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Letter to Yenta 07/12/05
Please keep in mind that when shopping or dining in New Hope, when you support independent merchants that you are keeping New Hope Unique... The presence of chains in New Hope is creating a town that is NO DIFFERENT than any other town. The reason people come here is for its UNIQUENESS.. Please stop the homogenization... Keep that in mind not only as you are in New Hope, but other towns as well, be CONSCIOUS, if there is a "little guy" go there, go to Finkles in Lambertville and not the big HD, go to an independent ice cream place, not the now big "CSC", Local farm stands etc.... Please THINK about it... The CHOICES you make do effect the future...
Melissa Manzi
owner of
The Last Temptation
Letter to Yenta 07/12/05
My Dearest Yenta,
Please forgive my lack of correspondence with you in the last two years. You see, I felt that my comments were not heard. I though by not writing maybe things would just fix themselves on their own. Silly thought wasn't it? Some have missed my musings others have rejoiced and hoped that I had permanent writers block. Either way I have decided to write again.
I have prepared a little letter that I am sending my friends explaining to them what has happened. Sadly it is far to late to save the Canal House and the Hacienda unless Borough council does the right thing.
The citizens of New Hope must hold our Council to a promise (a promise they haven't yet made). The promise must be that no more buildings will be destroyed to make way for condominiums\townhouses\luxurytickytackyboxes for those with more money than taste.
The incumbents of New Hope Borough Council think that they are immune in the fall election because they are unopposed. I will save that story for my next letter to you.
But you see I know how to provide opposition to them in the fall elections. I will oppose them if the trend continues on Tuesday night at our Council meeting to allow buildings to die. Part of that trend is to place ever more burdens on the downtown business community and the residents of New Hope. You incumbents facing the voters in the fall take notice you will be opposed if you vote to demolish.
Thank you my dear, now here is the letter I am sharing with my friends.
A little over two and one half years ago I predicated that everything within the area bounded by the Delaware Canal to the Stockton Avenue Bridge and from Aquetong (Ingham) Creek to Mechanics Street in New Hope would be leveled. The owner of Moonlight (The old Hacienda) excoriated my comments and vowed that he would never leave. The owners of the Canal House similarly condemned my predictions stating they too would never sell. On Tuesday night July 5th I watched as the New Hope H.A.R.B. board, bound by constraints, voted four to one to condemn the Canal House to death. I sometimes wish that I was not so clairvoyant.
H.A.R.B. had no choice. Yet one brave individual had the courage to vote no. I applaud all the members of H.A.R.B. for their efforts. But if one could vote no, why not all? If their efforts are preordained for monumental decisions, why have H.A.R.B. meetings in the first place? Give us the same break for the mundane decisions. A person seeking to remodel or refurbish or paint their property can’t, until they appear in front of H.A.R.B. Yet another person seeking to level their property and start from scratch is given every latitude to accomplish that goal. It is an in-equitable balance.
For the record, I side with the property owner. I believe that anyone has a right to do what they want to do with their property. No one has a right to keep them from doing what they want. However smarter people than I have implemented laws that place limits on ownership. Such as zoning. As it applies to New Hope, our zoning followed most of the country’s normal ideas. We in New Hope added an additional layer of zoning in an area known as the Historic District. The property rights we willingly gave up where based on the fact that our property values would stay stable and appreciate if we cooperated mutually with H.A.R.B.. We willingly bound ourselves to improve our properties to a “Historic” standard. This was based on the mutual bond that our neighbors in the district would do the same. That bond has been broken.
As concerned citizens we are caught in a situation where New Hope Borough Council tells us at the Council meetings that if we want to have input, we must attend the committee meetings. Yet, at the committee meetings, we are constrained by the applicable laws and procedures. So when a decision is reached that flies against public sentiment and common sense we are forced to appeal to New Hope Borough Council who will only listen to arguments relating to an up or down vote of the committee… that we couldn’t persuade in the first place.
The inevitable will occur Tuesday night July 12, 2005. New Hope Borough Council will vote to uphold the recommendation of The Historic Architectural Review Board. It will take no notice that it was not a unanimous decision. Mr. Iain Ashton voted to save history.
The Hacienda and the Canal House will be leveled to make way for condominiums. Where do we go from here? Unless something changes this destruction of property will continue until there is nothing left of the Historic District.
The voters of New Hope must convince Borough Council not to let this willful destruction of the essence of New Hope continue. Borough Council must guarantee the preservation of the actual buildings in the Historic District. Not to do so will result in one vast homogenized wasteland of condominiums.
Robert V. Gerenser
22 South Main Street
New Hope, Pa 18938
Letter to Yenta 06/11/05
We need to pay some attention to the goings-on at New Hope Manor, the senior citizen residence in New Hope. The Bucks Co. Water & Sewer Authority wants to replace the existing water tank across from the Manor (which is already an eyesore) with one that is to be twice as big - 58 feet across by 35 feet high, an increase from 30,000 gallons to 470,000 gallons of water. The BCWSA should consider building two smaller tanks on property further away from the Manor. A senior citizen meeting hall is needed in New Hope and this could be built on the grounds now allocated to this unsightly tank. Pay attention folks - our seniors need some help here and construction of the tank is scheduled for the end of July. Contact Patrick Cleary of the BCWSA and let him know your thoughts.
Letter to Yenta 06/11/05
A group from the PiP (Partners in Progress) garden club was again out in all the heat on Saturday planting the barrels with flowers donated from The Living Earth. Thanks guys and girls - we do appreciate your efforts in making our town look great. Let's all help out with the watering. If there are bushes and flowers near you trying to survive - please splash them with some water - they, and our PiP volunteers, will appreciate your efforts.
Letter to Yenta 06/10/05
I believe the directional sign at the south end of New Hope and the one at the Windy Bush Rd/32 connection should read "Washington Crossing" not "Washington Creek".
I guess the signpainter received an order for CR. and made the wrong choice.
Letter to Yenta 5/30/05
Would the owners of the Brass & Oak Gallery in Penns Purchase please remove their going out of business signs. Enough already. Aren't you out of business yet?
Letter to Yenta 05/23/05
Less people at Shad Fest meant a more pleasant visit for those who did show up. Maybe it's time to hire professionals to do most of the work. Volunteers get burned out after a while.
Let's get the front of the Cartwheel cleaned up - it looks as if nobody cares and is an unsightly entrance to New Hope.
Letter to Yenta 05/11/05
Who was behind moving the Shad Fest to a later date, missing the main Shad run and omitting the Lewis's Shad haul? The date change was announced well BEFORE the April flood. I now see the flood being used posthumously in the Lambertville Chamber site as the reason. The old bate and switch? A "Shad Fest" without the Lewis's and the Shad rings of a cold marketing shell. Better to rename it than watering down it's soul.
Letter to Yenta 05/09/05
Hello... hello hello,
Does anyone know the status if the Cartwheel.... its been almost a month since the fire. Inquiring minds want to know.
- Reid
Letter to Yenta 04/25/05
It seems to me that if the best recommendation of her “fine character” must be provided by a business associate who lives _outside_ the township, Chris Flynn has made clear that her support in NHS must be rather weak. Her actions here in NHS on the school board are clear indicators that her removal would be positive for the community. As a concerned parent who has attended a number of school board meetings in the last year, I have found mostly derision and contempt from Ms. Flynn for anything she has not initiated personally, instead of the empathy, consideration and balanced thought process that we need on the board. Lets put kids first, not the “power hungery” desires of folks on the board who aren’t worthy of a position controlling our taxes, property values and children’s future!
A Solebury Parent of Four
Letter to Yenta 04/22/05
It's a shame to see that even New Hope has been taken over by the society of me, myself and I and my money.
Letter to Yenta 04/15/05
I'm sure thrilled that we New Hopers and Soleburyites finally have our road back after all these years!!! Thank you whoever was responsible for opening Kitchens Lane again.
Letter to Yenta 04/11/05
I am concerned about the labels being used to describe some current members of the New Hope Solebury School Board: big spenders, out-of-touch, and anti-child. I have know Chris Flynn, Vice President of NHS School Board, for the entire five years which we have lived in Solebury and these adjectives could not be further off the mark. Chris is exactly the person all residents of New Hope and Solebury should want on their school board. She is fiscally responsible, well-informed and absolutely 100% pro-child. As a taxpayer, I trust Chris to make the hard choices between what is wanted and what is necessary. When it comes to pet programs, Chris is a tough sell. Chris's knowledge of the educational system is extensive. Whenever I have had a question or concern about an educational matter, I have depended on Chris for good information. Chris has no personal agenda. She is genuine; her concerns are for all the students in our school system. Chris's priorities are not for one single issue, but are for making sure ALL our children get the best education possible.
Sincerely,
Melanie Moller
5930 Shetland Drive
Doylestown, PA 18901
Letter to Yenta 04/07/05
To whomever is responsible for opening Kitchen Lane - our sincere thanks. We needed that.
Letter to Yenta 03/28/05
I read with interest Ms J. Witte's recent letter to the NH Gazette on the recently approved NH-S School District's budget.. She was right on target with her comments. I had read in a previous issue in an article by Liz Bowman theat the approved budget was $29,000,000.00, this expenditure to educate approximatly 1400 students. I did the math and that's roughly $20,600.00 per student. My kid is in the school district and will be going to college soon and $20,000.00 would probably cover a semester at one of the local colleges. What's wrong with this picture. Does a school district as small as NH-S really need a full time HR Director? Ms Witte - You go girl, I'm wiff ya....
Angry Taxpayer
Letter to Yenta 03/24/05
I moved here some 25 years ago. Over the ensuing years, I've seen the town's aura very gradually change from warm to money cold. Many of the artists have long since moved away, due to the high rents spurred by a continuous influx of yuppies & ouppies. Many businesses have been plying on the free spirited, warm and maverick attributes of the town's past - which are now mostly absent. The Council is one cold lot and the developers have their hooks (and in some cases bodies) in boro government. An increasing number of folks are unfriendly, with neighborly bonds slowly being reduced to financial ones. Maybe this is all part & parcel of today's competitive corporate society, but in years past New Hope had a record of not being sucked under by all this crap. There surely will be no starving artists, cultural questioners or diversity moving into the high priced condo assembly lines of the major developers in New Hope. Where does this leave New Hope in the long term?
Letter to Yenta 03/16/05
I saw the same article and was sorry that this young, active congregation would be forced to move. Where is our sense of historical preservation? Where is the Historical Society? This old church (where I and many others made my first communion and confirmation) has value not only as history to this town...just take a walk through the old cemetery to see "old New Hope" including my parents' graves. And what about the (probably priceless) Nakashima altar? Mr. Nakashima and his family belonged to St. Martin's for many years, and he donated the altarpiece during a renovation in the '60's, I believe. I have no idea what the Diocese has planned for this property, but as the owner of two (unused as yet, thank God) gravesites, it'd be nice to know.
Letter to Yenta 03/14/05
After welcoming the use of this beautiful church on the hill by a congregation renting it from St. Martins, and the peal of bells Sunday mornings again, I now read that this congregation's lease is cancelled and I hear on the street that up to six condo units will be built up there. Are they actually going to tear down the church, or, convert it into another "Marsha Brown's"? I'd like to see if anyone has more information on this. Thanks.
Letter to Yenta 03/06/05
What has happened to New Hope? In the 1970s the town's foundation of tolerance, acceptance, respect for community made it unique. Yesterday I wasted a $1000. on a building inspection and attorney on a property owned by older people on one of New Hope's zoning boards and contractor, listed by an older resident of New Hope who is a Realtor. The owners were away in Hawaii, the tiny house and deck were structurally unsound (work done by owner). The utilities failed inspection, Yet these New Hopers didn't feel it fit to address all this or reimburse me even though they did not disclose all this in the first place. New Hope's confusion with a relaxed way of life and reality are being put through a test. It's not the new comers or New Yorker's. It is New Hope's own and their interpretation of life here as "I can do what ever I want and there will be no consequence." These gas explosions are about who was watching lines being put in. Unfortunately I don't believe anyone is following rules even now. Why have historical districts or "boards of any kind" if rules don't apply to all? This evolution of arrogance and lack of following "rules" for the sake of safety is going to make New Hope a town you would not want to get involved with even "with a ten foot pole " if the pendulum swings to the other extreme because nothing will be fixable without an exorbitant amount of money. I'll let ya know what else I observe first hand deep in this free loving tolerant town.
Letter to Yenta 03/02/05
OK, I usually wait to see what other people do or say in here before I comment. Its just the way I am...but have you, who live and work here in town, noticed how nicely the Christamas '04 Wreaths around town are beginning to age? There are some very beautiful wreaths still desperately hanging from buildings here that will soon, I'm sure be nicely festuned with Easter Rabbits and colored Eggs. I, for one, think its fabulous. I mean why STOP celebrating Christmas when all you have to do is take your now brown wreath in for a nice spraying of Spring green! Ahhh, spring has sprung...and Christmas...well, just keeps on goin!!
Local Schmo
Letter to Yenta 02/25/05
Greets, I am hoping that you might be able to help me. I am trying to get in contact with Dorothy Grider in order to request permission to use artwork from a book which she illustrated in 1945. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank You, kelly craven (on behalf of Mumpsy)
Letter to Yenta 02/03/05
Merchant Snow Rant ‘05
Well, February is here and even the Pretzel Dudes have packed it in until March. At least we can ride out the rest of the winter on the undoubted profits from this weekend’s Winter Fest or whatever you call it. In any event, while the weekend’s magnificent ice sculptures will no doubt drive torrents of cash-laden Manhattanites into our arms, maybe we should look at other means of boosting New Hope’s business prospects this winter.
Suggestion #1: Pick up the freaking snow in front of your store.
Amazingly enough, many of New Hope’s most astute business people have no grasp of this concept. If people can’t get into your store, you won’t make any money. If your neighbor doesn’t clean his sidewalk, customers can’t get to yours. If the sidewalk on the bridge over Ingham Creek on Main Street isn’t clear, businesses on South Main and Mechanic Streets will see at least a 50% drop in traffic. Is this rocket science? Don’t wait for the Boro, don’t wait for the landlords (they’re in Mexico), tell the storeowner to clean his walk. If he isn’t there, do it for him. After a couple times complain. Explain litigation to him or her; you know, someone slips on that sidewalk, you lose everything. Put aside the cash you might spend on the New Hope-Lambertville Penny Shopper or Co-Dependents Merchant Association, form a block association, and buy a snowblower. Make sure the metered spaces near your businesses are cleared out. Then watch your winter numbers improve.
Suggestion #2: Try selling something different than what’s already here. If you are planning on opening a jewelry store, leather store, tattoo parlor, or sell ice cream, incense, wiccan products, items depicting wolves or Harley-Davidson, glass baubles or crab cakes, New Hope and its tourists don’t need you. How about a movie theater, or a reasonable local lunch place like Sneddon’s?
Suggestion #3: Your stupid gaudy signage won’t save your uncreative lifeless hole in the wall enterprise. The large, multicolored flags and plastic flowers and handscrawled signage makes your store look like a used car lot. Stores with nude mannequins twisted into sexual positions in their windows are damaging our community. Trying to sell your store? Do it already & get that “for sale” sign out of your window.
And last but not least (for today):
Suggestion #4: If you’re not open at least 4 days a week you’re either a hobbyist or heading towards mediocrity, so just get out now and free up the space for a real business.
Thank you. I feel better now.
-A New Hope Merchant
(using my friend’s computer) ;-)
Letter to Yenta 01/31/05
Winter Festival Alert
Residents, tourists & business people - let's all gather round the Winter Festival - Feb. 2-6, 2005. Let's show the world that regardless of snow storms, digging up the streets for water lines, etc., we are alive and well in New Hope/Lambertville. Get a brochure from the visitors center, or call 215.862.3821 or www. winterfestival.net to download the brochure. There are still tickets available for the Beef & Brew Sat. night at 215.862.2102 (we'll hold them at the door). Mummer's Parade noon Sat. from the New Hope High School. Lots of great stuff for kids and adults. We have been planning this all year - give us a break - show us you care! Yeah twin cities!.
Letter to Yenta 01/10/05
Hi Yenta - Happy New Year and Kitchen Lane is still closed. What's happening?
Letter to Yenta 01/07/05
Re: Affordable lodging in downtown New Hope
As a past and potential future visitor of the town I really miss the New Hope Inn. There's nothing else like it in town and I'm sorry to see it gone.
Letter to Yenta 12/31/04
Thanks to the generosity of patients at Center Club Chiroractic at Lambertville and Center Club members Fitness Center , Carleen A. Thum, DC was able to deliver $450.00 in donations to Fisherman's Mark for the holidays. Thanks Yenta for helping us get the word out.
Stephanie DiCicco, CA
Letter to Yenta 12/18/04
My name is Terry Burroughs and I wanted to let my fellow animal lover friends and neighbors know that there are so many beautiful and very adoptable animals not only in shelters, but with our local rescues. For those who are not familiar with what rescue is, I will gladly answer any questions you have any time about adopting, about rescues or even what you can do to help homeless animals and the volunteers who care for them. You can learn more right now by visiting http://www.petfinder.com/ where you will find some of the most adorable dogs, cats, horses and more right here in our area by doing a PA and NJ search. Petfinder also has a wealth of educational information on all subjects of animal care and adoption. People often think they cannot find pure bred dogs at a shelter or rescue and this is very untrue as there are always many of most breeds available in our area who will make a wonderful addition to your family. Mutts make magnificent pets as well and are among my favorites as I have had a few myself! Two of my local favorites are Animal Alliance of Belle Mead, http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/NJ290.html and Tabby's Place, http://www.tabbysplace.org/ My husband Steve and I recently adopted a very sweet six year old Chihuahua from Animal Alliance after loosing our little 16 year old Jersey Devil Chihuahua in June who we adopted from the Ewing Shelter three years ago. While I will never advocate that any pet be given as a gift, I hope those of you who are seeking to adopt love will consider this option over purchasing any animal from a pet shop or a casual breeder. Please spay and neuter all pets so there will not be more animals left homeless. Those of us in rescue would enjoy nothing more than to someday be put out of business. If you are seeking a new family member, please consider adopting an older cat or dog as well. They are wonderful! If you want to learn about homeless animal events in our area, please visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PA_NJ_DOG_and_PET_EVENTS/
If you are thinking about a first pet, please visit the LINKS area for a wealth of educational information. Please remember that no animal is disposable. A pet is a member of your family and a friend for life to be cherished and cared for. I wish you all a happy, safe and furry New Year!
Letter to Yenta 12/16/04
Hi Yenta,
I just wanted to comment on the Partners in Progress Christmas Party on Wednesday night, December 15th at Havanas. Jim and Jane Faraco, the owners of Havana, the managers and staff went out of their way to make a most memorable evening for the Partners in Progress Christmas Party. From the delicious buffet to the live entertainment, it was a wonderful evening. We are truly blessed to live in a town like New Hope, with so many caring residents and businesses. Thanks again to Partners in Progress, Havana, it's owners, and staff for providing a wonderful evening!
Bill Scheetz - Village 2 PIP Member
Letter to Yenta 12/06/04
Hi Yenta, First let me say I truly enjoy your site. Carleen A. Thum, DC. She is sponsoring a "Giving Tree" in Center Club at Lambertville. The tree has instructions on how to make donations to Fisherman's Mark, an agency that helps 732 families in Bucks & Hunterdon county who otherwise would not have a Happy Holiday. Please get this info out to your fans. And have a very Happy Holiday. Steph DiCicco
Letter to Yenta 11/14/04
"KITCHEN LANE" it would not be the first time a road is declared "private" in bucks county residents have tried it in the past and it would not surprise me now. After all who has more pull at the township meeting you the driver who wants the road reopened or the residents who don't want you driving through their neighborhood. Now you are talking about the residents who bought a home across the highway from a nightclub and then complain about the noise.
Letter to Yenta 11/13/04
Help! is right. I agree with letter writer on 11-11. Why don't we locals have our road back after, how many years?? I think we have all been more than patient. Can someone explain the hold up? Usually it is the contracters not completing something and that will hold up what they call a "dedicated" road. Maybe this is the problem.
Letter to Yenta 11/11/04
When can we expect Kitchen Lane to be reopened??? What is the delay? Why is it taking so long? HELP!!
Letter to Yenta 10/20/04
Are there other people like me who enjoy the right of responsible gun ownership, and, have the NRA sticker "I'm NRA and I Vote" next to my other sticker "Kerry and Edwards"? I bet that short-circuits the minds of those neocons who have hijacked this organization originally formed to simply promote gun safety.
Letter to Yenta 10/08/04
Now that all the positions on the V2 board are open I hope the group of homeowners who wanted the big change step into position. I wish this new group luck, I heard that when the last board started to ask financial questions thats when the trouble really began.I thought it was part of a boards job to ask questions. As a homeowner I would like to know if it is true that the kids who worked at the pool complex were paid almost $20.00 an hour! I wish my kids could make that kind of money at a summer job!
Letter to Yenta 10/08/04
I refer to the question:
Letter to Yenta 09/07/04: What ever became of the New Hope Inn?. I have not be to New Hope in two years. I'm a frequent visitor to New Hope and I'm appalled by the plans for the site of the New Hope Inn. Although I am not a town resident, even I can see that a huge housing development on Mechanic Street would not be in the economic and social interests of the town. Condominiums would not attract customers for New Hope's shops and attractions. A pleasant inn, on the other hand, is a draw for weekenders. It is awful to see the property lying vacant and becoming increasingly dilapidated. I hope that the would-be developer is not wearing down the town's resolve to ensure that this block's use is in keeping with the spirit of the town.
--A friend of New Hope in New York City
Letter to Yenta 10/06/04
Thanks to everyone involved in the clean up of the recent flooding of New Hope. We are back in shape and ready for business. Come and enjoy.
Letter to Yenta 09/28/04
Googled ...pleasant...came up with your town, are you for real or a web creation? Everything looks so.. um ..so ..Nice, but just a touch unreal.
Steve from Australia
Letter to Yenta 09/20/04
Village 2 is a lovely place to live until you start asking questions of the management group. It is a lovely place to live until board members tell some owners "That is not allowed" and for some strange reason, others are able to do exactly what you were told was not allowed with no complaints from the board or management. It is time to do a clean sweep in V2 and hope we can find a group of rational folks willing to handle the job and the grief that goes with it......God bless them! Signed. A V2 Homeowner who cares.
Letter to Yenta 09/07/04
As someone who likes New Hope to be an eye-pleasing tourist town,maybe Starbucks could spruce up their building a bit. Maybe some colorful shutter that would go nice with brick and some fancy lanterns, and flower urns. Just a thought. -A resident
Letter to Yenta 09/07/04
What ever became of the New Hope Inn?. I have not be to New Hope in two years.
Letter to Yenta 09/03/04
On the evening of August 31st our Mechanic Street Store which sells candy and snacks was broken into and robbed. From what we can tell, the theives came in or left through the back walkway of the building which adjoins the berm of the towpath and neighboring backyards on New Street.
Although, it would have been of little consequence if a couple of dozen candy bars and some soft drinks were taken, they didn't come to rob a snack store of the snacks. Infact, only a few packs of Mento's and some Sweedish fish candy were missing. Even the cash register was not touched.
Instead, my oldest daughter's vintage acoustic guitar and the store CD player were taken.
A week prior to this, a 17 yr. old obnoxious kid came into the shop. He had been to the store on a few occasions and this time he questioned my daughter if the "guitar" was still in the shop. My daughter plays her guitar on weekends in the courtyard. When my daughter did not respond, he went looking for it and found it behind one of the refrigerated coolers and said "Oh, there it is".
I am concerned here because this young man bragged about his friends being in jail for breaking and entering. He also talked about a militant group he is part of.
Of course, I can't accuse anyone without evidence but it does appear that whoever came to rob our candy store didn't come for the candy but specifically for the guitar and knew where it was hidden.
If anyone in the neighborhood who reads this remembers seeing someone walking/running that night with a guitar (in a black case), please contact Linda at 215-285-0749. There is also a reward if any information leads to the return of the guitar.
We are very concerned with the crime in and around town lately. Recently, at 7 pm on a Friday evening a woman was approached by a young man (who fits the description of the same young man who came in our store) on the bridge on Stockton? between Ferry and Mechanic who demanded she give him her wallet. Spatola's pizzeria was supposedly also broken into twice.
A young man broke into the Sweet Art Gallery (now vacant)on Mechanic Street and was sleeping there coincidentally on the same night that our store was robbed. We opened a store in New Hope because it is supposedly a safe town. Now I am not so sure. I see the police cruising the streets on weekend days, but I am wondering if they are just as serious of a presence at night on the side streets.
Linda Lori
New Hope Snak Shak
Letter to Yenta 08/31/04
Vote em out!!!! ok. my 2 cents is in.[redictably, the residents of Village II received in the mail a four page diatrabe (the gospel according to ????? hmmmm...wonder who???) complete with voting proxies to vote three members of the current board out. Can that many of them be so inept?????? Sounds like a coup to me. Anyways, it'll be interesting, since the media are on it, which means questions will be asked of all and the answers better be truthful. As Nicholson would say, wonder if the elusive Homeowners for Positive Change--as the shadow group calls itself--"caaannnn haaandle the truth!."
Letter to Yenta 08/29/04
Re Village II. This type of thinking is exactly what's wrong with everything. Will the bad feelings created by throwing out one board and replacing them with another really resolve issues about rules unevenly applied, etc. Will voters do so not knowing the history of these supposed infractions and how the current board and management have been left with the dubious job of trying to straighten out the messes created by past weaker boards? No. The recent posting is simply another ploy by a faction to get what they want at the expense of all the residents of Village II. If they were really concerned about their community, they'd force the current board and managment to sit down in public and work out their differences to the benefit of all--including placing personal animosities aside and getting on with it. Without residents being truly informed, the new board would simply be a reflection of some faction, and their is no place for factions within a community. As one Olympic announcer said recently; the american basketball team lost because they performed as individuals as individuals; the Argentines won because they didn't.
Letter to Yenta 08/26/04
RE: Village II - Why compain now? This has been going on for as long as I know.. It is the responsiblily of the home owners to get rid of the present leaders and start with a new slate.
As long as you keep voting in the same old crowd the program will never change, yes i used to live there and know what goes on. Property sold without approval, rules constantly changing to satisfy the few. I know of one so called elected leader who constantly changes her buildings, with out permits mind you, and then denies the same rights to others. Next election it is your responsibilty to elect responsible individuals and get rid of the click../...
Letter to Yenta 08/23/04
Secret meetings, back biting, calls for board recalls, firing management (depending on who's side your on, if you're dumb enough to choose one). Oh, yes, it's the September furies at Village II; Democracy at it's best! or worst, bound to throw a huge monkey wrench into the community spirit among neighbors, which was always one of the nicer aspects of the place. But then, who cares, as long as somebody ends up in power, for a while at least, until someone else decided to challenge them and it all starts up all over again. Stay tuned...
Letter to Yenta 08/13/04
In my travels today, while chatting with friends, I was APPALLED to learn that the
administrative personnel at the New Hope Solebury School District are planning to form a union. As a former teacher in the district and a long time resident, I am very concerned. Are the administrator's working conditions not satisfactory? Are they being sexually harassed? Are they without benefits? Are the working days too long? Are their vacations too short? Maybe no dental? I am looking for answers.
Perhaps I am jumping to a conclusion that is off base or unfair. But, it would seem
to me that the only reason for forming a union, would be to negotiate better conditions or wages. If this process is to be engaged in by the "support" staff, then perhaps it is justified. If this is to be undertaken by senior administrators, then I think that there is cause for great concern.
At present, my understanding is that we have twelve top administrators for 1200+/- kids...representing a very large percentage of the budget, and at a very large expense to the tax payer, and of no direct benefit to a child's education.
Please, will someone shed some light on this subject.
Thanks, Alison Kingsley
The Yenta Column 08/07/04
The Yenta thought that it might be a worthwhile activity for folks to take a moment to read the decision by US District Court Judge Young in the case of the "shoe bomber", which I am sure most of us have long since put in some deep corner of our consciousness. Pass this along so that each of us as Americans can in our own way, recommit ourselves to the ideals upon which this country was built and in our daily lives try to put those ideals into practice to preserve the freedom we so dearly treasure.
Remember the guy who got on a plane with a bomb built into his shoe and tried to light it?
Did you know his trial is over?
Did you know he was sentenced?
Did you see/hear any of the judge's comments on TV/Radio?
Didn't think so, media at work again. Everyone should hear what the judge had to say......
The Ruling by Judge William Young U.S. District Court.
Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant if he had anything to say.
His response: After admitting his guilt to the court for the record, Reid also admitted his "allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam, and to the religion of Allah," defiantly stated "I think I ought not apologize for my actions," and told the court, "I am at war with your country."
Judge Young then delivered the statement quoted below, a stinging condemnation of Reid in particular and terrorists in general.
January 30, 2003 United States vs. Reid.
Judge Young:
"Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the Court imposes upon you. On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States Attorney General.
On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutive with the other.
That's 80 years.
On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years consecutive to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes upon you each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 for the aggregate fine of $2 million. The Court accepts the government's recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines. The Court imposes upon you the $800 special assessment.
The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further. This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence.
Let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. There is all too much war talk here. And I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal with individuals as individuals, and care for individuals as individuals.
As human beings, we reach out for justice. You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a soldier in any war. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether it is the officers of government who do it or your attorney who does it, or that happens to be your view, you are a terrorist. And we do not negotiate with terrorists. We do not treat with terrorists. We do not sign documents with terrorists. We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice.
So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You're no warrior. I know warriors. You are a terrorist. A species of criminal guilty of multiple attempted murders. In a very real sense, State Trooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered where the press and where the TV crews were, and he said "you're no big deal." You're no big deal.
What your counsel, what your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. What was it that led you here to this courtroom today? I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty of, and admit you are guilty of doing. And I have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you. But as I search this entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know. It seems to me you hate the one thing that is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this society, the very winds carry freedom. They carry it everywhere from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom. So that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discreetly. It is for freedom's sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf and have filed appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges. We are about it. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties.
Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bear any burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. Look around this courtroom. Mark it well. The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. Day after tomorrow it will be forgotten. But this, however, will long endure. Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America, the American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice, justice, not war, individual justice is, in fact, being done. The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific matters can be judged, and juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice.
See that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States of America. That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. You know it always will.
Custody, Mr. Officer. Stand him down."
So, how much of this Judge's comments did we hear on our TV sets? We need more judges like Judge Young, but that's another subject.
Pass this around. Everyone should and needs to hear what this fine judge had to say. Powerful words that strike home.... The Yenta
Letter to Yenta 08/01/04
Yes that is possible a chicken with antlers, Oh no someone might try to kill one to mount on their wall
The Yenta Column 07/31/04
To the individual with the deer problem...perhaps you should check your neighbor's yard to see if there is a chicken... The Yenta
Letter to Yenta 07/30/04
Finding a new home for the deer problem???????????????
I read in the local paper the residents, (wanna-be's) have a problem with the deer in the area.... May I offer the following suggestion...
Level Top to the hill and all homes on top of the hill behind New Hope and return it to the deer who have lived there longer than the so called new residents.
How dare they suggest the deer should be moved to another county. They were here longer than the home owners and have the right to live here also... Again as I have said time and time again... If you have a problem with area, including the wild life, perhaps you should move back where you came from...........................
The Yenta Column 07/29/04
Well, even the Yenta can't resist responding to the chicken request!
Before answering the question the Yenta needs additional information. You know, the chicken or egg scenario...is this a rooster or a chicken? If it's a rooster, we are faced with a definite noise issue, probably about sunrise every morning. If that's the case, then not only your immediate neighbors, but everyone in town, including the Yenta will be working diligently to have your rooster removed.
On the other hand, chickens are relatively quiet, and from what I understand, actually rid their area of nasty little creatures, I think ticks (the Yenta is doing further research on that...maybe someone out there can shed additional light on that subject).
Back to the question at hand...most people in town would probably have no objection...however, you will need to check with the "almighty" borough code to see if livestock are permitted within the borough limits and if a chicken is considered livestock...or maybe it's just "fowl".
good luck!!
Now that the Yenta has addressed the most serious question in a long time, we can proceed to the more boring, and certainly less critical issues...town politics!
What is going on at the "under construction" site for the New Hope Museum of Art? What is going on with the Canal Walk project and the railroad? What is going on with all of the lawsuits that the borough has launched against residents?
Maybe the real question should be "Why is it going on?" The common thread in all of these issues seems to be our local officials. Any thoughts?
It seems so sad that someone trying to take a project through the process has to resort to hanging a sign on his building, obviously out of total frustration, with trying to accomplish his aim. Who is not working with whom? The Yenta
Letter to Yenta 07/23/04
I have a pet chicken, is it ok to have my beloved chicken in new hope?
Letter to Yenta 07/06/04
Perhaps the railroad should be real nice and stop providing parking for vistors to town. The powers to be, yes they are the elite and think they can control every aspect of the town and only bow to big money and permit building where it should never had been to start with. The railroad owes nothing to New Hope. New Hope should instead be supporting the railroad as it draws people to New Hope and the shops. I had lived in the area for 45 years and moved away a year and a half ago because of the dealings going on in the borough. I could no longer take the New developments and the actions of the so called elected officials.
While driving through New Hope last night I notice the price of gasoline at the New Hope Mobil..... It is for 10 to 12 cents higher per gallon than stations in Doylestown and New Jersey... She, Jody, does not pay more than they do for the product but seems to like to make extra profit from the residents and visitors to the New Hope area... Perhaps its time to avoid buying gas there and let her drink her gas instead of living the good life out of your pockets.
Letter to Yenta 07/01/04
So, if I read the (anonymous but apparently well-informed) response to my previous post, the Borough knew a private property owner was not receptive to the Borough's plans, but the Borough apparently felt sure enough they could bully the property owner into submission that they went ahead and applied for a grant, tying up public money. Now other people are asked to help pressure the property owner into letting the borough hijack part of their property. I'm sorry, but once a property owner has complied with relevant local regulations such as zoning, then except in extreme issues of public safety, I don't think the government at any level has the right to tell private property owners what to do on their own property. And I don't want my taxes to pay for any such effort. No matter how beautiful the intended result, the actual result, the use of government pressure to reduce the rights of citizens, is very very ugly.
By the way, oh well informed and anonymous sages, I'm still wondering why a committee that deals in large amounts of public money and major plans for the Borough meets in such a way that it is next to impossible - if not actually impossible - for concerned members of the public to find it and see what it's doing. It's clear - and this issue makes it clearer - the Revitalization Committee meetings affect New Hope as much as Planning or Zoning meetings, but Revitalization meetings are irregular, hard to find, not listed on the Borough website or the door of Borough Hall. Why not make important meetings accessible and open?
Caroline Dechert
Letter to Yenta 07/01/04
It's fine to let sleeping dogs lie, but the railroad bash begs for a few minutes of wake up. Council's prior lawsuit against the railroad was bogus and dismissed as such by the court. The suit raised questions about the motivations of "some" boro officials. Council used tax payer dollars to bankroll that suit, which was not the case with the railroad's defense costs. The Railroad is a small business that has kept a piece of living history alive in the boro, during a period where developers & others have frequently been clearcutting the towns character to maximize their profits (often with a passive green light by some in council, who apply their resistance selectively). Based on the past actions taken by Council against the RR, could anyone fault them for not being a "receptive and willing" partner. Was the RR's written consent given prior to any grant submissions, as mentioned in the other letter? I think the negative comments on the railroad are misplaced.
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