikely to be the last word in the fight over the warehouse's fate.

Thank you for your service, Mr. Bold. 20 years on the Parkland School Board, including coming out of retirement when he was needed to fill a vacancy, is pretty darn impressive.

Obituary for Robert E. Bold at Schnecksville Location Robert E. Bold, 90, of Schnecksville passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest. He was the husband of the late Barbara A. Boyle Bold. Born in Allentown, November 11, 1935, Robert was the only son of the late Ernest A. and Iva M. Reese Bold.

The battle continues......

Lehigh County judge hears arguments in North Whitehall warehouse appeal A Lehigh County judge heard arguments Monday in a case that will decide whether a 501,000-square-foot warehouse will rise on 71 acres near Route 309 and Orefield Road.

Thank you, Parkland voters! The turnout for yesterday's election was excellent. Your support for our slate of three new Board members, Alyssa Beckwith for Parkland School Board, Matt For Parkland, and Jon Macklin, plus incumbent David Hein, means that Parkland will continue to have thoughtful leadership focused on providing the best possible education for our community's children while avoiding partisan politics. Several members of the CPOP leadership team volunteered as poll greeters, and we deeply appreciated your "thumbs up" and smiles as we asked for your support. We will continue to post here, sharing news about the District, information about Board meetings, and news about education policies at the local, state, and federal levels to help keep us all well-informed. Today is a day to celebrate our success. Thank you in advance to Alyssa, Matt, Jon, and David for your service to our school district!