In a special article published Oct. 2, 2005 in the Sunday News editorial pages, I asked:

"Is the downtown situation so unpromising that we need to do 'something,' no matter how great the subsidy, how much is put at risk and how questionable the prospects for success?"

            I then went on to describe several alternative projects that deserve our urgent support:

1)      "The Lancaster Public Library on Duke Street, though it has not been enlarged or renovated for decades, nonetheless attracts some thousand persons a day ….

2)      "The Pennsylvania Academy of Music (PAM) (www.PAAcademyMusic.com) was formed to bring to south central Pennsylvania the opportunity to pursue an accredited superior musical education.  …  PAM's growth would require more school facilities, dormitories, and spur development of downtown cafes, boutiques, shops and housing. And its concerts would attract many local and out of town visitors.

3)      "Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D) (www.pcad.edu) is an accredited professional art college offering bachelor of art programs in fine art, graphic design, illustration, and photography. 

4)      "Bethel Harambee currently performs "Living the Experience" at the Bethel A. M. E. church and this dinner show already draws bus loads of tourists of all races and creeds (www.LivingTheUndergroundRailroad.com).  Its "Church    Town Rediscovered" project envisions a 600 seat auditorium south of Center Square for live performances of this and other African-American cultural and historical presentations and use by other organizations.  Development of this   project would bring tourist business downtown and help revitalize the neighborhood."

      I now add two more worthy projects that deserve our immediate attention:

5)      The current ownership of the Brunswick Hotel has expressed its willingness to spend several millions of dollars to restore the guest rooms, public areas, restaurant and banquet space to the initial quality and status of the original Hilton.  A four star Brunswick would provide a truly first class hotel for the downtown area.

6)      Others are considering the development of the Watt & Shand site into a mix use retail and condominium development.  Over the past few years downtown Lancaster has begun the process of revitalization.  With many of the above projects and others promised, underway and some realized, affluent "empty nesters" will be drawn from their suburban homes to the attractions and conveniences of city life and to the comfort, amenities and prestige of an upscale condominium building.  (I witnessed a similar trend during the early restoration of downtown Philadelphia some forty years ago).

            All of the above can be achieved through significant private capital and if our officials are able to salvage but a portion of those revenue sources, grants and subsidies that were to be lavished on the convention center / hotel project.

            What is essential now is that the past dispute and acrimony be put behind us and those on both sides join together and work in harmony for the redevelopment of downtown Lancaster. And that requires that historic leading families and institutions welcome newcomers so that the best of ideas and efforts can be realized.

 Robert E. Field, Publisher

Field is the founder of The Manor Group which develops and manages residential and commercial real estate throughout the tri-state area and in Eastern Europe.