Coolbaugh Township is a sprawling, diverse municipality located in northern Monroe County, Pennsylvania, known for its wooded landscapes, lakeside communities, and proximity to major Pocono attractions. It’s one of the largest and most populous townships in the county, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods, recreational areas, and military infrastructure.
🗺️ Geographic & Civic Overview
Incorporated: 1794
Area: ~88 square miles (227 km²), with ~2% water coverage
Elevation: ~1,739 feet (530 m) — one of the higher elevations in Monroe County
Population: 20,805 (2020 Census)
School District: Pocono Mountain School District
🏞️ Communities & Features
Tobyhanna: A major unincorporated community within the township, often confused with Tobyhanna Township (which is separate)
Arrowhead Lake & Pocono Lake: Popular residential and vacation areas with strong short-term rental activity
Gouldsboro: Partially within township boundaries
Tobyhanna State Park: Offers hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing in a pristine forest setting
Tobyhanna Army Depot: A key employer and federal facility, also designated a Superfund site due to past contamination concerns
🏘️ Demographics & Culture
Diverse Population: Includes significant African American and Hispanic communities
Median Age: ~37.4 years
Household Size: Average of 2.95 people
Short-Term Rentals: Over 800 licensed STRs; permitted in residential zones with inspections, but not allowed in commercial or industrial zones
🛣️ Infrastructure & Governance
Roads: ~70 miles of township-maintained roads
Government: Managed by a five-member Board of Supervisors
Recent Projects: Route 196 safety improvements and STR regulation updates
🌄 Regional Identity
Coolbaugh Township is a dynamic blend of Appalachian forest heritage, military-industrial history, and modern recreational living. Its high elevation and proximity to lakes and parks make it a magnet for both full-time residents and seasonal visitors. The township’s evolving demographic and land-use patterns reflect broader shifts in Monroe County’s identity—from rural retreat to suburbanized Pocono hub.
Short Term Rental Information
Coolbaugh Township is a popular STR location as the township allows for short-term rentals in residential zoning areas with necessary permits and inspections. There are more than 800 Short-term Rental Licenses issued in the township. STR is not allowed in Commercial or Industrial zoned areas. Arrowhead Lake, Pocono Lake and other communities indicate that the practice is allowed, see Coolbaugh Township’s Short-term Rental Rules for more details. See short term rental rules and regulations below or apply here.
PA 18 6105 POSSESSION OF FIREARM PROHIBITED (F1) PA 18 6106 FIREARMS NOT TO BE CARRIED WITHOUT A LICENSE (F3) (1 COUNT) POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (F) PA 35 780-113 A16 - POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PA 35 780-113 A32 - POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
A public notice announces that Letters Testamentary have been issued for the Estate of Sylvester J. Bend-zella, who passed away on October 1, 2025, in the Township of Tobyhanna. Andrea Fuller has been appointed as the Executrix of the estate. Individuals who owe money to the estate are instructed to settle their debts, while those with claims against the estate must notify the Executrix promptly.
CSMC 2018-RPL9 Trust has initiated a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint against Miguel A. Santos, III, and unknown surviving heirs of Miguel Santos for the property at 1768 Rolling Hills Drive, Tobyhanna, PA 18466. The foreclosure action, filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Monroe County, could result in a public sale by the Monroe County Sheriff. Defendants are advised to respond by entering a written appearance with the court to avoid potential adverse judgments.
Description The Coolbaugh Township Historical Association is looking for dedicated community members to join their Board!
They are currently seeking new members as well as someone to serve as Recording Secretary for their monthly meetings. If you have an interest in local history and would like to play an active role in preserving and promoting our community’s heritage, this is a great opportunity to get involved.
To learn more about this position or other available board openings: 📧 Email: ctha@ptd.net
On this episode of Monroe Matters, Pa. state Rep. Maureen Madden takes us around her district to experience the Tobyhanna Ice Harvest, visit the Coolbaugh Township Historical Association, honor the 10th anniversary of women serving in combat roles in the U.S. Military, and discuss funding priorities after Governor Shapiro's budget address.
Summary:
The Monroe County Office of Voter Registration and Elections in Stroudsburg, PA, has issued a notice for the General Primary Election scheduled for May 19, 2026, between 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The notice outlines the various public offices and party offices for which nominations and elections will take place, including positions like Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Representatives in Congress, Senators, and Members of the State Committee. The election covers a wide range of districts within Monroe County, impacting voters across different townships and boroughs.
Summary: The Tobyhanna Township Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public hearing at the Pocono Summit Volunteer Fire Company in Pocono Summit, PA on March 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The hearing concerns an appeal by various individuals against the enactment of Ordinance No. 580, which establishes a data center overlay district in Tobyhanna Township. The applicants challenge the ordinance, alleging spot zoning, favoritism towards a specific landowner, and lack of relevance to public welfare. Additionally, Natalie McCarty seeks variances for constructing a garage in Pocono Lake, PA.
Summary: An estate notice has been issued for the estate of Doris Caridad Fierro, also known as Doris C. Fierro, who resided in Coolbaugh Township, Tobyhanna, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, and has passed away. Mary E. Purvis has been granted Letters Testamentary for the estate. Debtors to the estate are required to settle their debts promptly, and any individuals with claims against the estate must submit them within three months from the notice date to Mary E. Purvis or her attorney.
(WBRE/WYOU) — One man was killed in a crash on Interstate 380 north on Friday morning, according to officials. The crash occurred just after 7:00 a.m. on I-380 North at mile marker 1.1 in Tobyhanna Township. According to state police, the one vehicle involved was a work van carrying 10 people, one of which was [...]
Summary: The Sheriff of Monroe County, Pennsylvania is conducting a public online auction for a residential property located at 272 Stillwater Drive, Pocono Summit, PA. The auction will be held on March 26, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Interested buyers must pay 10% of the purchase price or Sheriff's costs to Bid4Assets via wire transfer by 4:00 P.M. the day after the auction.
Summary: The Sheriff of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public online auction of a property located at 3133 Robert David Drive, Tobyhanna, PA 18466 on March 26, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. Prospective bidders must register online with Bid4Assets and pay 10% of the purchase price or Sheriff's costs by wire transfer.
Summary: The estate of Harriet A. Planchock, also known as Hedwig Planchock, is being settled in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Creditors are asked to settle debts promptly, and anyone with claims against the estate should submit them to the appointed executors within four months. The executors, George F. Planchock, Jr., and Joan Ann Davis, along with their attorneys, Lori J. Cerato and Kelly L. Lombardo, are overseeing the estate settlement process.
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Original public notice (excerpt):
ESTATE NOTICE ESTATE OF HARRIET A. PLANCHOCK A/K/A HEDWIG PLANCHOCK A/K/A HEDWIG A.
Summary: The Tobyhanna Township Neighborhood Improvement District Authority will hold a Reorganizational and Regular Business Meeting on March 9, 2026, at 6PM at the Tobyhanna Township Government Center.
Summary: Tobyhanna Township is seeking sealed proposals for the 2026 Road Paving Project, involving the paving of various roads within the township. Interested bidders must meet PennDOT specifications, be prequalified Prime Contractors, and submit bids by March 10, 2026. The selected contractor will need to provide performance and payment bonds, with bids to be publicly opened on the same day at the township municipal building.
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Original public notice (excerpt):
NOTICE TO BIDDERS SEALED PROPOSALS will be accepted by the Tobyhanna Township Board of Supervisors until 1:00 p.m.
Summary: The public notice announces the estate of Richard J. Mullin, also known as Richard Mullin, in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The undersigned, Melissa Mullin Sadowski, has been granted Letters Testamentary for the estate. Debtors are asked to settle outstanding debts promptly, and any claims against the estate must be submitted within four months to the undersigned or their attorney at Fisher & Fisher Law Offices LLC in Gouldsboro, PA.
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Original public notice (excerpt):
ESTATE NOTICE Estate of Richard J.
(1 COUNT) DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE(M1) (2 COUNTS) ENDANGERING WELFARE OF CHILDREN (M1) (1 COUNT) POSSESSION OF SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA (M) (1 COUNT) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA (M) 4 SUMMARY TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
TOBYHANNA, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Investigators say parents were arrested after multiple drugs, including fentanyl, were found inside a home. On February 11, detectives from the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office were told by Monroe County Children and Youth Services about suspected drug use inside a home where young children live. Detectives said they executed [...]
Summary: H&K Group, Inc. has applied for a renewal of their National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for the Locust Ridge Quarry Operation in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County. The application seeks to renew the existing permit for five years without changes to the discharge. Public comments or objections can be submitted to the PA Department of Environmental Protection until April 8, 2026, following the fourth publication of this notice.
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Original public notice (excerpt):
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that H&K Group, Inc., P.O.
Description Notice is hereby given that the Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors' Public Hearing, and Regular Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 will be held beginning at 6pm at the Coolbaugh Township Municipal Center located at 5520 Municipal Drive, Tobyhanna, PA. To view the meeting agenda, please visit our website at: https://coolbaughtwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BOS-021726-Public-Packet.pdf
NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF MONROE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION - LAW CIVIL DIVISION MONROE COUNTY No. 004076 CV 2025 BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. Plaintiff vs. Timothy Stanton, As Executor of the Estate of Carol Ann Stanton a/k/a Carol A. Stanton, Deceased Defendant NOTICE TO: Timothy Stanton, As Executor of the Estate of Carol Ann Stanton a/k/a Carol A. Stanton, Deceased THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.