Pocono News Section

Population Growth Problems in Monroe County

Population Growth Problems in Monroe County - Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5:18PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Sep 8, 2008 @ 05:18pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - A population boom in the Poconos is causing major growning pains. Community leaders came together Monday to talk about the problems and to start developing solutions.

In the last 25 years, the population of Monroe County alone has grown by nearly 100,000 people. Local leaders say that has put a strain on everything from healthcare to housing. Four panel discussions were held at the Administration Building in Stroudsburg to start a community dialogue.

One of the first topics tackled was housing. Experts say Monroe County is not getting its fair share of resources from the federal and state governments.

"The quality of housing and the cost of housing are way out of line. The price is high and the condition is low," Pennsylvania Advisory Committee Chairman James Frazier said after listening to testimony.

An influx of people from New York City has led to a backlog of 1,100 people in subsidized housing. Experts also say some of the housing that is in Monroe County is not safe.

Another problem addressed Monday was new residents clashing with old timers.

"There's a seperation between the two and a lack of communication between them and therefore we're dealing a lot in perseptions and myths," Robert Hillman said. Hillman is the head of the Unity Coalition of the Poconos.

Experts like Hillman say locals are improperly blaming new residents for an increase in gangs and crime.

"We're finding people who are moving in are going into gated communities. They isolate themselves to people like them," Hillman said.

All of the problems discussed Monday will be presented to the U. S. Commission on Civil Rights, Congress and the President.

"Discussions like this are essential. We cannot progress without more of that. We've seen a lot of great dialogues in schools and I thik something that can be done, is more community dialogues like this," Martin Kearney said. Kearney is with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.