tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post4094476261821724437..comments2023-09-19T03:44:06.217-07:00Comments on Put it all on the CuttingBoard: The return of the ARCAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04234928162404506518noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-77471648550983159022008-09-19T14:00:00.000-07:002008-09-19T14:00:00.000-07:00Yeah, and Lomire used to lay back in his chair and...Yeah, and Lomire used to lay back in his chair and eat Doritos in front of everyone during township meetings. There isn't anyone up there with much class or professionalism...hasn't been for many years. This town is embarrassing. I guess it's our own fault because we never have too much of a choice when it comes time to vote do we?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-46395573444827408552008-09-18T09:23:00.000-07:002008-09-18T09:23:00.000-07:00To kudos of 9-16, you may be right about the curre...To kudos of 9-16, you may be right about the current board of supervisors but take a look at the ZHB members they appointed. Three of them chew bubble gum during their hearings They talk and laugh with one another while witnesses are being examined on the stand. The solicitor screams and yells at the attorneys and their witnesses. How professional is that, if I were a member of that board I would be ashamed of myself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-79024727884178046282008-09-16T23:02:00.000-07:002008-09-16T23:02:00.000-07:00Kudos to all the current supervisors. Reading the...Kudos to all the current supervisors. Reading these blogs it's a job I wouldn't have. I think what is being said from former supervisors is a disgrace. I started going to these meetings recently and I must comment that they are professional and seem to have the best interests of the people at heart. It's not fair to attack them personally as is being done in this blog. I think the former supervisors need to step back and let the current ones do the jobs that are entrusted in them. As far as the ARC is concerned, let the people decide by a vote. I'm sure no one would disagree. God bless and good work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-49413634095972159902008-09-16T11:35:00.000-07:002008-09-16T11:35:00.000-07:00To anonymous of 9-15, you must be out of touch wit...To anonymous of 9-15, you must be out of touch with reality, McFarland and Borai aren't on any boards or commissions of Lower Providence. You must have been out of the country for quite some time. Dininny runs the township like a dictator, have you ever tuned into a township meeting on tv? Get a grip! I agree Brown has been around a long time but he appears to be the only one on the board who knows anything. I don't think age has anything to do with it, the R's are running John McCain for president, I think he is way older than Brown. It may be time to bring back the likes of McFarland, Borai, and Ralston, the township needs seasoned leadership and we just don't have it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-9134724274654415642008-09-15T15:39:00.000-07:002008-09-15T15:39:00.000-07:00Stan - I am for ARC but it should be on the other ...Stan - I am for ARC but it should be on the other side of the River IN Valley Forge Park - Yellow Spring Road would be ideal. Leave the Audubon Area as it was 40 - 60 years ago "A Quiet Village" and stop trying to make it into a Tourist Attraction.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-22789315871661192232008-09-15T11:09:00.000-07:002008-09-15T11:09:00.000-07:00ARC should move to Virginia.I will help them pack ...ARC should move to Virginia.<BR/>I will help them pack their stuff.<BR/>GO AWAY ARC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-40750203407286014322008-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:002008-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:00What Is LP going to do when Borai, Brown, McFarlan...What Is LP going to do when Borai, Brown, McFarland and all of the other senior citizens still sitting on the boards die off? Isn't there anyone younger who can get in the game or do you have to be over 65? I'm so tired of listening to the same bunch of people defend their "life's work" in LP. As a lifelong resident, I don't see it as a place to be bragging about. If these old-timers are so great, how come they haven't taught anyone new the ins and outs of governing LP? Seems selfish. When is it time to let someone else bring a fresh perspective? Feels like never. It's getting old.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-92138537383278750112008-09-13T13:11:00.000-07:002008-09-13T13:11:00.000-07:00Anonymous 9-13You don't have a clue of what your t...Anonymous 9-13<BR/><BR/>You don't have a clue of what your talking about.<BR/><BR/>What outside sources?<BR/><BR/>The property was not BIG enough for a Veterans Cemetary.<BR/><BR/>What other good projects are coming into the community? <BR/><BR/>L.P. can't even fill their industrial park.<BR/><BR/>Keep wishing, the star will shine your way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-4926100518468774312008-09-13T05:25:00.000-07:002008-09-13T05:25:00.000-07:00How can the citizens of Lower Providence allow out...How can the citizens of Lower Providence allow outsiders to dictate what is good for their community is beyond me. Its time the silent majority speak out before other outside groups try to derail other good projects for the community. These outside groups want to put the project back in Upper Merion because they realized the good that will come out of the ARC- they simply screwed up when they lost the ARC in their own backyard. The biggest critic of the ARC happens to be from Upper Merion- a coincidence? Where was NPCA with the casino proposal or Gettysburg or Yellowstone Hotel? Hallowed ground- that is only at Arlington. There is not even a cemetary at Valley Forge and if was so hallowed ground, why was the Veterans cemetary proposal kicked off the property?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-45794596739448539662008-09-12T11:46:00.000-07:002008-09-12T11:46:00.000-07:00To District 1,I hear that they go into exec sessio...To District 1,<BR/><BR/>I hear that they go into exec session 2 to 3 times a night, now what could they be discussing back there. They have Manny the mouth making all their decisions for them and running the meetings too. The chairman should resign and let someone else do the job who can.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-30641254636760010182008-09-12T11:42:00.000-07:002008-09-12T11:42:00.000-07:00Hey PA "D",YOu forgot Larry Frantz and Lois Wood w...Hey PA "D",<BR/><BR/>YOu forgot Larry Frantz and Lois Wood were both Democrats and a few others I care not to mention. So you see that Democrats can get elected in LP, they just have to work for it, that's all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-8243085040709901692008-09-12T08:20:00.000-07:002008-09-12T08:20:00.000-07:00This isn't a sitcom it's a miniseries. YOu have to...This isn't a sitcom it's a miniseries. YOu have to watch all the episodes to know what's going on, not just tune in whenever you feel like it. The board voted a few 'episodes' back to let their attorney make all their evidentiary rulings. As there are many evidentiary issues, it may seem like he's thinking for all of them, and to some extent, in that regard only, he is. He's an experienced litigator. They aren't. Again - common practice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-88150963961597445522008-09-12T05:23:00.000-07:002008-09-12T05:23:00.000-07:00Mr. Mandraccia should be paying L.P. for all the n...Mr. Mandraccia should be paying L.P. for all the notoriety the solicitors position has brought him.<BR/><BR/>It would be interesting to see how much money this position has brought him compaired to past solicitors.<BR/><BR/>If he were paid on the knowledge of zoning law, he would be working for zilch.<BR/><BR/>What must be done to see what his earning are since his inauguration into this prestige position?<BR/><BR/>How many drinks, free lunches, etc did this cost the tax-payers?<BR/><BR/>Can someone please answer my plea.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-55765262077251306662008-09-11T07:13:00.000-07:002008-09-11T07:13:00.000-07:00Your paper of 9-11-08 states,"Solicitor Charles Ma...Your paper of 9-11-08 states,"Solicitor Charles Mandraccia ruled the BOARD would not consider some of Rosenbaum's and Gibson's answers.<BR/><BR/>Did the BOARD break and go into executive session to determine this? I keep looking for the crystal ball sitting in front of the solicitor.<BR/><BR/>Is Manny doing all the thinking for this non thinking BOARD?<BR/><BR/>It is known that three members of the Zoning BOARD are not free thinkers, when did Manny start thinking for all five?<BR/><BR/>Another outburst that your reporter missed by King Manny.<BR/><BR/>As one T.V. show used to say....<BR/>"Here comes the Judge."<BR/><BR/>Bring on the Red Bull.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-34755869844957672572008-09-10T07:56:00.000-07:002008-09-10T07:56:00.000-07:00To all you naysayers that can't stand living in Lo...To all you naysayers that can't stand living in Lower Providence, I say move to the east end of Norristown or Upper Merion where you can have your cake (or tacos) and eat it to. If you have so much to complain about why are you still here, it is after all a free country, do what you want, move out! There are plenty of people who want to move into LP or the developers wouldn't be gobbling up all the land around here, now we have one more developer, the ARC who wants to put LP on the map. What can be wrong with another tax exempt hotel/conference center in the middle of Walnut Hill. Heck there is room enough over there for another drug store, bank, and a few pizzerias.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-15873905757724766652008-09-02T16:25:00.000-07:002008-09-02T16:25:00.000-07:00PA "D"-I'm not a "D" but I will agree that the Rep...PA "D"-<BR/><BR/>I'm not a "D" but I will agree that the Republican leadership over the last 30 years seems to be the common thread running through the decline. I don't think there are any Democrats in LP Township that could fix the situation either. Like I said, it's not able to be repaired. LP will continue to be stagnant and lacks anything cultural about it. Mill Grove, you say?...county provided. Can't LP be known for something besides banks, pharmacies and pizza shops on every major intersection? It feels sort of "no class" in comparison with some other surrounding areas. It's like a piece of steak that's been way overcooked and no one wants to eat.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-22549475301604489972008-09-02T11:08:00.000-07:002008-09-02T11:08:00.000-07:00Anonymous (Lawyer): I realize there is no true wa...Anonymous (Lawyer): I realize there is no true way of purchasing properties. Some people or organizations will go ahead and purchase the property and then try to convince the Township/City/Boro to change their Zoning. They do this very often now and it has become very expensive and time consuming. If you can survive the long drawn out process, you/your organization can win. Now hindsight - was it worth it?? I do believe there is a ruling in some parts of PA that if an organization or a professional office has been granted a change in Zoning and if they go out of business or decide to move/sell the property to another person/organization it would have to be of the same type of business-if not the zoning goes back to the original zoning. I hope this applies here in LP. I'm not sure we have all the Lawyers needed, qualified, here in LP to cover the various problems with ARC & new developments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-4398759020375859362008-09-02T09:29:00.000-07:002008-09-02T09:29:00.000-07:00Annonymous 31 Aug.30 years in the township you hav...Annonymous 31 Aug.<BR/><BR/>30 years in the township you have to remember the following Supervisors:<BR/><BR/>Lawless(Annie) Moister (Doug), Hack (John), Gaugler (Ernie), Eskie (Charles), Buchenauer (Carl), McFarland (Nancy),Franz (Larry), Eastman (Mariot)Borai (Tom), Crahalla(Jackie), Dunbar (Joe),Ralston (Mary), Fornal (Greg),Hager (Doug), Dougherty (Jim),Lomire (John),Dininny (Craig), Sassu (Piero),Altieri (Marie), DiPaolo (Chris),Hoffner (Joe), Huges (John),Toms (Lee),Rambo (Archie),Lawless (Ambrose),Greco (Louis),Hoffner (Joseph),Wishengrad (Howard) Or we can go baack to the original (3) in 1939 Moyer,Buckwalter,Hunsicker.<BR/><BR/>The only Democrat listed above was Howard Wishengrad, maybe that's what wrong with L.P politics, the wrong party is in office.<BR/><BR/>Hang in there 2009 is right around the corner.<BR/><BR/>Another Pa "D"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-64055292779200419352008-08-31T11:33:00.000-07:002008-08-31T11:33:00.000-07:00Collegeville Mole-Sorry, not even close...in fact ...Collegeville Mole-<BR/><BR/>Sorry, not even close...in fact I'm disgusted that you think I'm Lomire. Anyway, I'd never want to be a Supervisor in this town...too many problems and no way to fix them. I hate to be a pecimist but really, it the last 30 years, I've not seen any saving of substantial green space, lessened development or any road improvements that improved my quality of life here in LP ( with maybe the library as an exception). At least the ARC is a worthwhile attraction. People are really just voicing their "not in my back yard" feelings. Again, don't waste so much energy on this. How can you ruin an already ruined township? Too little, too late. There's no fixing anything in Lower Providence Township. It passed "over-the-top" in development around 1988. If we don't allow the ARC, we'll just get more houses. Is that better or worse? 96 homes x 4 people = 384 new residents whose children will have no place to go to school...mmmm more new school buildings?? Sorry, I'm throwin' in the towel on LP...I can't remember a time when there was good leadership here. I feel sorry for the current board...left to clean up a hot mess! Good luck with that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-81406640828712770192008-08-22T22:17:00.000-07:002008-08-22T22:17:00.000-07:00I'm a lawyer and in hearings of this size, scope a...I'm a lawyer and in hearings of this size, scope and complexity, it is common practice for the solicitor to conduct the majority of the hearing. It leads to more smoothly run meetings. Go to any other township's zoning meetings and see for yourself. Or better yet, come to ALL zoning meetings, not just those related to the ARC, so you can see the difference. There are specific reasons why things happen they way they do, or in the order they do. This is hardly unusual.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-81523655865354069992008-08-22T10:55:00.000-07:002008-08-22T10:55:00.000-07:00Question: Real Estate Purchases in LP/Montg. Cnty...Question: Real Estate Purchases in LP/Montg. Cnty? Before property is sold/final settlement is made - are the new owners or Institutions purchasing the properties made aware of the Zoning and if it will be taxed or not and at what rate? We certainly could settle a lot of problems if this were done BEFORE a purchase is finalized. ZONING is important -but if the process is breached - we then have a big problem on our hands.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-18774569115694668692008-08-19T10:24:00.000-07:002008-08-19T10:24:00.000-07:00Stan, Another local paper this morning stated " Zo...Stan, Another local paper this morning stated " Zoning board solicitor Charles Mandracchia, who functions like a Judge, said he was determined to speed up the process. In between, Board Vice Chairman Eric Frey (also a lawyer) told another attorney he would have her removed. Then Manny said he read over 170 pages and half of them were bickering from attorneys.<BR/><BR/>Wonder what that's going to cost the tax-payers?<BR/><BR/>Mr. Sklaroff suggested that people are frustrated by lawyers arguing.isn't he part of the problem?<BR/><BR/>The Zoning Members act as Judge in these cases NOT the solicitor, he's there as an advisor to the board and nothing else.<BR/><BR/>If Mr. Mandracchia ever ran for Judge, I believe the Republican Party would dissolve in Montgomery County.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-26818990008483432242008-08-18T13:49:00.000-07:002008-08-18T13:49:00.000-07:00To the run for Supervisor commentator: Maybe, just...To the run for Supervisor commentator: Maybe, just maybe, could you be the one who did run for Supervisor got everything you needed in property buys, changes in ordinances and then Quit?<BR/><BR/>Are you part of the problem that JACKED things up in the past few years?<BR/><BR/>Who was the only Supervisor in the history of Lower Providence to be fined by the Ethics Board?<BR/><BR/>As the writer of August 10th stated "Only the Shadow knows".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-8856827408926938762008-08-17T05:58:00.000-07:002008-08-17T05:58:00.000-07:00On August 10th (one week ago) "Missing Something" ...On August 10th (one week ago) "Missing Something" appealed to the bloggers to reply to the statement "The ARC is good for the community of Lower Providence because.." - How interesting that not One Supporter of this commercial project responded with even ONE reason why this project would benefit LPT!<BR/><BR/>I say that we all realize that the members of the LPT Planning Commission, the 5 members of our current Zoning Board, and especially the 3 members of our Board of Supervisors who approved this monstrous commercial development by this non-profit - in the name of preserving history for our children - is in no way a benefit to the tax paying residents of Lower Providence. On the other hand, the safety and traffic issues alone will impact hundreds of residents every day - not just in Lower Providence, but in all of our surrounding townships as well.<BR/><BR/>Thank you to Stan and the Times Herald for keeping this blog going as we must work to assure that the BOS members who are up for election next year are not returned to office! Our Township manager, and definitely the out-of-control Solicitor for the Zoning Board who was appointed by the BOS Chairman - need to go as well! They don't get it that our safety and the best interest of the residents and tax payers are what put them into office in the first place - not the phone call from Governor Ed Rendell in support of an ill-conceived commercial development plan - just because of behind the scenes political "shenanigans"!<BR/><BR/>Once this historic land is dug up and paved over - it can never be returned to VFNHP - and (in my opinion) no developer in today's economy, and with the restrictions on the property of the wetlands, flood plains, high pressure gas pipe line and high tension wires would be interested in the few homes that could be built there under R-2.(92 homes per the township engineer's evaluation, NOT 392 as threatened.)<BR/><BR/>The economic benefit of this project as far as amusement tax (I believe that is 1%) revenue to our Township would only occur if they have a really large number of visitors paying their entrance fee to the museum, and the harm to our neighborhoods due to the additional ongoing increased tax costs of staffing for police and fire protection - not to mention the pollution from diesel and inconvenience of having Pawlings Road and Audubon Road dug up for the laying of pipes for water and sewer supply - would not be enough of an offset. Of course, the "dormitory for scholars" would not have to pay the same hotel taxes to the Township and County that other hotels in the area must pay! (Cute, huh?)<BR/><BR/>Therefore, I ask the few supporters, "where is the benefit"? The jobs there will be filled by their "friends" from outside of this area, unless there are a couple of unemployed and available BOS and Zoning Board members who might like office space there or a job in their gift shop after next year!!!<BR/><BR/>Wake up residents! Show your support to all who are raising their voices to say that we are tired of the political corruption in our Township. We need elected officials who will listen to us! Perhaps attend the Zoning Hearings (as painful as that is) or become a member of "Lower Providence Concerned Citizens" as they are working for good government and change!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189189510360665362.post-63339859876500979002008-08-16T11:33:00.000-07:002008-08-16T11:33:00.000-07:00Conshy Mole - Oh don't we wish he were gone - the ...Conshy Mole - Oh don't we wish he were gone - the X Super still has his fingers in the Audubon Road Project, as he did with the Retirement Home Complex, the Shopping Center at Schracks' Corner and of course the Golf Course/Swim Club Project including the use of building lots that backed on to the Golf Course. Zoning change for these lots were approved??? Right!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com