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Gibson Armstrong
State Senator
44 North Christian
Street, Suite 100
Lancaster PA 17602
(717) 787-6535
Click link below to send e-mail:
garmstrong@pasen.gov


Gov. Ed Rendell
225 Main Capitol Bldg.
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-2500
E-mail the Governor here.

Mike Sturla
State Representative
8 N. Queen St.
Lancaster PA 17603
295-3157

Rick Gray, Mayor
City of Lancaster
120 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17608
291-4701

Ernest Schreiber, Editor
Lanc. New Era
Click link below to send e-mail:
eschreiber@lnpnews.com
(717) 291-8733

C. Ray Shaw, Editor
Intelligencer Journal
Click link below to send e-mail:
rshaw@lnpnews.com
(717) 291-8650

Marvin Adams, Editor
Sunday News
Click link below to send e-mail:
madams@lnpnews.com
(717) 291-8788

Letters From Our Public
We welcome communications but reserve the right to select and to edit for clarity and brevity.
To avoid the need to verify authenticity, we will not publish the names of the authors.

Please send letters to info@newslanc.com.
Our Policy

Litigation Very Interesting

Received a phone call from my attorney last evening giving me a heads up about Molly Henderson suing [The Lancaster Newspapers.] I am so proud of her and also she is smart to have it in another county.

A friend from the start suggested that the injunction action by the LCCCA against Dick and Molly should have been heard in another county. Then they probably would have won. This is going to be very interesting.

1/16/08


Questions Medial Barrier on Harrisburg Pike

Have you been able to see any proposed development plans [for F&M athletic fields]? There are letters from F&M denying the connection of course. *

Also, I find it odd that the college's solution for pedestrians to avoid the temptation of jaywalking is to put a traffic barrier on Harrisburg Pike, rather than fences/screening/landscaping on their property on the south side of the Pike.

I also find it interesting that the sidewalk layout at College Row actually encourages jaywalking.

*Editors note: NewsLanc would be interested in receiving a copy of any such letters.

1/16/08


"If It is Not Broken, Do Not Try to Fix It."

Does that sound familiar?

Lancaster County/City MAY be looking good but it is due to a lot of private investment money. Lancaster City will survive with a future of wealth and poor. The Middle Class will be forced as they are now to leave the city due to taxes and location of their homes. The conservatism of this County was sold a bill of goods by PSP (High). He was smart, get the newspaper as a partner.

The Steinman sisters were well intended as they are a very good employer of the area, very family oriented. BUT look at Fulton, they bailed out when there was any sign of trouble.

Back to the beginning, this project did not and does not have the neighborhood infrastructure to succeed, let alone make money. Putting that monster on that corner is going to affect the total historical, cultural and economic future of center city. The Mayor can clean up all he wants and promote the West Side BUT you will always have the rest of the city there.

The 140-plus* properties that Senator Gib Armstrong is part of will start to deteriorate which will cause more blight. I feel for Annie Bailey's and Yorgo's who invested dearly on the pretense of lots of business. It ain't gonna come.

The Brickyard is supposedly suffering since the new brewery opened on College Row. The students do not have to find parking and can just cross the street.

The Trolley may be a winner in Portland, Nashville, etc, but this is Lancaster County. We do not have enough room for two cars going down Prince Street let alone one car and a Trolley. Where is the common sense?

Look at the economic times we are in. Sure Lancaster County is pretty recession proof due to our diversification BUT we are a part of the whole picture, no man is an island. Who is going to come to this hotel and convention center? Maybe the first year because it is NEW like anything else; but long term, I bet in 5 years that High Industries will own it!!!!

*Editors note: Newslanc is unaware of the extent of real estate holdings by Senator Armstrong, we have no information concerning how they are maintained, and we have no reason to criticize the Senator for investing in downtown real estate.

1/15/08


Crown Jewel of Lancaster City

I have not spent near the hours that some of you have on this [convention center] project to revitalize downtown Lancaster. However, I have been tainted as a naysayer. Clients and prominent business people have told me I should not keep company with that crazy lady April Koppenhaver and her group. I could go on and on.

Will I promote the center? No. Will I pay my taxes? Yes. I have no choice.

We as taxpayers would have prevented this major loss had the investors and officials been looking for the most profitable and complementary project to go on that corner, the crown jewel of Lancaster City and County.

Thank God for Molly and Dick, who fought to get the debt paid back before the operating expenses. At least we will have a few years as taxpayers with no mud in our faces.

Senator Gib Armstrong is running away and Paul Thibault will not be able to protect the campfire. This money pit is going to dry up in Harrisburg and Lancaster County will have to eat crow.

As for hundreds of jobs, no way. If the Hyatt in Cambridge only employs 160 plus and most of them are temps from Europe and that complex is acres, then there is no way this center will need more than 75 and that will be probably 60 minimum wage jobs.

This has surely been an education.

1/14/08


Marriott/Interstate Slots Emporium?

I also agree [that we should not offer support for the Convention Center Project], but not on the grounds of Christianity, as I am not a Christian.

This project was foisted on the public with deception and media manipulation. It is singularly an un-Democratic monument to greed and selfishness.

Okay, so it will be built after razing historic city blocks, re-writing laws and ripping off the common taxpayer. What can the public really do? Nothing.

Conceding the inevitability of the project is not the same as supporting it. I do not support it and believe it will fail miserably as a convention center.

And by the way, making this project the "best it can be" will probably end up meaning supporting the Marriott/Interstate Slots Emporium. At least that's my bet.

1/13/08


Convention Center: "We're done."

[Concerning the Convention Center Project], we have made every effort to send warning flags up through the last five years, and have been arrogantly ignored. The time to offer our (unwanted) support has passed.

I offer good wishes to all who are working hard to keep the project in line, and to minimize losses.

But the time to implement the solutions we have offered has passed. We're done.

1/13/08


Convention Center Support? "Ain't no way."

I have to give my total and complete AMEN [to not providing support for the convention center project.]

In 1999 when this dog of a project was proposed, I objected on the grounds that it was WRONG to take money from a business's customers (hoteliers) and give it to support a competitor. It was, is and always will be WRONG to do so and for that reason I will NEVER support it.

While I am on record as being AGAINST the project, I have continually said "While I am opposed to this project, if you are going to do this then..." and would give them advice from a watchdog point-of-view.

For instance, there is ZERO incentive or checks in place for Interstate Hotels (the management of the convention center and hotel) to make certain the convention center gets treated right.

Remember that SUPPORTERS have declared the convention center will be in the negative, while the hotel will be in the black. What would stop the management company that's responsible to BOTH from simply shifting costs to the convention center and resources away from the convention center so that the hotel is in the black?

The Convention Center Authority REFUSED to put any audit feature into this arrangement and instead bowed to Dale High's demand of "shared" management.

I could come up with a dozens and dozens of similar examples.

The bottom line - ain't no way I am sucking up to the powers that be that foisted this project on Lancaster Countians for GENERATIONS to come!

1/13/08


Newspapers Ignored Harrisburg Pike Objections

This morning's paper made it clear why none of the editors – all of whom agreed that the median strip is not a good idea – would let their reporters, including Gil Smart, write anything opposing [a medial strip eliminating the center lane on the Harrisburg Pike.] These editors didn't want to do anything to jeopardize the Lancaster Newspapers' parking garage that Council approved last night.

Note a similarity: area residents' concerns ignored; no engineering study; no alternative plans that would address and mitigate residents' objections to certain components of the plan, etc. etc.

This city needs to hire a qualified traffic engineer to study any proposal having to do with city streets, or this whole city is going to become one big traffic jam in years to come. And then who's going to even want to come here?

1/13/08


Response to New Era for Slur of Former Commissioners

I know this is difficult given your masters - but how about turning that righteousness for open records to the MOST secretive government agency in Lancaster County?!?!?

Since the behind the closed door meeting that birthed this monster, Lancaster Countians know very little about the 20 million dollars they have wasted. It's a fact that they REFUSE to release bills which will give any clue of how they justify their expenditures.

Meanwhile the newspaper remains silent and mocks and ridicules anyone that tries to call accountability to this taxpayer funded organization.

Of course I am talking about the convention center. BUT remember that the newspaper is taking in MILLIONS and MILLIONS of dollars already and for the next 40 years so do NOT expect them to do anything to stop the slopping at the trough.

You see - the newspaper has ZERO ETHICS!

1/13/08


A Better Way to Slow Traffic

Lancaster Township has found a solution to its problem of effective traffic speed enforcement with a limited number of officers available to monitor speeding and write tickets: the use of portable radar speed display signs, which they move to a different roadway each week.

"It makes it possible to use our police officers more efficiently, because we know exactly when and where to target our enforcement. We are very pleased with the results," said a township official. The township purchased one of these meters, and were so satisfied with the results, that about a year ago they purchased a second one. Cost per meter: approximately $3,000.

Quote from "Race residents balk at planned road changes," New Era Apr. 30, 2007: The mayor expressed little support this morning for the "non-physical" changes proposed by the neighbors. Police officers cannot be on Race Avenue at all times to discourage speeders and he does not believe the electronic speeding-alert signs will have the desired effect, he said, calling that proposal "dead on arrival."

1/10/08


Newspapers "In Bed" with General Hospital

I read Ernie Schreiber's editorial entitled "LGH contributions its fair share & more" in today's Lancaster New Era. Your NewsLanc.com coverage of the newspaper sucking up to the LGH must have hit a nerve as this editorial states that LGH pays approximately $3.9 million dollars to the various tax bases and school districts of Lancaster City and other municipalities within Lancaster County. The editorial is clearly written with an LGH pen. The question remains -- with $106 million made as a non-profit entity, where is the remaining approximate $102 million dollars going?

The continued biased coverage of the newspaper in the favor of LGH is astounding. Have you noted that prominent members of the Steinman family (Lancaster Newspapers, Inc. is a Steinman Enterprise) serve on the Lancaster General Hospital Board of Trustees? With this kind of "in bed" relationship with the newspapers, will LGH and its administrators and its providers ever be a target of Lancaster newspapers ridicule? The answer is clearly "no".

1/8/08


Crumbs for Worthy Projects; Cake for the Money-People

The January 8 New Era article on Mayor Rick Gray is rather stupid.

Without the money from the County, the Pennsylvania Academy of Music and the Franklin & Marshall's west side project would not be at the stage they are. Meanwhile, the millions in fee relief given by the City to Lancaster General Hospital, F & M College and, of course, the Convention Center project are at the cost of the homeowners and schools.

A single trash hauler, tougher tickets and landlord accountability is about all I can see Gray has done. The arts community is being built by personal investment, not grant monies.

Gray is giving crumbs to the worthy projects that really need support, just enough to appease the groups. But the money-people are getting what they want.

1/8/08


Intell's Farmland Preservation Article Bias

In its report "County gets national recognition, now a Preserve America Community," the Intelligencer Journal omitted mentioning the work of the previous board of commissioners.

It is also part of the farmland preservation effort by that board that a portion of the funds for preservation of farms (20%) be used for "Urban Enhancement Grants," which help revitalize our more densely populated [areas], making them places where people want to live and work.

Finally, while the Lancaster Newspapers once again short-changed Dick and Molly, it should be noted, in fairness, that Pete Shaub had a lot to do with these initiatives.

Shaub did a lot of damage, but in this area, he is due credit, too.

1/6/08


F & M Bypassing Due Process Sets Bad Precedent

A lot of people think the controversy over Franklin & Marshall's modification of the Harrisburg Pike is a tempest in a teapot.

It's the broader connotations of this, including the flawed process and the precedent this sets for further Public Works / F&M collaborations....Efforts deliberately designed to ignore public sentiment and interests.

1/5/08


Amtrak Plans Already Outdated?

The plans for the refurbishing of the Lancaster Amtrak station as posted on NewsLanc.com do not provide for the re-routed Lititz Pike bridge.

1/4/08


Mayor Claims Street Cars Are Attraction

Lancaster mayor Rick Gray is totally and completely convinced that a streetcar will bring significant economic revitalization to every part of Lancaster City it passes through. When asked how, his only answer was to say to look at every other city which has built a streetcar system.

Rick Gray claims a streetcar is an attraction in and of itself, that a tracked system will attract people that no bus possibly can. He also claims that everywhere there is a trolley stop, businesses will spring up.

You need to ask this same question of Rick himself. I promise you will be either amused or repulsed.

1/3/08


Bicyclist Fears Revamped Harrisburg Pike

I am a city resident with a racing mountain bike and I frequently ride it on the stretch of Harrisburg Pike where F&M is planning to construct an elongated island, also called a median strip. This part of Harrisburg Pike, which is a state highway, has only one lane in each direction plus a middle lane that is a stacking turning lane. This middle lane is also used as a fast-response lane by ambulances, police cars and fire trucks. There are absolutely no shoulders on either side of this roadway.

If islands are put in the middle lane, that will throw cars and trucks much closer to me on my bike. The fact is, I will have to share a single lane with motorized vehicles as there is no bicycle path or even a roadway shoulder for me to ride on. Islands will have the same effect as the narrowing of the nozzle of a hose – you simply increase the pressure.

There are enough hazards in riding bikes of any kind without making the problem worse by putting unnecessary obstructions in the middle of a highway. And these islands, in the opinion of many of my friends and neighbors, have little or nothing to do with safety and everything to do with IMAGE – which is why we think the College wants them.

1/2/08


Democracy in "Serious Trouble"

What a dysfunctional country! We’ve known about these flaws for years and yet the Congress and local governments seem unable to deal with such a basic issue as counting votes accurately and openly. This democracy is in serious trouble.

1/1/08


In or Out?

My thoughts exactly regarding F & M's College Row. Now go to the High's 'Crossings' retail center planned across from Longs Park - will the trolley bring people TO the city , or take them OUT of the city?

1/1/08


Another Botched Lancaster Project

The Youth Intervention Center (YIC) is a huge long-term disaster.

It's 3 to 4 times the size it needs to be, the wrong kind of facility (lock-down), and is in the wrong location. The commissioners at the time said the YIC would NEVER take in youth from other counties....well, guess what we are doing?

Paul Thibault refused to even attend the three Hourglass Foundation seminars with national experts on the subject of youth detention that clearly demonstrated the YIC plan was dead wrong. The good old Lancaster Newspapers put an oversize photo of a local judge who supported the project on the front page of the evening paper sealing the deal and costing Bill Saylor the Democratic seat on the Board of County Commissioners who would have, along with Pete Shaub, not built the YIC as it was.

12/30/07


Sunnyside Project: Show or Go?

The former board of commissioners that held that Sunnyside ground breaking in 2003 was very good at holding ground breakings for all kind of plans and buildings that they had no idea how they would be used - no plans - just made promises.

With the help of county employees, the outgoing board pulled together many of those plans for buildings so that they are used to the best for the county - and they are - EMT Center & YIC.

As for the Sunny Side development plans, I can't imagine anyone paying $350,000.00 for a home at that location. I just can't.

I am sure the former board of commissioners thought the same thing because, while they had a ceremony with shiny shovels, they had not worked out plans for the actual use of the site - only promises of county hand outs.

It will be very interesting to watch what Mayor Gray does.

12/29/07


Will County Commissioners Isolate Selves?

I noticed that there are no plans for quarterly evening [commissioners] meetings around the county to provide opportunity for those that work to attend public commissioner meetings - the kind Dick Shellenberger and Molly Henderson not only campaigned about but actually held!

I recall the Republicans campaigned on an open county government and accessibility - hmmmmmmmmm???

Well, maybe they have another plan that will allow them to be more open and accessible.

12/29/07


"Value Engineering" Increases Convention Center Future Costs

FYI, the PVC roof tiles are a result of the "value-engineering" process; the original roofing was supposed to be metal. A quick Google search reveals that PVC roofing does not stand up nearly as well as metal in climates with temperature extremes.

Although a PVC roof may save money during the construction process, it is likely this will need to be replaced far sooner than a metal roof would have been.

12/26/07


Convention Center "Funding Gap Closed" Ploy

I think we all need to be reminded of the "closing of the funding gap" from summer of 2006. The gap has appeared again! Visit http://youtube.com/watch?v=7kfcKJzsdQA.

12/25/07


Faulty Convention Center Design

The design of the ceiling of the convention center (open trusses) precludes dividing the exhibit hall into smaller venues, so if there were (for example) three [medium size] events for one of the prime spring or fall weeks, they will not be accommodated, and two of the events would be turned away.

The roof appears to be translucent and grey. Most venues are dark (and can be closed to outside light) for a richer look. Most conventions (and many trade shows) require controlled lighting and will NOT permit the low energy high boys because the blue-cast light is not flattering to the product or skin tones.

12/23/07


Concerning LCCCA Not Foregoing Rentals of Space

In a supermarket, the loss is made up in the same venue that will recover the loss in another sale. In a hotel, the revenue loss (to the venue) of free exhibit space is made up in room rentals.

With this project, the loss is to the taxpayers and the benefit goes to the private enterprise [hotel] pockets. It cannot be equated as the "loss leader" of a store.

To give credit, I will continue to say, this is a TERRIBLE idea that has been brilliantly contrived.

12/23/07


Advocates Alternative Newspaper

The print newspaper is not going out anytime in the near future - especially in Lancaster county which is traditionally years behind the rest of the world in such trends (look how long the evening newspaper has survived here with the vast majority of evening papers GONE!)

The difference in Lancaster County is the only newspaper has: Abrogated its reporting responsibility - not even showing up at meetings! Has ZERO ETHICS in the minds of many of its readers.

As a result, people long for another publication. The advertisers will flock to a fledging publication with its loyal and grateful readers and counter-intuitively will make it a success.

Editor's Note: The cost of establishing a rival morning newspaper would be in the tens of millions and the losses would be in the millions each year. Meanwhile demand will shrink. The cost of a rival web site is a couple of hundred thousands and break even should occur in two or three years. In a decade, the former would still be hemorhaging money and the latter would be a cash cow, and a prototype for Reading, Harrisburg and elsewhere. The potential is greater than real estate!

12/21/07


Traffic, Taxes and The Crossings

These municipalities had better take a good look at infrastructure now and going forward as our roads can not handle all of this growth.

The Crossings will be the 2nd largest shopping area in the County, sucking out the remaining life blood of the city behind College Row. I am waiting to see who wants or will open an upscale retail business in the downtown area in the next 5 years.

With the new renovations at Park City, I am assuming that the Crossings will be upscale? The additional joke is that 1 plus million to Hempfield is a token; there is no way that will cover their roadway problems from this project.

12/20/07


Off to a Good Start?

It has been speculated by people close to the project that the convention center will actually be quite busy for the first few years, since it will be new and different. After a few years it becomes far more problematic: the convention center will simply end up being in the rotation of the conventions that decide to use it on a regular basis. And the more convention centers that are built and in the rotation means more years between conventions in Lancaster.

In addition, it is certain that a number of conventions will use Lancaster once, then not come back. Those that need easy access for equipment will lose out to multi-purpose facilities like those in Reading, Wilkes-Barre, and Harrisburg. Other conventions will be turned off by the difficulty in parking, and/or the lack of amenities in downtown Lancaster.

You can be certain that the local newspapers, and the most outspoken supporters of the project, will put a spin on every little thing that goes right over the next few years. Each convention will be billed as a major success; each single business that opens will be presented as "proof" of economic development. But the bigger picture will be ignored.

The only question is, how long will they be able to maintain the fiction that this project is a good investment of taxpayer dollars?

12/16/07


A Letter That the Intelligencer Journal Did Not Print

Editor, Intelligencer Journal:

An editorial titled "Stop the lawsuits," which was published on November 14th, 2007, made the following statement:

"The time has now come to join in to make this a successful and enduring project."

Support for this (or any) project is support for what created it. Consider this:
  • Many of the "shared space" agreements force taxpayers to pay for a far greater share of construction and operating expenses than will actually be utilized by the convention center.
  • Some of these agreements were made under duress, by the threat of killing the project.
  • Millions of taxpayer dollars were spent without adequately accounting for their use.
  • Many decisions were made under a shroud of secrecy.
  • No one has attempted to justify the actual cost to taxpayers of this project.
  • No one has attempted to define what the return on investment of these taxpayer dollars will be.
How can anyone possibly support these, plus the many other questionable actions behind this project?

To say "it is what it is" ignores the fact that taxpayers are being raped and pillaged by these agreements. This is unacceptable.

Many of the lawsuits against this project were terminated only when the LCCCA threatened to counter-sue. Since the LCCCA had virtually unlimited funding from the "hotel tax," pursuing these would have driving the plaintiffs into bankruptcy.

Let Interstate Hotels and Resorts market the convention center; that is their job, for which they are being paid very well. No one from the public can possibly do anything to help or hinder the "success" of the project.

A wise man once said "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." May we all be vigilant to make certain this never happens again.

12/4/07


A Definition

Shovelgate – defined: Beginning a project with a FOUR DECADE commitment with neither the funds to complete the project nor the funds to operate the project if completed.

12/3/07



From the onset I consistently mentioned the example of Springfield, Massachusetts. 300,000 strong BUT very similar to Lancaster's makeup.

Unfortunately it took going bankrupt, and just recently all the people that did illegal deeds were put in jail. The convention center/hotel went under belly up and Peter Pan Bus Line bought it for 25 cents on the dollar.

Concerning former county commissioners, I do not know where Ford is, Kauffman is running one of the townships I believe, Tibault may run for Armstrong's position (?) and we have 3 new commissioners coming on board with a Mayor that have promised everything but the kitchen sink.

This has to be a wait and see situation and it will be very painful for the majority. Big Business in this County has the reigns now, the middle-class can vote out the mayor in 2 years and the commissioners in 4 if Home Rule is not shoved in. I sincerely pray that the public holds these so called Saviors accountable.

I sincerely do not think there is enough money to salvage the project of REVITALIZING the City of Lancaster. It is just a matter of time until High gets his money through all the avenues he has put in place, then will turn around and buy up a bankrupt project.

I am still betting on a casino down the road.

12/2/07



I am saddened at what is developing in downtown Lancaster. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the growth before this project on the corner of King and Queen began other than the right project for that corner.

Not to rehash BUT lets start with the infrastructure, I am talking about water and sewer and streets. Let's go to traffic then to the accessibility to the convention center. Parking and then last but not least, daily and evening activity for those that want to leave the building. The hotel will have a restaurant and a PUB. There is no movie theatre or nice clubs that I am aware of.

IF the trolley car becomes reality, is that going to be considered activity? Transportation to the ball park and eateries uptown? College Square, with a brewery just in the last few days has hit the Brickyard and Annie Bailey's HARD as the word is on the street. The boutique behind Rosa Rosa is closing BUT there is still TMB and Papagalla and the jewelry store downtown as well as a few other boutiques.

Shopping and eating is mainly out on 30. Lastly, Homewood Suites, a division of Hilton, is coming on the scene soon off of 72.

Lets not forget The Crossings.

NOW, why could not have Penn Square Partners and the other money people have developed Center City into a vibrant Residential, Cultural and Entertainment place that would have been done by now and the tax base would have been outstanding?

Editor's response: The High Group is all about making money, often in the guise of serving the community. The management of the newspapers was out to lunch as the very competent and decent Willis Shenk and the Steinman sisters aged and became enfeebled. There is no disgrace at getting old. There is fault in not choosing able and ethical successors.

12/1/07


Where is the Economic Development?

The stated – and ONLY – purpose of the hotel and convention center project is "economic development". It is now more than eight months since the bond sale, and the ONLY announced downtown "economic development" is the transformation of the decades-old Zimmerman's Family Restaurant into a yuppie bar.

We all know that any kind of project takes months, if not years, to maneuver through the government approvals process. If there were to be any NEW "economic development" to be open for business by the time the hotel and convention center open in sixteen months, it would have had to be announced by now. Rick Gray's promises are more than eight months overdue.

It is entirely possible that potential investors are taking a cautious "wait and see" attitude, to see what kind of business the project actually generates before they commit funds. It is even possible that our meager efforts at publicizing this fiscal fiasco may have actually had some effect, in spite of the project promoters' claims to the contrary. But the fact that NO "economic development" projects resulting from this project have yet been announced casts serious doubt on the claims of those who say this project will revitalize downtown Lancaster.

There will be PLENTY of blame to go around. Let's all make certain that everyone knows where it truly belongs.

12/1/07


"Stuck With the Fiscal Disaster"

Please take note that this request for additional State funding by the LCCCA does NOT reflect badly on current board members Art Morris, Laura Douglas, R.B. Campbell, or Tom LeCrone. These individuals have worked EXTREMELY hard to do the best they possibly can within what limitations they have to work with.

As LCCCA chairman Art Morris likes to say, "It is what it is." The current members of the LCCCA board are being forced to work within the restrictions which were signed, sealed, and delivered by former LCCCA Director Dave Hixson and former Board Chairman (and current member) Ted Darcus, as well as all of the board members who aided and abetted them in approving this convoluted financing plan - which includes current board member and incoming City Councilmember Joe Morales.

What we are seeing now is proof positive that the budget which was approved at the time of the bond sale in March 2007 is unrealistic. Those who were trying to make this project work at literally any cost manipulated the numbers so they might have LOOKED right, but (as we can see now) simply do not work.

There really is very little that Art Morris, Laura Douglas, R.B. Campbell, Tom LeCrone, or Kevin Fry can do to make the situation any better. They are stuck with this fiscal fiasco, just as much as the rest of us are.

11/30/07


"Is This Country Great or What?!?!"

  • Have you realized that EVERY DOLLAR the state gives to this project - the Penn Square Pigs - by contract! - get 50 cents of it! Unbelievable!!!
  • For every hotdog, coke and every other food item sold in "our" convention center Penn Square Pigs gets 25 cents.
  • Penn Square Pigs are having the taxpayer build the entire building and taxpayers are responsible if the loans fail!
  • Tax payers are completely paying for the lobby, office space, ball rooms, storage etc for the Penn Square Pigs. Their cost? $100 a year!
  • The convention center? It really belongs to the pigs. They have access to it ANY time they want and their business partner - Interstate Hotels - can give the convention center space away for nothing. No conflict there is it? (This would be like your neighbor building an in-ground pool that they maintain and you can rent it out or do anything you want with it without paying a cent!!!)
  • Dale High gets 4.75% of every dime spent on building this puppy. That's right - since High is the developer - every "change order" that raises the cost of this dog of a project, means mo' money in Dale's pocket. How's that for an incentive to cut costs and stay within budget?
  • Property taxes? Nah. Penn Square Pigs don't pay taxes - only little people do! This could easily amount to a $1/2 million EVERY year!
  • City fees? Nah. Penn Square Pigs don't pay [building permit] fees - only little people do. This $1,000,000+ is [missed] income to the city that taxpayers will pay with increases in their property tax.

The bottom line is that the taxpayers are the ones footing the bill for EVERYTHING. The taxpayer is taking ALL the risk.

The Penn Square Pigs? Nah. "Let the little people PAY US to be in the project and then we can pat ourselves for how we are 'helping revitalize downtown Lancaster.' Is this country great or what?!?!"

11/30/07


"The Pigs Get 50 Cents" Out of Every Dollar

Just imagine - EVERY DOLLAR that the Convention Center gets - the pigs get 50 cents! That's right. Dale/the newspapers get 1/2 of everything taxpayers give.

Here Armstrong is praising Dale High and the "partners" for their "investment."

11/30/07


No Need to Read Agreements

Those of us that have been keeping abreast of this project should know how limited this Board is due to all the agreements that were drawn up in favor of PSP. We are very fortunate that we have the Board we have including Art Morris as he has been a very fair person.

During past meetings when agreements had to be signed and Laura Douglas, Deb Hall and the other county appointee who resigned would ask for time to read the documents and were denied, the comments by Joe Morales and others was that if the solicitor looked them over, it was good enough for them.

NOW we are seeing how one sided those contracts were. Is someone going to hold these past board members accountable for not reading and just signing?

11/30/07


Project Manager an Admirable Position

It is important to remember that in Developers' parlance, "success" is achieved by breaking ground. For others whose finances are at risk, success is defined by different criteria. The criteria by which this project has been, and will be evaluated has been made murky.

The specific claims by proponents (such as Sen. Armstrong's claim that the project "will generate 300-400 meaningful jobs") must remain in the public consciousness as criteria for success.

Actually, the named manager is in an admirable position: Proponents will seek to offer him credit at any opportunity to maintain the validity of the project. And most of the failures have been pre-identified, absolving the manager from blame. He can collect his check for as long as he can keep it up, and will wisely move elsewhere at the right opportunity when he senses the blame can shift to him.

In the meantime, with about 14 months to open, where is the projected business?

11/30/07


Offers of Free Suburban Court House

That Mayor Rick Gray would suggest that the city would be better off by having the county out of the city shows he is either ignorant or lying.

The law offices and all the businesses that provide support and services to them would have no reason to be in the city if the county wasn't there! I know for a fact that the county does their own snow removal on Duke street because of the joke of city snow removal! Same with Lancaster General Hospital. They wouldn't/couldn't depend on the city or it would never be done right!

What about Armstrong tax which provides $52 per year from the 1,500+ county employees?!

I will make a deal. We build a courthouse in East Cocalico (right by the turnpike - easy access) and will lease it to the county. In return we will build large modern office complexes above the retail establishments. We will offer lots of free level parking and everyone will be happy!

11/20/07


Defends County Aid to City

Lancaster City taxpayers pay for support and infrastructure for most County operations (like police, fire, streets, Youth Intervention Center, and the County office building on E. King St. NONE of these facilities pay any taxes to Lancaster City or the School District of Lancaster, which means City taxpayers are forced to pay higher taxes to support them.

All Lancaster County residents benefit from the County facilities located in the city and must pay to support them.

11/20/07


Don't Neglect 16 Other Municipalities

Yesterday Rick Gray and the newly elected Commissioners met the business people of this County. Let the games begin!

You have a city controller elected Commissioner, a county controller elected Commissioner, a county bureaucrat with his eyes on Washington backed by Dale High, and the mayor of Lancaster who I feel was also backed by High to get the convention center project done. Charlie Smithgall was not able to get it over the goal line.

These four have a plan, a big plan BUT there is one thing missing that a team needs to win: FUNDS. Please continue to hold these people responsible for all their promises as one has fast forgotten the support the County gave to the City to create the ball park, West Side Project and the Pennsylvania Music Academy.

The mayor needs the Commissioners BADLY, the City is in Big financial trouble! The County is not responsible to keep the City floating; there are 16 other municipalities and townships that are a part of this ball game.

11/20/07


YIC Housing Youths From Other Counties

I understand that Children & Youth has taken over the large formerly unoccupied portion of the Youth Intervention Center building. Also, it was announced at a County Commissioners meeting that the YIC is making a nice profit by housing detained youth from other counties.

11/17/07


Turn prison into YIC, YIC into school

I also visited the Sunnyside site and found the Youth Intervention Center (YIC) a true spoiler. That would have made a very nice community with character BUT to have that complex there does not mix.

I did hear a few years ago when the center was struggling that it would make a great school for the new community. If that were the case, there may be possibilities and that could happen. A new prison would enable the old prison to be become the new YIC.

11/17/07


Sunnyside a Dead Issue?

Sunnyside is already a dead issue, thanks to the Youth Intervention Center. Former County commissioners Ron Ford, Terry Kauffman, and Paul Thibault (a possible candidate for Gib Armstong's State Senate seat) completely ignored the pleas of city officials, and built on the best piece of land on the entire peninsula. How many people would want to live on steep hills that completely surround a prison?

Lancaster City officials simply do not have a realistic grasp of the situation.

11/16/07


Sunnyside Worthwhile Endeavor

The community we have planned at Sunnyside is a very worthwhile endeavor, the Youth Intervention Center mistake notwithstanding.

It's going to happen - the marketing studies support it. Please do so as well.

There's plenty of room in Lancaster County for another prison - why stick it to the city one more time?

11/16/07


Cheaper to Rehabilitate City Blocks

I sincerely feel that Sunnyside will become another Stirling Place. Please do not mistake my attitude, I am in the trenches with the low income and assisted living residents of this County that have been displaced. I will look into Sunnyside again.

There are plenty of blocks in the City that can be recycled for essential workers that do not have cars and want to own. These buildings are solid structures and convenient to all services that are needed. Revenue from these buildings can be created at less expense and displacement than developing Sunnyside. The city has given away millions in permits to 3 big investors that readily could have paid the tab. Those millions are costing city homeowners millions.

Where else within the Urban Growth Region of this County can we put a new prison that is convenient to the Court House?

11/16/07


Affordable Housing at Sunnyside

I'm not AGAINST residential housing on Sunnyside, in fact I am very much in favor of it. The problem is, the same three prior County Commissioners who gave us the taxpayer-financed hotel and convention center project ALSO gave us the Youth Intervention Center (YIC).

I've checked out the site. The YIC occupies the only remaining flat land on Sunnyside, and is located right in the center of the north end of the peninsula. ANYONE who would live on Sunnyside would not only have to drive past the YIC, they would probably be able to see it out of their windows. The YIC has significantly diminished the marketability (and associated sales value) of any housing in the immediate area.

If Sunnyside would be NOTHING more than affordable housing, it might have a chance; people with tight bank accounts can't afford to be too picky. But every description I've heard of the plans includes housing in the quarter of a million dollar range. Why would someone who can afford that kind of mortgage even consider buying a home there?

11/16/07


Welfare System Needs Repairs

I recently took a widow down to Social Security to see if they could qualify her for some type of aid, possibly food stamps. Would you believe that her Social Security of $810 per month disqualifies her?

As I was sitting with her waiting to meet with a case worker, I never saw such high end tennis shoes, gold jewelry and clothing in one room. She was the only elderly and very much in need.

Something is wrong with this picture. The men and women in that room were very able to work as far as I could see. The lady I was with has cancer, widowed and never has asked for a dime of help and feels ashamed to be in need.

My Friends, the dollars are being allocated incorrectly. Federal, State or local, the system is broken and it needs to be fixed. Look at McDonalds, etc. You are seeing more and more seniors. Where are the youth and minorities that are screaming for jobs? They have to start somewhere, not sit around and look for entitlements.

11/16/07


Isolating poor at Sunnyside

The City wants to acquire the Sunnyside tract in the worst way. They have the building industry lobbying for them since the County owns the land.

Sunnyside is where the City wants to build anther Sterling Place, saying it would give the low income earners a chance to own, and will clean up the slum lords and revitalize the city.

To isolate modest income earners at Sunnyside is their way of moving the blight out of center city and its surroundings.

11/16/07


Upscale Condos Answer to City Woes

High income commuters living in Lancaster City are exactly what the urban doctor ordered. It is what is going on in Easton. Upscale condos at the Penn Square site would have been a plus, along with the proposed rapid rail Corridor One. That is the best means of bringing in steady business and income to the city: Far better than trying to sell a convention venue on sporadic situations.

In fact, the upscale urbanites can offer the businesses to support the lower end jobs. That's how a center can become an entertainment center . . the commuter comes to his home at night, and stays through the weekend.

Perhaps it seems punitive to push the lower income out of the center city, but the only alternative is to relocate with subsidized housing away from the center of town.

I would combine my beliefs with my opinion that the public transportation routing and system are misguided and do not look to the current conditions and transportation needs, let alone the future.

What disturbs me is the belief that the county is the salvation of the city woes; and in turn the state is to bail out the county, and the Federal Government needs to bail out the state. That combination of beliefs is the recipe for Socialism: "Spread the Pain."

11/16/07


More re Housing Summit

It was amazing how the attendees feel that the County has the responsibility and the monies to take care of all the problems within. Looking back over these last few years, the people with the money knew just how to get this project and others through.

May I add that the Planning section of our County is quite expensive and expansive. If their projects are implemented fine, BUT there is approximately 25% – and I am being kind – of our population that is being neglected in housing, etc. and the definition of Low Income Housing does not cover this group.

For example, I suggested that in a Traditional Neighborhood Development why not build apartments above the commercial areas for those that will be needed as essential workers (store clerks, workers at KMART etc) that have no cars and are being displaced from the city? The builders did not like to hear that at all. One person at one of my classes last week said, with no disrespect, that people of that level would not blend well living in a Traditional Neighborhood Development!!!!!!!!

Thank God I am 60 and will not be around to see what is coming.

11/15/07


Commercialization of Downtown

I believe the city is going to promote LOFT areas because of the first floor [potential commercial] space. Housing otherwise will be torn down and parking will appear. This concept is the only way this center will survive, something like Atlantic City with the casinos. . . I foresee Lancaster City being revitalized but not in the best interest of the community after yesterday's Housing Summit.

11/15/07


Clueless at the Housing Summit

I attended the Housing Summit yesterday which was quite interesting. This was the 2nd year, put on by the Housing Authority. We here in Lancaster County have a growing problem with low income housing, a very big problem. The general consensus is that the building industry is not interested in addressing the issue as it is not a very big money maker. The definition of the Building Industry Low Income Housing is around $150,000 which is not even close to affordability.

One interesting thing that echoed at the end of each session I attended was the financial blight the Convention Center is going to cause the city and the county better be ready to help. I sincerely hope you all know how I jumped on that as well as asking these individuals "Where have they been over the past years?" They were clueless.

11/15/07


Information for the "Clueless"

In Providence R.I., to accommodate the Convention Center / Westin Hotel, they leveled all the low-income residential properties between the CC and Brown University, leaving only a few choice structures (such as the Orpheum / Rhode Island Performing Arts Center). For a major venue to succeed, the surrounding neighborhood would need to be purged of anything that can be remotely viewed as unsightly or threatening. Among my original observations, was that a venue such as a CC needs to be surrounded by commercial, not residential, operations. And certainly NOT lower income residential.

11/15/07


NewsLanc Sets Standard for LNP

I am impressed with the most recent postings on NewsLanc.com, particularly those which report on public meetings of governmental bodies. As we all know all too well, the local media's reporting of local issues is usually sketchy at best, and far too often incomplete - or just plain wrong.

I do believe NewsLanc.com is having an effect on the local newspapers. This week's City Council meeting has generated the most complete newspaper reporting of any public meeting in a long time. Of course, since the newspaper reporters generally have at best a shallow understanding of the issues, NewsLanc.com continues to be the standard by which other news outlets are judged.

11/15/07


Convention Center / Hotel Bonds Creditworthy

The bonds are creditworthy ONLY because of the expensive Wachovia guarantees, the Moody's rating statement verifies this.

If the convention center doesn't generate some REAL cash over the next five years, things could get messy.

On the other hand, the "swaption" seems to have locked the LCCCA into a fairly good rate. This means Wachovia carries much of the risk. But the bond agreements give Wachovia near total control over the LCCCA's ability to spend money, and if certain benchmarks aren't met Wachovia can literally take over the convention center.

The next few years could prove to be extremely interesting...

11/14/07


Appeals Court Decision

Yeah - we shoved this thing down your throats and bludgeoned you every chance we could get, so support this dog of a project now.

It's never right to do something wrong.

Taking money from one business to support another is just wrong – period.

I want a nickel tax on every paper sold to go to me so I can start a competing paper. That sounds fair doesn't it?

11/14/07


Elected Commissioners, Home Rule and Cowboys

Martin is a bureaucrat that the Republicans are grooming to be a US Senator if you have not heard that, Lehman is a bureaucrat that owes his soul to a few big guys and Stuckey, well the third time is a charm I guess. I believe it is going to be a Martin, Lehman show. Lastly, I am afraid that Home Rule is on its way in, gang, that is what Big Business wants here and this group of cowboys is just to tide things over until it slithers in!!

11/12/07


Encroaching Socialism

If the CC deals had been crafted as a $200 mil. public project from the beginning, there would have been an outcry similar to the Boston Tea Party. But the deals were ingeniously crafted to prevent outcry.

There are political philosophers who might identify the scenario as part of our country's natural devolution to socialism. Rising taxes and nominal public ownership of businesses "for the common good" are consistent with that move. The public "owns" the project, but neither controls nor benefits from it.

Our taxes, particularly property taxes, are increasing geometrically. Now our sewer rates, over which we have yielded control, are being raised in tax-like fashion, using pollution as the reasoning, even though the casual user has little if any impact on the Chesapeake.

As the taxes grow, and liberties shrink, we will appear more like the Soviet Union of the 1950's, having degenerated to that point because of a gradual change, not a flag-waving, torch bearing revolution. Perhaps the U.S. Public WANTS to be "taken care of" by a government that dictates spending and imposes taxes (so we end up working more and more for the government) to redistribute the money to various "causes" for the public "good." I hate to think so, but little has proven otherwise. From each according to his means, to each according to his needs....all controlled by a bureaucracy growing in individual wealth.

I share Ron [Harper's] frustration when I ask various individuals, "Don't you see what is really going on? Or don't you care?" I rarely get answers.

11/12/07


Trolley Cars a "Done Deal"

The city is treating the trolley as a done deal, ensuring it will get done by creating an "independent" authority, like they did with the surveillance cameras. They really don't like public input on anything.

11/10/07


Misuse of "Divisive"

The word "divisive" has been tossed around a lot in the last few days. When it has been used, what the "users" are actually implying is that by expressing a different opinion, one is preventing a portion of the constituency from blindly following the opinion of (let's say) the newspaper editor. The use of the word "divisive" in the recent contexts implies that there should NOT be a difference of opinion.

Like the use of the word "naysayer," using the word "divisive" panders to those who have not developed critical thinking processes. Blind Sheep. "Agree with us without question, or you are being destructive" is the implication of "divisive."

Likewise, the Conestoga View sale has been mischaracterized as an abandonment of the Depression Era generation. What nonsense.

11/9/07


Stuckey and Martin pander to arch-conservatives

First, let me admit that I am a registered Republican. Second (though I am neutral on the subject), Mr. Stuckey and Mr. Martin have noted in their latest campaign literature that they are "Pro-Life" and will assure that no abortion clinics open in Lancaster County.

I do not believe this is an issue that the commissioner's office should address; nor is the adamant stance appropriate. The statement is clearly pandering to the arch-conservative voter, and has little to do with integrity or honesty let alone the operations of the county.

11/5/07


Lancaster County Has Serious Problems

As a Lancaster County native I used to tell everyone I meet how proud I was of growing up in Lancaster County and the value system I was taught of how to treat others. After living in many other states it has been very interesting to see the difference in others quality of life, altitudes, and taxes & how crime was handled.

After 30+ years of absence and returning several years ago for family reasons, I have to say today I’m very disappointed to find the once beautiful historic City of Lancaster fallen into decay with uncontrolled high crime. I also think it is appalling how corrupt Lancaster County politics is run and how business is being conducted today in Lancaster County.

Something is wrong when some elected officials like Senator Armstrong can twist the laws and cause many millions of tax dollars to be spent for special pork projects like the $200 M convention center with taxpayer money.

What is even more alarming that our tax money can go to a private company (Penn Square Partners) to potentially reap huge profits and the taxpayers do not get to vote on the issues!

What I think is even less American is when some of the same investors of the project can own & control the local media and print any untruths they want to destroy anyone that will not support their scam. The relentless personal assassinations on Commissioner Dick Shellenberger & Commissioner Molly Henderson are totally unacceptable.

From everything I have been able to ascertain not one other person running for county commissions positions has clearly stated their position to “ fight to stop” this kind of abuse of our taxpayer money. This is not about Democrats or Republicans; this is about not wasting our children & grandchildren's financial future.

Vote for Commissioner Molly Henderson.

11/5/07


City Real Estate Trends

Up until recently, one [could] buy a property in Lancaster County under $100,000 ... Nowadays we are looking at over $100,000 unless you buy a condo at Clock Towers with a very high maintenance fee.

The current city taxes total including county and school is 32 mills. I do not think the city can do a spot reassessment, it has to be county wide... and there is a strong possibility that it will be Market Value which is definitely a fair way to assess. ...

There is going to come a day when you will RENT in the city for the lifestyle and pay dearly or be wealthy enough to OWN. The factor will be safety and enough entertainment and culture to attract even renters.

I firmly believe the city with all the private money and money in this County will strive to create this. However, the slum lords have to be cleaned up and where do the assisted living residents go? Will it be an area like the South East or South West ends? It seems that the North East is getting $120,000 and up from NY and NJ move-ins from the Newark area, the neighborhoods are really changing, [and thus] pushing the assisted living and slum lords south.

This is NOT good, the Mayor needs to concentrate of this problem rather than the Trolley and the Convention Center.

Soooooooo for services rendered and the privilege of living in Lancaster City, one will pay dearly...

A source in City Hall told me that F & M, LGH, the Convention Center project, and just about any large project get their permit fees waived! Do you have any idea how many millions of dollars that is? The reason may be for economic purposes BUT that is hogwash. It is very unfair not to pay to play. The little guy is getting raped.

10/29/07


Property Tax a Curse

There is no doubt that property taxes will become the curse of Lancaster (and many other cities). I supported the complete elimination of property taxes by increasing the sales taxes.

If [you have] $1000 per month to spend on housing, and a choice between a house with $800/month mortgage and $200/month taxes, or $600/month mortgage and $400/month taxes, which of the deals will you take? There is this myth about sales taxes punishing the "poor," but the punishment is much more severe with the property tax, which escalates without the choice or input of the property owners. It is the taxes which render the housing costs higher, and drive down the purchase prices.

Many of the city properties cannot appeal to upscale purchasers who expect off-street parking and some isolation from potential crime and unsightly properties. When taxes drive the total cost of these properties to the point when only the wealthy can afford them, they will deteriorate.

10/29/07


Coming Battle

Folks – let me be the prophet and tell you that there is a time coming when the Penn Square Pigs will be in a legal battle with the Convention Center Authority.

It's not a matter of IF but a matter of WHEN.

10/26/07


A Very Hard Course

The feeling I have this morning is that Molly [Henderson] and Dick [Shellenberger] stayed the course, a very hard course, inherited this Authority and project, were for it and that is why they were elected.

During their term and doing their job, the project changed from a predominate private venture to the taxpayer holding the bag. As a resort area, we have this hotel tax as every other area has but our tax could have been put to a much better use.

At last evening's [commissioner candidates] debate, Molly touched on a possibility of using some of that tax to put towards preserving farm land, being that people come here to see this wonderful commodity that cannot be replaced. This was an excellent idea, I sincerely hope Molly will not drop this now or in the future.

10/26/07


Oops. Wrong mayor

In response to the letter "Say Thank You Mr. Mayor": Conestoga View is not located in the city. It's located in Lancaster Township. It's in the city school district, but it's not in the city.

10/22/07


"Naysayers"

The term "naysayer" has a deliberately pseudo-religious connotation: "Non-believers". The use of the term gives a subconscious reference to the Resurrection. this is the same subtle attitude given by the press in referring to the lawsuits: as though the lawsuits were won because the project is endowed with some kind of Divine Right to continue. The term "naysayer" implies that we are skeptics in that Divine Right and are therefore, somehow, unholy.

Given the large number of taxpayers in this area that ascribe to conventional "Christian" churches, where there is a hierarchy of flocks and shepherds, it is not surprising that a number of the project proponents assume the role of sheep, blindly empowering the shepherds who are have fleeced the flocks before the slaughter.

10/21/07


STOP

When the convention center projected was voted on by the county commissioners in 1999, there were few people willing to actually stick their necks out ... I have seen people come and go in the battle....

I take a position that the convention center should be STOPPED now. Yes I know there's money spent on it. But the money spent will be far less than the money wasted and will have to be spent to keep these silly projects on life support....

It won't be long until "they" are saying we need to build a bigger convention center to make us more competitive! STOP THIS BABY NOW!

10/17/07


Local Non-Users Will Pay for Convention Center

"We here in Lancaster must remember that we are getting ready for the great Convention Center crowd, the city is changing its image." (Local activist)

That says a LOT. The hotel and convention center project is NOT for the people of Lancaster. Neither is the hotel and convention center project for the AVERAGE tourist.

The hotel and convention center project is aimed specifically at the kind of mid-to-upper class business people who either have a big expense account to attend a convention, or can afford to attend a convention. The vast majority of the people of Lancaster City, most people in Lancaster County, and most tourists will have absolutely and positively no reason to visit the downtown hotel and convention center.

The fact that the former Zimmerman's Family Restaurant has been transformed into an upper-class bar with a fancy dining area and a strict dress code is a perfect example of how "the city is changing its image." Many of the people who dined there regularly for years have been literally driven away, to be replaced by the "right kind" of people that just might make the hotel and convention center project look good.

Certainly Annie Bailey's already fits the "right kind" of people. Even the Red Rose restaurant has applied for a liquor license, and plans a major renovation. But the project planned for next door to Annie's failed before renovations had seriously begun; now the partially gutted building is up for sale.

The hotel and convention center project is the centerpiece in the makeover of downtown Lancaster. This makeover is NOT designed for the people who live in Lancaster; instead, it is designed specifically for the tastes of the people who CONTROL Lancaster. But the real tragedy is, it is the very people who will have NO reason to visit the downtown hotel and convention center who have been and always will be paying its debts.

10/15/07


Faulty Assessment

My home was assessed in 2003 for nearly $100,000 at a time when the most I could have sold it for was over ten thousand dollars less than that. For some reason, my home was assessed at thousands of dollars more than four identical houses in the same row, and a nearly identical but slightly larger end house was assessed at nearly ten thousand dollars less than mine. The (also slightly larger) house at the other end of the row, with a bigger lot than mine, recently sold for $105,000.

EDITOR: It is indeed strange that your assessment would not have conformed to similar houses, especially on the same block.

Often a countywide reassessment is touted at being at 100% of market value. But in fact it is at 90% to give people a sense they got a good deal and discourage them from appealing.

With the information you describe in hand, you should have been able to achieve an adjustment by simply meeting with a staff member.


10/9/07


USA Today re turning downtown areas around

Did anyone else read the article in USA Today on Friday about how other cities in American are very successful in turning their downtown areas around by building new high rise condos, flats & mixed-use buildings?

When Mayor Gray was elected I made several attempts to discuss this with him and all he would say is that Lancaster already had a plan that would do the same – the convention center!

Until downtown Lancaster gets cleaned up no one in their right mind would take their family to stay downtown. Now that the taxpayers are stuck with this project we can only hope that Penn Square Partners will prove us all wrong – or we will all be paying to keep it afloat!

10/8/07


With only 15% to 20% voting, we deserve what we get!

In general elections I sincerely vote for the most qualified in or out of party. It is sad that the parties dictate to the public as there are sooooo many qualified people that are not BUREAUCRATS that would give of their time BUT the party will not back. There are too many people that get into office with IOUs, this election included. The public is not stupid, they just do not care anymore and that is sad.

The county level of elections is just the tip of the iceberg. WSJ stated last week that the money per candidate for the Presidency will exceed a Billion Dollars. What a waste of good money and who can be trusted when he or she gets elected with all the IOUs. We had the perfect opportunity to show clout over this Convention Center Issue but did not form a strong enough group like PALE or FAID. Numbers show strength and we did not have the numbers. Big Business and PSP just kept on trucking because they have the strength.

I do not trust Martin and Stuckey, on the fence with Swarr and need Molly to get her boxing gloves on to bury Lehman. From what I am hearing and seeing around the County, Swarr is talking to the Republicans that will vote behind closed doors for him. The jury is still out to see if these Republicans will split their ticket. That third seat is going to be a surprise. Sooooo many different scenarios can happen on election day.

This county has a turn out of about 15 to 20% of registered voters. With those numbers, we deserve what we get. There should have been a campaign to get voters out????!!!!! At the last convention center meeting I attended there was a visitor that approached me with a confrontational attitude. I asked, Are you a registered voter? Her reply was Why vote, it would not count? As I walked away, I said, Register to vote and I will talk with you all night!!!!!

May the best person win in November ...

10/8/07


Intell's Gay Bashing

"A gym frequented by gays....." What gym isn't? Clearly, the article was intended to inflame select readers.

With Mr. Boyd's failed legislative attempt (the marriage amendment) perhaps the paper is trying to draw the election line on one of the last remaining hot-button issues (in Lancaster; much of the rest of the country has moved on.)

Mr. Boyd has not achieved financial gains for us taxpayers, and the legislature has made no impact on our rapidly rising taxes.

Shame on them.

10/1/07


Contributor: Lancaster School System Paying the Price Already

My guess is that the [convention center / hotel project] final total will be between $180 mil and $200 mil. Remember, Art Morris, Tom LeCrone, Laura Douglas, and R.B. Campbell are literally working overtime trying to rein in expenses.

And I would bet it isn't completely finished before Memorial Day, 2009. They might have an "official" opening before then, but like the ballpark I can't see how it will be completed on schedule.

To me, the only REAL question is this: will the next County Commissioners be able to raise the "hotel tax" high enough to pay for the construction bonds plus operational losses? Or, will the County be forced to make good on its guarantee of payments on the $20 mil bonds, and raise real estate taxes to pay for it? You can bet that neither Stuckey, Martin, Swarr, nor (especially) Lehman will hesitate for even an instant to do so.

I'm not as worried about the risk to City taxpayers as I once was. [I am told] there is enough sleight-of-hand available to fudge the numbers so they LOOK like they meet the Act 23 estimates.

I do agree that this project will severely hurt Lancaster City's chances for as much State money as it might have received over the next 20 years. I'm afraid the School District of Lancaster is already paying dearly for this project.

9/26/07


Still More re Gil Smart Article

As far as I could tell from site visits during demolition: All the wood and fixtures from W&S can be found in some remote landfill.

I pass the site nearly every day, and the facade on Queen Street is likely to be an uninviting concrete monolith, not appealing to pedestrian traffic, further giving an emotional isolation to the Southern Market Center on Vine Street.

9/26/07


More re Gil Smart's article

That [Watt & Shand] store would have made a beautiful upscale store front with condos. Smithgall chose the buyers and the revitilization subject has long gone. This project is a money pit and can be stopped if Penn Square Partners would not be the -------* that they have turned out to be. The monies from the state are no gift to this area because the gift will cost us dearly. The jobs are temporary; when the project is done, the jobs are gone. Foot traffic will save the city and create opportunity for new businesses; this will not. That building was not an eyesore. I would like to know what happened to all the wood and fixtures from inside. This project will not come in less that 220, anybody want to take my bet?

*Deleted by editor. It suggested inappropriate behavior.

9/26/07


Re Gil Smart's defense of Convention Center

Oh, come on....."aesthetic purposes"? That is the most outrageously inane justification for spending $200 mil EVER.

The building became "decrepit" because of neglect. And it remained salvageable until the wrecking ball struck.

9/26/07


No News Is Bad News

I just stopped for a Philadelphia Sunday paper. I sincerely do not buy Lancaster anymore. Turkey Hills are sold out of Philadelphia papers, have gotten a decrease finally in the Lancaster inventory and are requesting headquarters for more Philadelphia and Baltimore Sun papers as the Lancaster papers are backing up. The clerk said "There is no news in the Lancaster paper." Oh how true.

9/23/07


Streetcar Company Bypasses City Council

I am alarmed by this blatant attempt from promoters of a streetcar system to circumvent the authority of the Lancaster City Council. As the elected representatives of the people of the Lancaster, City Council is ultimately responsible for approving the use of public rights-of-way. This authority includes the approval of placing tracks in the streets, and the installation of overhead wiring. And since the proposal would operate almost entirely within city limits, Lancaster City taxpayers would ultimately be responsible for guaranteeing the operational expenses of any "public" streetcar system.

To date, Lancaster City Council has taken no action whatsoever regarding the streetcar proposal. The "Lancaster Streetcar Co." is not accountable to City Council, nor is it accountable to the public. The members of its board were neither elected nor appointed to represent the people on this issue. There appears to be no legal basis for the formation of this nonprofit corporation.

The premature formation of the "Lancaster Streetcar Co." has made a mockery of our representative form of government.

(Editor's note: The above previously was submitted to and appeared in The Sunday News)

9/16/07


Trolley Will Make More of a Mess

I believe that, even more than the cost, tracked streetcars will make more of a mess of traffic than already exists.

I travel on North Queen Steet nearly every day. The traffic cannot accomodate vehicles that are incapable of dodging delivery trucks, parked vehicles, and through traffic. A trolley occupying a traffic lane, and stopping at each trolley stop (without pulling to the curb the way busses can) would boggle the city more than ever.

Tourists already avoid the city to keep out of messy, annoyingly time consuming traffic.

9/13/07


Trolley System Would "Create a Nightmare"

Trolley system in Lancaster, Pa ?

I have seen trolleys in several cities that have been very successful. Cities like Denver, San Diego, New Orleans have very successful systems. First they started with trolleys and later made it part of their mass transit system.

What made them successful is that each city either had very wide streets or they had to buy more land and remove buildings to lay the track.

A trolley in Lancaster will create a nightmare if they plan to use existing streets to run on.

9/13/07


There are many Dubbses in jail

While Dubbs was cooling his heels the rapist was out creating more victims! Had the cops, the prosecutors got the RIGHT guy, other women would not have been raped!

This is example where the cops, the prosecutors (Totaro would be involved in ANY decision involving a felony) couldn't get past their OWN idea of who did it DESPITE the evidence.

Heidi says she is "tortured" with the thought of putting the wrong guy in jail. Good. Oh that all prosecutors could have sleepless nights until they resolve the cases where evidence points to the other direction. How many others won't get a "get-right-with-Jesus" confession and remain in jail. Don't kid yourself if you think that there are not many more Dubbses in the +100,000 people in jail across Pennsylvania!

What about NOW? Does Totaro have REASONABLE doubt? I say that he wouldn't have PERSONALLY gone to Judge Ashworth to free Dubbs if he didn't!

Constitutionally, our system says that REASONABLE doubt mean NOT GUILTY. Even after admitting that he has ZERO case against Dubbs - what is Totaro saying?!?!?!?

9/13/07


1,600 Seat American Music Theatre

The 1,600 seat American Music Theatre offers an example of a performance venue. I have vivid and fascinating stories of how it operates: pros and cons. It is the type of venue that could (should) have been built at the Penn Square site.

AMT is comfortable and spectacular, but acoustically very poor. Keeping such a venue afloat financially is a challenge, and requires constant activity. I am not convinced that the area could support two concert venues.

9/11/07


Double Standard in Senator's Sex Scandal

It appears Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, was being asked to resign because he's accused of soliciting sex with another man. If he had solicited sex with a woman at a bar, would he still be asked to resign?

It appears that the Republican Party is more interested in persecuting Craig for his sexual preferences.

Editors Note: Touché. However, many object to Craig because of his hypocrisy.

9/5/07


LCCCA Ten Year Contract with Interstate Hotels

Over the years management contracts like this have turned very nasty and usually wind up in court. It is public knowledge that the classic example is what happened to the Marriott Hotel & Marina in San Diego that is attached to the San Diego Convention Center.

It was reported by San Diego Union Tribune newspaper that the owner of the hotel was very unhappy with Marriott's lack of performance about 10 years ago and tried to cancel the contract. Marriott sued and won and the last I checked they were still managing the property.

9/5/07


Letter: Just for Appearances

NewsLanc is not alone in retching at the pro-Dale High bias of Lancaster Newspapers (Intell Panders for Proposed High Shopping Center, NewsLanc.com, 9/01/07) . Not only does the paper (any edition, the Intell in this case) slant the reportage in blatant favor of High's proposed "The Crossings" development, it adorns virtually every item with a four-color illustration of what the finished product might look like. C'mon, guys, at least pretend to be fair, just for appearances. Por favor!

9/2/07


Letter: Interstate Hotel's Delayed Contract Card "Smoke and Mirrors"

The drafting of preliminary [event] contracts is completely independent of construction schedules. The fact that no advance format of agreements was made at least two years ago is further evidence of poor planning. There are so many excellent models of venue contracts out there that it should not take more than mere hours to create the documents.

If, however, the delayed contract "card" is played to disguise slow or non-existing sales, that is pure "smoke and mirrors."

At best: "3 contracts for 2009" is outrageously shy of (conservatively) projected business . . . even less business than any of us "critics" ever feared.

When one reads real estate listings: "cozy home needs some love" can be translated to mean: "tiny shack that needs total rebuilding". Similarly: "Three consumer shows" can be translated to: "A hotel art sale; a truckload computer sale; and a sale of overstocked sewing machines."

Since the architecture and interior construction of the main exhibit hall precludes making the room smaller by using "air walls" (the open truss ceiling) . . . any smaller event attempting to occupy the vast space will have the appearance of a failure. How many sewing machines are needed to fill 40,000 square feet?

Also, consumer shows often depend on spontaneous sales. The location and design of the CC precludes easy customer pickup of anything less portable than a book.

8/31/07


Not Trusting Stevens & Lee?

The Convention Center Authority last evening approved about $500,000 in change orders. It was explained that they are one of three parties in the condominium agreement: Penn Square Partners, the Redevelopment Authority and the Convention Center Authority.

[The LCCCA's] percentage share of each change order varies [according to the circumstances], three approvals are needed, and then the bank approves and pays.

It was a very good meeting. The fee to Stevens and Lee was explained when they are needed in the role of Special Counsel. They wanted $330 per hour flat and that was corrected according to who is doing the work from $150 to $339.

A cap of $10,000 as recommended by incoming board member Tom LeCrone and board member R. B. Campbell was voted down 4-3 as board member Joseph Morales and someone else said that is like not trusting our solicitor!!!!!!!

Sept. cannot come fast enough.

8/31/07


Letter: "Too Much Control for Mr. High's Firm"

It is gratifying that some of the questions the public has had about the convention center project are finally coming to light. The connection of the Stevens & Lee law firm to general partner Dale High is particularly disturbing. Not only did the firm represent the Authority (and pocket $7 million), but it was also the county's solicitor involved in writing the restrictive county bond agreement. And don't forget S&L is High's registered lobbyist. That is simply too much control for Mr. High's firm over this project.

As for the consultant Logan, the more we learn about him and his consultancy, the more questions are raised. If it is true that he was such a dubious work history, why was he hired by the Authority? Is it possible to work for three years -- and earn practically $1 million -- and have virtually no work product to show for it?

Do not forget that every penny paid to Logan (and Stevens & Lee and the other consultants) is 100% taxpayer money, paid monthly by Ma & Pa Motel Owner in Lancaster County.

Thank you for asking the hard questions. Now if we could only get some satisfactory answers.

8/28/07


Half School Days Create Strain on Parents

I agree with your comment on the school year. Growing up in New York, I started on the Wednesday after Labor Day and ended on the third Friday in June.

What I find amazing is all the half-days my kids have in the school year. The rationale is that teachers need time to grade and prepare courses. It's amazing how my teachers ever graded or prepared for my courses without any half-days! I just don't know how I ever got an education.

Anyhow, those half-days provide just as much strain on a family as does starting school in August. Each one of those days means my wife or I must get an afternoon off from work to care for our kids. So much for saving any time off for quality family time!

8/27/07


LCCCA's One Sided Contract With Interstate Hotels

If the contract agreement does give the management company exclusive rights to manage the convention center / hotel as they see fit - then this is only the beginning of many problems!

Most hotel management companies are interested in only one thing; collecting their fees. And if you do not pay they will sue and win!

8/24/07


Unhappy About the Convention Center Project

I have closed all my accounts with Fulton, stopped buying any Lancaster Newspaper and believe it or not I am still earning a pretty good living. I just have to figure out how to boycott High Industries.

8/12/07


Project Opponents Tired and Defeated

It says here that, for the foreseeable future, Lancaster County Convention Center Authority chair Art Morris is going to be the de facto executive director of the LCCCA as well. The authority has agreed that it will take months even to develop a job description as board members seek to replace outgoing executive director Dave Hixson.

Over at NewsLanc.com they're all gooey over Art, in part because he didn't try "to ram through the selection of [Hixson's] replacement." In addition, Art's really bringing the love to the LCCCA: "the respect and affection for Morris by all of the members of the board and the normally recalcitrant members of the audience became palpable."

Art's got 'em just where he wants 'em.

Think -- who's in charge of convention center construction for the next however many months? A professional from the convention industry whose future career prospects will hinge partly on his or her performance in Lancaster? Nope, a political appointee who, we may presume, will not be looking for any jobs in the convention business after his stint on the LCCCA is over. $40 million over budget? Oh well, Art did the best he could. He wouldn't even let us pay him, how can we be critical?

Think -- what sort of atmosphere do we want on the authority as construction changes are proposed, glitches encountered, cost increases confronted? A contentious one in which authority members are scrutinizing each others' actions or the "love fest" celebrated at NewsLanc? "Oh Art, you're so good to take on all that extra work, just go ahead and do what you think is best." Not for me. I like a little disagreement and suspicion on a committee that's got control over how public money is spent.

The NewsLanc piece predicts that the "independent and competent Morris [will] help bring together the community behind the project." Will somebody explain to me what the hell that means? They've got a lock on the revenue stream. They're beyond the control of elected officials and voters. What difference does it make if the "community" is behind the project? How would we be able to tell? What happens if the "community" refuses to get behind the project?

I realize that project opponents are tired and defeated. The latest convention center narrative is one of a project rising from the ashes. At this point it seems that just getting a building up will be sufficient for "success." That's why project supporters have been emphasizing that it's going to be built -- "give up, opponents, because we're gonna build something."

But what gets built still remains to be seen. As near as I can tell there's still a significant funding problem. As far as I know construction costs are increasing, not decreasing. I haven't seen anything to indicate that all the cost savings and additional sources of revenue that were supposed to have rescued the project from its latest "death" have actually been realized.

So why would we stop watching closely now? Because Art Morris is in charge? A full fledged member of the local Republican establishment that helped to ram this project down out throats?

Hey, I may not be able to do much to stop him. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna give him a pass.

8/11/07


Nuts, Maybe. Gullible, Not That Likely

How gullible can you be? Why are you reprinting Smart's "article?" There is not one insightful comment - and he is now pressing the case for his employer to put slots in the convention center. Are you nuts? How gullible can you be?

Call me frustrated. I'm sick of the nepotism in Lancaster County.

8/10/07


"Stale and Boring?" (Not us. Them!)

I am a former journalist with The Morning Call in Allentown. It is one of Pennsylvania's largest newspapers...

I have had several interviews for reporter's positions with the Lancaster Newspapers...

Every time I have been turned down. I then find out they hired the wife of a reporter, wife of an editor, wife of a salesperson....you get my point...

Doesn't anybody think that paper is stale and boring?...

AND why don't the Lancaster Newspapers have any women columnists that write about real issues????...

8/10/07


Letter re Gil Smart's Ramblings

As a native of Lancaster County and a businessman who has lived & worked in many other cities & states in the convention, meetings, hotel & retail business, I would like to share some thoughts about Gil Smart's ramblings. I do not personally know Mr. Smart but he lacks knowledge of the real facts about what he wrote in his memo.

Lancaster Downtown -

First, if the owners of the Lancaster Newspapers, Fulton Bank or Dale High truly cared about Lancaster County, I think they would have done a better job learning what other cities like Lancaster have done to turn their urban blight areas around into smashing success stories.

Some of the cities are Atlanta, Denver, San Diego, Tucson, Phoenix, Miami, Dallas, Houston and many more smaller cities like Lancaster have been just as successful as these mentioned.

All these cities mentioned had to first be honest (something in very short supply around our town) with themselves & the public about what they had to work with. Their downtown areas had become run down undesirable areas to work or live.

Most retail & whites had moved out of the areas years ago. Most properties were rentals to low income people living there and high crime was always a major problem. What does this sound like - Lancaster.

First, until this problem is addressed in downtown Lancaster, no major business will ever be a huge success. If Penn Square Partners really wanted to improve their investments in Lancaster they would had gotten behind a massive bold project to build block by block new condos, flats, apartments & homes in downtown area where people with money to spend want to live and play downtown. Only once this is accomplished then all the retail stores, restaurants & service business will follow.

After spending 34 years in this business I know a convention center in downtown Lancaster will never be very successful. The most important reason is Lancaster County simply does not have the very basic services, space, public parking, transportation infrastructure or good weather to make it a year round drawing card for many conventions or meetings. No one really wants to accept this as a true fact but they are all to willing to risk almost $200M of taxpayer money.

Casinos - This is really a dumb idea - I have watched what gambling has done to places like San Diego. We do not want Lancaster County's quality of life destroyed by a few greedy out of town casino owners. Chief of Police of San Diego County (largest in USA) reported several years ago that casinos have been the worst thing that ever happened to San Diego County. Major crime, many drunk drivers and major traffic problems dog the county with no real solutions. So a casino in Lancaster is simply not a wise solution.

Niagara Falls - Gil Smart got it all wrong, casinos have nothing to do with what he seen.

My first visit to the falls was around 1961. As a young man I drove my car to Niagara Falls and had planned to stay on the American side. When I arrived I was shocked to find what looked like a ghetto. Dirty run down buildings and hardly anyone around. We parked our car and walked to the edge of the falls and was shocked to see how dirty everything was and we could only see one of falls.

Then we looked across the falls to the Canadian side and could not believe how many people were over there and how beautiful it was. We drove over the bridge and stayed on the Canadian side for several days. The Canadian side has always had many things for visitors to see & do. The Canadian side has always put the American side to shame.

Thru the years I have returned several times including a week in June of this year. Yes, the Canadian side is very beautiful with view of both falls and the Canadians light the falls every night with color lights for several hours. We stayed in one of the newer high-rise hotels on the 14 floor and had a 180 degree unobstructed view of both falls.

Thousands of people line up all day long and into the evening on the Canadian side to see both falls. This is why everyone has always gone to the Canadian side to stay not a casino. We went into the new casino and yes it is very nice and draws people -- that is just one of many things offered in that area, visiting the charming town of Old Niagara & a drive through the wine country is a huge drawing card to Niagara Falls.

Again this year we first stopped on the American side and had lunch and walked around the state park system that is now there. It looks better today than back in 1961 but it still has limited parking and the park rangers had a part of the park shut down due to the lack of enough visitors. So again location, location, location is what makes all the difference in the world if you want to be successful in convention centers and most other businesses.

Mr. Smart seems like so many people I have talked to in Lancaster County since moving back home three years ago. They know very little about convention, meeting & reunions business yet they & Penn Square Partners are willing to try anything including risking $200 million dollars of taxpayer money on this project. It is totally irresponsible of anyone to dump this kind of debt on our kids' & grandkids' future.

Shame on Senator Armstrong, Mayor Gray & Governor Rendell for gambling away our children's, grandchildren's and Lancaster County's financial future.

8/6/07


Sheep?

So many Lancastrians are sheep...willing to follow anointed leaders...in both religious and political arenas. As though political power assures superior intelligence or philanthropy.

8/6/07


Concerning David W. Hixson

Love him or hate him you have to give him credit he knows when to "get into a deal & when to get out" and make a a good living at it!

Five to ten years from now when the convention center is completed and not doing well few will ever remember his name!

8/5/07


Paternal Dominance in Society

A "Paternalistic" company might be appropriate for employees. However, that same company presumes to be paternal over a population of smart, freethinking, creative individuals. The presumption that the "father figure" knows best is an example of destructive hubris. Many proponents mistakenly place too much trust and faith in the "father figure." Sorry, but neither Mr. High nor Mr. Adams is Robert Young (TV's Father Knows Best) (who followed a crafted script in the first place)! In all cases, paternal dominance in society at large is an archaic concept leading to alarming political results.

Mr. Smart notes that the rising taxes would be the worst result of failure.....not at all true.

Besides missed opportunities, the perception of the city's failure is a worse collateral result. Failed business (like a hotel, cc, or surrounding support businesses) would set a downward spiral in motion.

8/4/07


Letter re Gil Smart Article

Wow! So now the newspapers are pushing for slot machines as a way to shore up the convention center. The Lancaster establishment in bed with the mafia. Talk about an unholy alliance!

8/4/07


Letter: "The lies of Nevin Cooley ... (and the Crime of Lancaster Newspapers)"

Nevin Cooley, President and chief spokesman for Penn Square Partners, is a liar.

On June 24, 2001, Cooley spoke in front of the formerly historic Watt & Shand building and before the local news media and the public, saying that Penn Square Partners was formed "with one and only one mission -- to find an appropriate re-use of this [the Watt & Shand] building." (video: http://5thestate.com/)

Four years later, and after a blunt warning from the Pennsylvania Historic & Museum Commission that its plans for demolishing the building (and the block) would render it no longer historic (http://newslanc.com/bhp.pdf ), and before the building was demolished, Cooley wrote in a letter to the editor: "May we repeat? Behind the facade stands a collection of wood-framed buildings that are completely unacceptable for use in any modern commercial project. They cannot be 'renovated.' Not for this project, not for any other project." [italics in original.]

The letter was published by the other half of Penn Square Partners, Lancaster Newspapers. (http://newslanc.com/pspwood.pdf)

In 2006, Newslanc.com posted, and publicized, photographs clearly showing the supporting Watt & Shand buildings were steel, not the 'wood-framed" that Cooley falsely claimed. The photos (www.newslanc.com/steelphoto.asp) were taken during the demolition of the building, a Lancaster city landmark listed (until this year) on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nevin Cooley has a record of lying to the public. It was Cooley who told the public early in 2005 that unless the School District of Lancaster adopted the risky Tax Incremental Financing Plan [TIF], that Penn Square Partners would walk away from the project.

The District rejected the TIF plan, but Penn Square Partners didn't walk. With the helping hand in Harrisburg of bought-and-paid-for Sen. Gib Armstrong, Penn Square Partners found other ways to suckle at the public teat.

It was the same Nevin Cooley who, in 2005, wrote a letter to Patrice Dixson, president of the school board, saying -- no less than five times -- that "feasibility" studies had been conducted for the convention center project. This, too, was demonstrably false.

It was certified in 2006 that what had been conducted were sponsor-funded "market" or "marketing studies," recognized in the industry as considerably less comprehensive and thorough that the rigorous feasibility study. (http://newslanc.com/amervalugroup.pdf)

Alone, Cooley's lies would seem cynical attempts to con the public to give some advantage to his company's (High Industries) pet pork project. But the brazenness of his pronouncements is striking. It is as if Cooley knows it doesn't matter what he says; he is accountable to the public for nothing.

That is the truth.

The story is deeper, however, than the obvious and provable fact that Nevin Cooley is liar. In order to shamelessly prevaricate before rolling cameras and note taking "reporters," Nevin Cooley must have a willing accomplice, which he does in Lancaster Newspapers.

If Cooley is guilty of lying to the public, surely abusing the power of a monopoly press in support of those lies is worse.

And that is the Crime of Lancaster Newspapers.

8/3/07


Contributor: "Lack of basic honesty"

The "de-listing" of the Watt & Shand building from the National Register of Historic Places is a damning reflection on the lack of basic honesty on the part of both Penn Square Partners -- High Real Estate Group and Lancaster Newspapers.

On June 24, 2001 with cameras rolling and all newspapers present, Nevin Cooley, President of Penn Square Partners and High Real Estate Group, told a gathering that PSP was formed "with one and only one mission -- to find an appropriate re-use of the [Watt & Shand] building."

Today, the building, despite warnings from the Pennsylvania Historic & Museum Commission that PSP's plans would render the building (and entire block) no longer historic, is now only a thin facade of the once landmark structure.

In other words, Mr. Cooley lied.

Lancaster Newspapers -- a 50% partner in the hotel -- was at the press conference when Cooley made his pronouncement, and yet NONE of the "reporters" thought to point out the duplicity of Mr. Cooley's statements when they reported on the de-listing last week.

Bias has never been so blatantly exposed. LNP doesn't even make a pretense at fairness. Go to 5thestate.com to view Cooley's lies.

7/31/07