Letter to Yenta 12/31/06
For the last two weeks, our neighborhood has been beset by The Deadly Holiday Cold. Our variation: you're coughing one day, next day your sinuses go and are spotted somewhere downstream near Washington's Crossing a week later. Many of the Holiday Cold victims had just recovered from The Stomach Thing that nearly killed Thanksgiving. Now that it's January, we storeowners face another catchy bug we call The Closing Virus. That's when the shop next to you is closed most of the week, the gallery down the block is dark, the store on the corner's been rented but they're taking six months to open, the spot across the street only opens on weekends although its owner runs a group that's supposed to be promoting business. And one says to oneself, "Self, do I now have to close on Tuesday or Wednesday, or both? Which is better? Should I just shut all week like Chatchka World and take a job? Everyone with a store in New Hope has a job, or their partner does, that's what they say..." A little silly, but these debates and discussions take place every day on streets throughout the commercial district, not just in January, but in July as well. It seems obvious to most of us that when you lease a space you have not only the priority of making a decent living and personal survival, but a responsibility to your neighbors, both commercial and residential, to keep fairly regular hours with reasonably priced, interesting merchandise. On my block, for example, Karla's, Chateau Exotique, Mechanic Street Mugs and others are open every single day of the year. Other places around town like Villa Vito, Paper Plate, Havana, Heart of the Home, Strawberry Jam, Farley's, Medieval Gallery, Organic Coffee etc., are always open, year-round. But January is a time of tough decisions for many merchants. Our store has been closed one day a week, Wednesdays, but we're trying to figure out if we can make enough during the week to pay someone to sit there sometimes so I can work somewhere else, or catch The Closing Virus and shut all week, become another business that's more like someone's hobby than a way of making a living and serving the community. I think it's okay for locals to say to storeowners or restaurants, "Hey, stay open more when we need you and we'll come back," and it's okay for merchants to gather on corners and in pubs during the cold weeks ahead and say to one another, "Hey, please keep your store open more, so I can, too." -- Uncle Charlie

Letter to Yenta 12/28/06
I am a Democrat and would love to run for Chamber or any other office. Like I have said if you will have me. An honest voice for change.
-Eric Burton Lee, Mystickal Tymes Inc., 215-862-5629

Letter to Yenta 12/28/06
Thanks Larry, I needed that. Your daughters were memorable, I told the story of our encounter to my guests on Christmas Day only to read about it here. Thanks for noticing all our eforts to make the season merry and bright at Variete, it's a Herculian task made all the more worthwhile when you discover that someone like yourself gets it.
Thank you again with my best wishes to you, your girls and family as well as all my Yenta friends, foes and colleagues for a Healthy and Happy New Year.
-GC, Variete

Letter to Yenta 12/23/06
THANK YOU! Two simple words I'd like to say to Greg in Variete. Today I came into your store with my two girls to buy a last minute stocking stuffer for my wife. He took the time to interact with my daughters and made their ten dollar purchase seem extra important. When my daughters couldn't agree what color bow to put on the gift they bought for their mom he was ever the diplomat and used both colors. The cashier was a friendly woman who listened to my daughters silly kid questions. To Greg and the staff at Variete I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
-Larry in solebury

Letter to Yenta 12/20/06
Another day -- I was having some tree work about a year ago and inquired what trees the STC had responsibility for. The comment in my previous post -- that they have responsibility for trees in the right of way (the trees in between the sidewalk and the street) -- was what they told me at that time (perhaps the rules have changed since then). If you worked on trees that were outside of the right of way, then they shouldn't be telling you what you can/can't do with them. However, if there is one thing I've noticed about New Hope, it is that we have an abundance of people and committees that interject themselves and act like they have authority when they don't. The annoying part of it all is that you then have to spend a lot of time, energy and money proving to the borough that these interjections are without merit. That's what really gets my goat about New Hope. -Purveyor

Letter to Yenta 12/20/06
Dear Purveyor of Truth:
I had trees that were felled by lightening on my property, while they were being removed I was contacted by the Shade Tree Commision, commisioned to do what? They wanted to know what we were doing. I think that your facts are incorrect, they may not have jursdiction as you suggest but they sure stick their noses into what only some of us are doing. Just another day in the neighborhood!

Letter to Yenta 12/20/06
Dear "Not Cranky or Subversive, just a realist" and "Wondering about the shade trees" - The shade tree commission only has jurisdiction for trees that are on Borough property or are within the right of way of a public street. So, if you are referring to the trees George removed from his property -- I don't think he needed permission to take them down. If you are referring to the tree that was taken down on the 18th (across the street from George), you might want to contact PECO (they were the ones taking down the tree) or Borough Hall to see what permission was granted.
-Not George, or necessarily a supporter of George .. just a purveyor of truth.

Letter to Yenta 12/19/06
Make council positions paid. Re-charter their responsibilities to include: polling "all" the citizenry with a fixed frequency, gathering consensus, publishing the results and acting on them in a publicly transparent fashion. Solicit and vote in new leadership that can and will put together long term community plans and zoning revisions (where possible), based on the consensus results. Drop some of the numerous police officers to fund this. -JC

Letter to Yenta 12/19/06
Dear Wondering about the shade trees,
Follow the money trail, it leads to the same person/people/group that has wreaked havoc on Mechanic Street these last few weeks. Enforcement there was lacking as well and lame excuses were lamented by certain council members. Incidentally, did you know that the stumps of said trees were ground up so that the damage could not be measured and a fine therefore could not be levied. Welcome to New Hope, oops, I'm mean Same Old Story. -Not Cranky or Subversive, just a realist

Letter to Yenta 12/18/06
In response to Jen's letter:
I read the letter and was a little confused. She states all of the wonderful things that Doylestown has to offer then states we should save New Hope from Walmart and Home Depot. Jen come shop in New Hope! We have a great book store, amazing galleries, funky little stores and yes you can still get tattooed here. Doylestown doesn't have much more than New Hope... except maybe The Gap and Chico's. This isn't supposed to be a who's better. Both towns have issues. Store owners in Doylestown complain of teens hanging around and business being down. Parking has always been an issue in New Hope and always will be. As for owners wearing anguish on their faces, I think maybe your confusing what you've read in the very public airing that some choose to do, I don't know that any store owner would have that attitude in their store with customers. If they do I'd say they are in the wrong business.
Let's hope for a Happy Prosperous New Year for everyone...Doylestown too!
Georgeanne Dantone
Primadonna's Closet

Letter to Yenta 12/18/06
Why have we allowed seven mature trees on North Main St. to be cut down? Where is the Shade Tree Commission? Help!! Any replacements will never be able to give us shade in our lifetime.

Letter to Yenta 12/17/06
Well, there we have it folks! Jeni has pointed out some very important items that we should be focusing on. Jeni, thanks for your thoughts. While we may think we know what our problems are, sometimes it helps to get the real deal from real folks who have loved New Hope and feel about it the way we all should. Why aren't we successful at getting the word out to the area about the goings on here? I'm sure you will correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't the Trolley pick folks up at the High School and bring them into town? I see this Trolley pretty empty most trips. If it does bring folks into town from the High School, don't folks know that there is additional parking there (and is it free?). If it's not, who gets the money? Don't folks know that they can get to their favorite haunts in town via the Trolley? They can park at Union Square and get into town easily during the weekends? And why not? Doesn't the Chamber have a press secretary? If they do then why isn't this step at eleviating parking problems being touted every week in the local papers? Why aren't there Chambers representatives on the street passing out flyers letting folks know about the addtional parking? And one more thing, when the Independent Merchants were around a monthly News Letter was disemminated to EVERYONE, members and non-members alike. We knew what the Independent Merchants were doing and what was going on in town, from events to politics. I would think that the Chamber would be the catalyst to disseminating information to us all.
I think the folks who have spear-headed the Second Saturdays have done a great job. Not easy to pull something off like that. But could the Chamber do a little better job at getting the word out? Just this past week I watched a show on the First Fridays in Doylestown. It was presented by the Central Bucks High School with a roving reporter from the school. Is an opportunity being missed here?
Jeni, you mentioned that the shop keepers aren't like they used to be. How has it changed? Is it the way you are treated? Is it the way the shop owners present their businesses? I'd really like to know what I can do to improve. I'm right there with you on the changes. I have been coming up to New Hope for many more years then you and always found it to be fun, and funky and safe and colorful. Coming from the Atlantic City area, I drove much further than you and made that trip 2 to 4 times a year. Which is why, when the opportunity arose, I opened up my own shop here. I could have gone to Doylestown, Peddlers Village, Cape May, but I wanted to be in New Hope. Since it seems that you frequent the South End of town, you may or may not have been in my shop (Not Too Shabby...) but I certainly would like some thoughts on what you feel has changed among the shop owners. And if you have been in my shop, I certainly hope you were treated well, but if you were not I certainly would like to know what I can do better. As an owner/operator I am the one responsible for how my customers are treated. I do know that sometimes I lose sight of the fact that I need to be grateful for each person that walks through my door. After all, they took the time to walk up steps and come into the shop.
To my fellow shop owners, I hear many of you talk about how great 2001 was. Unfortunately I missed those times as I opened in 2003. But just what has changed since then? From my perspective I think the current adminstration, the war, gas prices and such are mostly to blame. What causes me concern is that some seem to be looking for the magic bullet that will make things right again. After five bad years it seems that some think that projects like the now defunked Hipple Hoopla with the devastation of commercial in lieu of residential and the Gateway Project that rears its ugly head from time to time, are the salvation we all need. Scarey! A very wise fellow shop owner once told me that what we need to do is treat our customers well, keep our shops presentable and be respectful of each other and we will succeed. I believe that we are all interdependent. When one of us fails, it reflects on us all. Each shop that is left empty reflects on us all. Each parking ticket issued reflects on us all.
Oh well, I am done. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday and lets drink to a more prosperous New Year! And Jeni, thank you for taking the time to write and for caring enough to write. Don't give up on us!
Peace,
Rhea Rawley
Not Too Shabby...

Letter to Yenta 12/17/06
While I may not be a New Hope local I live only a few miles north on River Road in Point Pleasant. After reading the recent letters, I feel the need to express myself as well regarding the demise of New Hope.

As a high school kid, it was a HUGE deal to go to New Hope. It was where you could buy all sorts of stuff made by local artesian as well as just people watch, there was nothing better on a Saturday afternoon other than maybe going to school on Monday wearing the new outfit or piece of jewelry bragging it was from New Hope. To us, shopping in New Hope was better than shopping at any store on 5th Avenue!! There was an energy that you could feel through to your bones - the town was alive and we were there to take it all in. Now granted, that was the early 90's and a lot has changed but many "young adults" work for me and they have no idea what New Hope has to offer. They have no idea that there are several famous restaurants less than a half an hour away. They have no idea that they can eat, drink, get pierced, buy a corset, see a play, buy chocolate covered strawberries, have their tarot cards read and get a tattoo all in within on afternoon. No, instead, they are at the mall, at boring stores with big chain names that are full of overpriced, made overseas clothing and such.

For me, now as a 30 something, I find that I don't go to New Hope anywhere near as often as I used to even though I live closer than I ever did. Why? Well, to be perfectly honest, it doesn't have the same vibe to me anymore - it's just not the same place. The magic is gone. The shop owners are obviously not doing well and it shows. They wear their anguish it on their faces like bad Tammy Faye Baker make up. Not to mention - parking. There is not enough of it anywhere, the lots are full and forget parking on the street. Even with a Mini Cooper, I can never find a spot. It's not that I even mind paying for parking - there just isn't a PLACE to park. Yes, I could go all the way up to Union Square and use those fancy digital machines but the shops I frequent are on the other end of New Hope and if I am paying to park - it isn't going to be across town.

So, you ask, where do I spend MY time and money? Brace yourself, this may hurt a little....

Doylestown. I hate to admit it but I do. At least once a week I am there. They have a awesome bookstore, great restaurants and a bunch of little shops chock full of local artesian jewelry, crafts and clothing. With very few exceptions, what I use to buy in New Hope, I now buy in Doylestown. My husband and I are members of the County Theater. We enjoy the "First Friday" events (I didn't even KNOW New Hope held a similar monthly event until I was coming home from the airport from a business trip driving through town at midnight and saw all of the police. I asked what was going on and was told it was "Second Saturday.") The best part is Doylestown DOES NOT CHARGE FOR PARKING AFTER 5 PM. Imagine that! FREE parking after 5 PM?!? Hey. And Sundays. Guess what? It's free ALL DAY! Better yet, there is PLENTY of it, in lots, on the street, whatever your heart desires. No parking issues. If Doylestown, a little town with big city streets can manage to do this, why can't New Hope?

I don't know much about all of the fighting between the business alliance and the chamber of commerce but if any of what Eric and the others declare is true you all should be de-throned and ashamed of yourselves. How can you let our town, our New Hope continue in this downward spiral? New Hope needs it shops to thrive for success. How can they be expected to earn a living when they feel unsupported by their local representation? Do you want Walgreens, Bank Of America, Burger King and Pizza Hut to line the store fronts of Main Street? How about just knocking it all down and build a Wal-Mart and a Home Depot ?!? Is that what you want to happen? As these family owned shops fail, what will replace them? It's up to all of you in positions of power to stop the bickering and act like adults to preserve New Hope and restore it back to the heart of Bucks County that it once was.

Jeni - A "Close Enough" Local

Letter to Yenta 12/15/06
Eric, Pretty good letter, for a warlock ;-)
My "agenda": I'm disgusted that we have to take the free Christmas parking bags off meters on Thursday nights, we weren't granted Fri-Sun parking because of the Council's insistence that they can't afford it and business owners don't deserve it. But the truth is that the Borough appears to be running a budget surplus and is using the money to buy property all over town, including St Michael's Church, the new Borough Hall to be, and continues to dramatically increase the size and capital expenditures of the police force despite no significant increase in crime, all paid for by parking tickets, meters, and an income tax on residents and workers. Upcoming condo development proposals include the space at Zadar's and Odette's.
I agree that folks like us need to run for office. The reality: you can't run for HARB, they like other Borough committees have no application or interview process and openings are quietly, secretly granted to friends, family and political supporters. The Chamber is considering whether to let members actually run for VP, Secretary and Treasurer, but will not allow any type of election for President. The Business Alliance is relatively new and unstructured, I don't even know what title at the top, but I don't see any reason why you shouldn't head it up soon, or start and head a committee right away. I will help. As for Borough Council, Democratic primaries are in February and half of them are up for reelection, including the Council President. I know two people in town who are considering running against the incumbents, and if you are a Dem and will run, I will help you with a petition, campaign and work tirelessly to help you get in. -- Uncle Charlie

Letter to Yenta 12/14/06
Just a long note....,
A long time ago in 1977 I came to this town for the first time. It was with The Pennington School for a class trip, I fell in love, with this town. Coming from a family of IBM, we transferred allot and I had no sense of a town feeling. So to Me this was Great.
Thru the next years I had an opportunity to start working here, that was 1984, I still do to this day as well as Living here. Back then 80’s this town was hopping, But not until The late 90’s did we do a KILLING when we were giving South Street and Manayunk a run for their money. With Roughly 5 nightclubs that were open to all who entered...We had a draw to this town. There is only four places with night time dancing; not every night, and all are not Clubs, Havana, Triumph, 90Main and The Raven. We had Januarys, The Prelude, The Cartwheel, The Raven, Zadars, The Edge, and Full Moon. Now we have places that serve booze with food, not much of a draw for nightlife. We were known to stay open until 12:30 to 2:00am.
So we saw the changes, Power plays, money-mongers, government changes and here we are today. War, Bush, Gas Prices, corporate failures and out souring. Who’s to blame? We are all of us. What do we do know? Pick ourselves up by the bootstraps, as Grandma said.
First, We need to stop the infighting. Chamber of Commerce or Business Alliance...who has an agenda? BOTH!!!! I should know I am in both however One has Branded ME as a MOLE. Now in October I challenged the Chamber to step to the plate in December. What have they done? A tree Lighting. It was a success but I don’t see the people shopping in town. Decorations were late, no great coverage by press, just local. Don’t the locals know we are here, or are all these houses empty? With great help in October, We not I accomplished allot. Activities were all over town ALL Month from the 2nd thru 31st. Both groups worked together. Both guarded and working behind the seines to F$#& the other, waiting like rats to get what they could at the end, “Glory”, who needs it. After 7 to 10 meetings in two weeks we got it done. For All of US; it was good, not great. Next year will be better!
Now in the following weeks there was a power play this one said that, that one said this, and the chasm is wider than ever. How do we as a town get over this debacle? Put it the F#$* aside. Move ON !!!! We understand you hate each other, but at who’s expense, Ours, All of Us. Connie, Howard, Herb, and the others who do nothing but work for their own benefit, Forget the BS, move on.
What do both groups have to offer, one has money and insurance to back it and the other has ideas. Both have an agenda, one to destroy the other, so they can say I told you so, I win! But who looses? We Do!
First, Just stop it. We all have wonderful merchandise to sell to the diverse public that has always shopped here. Remember gas prices, unemployment, war, Bush, and the average Black Friday sales went from 625.00(2005) to 437.00, this year"aprox. avr.". We are not the only town to feel this but one of the towns in our area of the world. Frenchtown is way down, Newtown is down, Doylestown is way down. Lets not talk about the giveaways at the malls 65% plus an added 15% if you use your store card. We can’t compete with this type of sales tactics. We are a great town, We have allot to offer, and 2001 was our best year. On the day of the chamber tree lighting I was told if any business is complaining about low sales well we should change our merchandise. Thanks L.K.! You must live in a cloud. What are you thinking? Just ask any of us, the whole town is down. As Mayor what is it that you are doing for Us as a Whole. I see a Million + Dollar Park going in but it would be free if we proposed it to Del Val Collage as a grad project I called and asked. Did Anyone. I could see that money going to “Town Advertising”.
Secondly, We need to promote this town to the General Public as a place to get away that is not far away. Just 16 miles from here in Ewing, They think it is so far to get here but they drive 20 miles to QB Mall to shop. Look at Peddlers Village their down in sales but up in traphic. We need Positive Press, Not Negative. Plus great town activities, town gift certificates, giveaways, contests, just for starters. WE are not just about the arts.
Thirdly, Save the parking and get some more...We have lost many spaces to development, thanks for nothing. If these big guys move here for the town and its charm, why do they want to change it into Georgetown, Princeton or the like? We don’t like chain stores, STAY AWAY. Don’t move here to change it. We Love artistic expressive individual stores that can stand on their own. We love landlords that put some of the money back into the building to upgrade refurbish and enhance our stores. With the rents in this town going from 2100+ to 8000+ how are we to survive if we don’t have any business. Come on people join forces, not exclude or point fingers. The ones that bitch don’t do much more than that. As I see it.
Fourthly, Why are there members of the Harb, Chamber of Commerce and Borough Council not residents or business owners? Why do these outsiders have any influence in our town? Just two questions?
Fifthly, Borough council, Harb, and Chamber council are elected to their seats, are they not. We could vote them out if they don’t do what we like, in mid office. We are the people who put them there are we not. I was at a Borough meeting and we were compared to South Street and a need for yet another Police officer was stated and at the same meeting the same person said no business were open on the south side of town on weekend nights. If this is so why do we need more officers? In 1984 I think we had 5 or 6 now we have 15 or 18. Remember the more we have in officers, the more tickets are written, the less tourism we have. The less money we make. There is really no crime to speak of, just parking violations and DUI’s. Same as usual.
In closing I would like to challenge everyone to get on the same page and MAKE this town prosper as it once did. I have seen allot of changes some good and lately,most not. I have been here for 22 years and I am not going anywhere, If I have my way. Its time for us to start a new chapter in this book of New Hope, With the new Houses and Congress the economy will be getting better so money will flow again into our coffers. We need to think of this coming new year as a chance to move forward. We cannot move this way if we have fighting. Lets start from scratch.

Candidate for any office, if you will have me.

Eric Burton Lee
Mystickal Tymes

Letter to Yenta 12/13/06
New Hope is not a success, it may be that it is a town that is filled with people that are "successfull" based on the current ill conceived perceptions of the culture at large. It is merely a town that has been resting for too long on it's past laurels and does not seem to find a leadership that truly represents the diversity which exists and which we bandy about like a medal. Diversity does not negate responsibility to the past, the present or the future. Do you really believe that New Hope is more diverse than other small towns that have the same type of historical and artful past. If you do, that's OK, but I suggest you get a passport, do some traveling and look to other small towns abroad and within the region that are thriving culturally, prospering economically and have a real vision for preserving what is good and changing what needs to be changed because they are merely growing. Housing development within a boro is not equivalent to real success, it is merely the carpetbaggers of the 19th Century making a current day comeback.

History does repeat itself, Rome burned, Nero fiddled. In my view that is what is going on here, it is self protection and personal agendas at it's worst.

I do not need the public accolades, which abound most recently on this site and throughout this town which are only temporary feel good stop gap measures in the scheme of life, I need to feel secure that my world and the world of my brothers and sisters is not about to crumble. That is the role of government, economic and cultural leadership. That being to promote the "general" welfare and to provide for the common defense, in that order and not always in a militaristic sense. Those two premises are only achievable with civic, economic and cultural leadership which work together hand in hand with no posturing on "their" side, all of which are lacking in this tiny boro which because of it's size make the lack of same more glaring.

Success, spoken about in a previous Yenta message therefore has connotative meanings for us all and therein lies the rub. How do we tie it all together a neat package whose contents have meaning for us all.

-GC, Variete

Letter to Yenta 12/13/06
Hello...the world of your brothers was about to crumble if left to your government leadership! 7 (seven) well established stores in New Hope were to be tossed out on their buts because someone has enough money to buy all the property he wants and decides he wants to make New Hope look prettier! And yes i have a passport and have had a store overseas for 13 years and let me tell you the only place like New Hope in this area is Cape May or P-Town. The succsess of individual businesses IS what New Hope is about and thats why its still here. Cathy from Made in Italy

Letter to Yenta 12/12/06
I would like to take a minute to thank Herb for his dedication to New Hope! He's been thru the thick and the thin of it and keeps coming back for more! I commend you as always! We need to stick together when the going gets tough and we will overcome and keep New Hope as New Hope has always been- a group of very eclectic, independent, art loving and diverse gender group of people. As for New Hope Gateway, I hope it fell off the agenda as it should have and always has in the past, every time its been re-presented, (different name, same BS). As I was saying New Hope is a success because of its diversity, so, the LAST thing we need is a group of people on a board run by borough council telling the business community how to run its Business!!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Cathy from Made in Italy

Letter to Yenta 12/12/06
A Time of Thanks - On behalf of the New Hope Business Alliance, I would like to express my thanks to those members of the business community who assisted us in the bagging of the parking meters each week. By doing so, that allowed us to have free parking in New Hope for the holiday season.
My thanks to Rhea Rawley of Not Too Shabby, Rick Urben and Bob Mennitt of The Fifth Season, Ed & Vanessa Hower and John Miller of the Organic Coffee Shop, Charlie Sahner of the General Store, Joel Roberts of Mechanic Street Mugs, Brian Hanck of Artizen Arts, John Dwyer of Cockamamie’s, Howard Cooperman of the Howard Gallery, Eileen Gormley and Liz Cipriano of Zoe Rain. A special thank you to Greg Conocchioli of Variete and Eileen Gormley and Liz Cipriano of Zoe Rain for purchasing the parking meter bags for the New Hope Business Alliance.
In addition, I would like to thank the volunteers who are assisting with the Free Holiday Gift Wrapping at the New Hope Visitor’s Center. A special thank you to Joe Knox, Rick Sweeney, Elaine McNeally and Howard Cooperman for giving of their time to wrap holiday gifts. I would also like to extend a special thank you to John Burke, Richard Hirschfield and the entire Borough Council for allowing us the use of the Visitor’s Center and authorizing the free holiday parking. Free Holiday Parking will continue Monday through Thursday through December 21st. Free Holiday Gift wrapping will continue on Friday evenings December 15th & 22nd at the Visitor’s Center from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
I would like to extend Happy Holiday Wishes to all of our residents and the entire business community. I would also like to wish you all a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year.
- Herb Millman - Event Coordinator, New Hope Business Alliance

Letter to Yenta 12/10/06
Does anyone know why the New Hope Gateway overhaul has been abruptly cancelled? It seemed like a great plan. Council seemed to be receptive and there was no great outcry against it from the public only an inconvenience to the shop owners and renters that could have been worked out. Info anyone?

Letter to Yenta 12/05/06
It seems to me that some business owners are never happy with anything the town of New Hope does. Perhaps it is time for them to reconsider doing business in town and move somewhere else where the sidewalks are not so dusty. I’m sure there are many towns out there in need of shops that provide customers with soda and smokes. And in case no one noticed, there is plenty of parking in New Hope. Union Square can accomodate all our visitors without a problem. Maybe business owners could convey that to their customers as they shop. -Bugged Out

Letter to Yenta 12/02/06
We visited New Hope in late October and went to our favorite grocery store Clemens. Everyone was downcast and we learned that most were laid off due to the takeover by A&P's SuperFresh - after they were promised that they'd retain their jobs. Read it Clemens was staffed by the most neighborly and friendly townsfolk we knew - and they were treated like trash. Yet for all the travails of local businesses I read here, no one has addressed this travesty to our other neighbors. We will not set foot in that place again, and Giant will have two more loyal customers. I'm familiar with the sad changes required by such takeovers, dealing with the unions and such, but this was very badly handled to the detriment of the loyal Clemens staff who were such a joy to transact with.
- The Pump House Gang

Letter to Yenta 11/30/06
Mechanic Street Held Hostage, Day 6: The road is still closed between Stockton and New Street, angry confused drivers speed in the wrong direction down West Mechanic toward Main, we grit our teeth and wait for the sounds of horns or a crash. Stone dust flies through the air unabated at different times, my wife is pregnant so she has to stay inside during those hours. The street and sidewalks are dirty and dangerous, and in my opinion have posed a significant safety risk to the public since Saturday. All with no warning to residents, and scant, inaccurate communication with businesses. All violations in my opinion of the 41-point agreement that Borough Council said would protect us. But Borough Council remains silent. And West Mechanic Street residents and businesses begin to think it may be time to start attending those meetings on that new project on North Main Street, and warning others about street closures and safety risks and other problems that Borough Council has apparently turned their back on in this part of New Hope. -- Uncle Charlie

Letter to Yenta 11/30/06
Yup! Get out the seasoning. -JC

Letter to Yenta 11/29/06
We've become cannibals?

Letter to Yenta 11/29/06
The feel of New Hope’s personality these days makes more sense to me when I look back on some of the developments over the past 20 years. One example being the types of developer gentrification over this period. It has had the effect of slowly forcing most of the lower-income residents out, through increased property values and rental costs. In New Hope's case this translated into the loss of many artists, offbeat characters & businesses like Union Camp; that once provided some decent blue collar jobs to the communities mix. I don’t think it’s living in the past to make the statement that a measure of any community's character resides in part with the degree to which its citizens put in place officials who represent and “plan” for the range of its residents, when orchestrating "progress". Things continue moving towards the sterile Union Square model (a commercial enterprise) surrounded ever more exclusively by pricey condos.
New Hope’s draw over the past many decades has always been its genuine offbeat flavor, warmth, inclusivity and diversity. The slow transformation into becoming a bit player in several well choreographed corporate business plans seems to have stripped enough spirit off the old girl’s carcass that there’s not much left for visitors or locals to chew on at this point. So we gnaw on each other.
With respect to business patrons from the area going elsewhere; maybe this is not so much because elsewhere is any better (it’s not), but because for decades many regulars had accurate expectations of something uniquely genuine here in the none-material sense; attributes being sold out by profiteers and politicians.
New Hope's always been a bell weather (at least to me) for what good change is possible or not in our society. The openness to debate, quarrel, volunteer, respect diverse lifestyles & views, counter culture speakers at our schools and many other things has always made this contentious community something worth fighting for. -JC

Letter to Yenta 11/29/06
Mechanic Street Held Hostage, Day 5: After a weekend of total sidewalk closure in front of the Canal Street project, virtually halting foot traffic down the block on some of the the busiest days of the year, residents and businesses on West Mechanic Street have had to endure three more days of near total road closure, with no adequate warning, with huge choking clouds of debris, dirty streets, and intermittant, at best, traffic direction. We were personally involved in two near traffic misses on the block, one with a construction vehicle apparently ignoring the New Street stop sign. The sidealk is so uneven, pitted, crumbling and cratered that it is at times nearly impassable...New Hope's answer to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Come to Mechanic Street and see how diligently our Borough Council is enforcing the so called "41-Point" agreement with the Canal Street builders, and see if you feel like trusting them on The Next Big Project coming soon to your block. --Uncle Charlie

Letter to Yenta 11/28/06
Good Morning Yenta:
As a merchant that has been expounding what should be the company line for some time now I can only say that all of us are getting what only some of us deserve. This was the most disappointing Black Friday and weekend to follow that I have experienced in my professional career as a retailer.
To my colleagues: shame on you for not having your stores dressed for Christmas and ready to greet the season which begn last Friday, shame on you part time retailers that opened late, did not stay late or did not open at all. Do you not listen to what our customers are saying? I do, and it is hurtful to hear them tell me that New Hope is a disappointing destination and that we lack spirit and that clearly, at least to them, we do not act as a team. Shame on you for thinking that you are an island and that you and I do not need each other. Shame on you for not having a refreshment on your counters, shame on you for not giving back. Shame on you for thinking free parking and free gift wrap, another joke, will help to make your season bright. Shame on you for not getting off your asses and responding to what is and not what you might like it to be. Live in reality. You have hurt my business, when I have done nothing but help yours by being available to our guests for the last time. We should be ashamed of ourselves and each other, if only for the fact that our guests are ashamed for us. Go home tonight and listen to a rendition of the Christmas Song, and find out what what "makes the season bright."
People, it has long been said get what they tolerate. it seems that our guests, that have long put up with our nonsense are now finding us intolerable. That makes me less rich a person on many levels.
In my heart I know what this season is all about and so I still will wish you all a Merry and Joyful, Happy and Healthy.
-GC, Variete

Letter to Yenta 11/27/06
I saw very few if any bikers leaving town this weekend with any packages while everyone with four wheels and cash was sitting in traffic (that at times was backed-up to Logan Square) headed to Peddlers Village.
I think the parking issue is being overplayed by both groups. People who headed to the Peddlers Village and the malls this weekend did there share of walking from the outer regions of vast parking lots. Union Square provides inexpensive and ample parking which isn’t publicized as much as it should be. Shoppers are looking for a ho ho ho happy and upbeat holiday shopping environment. The smoke, the smell of oil & gasoline, and the deafening roar of the hordes isn’t a big draw for people who are looking for jingle bells and the smell of pine.
Will the last biker leaving New Hope please turn off the lights?
-Cranky Dave

Letter to Yenta 11/25/06
On Friday I had a local customer stop in with her family. They were here visiting for the holiday. I mentioned that I hadn't seen her in awhile, her response was:" I don't really come into town anymore, all of the bickering between the Business Alliance and the Chamber has really changed the way I view the shops in New Hope. It isn't the quaint little town I thought it was."Apparently all the press airing the very public feud hurt us more than we know. She also told me that both Newtown and Doylestown are having a Midnight Madness shopping night for the holidays. She and a group of her friends are planning on attending both. Keep in mind. neither of those towns are run by a management group but by an active group of business owners who managed to get their act together long enough to plan and promote this event. But hey let's keep arguing over who gets to light a tree first...and where and who managed to get free parking as we watch another holiday season go by with nothing but free gift wrapping and free weekday parking! And we wonder why business is down?
Georgeanne Dantone
Primadonna's Closet

Letter to Yenta 11/25/06
In response to the letter dated 11/21 which was in response to the letter dated 11/18, sorry that you think that townshouses and fewer shops is the solution to our ailing economic problems. Sorry also that you have missed the celebs that have been here - just this past summer for that matter. Sorry that you are not seeing the tourists. They have been here. Maybe not in the same numbers as in the past, but is this our fault or are there external reasons beyond our control that contribute to this. Talk to folks around the country and they have the same complaints. I do pay attention to the locals and welcome them completely. We offer locals discounts, know many of them personally and their dogs also. But honestly, there are just not enough locals out there that can sustain us all. If you think this kind of change is going to fix our problems, perhaps you are a little short sighted. Change is good? I concur. Responsible, well thought out change that is respectful to the needs and concerns of those that will be effected, and not just the few that stand to fatten their purses, can be a good thing. But, ask those businesses that will be forced out of business if this change is good. Ask the residents who have been and will be forced out of their apartments if this change is good. Ask those businesses that will be directly effected as a result of the demolition and destruction of this change if change is good. Ask the locals in a few years when taxes go up if this change is good. Ask the B&B's who rely on a strong tourist base if this change is good. Ask yourself in a few years, when your rent has doubled or worse, if this change is good. Ask yourself in a few years when phase 3 or 4 or more comes knocking on your door if this change is good. Not bitter nor afraid. And certainly not naive enough to think that this project will help anyone other than the individual that is proposing it.

Letter to Yenta 11/22/06
Most successful business owners here in town manage to cater to both tourists and more local customers, as they are not mutually exclusive. In the summer, we sell a lot of sodas, film and cigarettes, things our visitors have asked for. In the cooler months, we sell more toys, incense and candy. Recently, we added basic Mexican food ingredients like tortillas and cheese because the Mexican food store moved to Lambertville and Clemens closed. Next week, we're adding milk, orange juice and eggs, because there's nobody providing those downtown anymore, and us "locals" need them. We're grateful for having dedicated visitors from afar who come back again and again to live the New Hope Dream for a few hours or days, and we're especially thankful for the other merchants and employees and neighbors that keep us afloat year-round. We're also thankful for the physical beauty of the Borough we've chosen to call home, the majesty of the river, the architectural diversity and traditions, the sense that this is a place where you can be who you really are. We give thanks at this time of year for New Hope's emergence from the floods and difficult times into the prosperous and peaceful years that surely lie just ahead. A healthy and happy Thanksgiving to all. --Uncle Charlie

Letter to Yenta 11/21/06
In response to the letter dated 11/18, the author suggest that there are rock stars, movie stars, diamonds and furs still around in New Hope. I own a store in town and I can tell you I haven't seen that type of customer ever in 5 years.That customer isn't coming to New Hope. I think you can ask any businesss owner on the street and they will tell you we are barely getting the bikers or locals. New Hope needs a face lift! We need to stop veiwing ourselves as just a tourist town and become part of the local community. Stop worrying about tourist and think about those locals with the"barking dogs" that can help cover your rent this winter. Treated with respect, they can be money in the bank. Sounds to me like a lot of bitter people out there that are afraid of change. Change is good remember?

Letter to Yenta 11/21/06
To the person who wanted to know if they were imagining things - the answer is yes you are. At the HARB meeting it was Fey the architect, who said he did the design work for Love Saves the Day, not the Zeveta the contractor.

Letter to Yenta 11/21/06
Am I the only one who has woken up and to smell the cappacinno burning at Star@#$%ucks ? Demusz Brothers have NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT IS HAPPENNING! They are only newspaper pawns much like the rest of this town has become PAWNS! I have only played a few games of chess in my life to realize the value of a PAWN. All the people who live on the hill at Riverwoods who execise their voting rights without doing their homework, who bring their yappin' dogs into town on Sunday mornings and strap them to the porch of Starbucks so, they won't wake their own neighbors are responsible for the purchasable council/HARB we have now. It frightens me even more to see the people who stand to lose their businesses lie down and make nice. All of it is a part of a whole of a society that is willing to lay down and let bullies reign. As a final thought...if the people in Riverwoods allow their dogs to bark and whine on their own street the dogs are ordered to be put down or debarked. So, what are we in the borough....ordered to be put down or debarked?!?!? or are we already both!?!?

Letter to Yenta 11/20/06
Regarding “ NEW HOPE VISITORS SAY BIKERS ARE NO PROBLEM, BUT PARKING TICKETS ARE’ I’m sure that the bikes are just a part of the show for the ice cream lickers who took the survey who drop their $20 at Starbucks and Rita’s before they head back up to North Jersey. Once again no consideration is being given to the residents who have to put up with the roar of the illegal vehicles well into the Christmas season. Why is it necessary to further disconnect with the locals’ folks who detest the bike traffic just before the holiday? Do you really want us to drop all our holiday cash at Peddlers Village or some Mall???? Nice job. -Cranky Dave

Letter to Yenta 11/20/06
Doesn't surprise me at all if he lied. Talk to the folks at Made in Italy and Not Too Shabby. They are some of the folks who have already been thrown out on their butts by this Whimple character. And after he threw them out, look at what he has done with the property. Not much! He doesn't even clean up the trash and leaves and debris from around the place. That's how much respect he has for his neighbors. Still a green tag on the door from the flood! He did make sure that the signs letting folks know where the shops moved to were promptly removed once vacated. He really reached out to the community, huh? We're all in for a real good time with this one.

Letter to Yenta 11/19/06
Dearest Yenta, was I imagining it when the contractor for the Big New Project claimed he'd done the renovation at Love Saves the Day? Or was I imagining it when I saw Demusz Brothers actually doing the work? And does anyone in Borough government (or in the little local paper) care that the people with the Big New Project lied the very very first chance they had to talk with the public? Lied. The very first chance they had. And lied stupidly, at that. Or was I imagining it?

Letter to Yenta 11/18/06
Yeah, Spencer showed his true stripes. Everybody's saying this guy Hibble wouldn't have spent millions without a wink and nod from borough council, and Spence never bucks council, AND there's someone on Zoning who also needs to recuse themself.

Letter to Yenta 11/18/06
The Day The Music Died
Chapter 1
Once upon a time there was a cozy little town called New Hope. It was a tiny nook with a big heart. New Hope was a place where the town folk and the shop keepers would stop and talk, imparting small bits of their lives. They shared sorrows and joys, groaned about the floods and put it back together and moved on.
This quirky little town was known throughout the world and welcomed visitors from far and near. It was different, it was weird, it was sophisticated, it was medieval, it was eclectic, it was artistic, it was 5 star, it was wholesome fair. It was pretzels and beer, it was caviar and champagne. It was everything you wanted. It was New Hope.
Many important people came to play in New Hope, movie stars, rock stars, political potentates and such. The streets were filled with colors and smells and laughter and music. The finest of the town, in their diamonds and furs would dine beside young girls with rainbow colored hair and young men bedecked in elegantly pierced noses and lips. New Hope was different and welcomed the differences in all.
But one cold gloomy day a little troll waddled into town with a scowl on his face and sinister on his mind. The troll touted that he Loved New Hope, It's close to my heart, I must change this, where can I start? Then he shouted, I must change this, this just can't stay. I must come in and take it away. This is all ugly, this really sucks, I will tear it all down with all my big bucks. My way is better, my way will be. It all will be mine and only for me. You must leave, get out of my way. I love New Hope but you must go away.
The townspeople were distraught. Whatever could they do? They gathered at the town hall. HARB will protect us. HARB will do right. HARB will throw the troll out into the night. But the townspeople were wrong. The leader of the board warned the townspeople that they were deluded. He bellowed, New Hope is ugly, New Hope is old. A change is a coming. Long live the troll!
Next chapter coming soon.

Letter to Yenta 11/18/06
The Nov 16 issue of the Bucks County Herald in its article "Big Change is proposed for New Hope" quotes Spencer Saunders who chaired the special meeting of the historic and architectural review board (HARB) as saying "We get used to things that are ugly," he said, "and then we become attached to them and before you know it we are protective of them." He added, "This project is going to happen and change is good." Is this the architectural review board or the board to determine what is asthectically pleasing to certain members of the board. Seems to me that Saunders has exceeded his scope and since he has admitted going to school with the builder perhaps he should recuse himself from these proceedings as it certainly appears that he has an agenda here and that agenda is not in preserving the architectural integrity of the area.
signed, Don't spit in my ear and tell me it's raining

Letter to Yenta 11/17/06
Thanks to all of the downtown New Hope merchants who helped with the October Visitor Survey! Here's the press release going out today on the results:

NEW HOPE VISITORS SAY BIKERS ARE NO PROBLEM, BUT PARKING TICKETS ARE
NEW HOPE, PA, November 17, 2006 – Visitors to New Hope say they’re unconcerned about the number of motorcycles around town, but fear parking tickets enough to shorten their stay, according to a recent survey. Respondents also indicated they would visit New Hope more often if parking was more available, but did not favor more boutique and higher-end shops in town.
“We need to keep listening to our customers and keep making New Hope a friendlier place to visit” said Charlie Sahner, owner of Uncle Charlie’s General Store, sponsor of the survey. “This type of market research is the first step in helping to strengthen the New Hope brand and differentiate our town from the tourism competition,” he continued.
Sahner said that future surveys will continue to focus on attitudes of visitors as well as other New Hope stakeholders such as business owners and residents.
Geographically, New Hope’s largest visitor group is from Central New Jersey, followed closely by Bucks County, PA, according to survey results. Philadelphia and its suburbs also showed strength, with some weakness in Northern New Jersey and New York City. “Clearly, we have our marketing work cut out for us in Bergen County and Manhattan,” commented Sahner.
Additionally, most of the respondents say they visit New Hope more than three times a year, with many of those visiting seven or more times per year.
Yenta readers can write to unclecharlie1@verizon.net with questions on survey methodology, returns, or results.

Letter to Yenta 11/15/06
One of the few great things I've seen over the past few months was a rough looking tractor trailor driver blocking traffic on River Road just north of Center Bridge. A big old turtle was trying to cross the road and the burley trucker had stopped his rig and blocker traffic for about 5 minutes until it made it safely across!

Letter to Yenta 11/15/06
Mr. Realist,
Are you kidding me? 1) Did you not read between the lines of what Martin Leyland wrote? 2) Have you ever heard of Amano Galleries, in both New Hope and Lambertville? If so, that would be Martin and Ana Leyland. Both are very active and well respected in the Business Community and throughout the town. They are also residents of New Hope. Shame on you for blaming your ignorance on the Chamber or the Business Alliance. I'm guessing you don't frequent many shops in town.
Sign me, Sick of the whiners that blame falling businesses on everyone, but do nothing to help themselves!

Letter to Yenta 11/14/06
Yes Mr. Leyland, there are more important things going on in the world. But really now, soccer on any level is not one of them. What the people are concerned about is their survival and future and that is hardly petty. I take notice that your name is not familiar to me, a strong Chamber or Business Alliance would insure that my unfamiliarity with you or your business of 25 years would not happen. Clearly then, the Chamber is not doing it's job.
Have you been invited to their Holiday bash, are you aware that funds were withdrawn from the Holiday decoration set aside to throw a party, which most of us, if we were doing our jobs correctly will not and should not be able to attend. Party hardy in January when you have something like an immensely successful season to crow about, not before or during.
-Not Cranky or Subversive Just a Realist!

Letter to Yenta 11/13/06
There are more things going on in the world than the petty bickering between the Chamber and the Business alliance – what about the new Hope Solebury High School Boys Soccer team???? They play in the Semi Finals of the States on Tuesday at Hazleton High School,7pm. Forget the squabbling--- go support the local soccer team, share in the excitement—organize a road trip – have fun !!! These boys are doing more for this community than a bunch of introverted “adults”!!!! School spirit is boiling over--- come enjoy honest endeavour, see a group of unique characters pull together ,sweat and strive for victory --- see what a bunch of unique young men can do when they sacrifice for the team and a common goal—its an inspiration !!!! Go Lions !!!!!! 22 and 0 What a season!!!!! Martin Leyland ,25 yrs business owner in New Hope

Letter to Yenta 11/11/06
Yeah that NH Business Alliance meeting was awful. The three top chamber officers barge in and start making demands, then one of them says he wants to clear his name over stuff the Alliance prez said in the paper, then the chamber head asks everybody to become a wing under the chamber. It was like a frat house prank.
They wouldn't let the alliance guy finish his meeting or agenda which was about bagging the parking meters at Christmas. They were super rude and obnoxious and I can tell you the chambr will never get a dime of my money again until there's some new people running it. -Julie Newmar

Letter to Yenta 11/10/06
A lot has been happening in our town these past weeks:

1. The New Hope Business Alliance, a group of dedicated downtown business owners, had their meeting interrupted by the hierarchy of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce. I wasn't there, but it appears that the Chamber attempted to interdict themselves in the business of the Alliance by way of a ballsy takeover move. I have to hand it to the Chamber, its President, Vice President and Board for a gutsy and unusually sober move on what it believes to be a smaller and newer adversary. What I don't understand, however, is why they care? As an outside observer I would think that two groups that want to do good things for New Hope is better than just one and if you look at the Second Saturdays group there are actually three such community minded organizations. Can't people form whatever groups they want in this town without being sabotaged and infiltrated? Why can't a business join all 3 groups and be represented in the Downtown, in the Greater New Hope Area, AND be able to party on Saturdays?

2. I attended a meeting at Borough Hall held by the Revitalization Committee to introduce a new group of grant writers they chose that have grouped our town with other river towns to the south so that government monies can be found to help rejuvenate our business communities. I liked the people they chose and wish them well but somehow I can't stop thinking...What's in it for them? Ya know? Now I know that grant finders/writers always make a little for their efforts and I think that is fine but it always sticks in my craw that people can make a living off of finding money for others. My question therefore is how much money do they think they can get and what's their cut? (The Mug Man is always suspicious of people offering me free money!!)

3. In one day I heard at least 6 rumors about the devastation of the north side of town and how if we don't all show up at the HARB meeting and beat up this guy Hibble or Tibble before he can even present his plan the whole North side of town will...a. be torn down and turned into McCondos. b. be evicted from their businesses and tossed onto the Bob Guerenser's ferry and sent downstream. c. have their first born sold into slavery at Love Saves the Day. d. have their Starbuck's Credit cards revoked. e. have to attend a 12 step program to wean them from our Chamber's wine filled meetings. or f. be turned into a permanent Renaissance Fair. Thanks to Joanne at Borough Hall for postponing the meeting 'til this Monday at the NHSHS Cafeteria (Let's hope they are not serving the Chicken Crochets). All I can say is if everyone that went to last Tuesdays HARB meeting showed up next Monday at the High School with a bottle of Merlot we could have one of the best parties this town has ever seen. Who will invite the Mayor? I say we let the guy make his proposal and let HARB do their thing. They seem to be a competent bunch these days.

4. Choose the right answer and win a prize...(speaking of competent groups)
What has our Chamber decided to do with its money it made from the Arts Festival?
a. Fund Free Parking bags for our holiday meters.
b. Fund Holiday Banners to go around town on telephone poles
c. Update their website or
d. Pay their staff and throw themselves a party!
(unfortunately only one answer is correct)

As always this town is just a hoot...enjoy it while you can...it'll all change in 5 minutes!!

-the MUG Man

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