| Back Letter to Yenta 5/06/99
Dear Yenta,
I read you articles often, and chuckle at the fact they are being used as a political
round table. I have lived in this town for 16 years (my entire life), and have never even
paid much attention to politics. In fact their presence has been hidden some years. But
this year I must say has gained the attention of this young
inquiring mind. The hype of the candidacy has surpassed the issues on board, I believe.
From the seat of a 16 year old, which this town has quite a few of, here are the issues
that I understand most of the town youth support.
1) Unforgiving and scornful town leaders.
In now way do I ever call myself blameless or immune of trouble, but there is a certain
fear that I as a 16 year old citizen feel when walking into this political minefield (once
called New Hope) Actions of a certain store owner/ "town leader?" (no names of
course) have driven me from enjoying this town. His scornful
eyes always looking down on me, and words of hate spit from his mouth, based on gossip and
rumors.
Last summer while sitting on the Church Steps about 6 other friends and I were encountered
by this store owner. The apparently intoxicated store owner began to scream at us. I don't
know if he was angered with one of us or maybe the fact that one of his employees (at that
time) was keeping such, company. He began to yell prejudice homophobic remarks to our
close friend, enflamed with anger he continued. In defense of our friend we stood up
rebuking the words this "man?" was screaming. He
left unleashing one last remark that would sound like this (written down) I'll
crrrrruuumbllle YOU!
The reputation that I am working on patching up, is at an uncertain pause with a man like
this in power.
-->In the words of George Washington himself in a speech in 1790 said: "Government
is not reason. It is not eloquence. It is a force, like fire: a dangerous servant and a
terrible master".
I think this quote should be read over and over by this man of elected power and then he
should compare it against his slander filled campaign.
2) Lack of available recreational resources for the children of this town:
I agree with the "Dream Team" of New Hope. On one of their points of developing
Union Camp. For those of you in this town with some viable eye sight please go and look at
the work of art Mr. Michaels has done with the Lambertville House. Then Look at our
dreaded Union Camp, soot covered and crumbling with
years of abandonment. The worst idea I have heard yet for this site was a parking lot.
True there would be many spaces, but what about the 8 + lots we have already. Though
commerece is picking up little by little, what do we expect??? Developing the Camp would
be something New for New Hope. All I ask is that
who ever recieves the task of development of the immense land perched behind the Train
Station, think of this towns children. Wawa, McDonalds, Mobil Gas Station, and The Edge
hangouts, are not healthy or stimulating for the intensive minds of your children.
3)attitude of police officers:
With the hiring of more new officers (young bucks) straight out of the academy children of
this town are being harassed and discriminated against. The officers that have history in
this town are quite acceptable, but this new breed being released needs some anger
management classes. I don't know if they are bored or
have some vendeta against youth's but it is outrageous. Belittling comments and fierce
attitudes gain nothing except fierce anger from it's recipient. It is unbelievable to see
how much "locals" are being harrased as compared to tourists. I think the anger
should be directed the other way. How can these repeated outbursts
continue and expect to be excepted. These are the people they will see every time they
cruise by in their cars, bikes or by foot. And as everyone knows, the train of gossip
travels swiftly within the borders of this quaint town, and it only makes it worse for the
boys in blue. just something I have noticed.
on a personal note:
I would like the town to realize that though past transgressions I may have done to any of
you, I am sorry. I wish 50% of this town would accept the fact that wrongs can be changed
to right with time and work. Both of which I have done, Mr. X, if you get a chance to read
this or one of you "political advisors" please
understand that forgiveness is "human" nature, I am not asking you to forget but
to forgive. By alienating the youth of this town you are only angering us and steering us
away from our home. People will catch on to your antics and disgressions, and you will
lose you valued reputation, employee respect and business. I am
speaking from what I have heard, and felt from the expressions of my peers. This is just a
word from a major percentage of this towns youth.
Jarrett
Letter to Yenta 5/05/99
To the author of letter to the Yenta dated 5/4/99. I think it is
incredibly cowardly of you to make uninformed accusations regarding my actions without
signing your name, However you are entitled to an explanation as well as anyone else. You
are incorrect on a few issues;
1. It was never determined by anyone that any work by the New Hope
Civil Service Commission was handled improperly, if it was the Commission was never
notified. If you have knowledge that the Commission has violated any laws I encourage you
to file charges.
2. The cost of the test was negligible. There was no cost to the
borough and the test fees which were nominal were paid by the applicants.
3. There was no cost to the borough to file applications, to my
knowledge there were no phone calls made to anyone, there were no miscellaneous letters,
(the Civil Service Commission does not send miscellaneous letters), there were no
interview expenses, as the Commissioners volunteer their time, and finally if you had any
idea what you were talking about you would know that agility tests were not given to all
the applicants, and 35 is the wrong number of applicants interviewed.
4. If you would care to identify the people who you refer to as the
good ole boys, I will be most happy to explain whatever involvement you wish to claim they
had.
5. The Civil Service Commission is a hearing board and has no
desire to have "the taxpayers buy that the chief is civil service". It is our
charge to hold requested hearings as specified by the borough code to protect individuals
rights. The argument as to Mr. Robert Brobsons status as civil service or not is something
for Special Council Rudolph and Mr. Brobsons lawyer to argue.
6. The Civil Service Commission has no interest regarding the
hearing being open or closed. The Commission members are required to follow the
regulations regarding the request of the opposing attorneys. And I fear that it is you
possibly who does not know the rules, because the manual used to model Civil Service
regulations, authored by Mr. Rudolph himself says very clearly that if requested before
the start of the hearing that the meeting may be closed on request by either party. If you
have knowledge of a vote that has taken place I would like to be informed of such an
event, because I am afraid that I missed it. Also please remember I am only one of three
commissioners, the lowest ranking of the three I might add, and I do not control the
Commission.
7. I will agree with you that the expense has just begun. I fear
you have no knowledge of the procedure. The civil service commission has no stand in these
proceedings. We do not support nor oppose Mr. Brobson, we are simply a hearing body
obligated by the Borough Code to grant a hearing upon request. It is for the appeals
courts and attorneys to determine these issues for which you believe the Commission has a
stand.
Should you muster up the courage to identify yourself I will be
happy to defend my and my colleagues actions to you or any group in any venue upon
request.
Chris Bollenbacher
Letter to Yenta 5/04/99
I have been reading much about the excitement of New
Hope’s grant for the boat ramp on Randolph Street. First I must tell you that this
proposed boat ramp borders my property. It would bring people within advertising range for
my business, I could put some boat slips on my property and start a small boat related
business, I think it would be nice to improve the look of the property. However, I
presently do not support this project and would like you to know why.
At a borough council meeting some months ago, council voted to pay Anne
Toole $2128.00 to write this grant. I read in the Gazette that our borough manager wrote
this grant. I think credit should be given to whoever did write this grant. If Anne Toole
did not write this grant we should look in to the $2128.00.
There was a tone of urgency at the meeting to vote on having Anne Toole
write this grant, because the time for application was soon to expire.
This grant is only available if used for transportation.
This grant requires matching funds.
Mr. Gerenzer is no longer welcome at the boat club in Lambertville. The
reason explained to me by a past official of the club and verified by another official was
due to the condition he left the grounds in after using the boat club to repair his boat.
Mr. Gerenzer approached the owner of the only other property on the river
where he could remove his boat from the water to a trailer, and was turned down because it
would have been necessary to remove trees to allow for the loading of the boat.
Mr. Gerenzer’s boat, I have been told is in need of repair, which
requires the removal of the boat from the river.
Mr. Gerenzer currently uses the Randolph Street ramp for the oil truck to
gain access to fuel his boat.
If you look at the artists rendering of the Randolph Street Park in the
Gazette of April 29th you will notice on the walkway behind the lamppost is a
standpipe which the Fire dept uses for loading the fire trucks with water from the river.
I am not an engineer or an architect and do not profess to be, however by my measurements
the standpipe is two feet off the property line. If we are to have a walkway and I assume
it must be wheelchair accessible, I would think that there must be maybe a 3-foot area of
the sidewalk available on the other side of the pipe. Since the entire area appears to be
only 23 feet wide that leaves approximately 17.5 feet in width for the ramp. Check the
width of the ramp in Lambertville and watch the guys backing down the ramp. I think with a
17.5-foot ramp you will have a lot of trailers backing into the sidewalk area, or maybe it
will be used only for smaller trailers, such as jet skis.
If some one were actually able to back a boat trailer off North Main
Street onto Randolph, on a weekend in summer traffic, where would this person park a
vehicle with a trailer after unloading the boat? Where would a person tie up the boat
while looking for a parking spot? What would happen to traffic in the afternoon when two
trailers are trying to wait for another trailer to come out so they could back in? How
could a firetruck get to the standpipe if Randolph Street is lined with boat trailers?
Have you ever witnessed the chaos at the Lambertville ramp when it is busy? Have you
noticed the large amount of space used in Lambertville for trailers to pass eachother and
to tie and untie boats from trailers?
If it is determined that this artists rendering will not fit into this
space, which half do you think will be scratched? It must be the park portion, because if
the grant is not used for transportation it must be returned. Will New Hope pay
$100,000.00 of matching funds (taxpayer money) for a ramp only? If so, Why?
Before we all get to elated over an opportunity to spend $100,000.00 that
I believe we do not have I think we should seriously look at the benefits New Hope will
receive from this expenditure other than to convenience Mr. Gerenzer.
If we are to spend $100,000.00 of our own money, how about some restrooms?
Or some beautiful street lamps?
Chris Bollenbacher
Republican Candidate for New Hope Borough Council
Running With : Hepburn Duncan, Mark Harrison, Rick Swanson
Letter to Yenta 5/04/99
The "Dream Team" fiscal responsibility folks have one of
the most irresponsible individuals running for Council.
Mr. Bollenbacher, is always crying about legal bills!
Well, Chris, if it wasn't for your mishandling of all the duties of Civil Service and
allowing Miscellaneous hands to get involved
where they shouldn't, meaning, the testing for two full time Officers. Later it was found
that this test was handled improperly and you were advised by legal council to throw the
test out. What was the cost of the entire test? The cost of applications having to be
filed of 35 officers, letters to all applicants, and miscellaneous letters and phone calls
made to each applicant, the written testing of 35 officers, interview expenses, as well as
the physical agility test for 35 officers? This was a wasted expense to the taxpayers, and
was caused by your inability to search out the facts of the Civil Service instead of
listening to the "good olde boys," who want to get back in but don't have the
guts to run themselves!!!
Now you trying to have the taxpayers buy that the Ex-Chief was Civil Service? Who are you
kidding? It is a good thing you're on the Civil Service Board because he would never be
considered, if you weren't. Yeah, Chris, you have helped create the burden of 90% of all
Legal Bills regarding the New Hope Police Department. You should resign from Civil Service
for two reasons, one the most obvious, you have no knowledge of Civil Service, and you
VOTED FOR A CLOSED HEARING.
Chris, "heard around town,"is that the Civil Service Commission, with you as the
leader of two, are going to say that the ex-chief was hired as a Civil Service Employee.
Even when you know the the Civil Service Committee that existed when Brobson was hired
denies that he was Civil Service!
Expense, it has only just begun, and you will spend more money and more money, but the
past will not come back, and
New Hope will go forward.
Letter to Yenta 5/04/99
Dear Yenta:
Hay all you calves and heifers whey not break free from the "heard"? Be a
Maverick and hoof it on over to the Logan Inn this
Friday at 6:30. Meet Borough Council President Ralph Prosceno and Council hopefuls Iain
Aston and Mitch Davis. All candidates for Borough Office are invited to attend. Hopefully,
the Republican candidates will debate some real issues. We will be having an impromptu
stampede to the cream of the crop.
Where's the beef? While the endorsed Republicans continue to skim the issues the
independent Republican candidates get to the meat of the matter.
The endorsed candidates have re-VEAL-ed by their mad cow antics that their campaign is
stahled. The reynolds-rap they are using to serve their left over ideas is falling apart.
The endorsed candidates are now branded as the people not arguing facts. Their ideas are
as poisonous as anthrax. I guess that's whey they are afraid to speak, fear of
hoof-in-mouth disease. That is the twin horns of their dilemma, no new ideas and bad
information.
Don't think for a seneca that they know what they are doing. They have been led around by
the rings in their noses for so long that they can't think straight. That's what happens
when you steak everything on " heard" mentality. They are closing the barn door
on new thinking.
Please chip-in and support the independent republican candidates. Listen to their
pitch-fork over some green fodder. That will make the endorsed guys kick the bucket. Let
them cry over spilled milk while we do our udder best.
The independent republicans have a tough hide and have survived the grazing blows. Their
ideas have glued together like jell-o. They won't steer you wrong.
This isn't a bull-fight, it is about fighting bull.
After all this is over we won't milk any more innuendo, although we cud.
Happy Trails,
Bob Gerenser
Letter to Yenta 5/02/99
Yea, New Hope!!!
The Union Camp/Redevelopment Authority presentation last Thursday was one of the most
uplifting, progressive and POSITIVE experiences this town has seen in months. Thanks to
ALL who contributed to the event -- the Planning Commission, AND also those Borough
Council members who listened to the public, and saw the potential for careful, planned and
exciting community growth. New Hope needed this booster shot !!!
George Michael is right -- You just watch us now, Lambertville!
Janine Witte
New Hope
Letter to Yenta 5/02/99
Dear Yenta:
We should all be very happy that George Michaels appeared on the scene for Union Camp. A
great LOCAL company with vision, taste, and very good track record!!
I think it is great that Mr. Haight-Ashton is looking into the Y2K readiness of the
borough hall and there computer system, but what about our traffic lights, our sewer
system(the one that crosses the NH Lambert. bridge with all of the silver tape wrapped
around it!), and basic issues like that. If the parking ticket system fails, duh , oh
well! By the way, the Blue Flu seems to be over! Imakay
Letter to Yenta 5/01/99
Dear Yenta:
I would like to take a few moments to thank the Yenta for their open forum, there is a
need for a vehicle such as the Yenta provides. Candidates like myself can write and get it
printed. Thank you whoever you are.
Congratulations to the Borough Manager for her $100,000 grant. I would also like to thank
the Council and all parties for working
together on the Union Camp Redevelopment for a positive outcome for New Hope. Now let's
concentrate on the Zoning Overlay which gives the Borough healthy control of the future.
A comment was made about Y2K compliance. I voluntarily spent the morning of my birthday
April 23 at Borough Hall organizing a
software/hardware inventory to analyze our needs for the present and for the future. This
is the beginning of bringing the Borough into 2000 which I am spearheading with the
support of the Council and our Borough Manager. I am DONATING my time, years of
experience, and expertise to the Borough to make us Y2K compliant. The Hub is not
intelligent based so there is no problem here. Cabling is set to specs. In the back of the
offices there are three clone systems that may have some problems, and I will be dealing
with the manufacturer on these issues. Another systems is a 386 that we can use for word
processing only. I am evaluating and I will make my finding public.
I will continue to address the pertinent issues including: A needed Open Primary; To
having and maintaining our new D.A.R.E.
program and supporting our D.A.R.E. Officer; No, to an Earned Income Tax, I am recently on
the finance committee looking into
solutions; Yes, to Union Camp Redevelopment and Zoning Overlay; Yes to a Borough Manager;
Yes to New Hope's historical heritage.
If we know our past we can face our future.
Respectfully,
R.Iain Haight-Ashton
31 West Ferr
Letter to Yenta 4/30/99
George Michael will provide the pearl and the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority
will provide the shell to nurture it. What a perfect solution for Union Camp and for the
citizens of New Hope.
Congratulations to George, the Authority and the Borough Council for setting New
Hope firmly on this progressive path. It’s wonderful what people of good will can do
when they quietly reason together. No shouting, no accusations, no slander; just progress!
Richard A. Hirschfield
91 Ferry Street
Letter to Yenta 4/30/99
Dear Yenta:
Herd around Town....Door prizes, items to be chanced off, (one to be a COW?) Wanted to
inform the voters of New Hope that there is a Fundraiser and PARTY for Republican
Candidates or any candidates who are running for Boro Council. All candidates are invited
to debate the important issues facing New Hope. Meet R. Iain Haight-Ashton, Mitchell Davis
and Ralph J. Prosceno. All Democrat candidates are most welcome! Friday May 7th, 6:30 to
9:00 at the Logan Inn, 10 West Ferry Street, donation $25.00 call 862-3747 to volunteer to
help.
Letter to Yenta 4/28/99
Voters of New Hope, please don't get your "facts"
from second-hand sources with huge axes to grind!!! This is dangerous, negative,
destructive politics.... mudslinging is such an understatement!
If you have a question or concern about the borough budget, or grant applications applied
for/received -- call Victoria Keller at borough hall and set up an appointment to talk to
her yourself. what a concept! First-hand knowledge! Takes some work, but at least you'll
know.
Let's stop with the accusations, inflation of rumors, the "trip-em-up" tactics
being used to discredit council, borough employees, council candidates, and incumbents.
Talk to the candidates (not just one side) and gather your own information. That's the
only way you'll be able to make an informed decision in the may primary......
I for one, don't want to get my "information" from Carol Reynolds, whose close
friend is a former councilman (who lost his bid for re-election) and who now feeds the
"dream team" a lot of their unsubstantiated fodder.
These "dream team" guys come up to you and tell you how much they hate the
present borough council, as if council was one huge cemented mass of worms. What an insult
to the council members who think independently, who try to think each situation through
carefully, and who try not to let emotions get in the way of responsible decision-making.
The dream team has only recently started attending the very council meetings they were so
quick to criticize. (talk about unsubstantiated claims!!!???!!)
This primary is going to see a lot of action, but please, let's step back for a minute and
make careful, reasonable choices.
Thank You.
Letter to Yenta 4/26/99
Dear Yenta:
Do you or your website readers know if the borough is Y2K compliant? In the middle of all
of this political turmoil, we do need to think about this as well. thanks Imakay
Letter to Yenta 4/25/99
Dear Yenta:
When does a Dream become a Nightmare?
One of the best answers to that question is when the "Dream Team," which
includes a former council member, who was appointed to council, given the responsibility
as Chairman of the Finance Committee never shows up for finance meetings. Then constantly
complains and ultimately resigns stating, "I'd rather go to the movies." The
former councilman, I refer to is Chris Bollenbacher. Also, as a member and secretary of
the Civil Service Commission, Chris participated in testing procedures, completely
ignoring State Law and proper Civil Service operation. When the results of this testing
was challenged, Chris, strongly defended the results at two public meetings. The test
results were not voided until an attorney stepped in and gave a legal opinion as to how
bad the situation was. Had this testing procedure not been voided, the possibility of
thirty or more lawsuits could have been brought against the Borough of New Hope. After
this poor showing as a Civil Service Commissioner and as Finance Chairman on Council,
Chris now believes as a member of the "Dream Team" that the voters should put
him back on council. As for the other members of the team, the only thing I have seen or
know about them is their education and work experience. Nothing about where they live, how
long they have been residents, what local
volunteer groups they have worked with, attendance at council meetings prior to becoming a
candidate, etc, etc. These are the most important part of the information voters would
like to know.
As for fiscal responsibility:
Are you aware that the present Council was reorganized January 1998, at which time they
inherited over $100,000.00 of unpaid bills
from 1997 and also the expense of finishing off the work on Borough Hall that was started
in 1996 and still incomplete in 1998.
Yes, legal expenses are high at this time, but that is not something considered an annual
or repeated expenditure. This council has
had the distasteful task of straightening out problems that have fomented for several
years, but have had the courage to work towards correcting them. Many of those problems
were created by the strongest endorsers and supporters of "The Dream Team"
before they were removed from office. Why can't THEY answer how the Chief of Police could
supposedly accumulate 2000 hours or more of compensatory time as a management employee?
How part-time Police Officers and staff were granted paid vacation and Comp Time???
William D. Brooke
Former New Hope Police Chief
New Hope, Pa.
Letter to Yenta 4/24/99
Dear Yenta:
This is a reply to Mr. Bollenbacher:
Let me refer to a public record "New Hope Borough Interoffice Memo" dated
November 12, 1998 listing 15 grant applications that
were requested. I then refer to another public record, a letter dater November 2, 1998
from the Heritage Conservancy, enclosing a check in the amount of $3,250 to the Borough,
representing 50% of the total award of $6,500. Copies of these documents and similar ones
are available upon request from the Borough Manager.
It is rather sad that my opponent Hepburn Duncan's camp can't stay with the issues
concerning this Borough, and must resort to
mudslinging.
In addition, let me state for the record that the Borough of New Hope records show NO tax
delinquencies against myself or my
past business.
Respectfully,
R. Iain Haight-Ashton
Yenta Column 4/23/99
The Yenta wants to know - how much money has the borough spent on
legal fees in the last eighteen months. It seems to me/us that there are an exorbitant
number of issues that have "legal" ramifications and that even if they don't,
somehow they end up that way anyhow. There's the issue of the Chief, Victoria, Union Camp,
Gerenser, Riverwoods, water, miscellaneous inquiries (which the Yenta understands are
allegedly quite extensive by some members of council) and God knows what else are racking
up the legal fees. Could someone let us in on what the total accrued payables are to date?
The Yenta and the rest of the town would really like to know. The really big question is -
when will the borough stop getting itself into these entanglements and development
management strategies that work to avoid major legal entanglement on what seems to be
nearly every issue. When employees of the borough come to council meetings with their
legal council, something is amiss. Wouldn't you agree?
The town's organizations sponsored a wonderful evening at the Logan Inn. Many area
businesses donated dollars, food and wine to honor the police department and the community
volunteers. The event was extremely well attended (including the new candidates for office
and the incumbents). The festivities were capped off by the presentation of an award of
commendation to Acting Chief DeLuca for his role in the capture of suspects while off
duty. One sad note to the event was that the police department which was being saluted did
not show up for the event. I hope that they don't use the same tactics when it comes to
backing each other up on the job, no matter who they are called to back up. Duty and
professionalism ladies and gentlemen. Leave the politics to the politicians.
Looks like the Republicans are experiencing a fair amount of infighting. It seems that
Ralph has put out is PR piece and is defending his actions. Meanwhile, the rest of the
Dream Team is trying to stay in tact, as the opposition carefully stays focused on the
issues and not personalities. Wake up Republicans - this town needs to solve problems -
not play personalities. There are some very well qualified candidates - a plethora for the
first time in years. Let's not waste their talents on luring them into name-calling and
dirty campaigns. Keep questioning them on their ideas for solutions. Otherwise the Yenta
fears the town will be in for more of "business as usual." And that is something
New Hope cannot afford. Get on board for positive change and growth and new ideas for old
problems. This time - let's get it done.
Letter to Yenta 4/17/99
Mr. Haight-Ashton,
I agree with you that it is crucial that the borough manager research funding
possibilities and accurately monitor the borough’s accounts. My comment about our
borough manager not having accomplished these activities was not a criticism of our
manager, but merely a correction to your statement that she had.
If you would be kind enough to forward the facts regarding any monies received by
the borough from grants as a direct result of our manager’s efforts, I would be most
happy to humbly correct my statement as well as apologize to you and our manager.
Respectfully, Chris Bollenbacher
Letter to Yenta 4/17/99
Dear Yenta,
I applaud your comment regarding Union Camp and the council’s desire to build an
empire. I attended the last planning commission meeting where Mr. George Michael again
presented his plans for Union Camp. After the meeting I asked Council President Ralph
Prosceno why the Borough Council was pursuing Bucks County Redevelopment’s
participation in this project when there was a highly qualified developer who was already
the owner of equity. Ralph made it very clear to me that it was not the Borough’s
intention to involve the BCRA, but the Borough’s desire to bring all interested
parties forward to discuss their plans and get the best deal for New Hope. I do not wish
to challenge this noble ideal, but I would like to share some of my experiences with your
readers.
In the spring of 1998, there were numerous discussions at executive
sessions, regarding Union Camp.There was a desire by council to obtain this piece of
property because it was the last large parcel of property in New Hope and Council desired
to control the growth of this property to assure it would be improved in a fashion which
council believed was best for New Hope. There certainly is nothing sinister about that; as
a matter of fact it is admirable. However as is often done by this council they were
trying to do what they believed was best for New Hope in a closed meeting with no input
from the community.
There were discussions about how Borough Council could obtain the
property. Ralph and Sid were very proud about the time and effort they had expended to
make this happen. There were meetings with Union Camp. There had been meetings with BCRA
and there needed to be a vote to give the BCRA $ 30,000.00. The motion was approved to
spend the money however I believe that the check has not been sent. There were discussions
about what would happen if we spent the $30,000.00 and a developer came along and bought
the property. The leaders of Council assured us that we would not lose because we always
had the power of eminent domain. When concerns were expressed at public meetings it was
months before Sid finally used the words eminent domain in public. Redevelopment could not
get involved unless the property was blighted. It is my memory that Council requested that
study. It is my understanding that the purpose of the Redevelopment Authority is to go
into areas as a last resort when there is no other way to improve sites such as Union Camp
to help municipalities by providing jobs and a tax base where there previously was none. I
cannot understand how it is possible that Redevelopment wishes to compete with a
developer. If Redevelopment does get involved, there still needs to be a developer. So
what could be the only reason for the residents of New Hope to choose between BCRA and Mr.
Michael as Ralph suggests? I believe that since the comment was made by a member of
council that if Redevelopment took over the project, we would still need a developer and
that Mr. Michael could get a piece of it if he wished, that the only difference in making
this choice would be who controls this project, an experienced successful developer or New
Hope Borough Council who cannot seem to control it’s own 1.7 million dollar budget.
Council wants a senior citizen center, a movie theatre like the County
theatre in Doylestown. They want to move the Borough offices and the Police Station to
Union Camp. They want a strong arts presence. There was talk of a museum. All admirable
ideas but how does New Hope Borough Council make this profitable? These are not typically
large generators of revenue. If Council fails, what does the site become then?
At a meeting in August 1998, Mr. Dusak from BCRA explained to us that we
would first need to pay an appraiser. Then there would be the $30,000.00. Mr. Dusak said
the administrative fees to accomplish this would be "well over a million" and
that there was a "risk of failure". Other comments from that meeting from
borough officials: "in time a revenue neutral or even a revenue maker", "
there may be grants available, but no guarantee", " there is a risk to be taken,
but it does not seem to be much of a risk", "lots of concerns",
"plenty of concerns, but lets go". I was so horrified at the time that I was
hearing this that I made notes of these comments. I did not feel it was necessary to match
the names with the quotes, but upon Mr. Gerenzers challenge, which I am expecting, I will
do so. One of the above quotes was his.
My favorite quote comes right from the minutes of a council meeting where
Sid said, that we can sell borough hall, the information center, and with the $572,000.00
that we have in the bank, we basically have a million dollars that we can throw at this
thing!
Mr. Michael said at the last meeting that there were no contingencies in
his agreement of sale. Prior developers had provisions in their contracts to break the
contract if New Hope Borough Council would not vote on zoning changes. This is not the
case with Mr. Michael; he is under contract to buy this property regardless. Mr. Michael
said that he could make a profit using the Union Camp site as it is currently zoned, which
he would prefer not to do. It seems that we can support and work with Mr. Michael to bring
to New Hope another example of his good taste and success, or we can have a warehouse, or
we can support our Council’s effort to acquire by eminent domain this property right
out from under the owner of equity, and attempt to manage it themselves. I wonder who in
the current structure of our local government would carry this responsibility, and what it
would take to get straight answers about the operation.
Something else to consider especially since it came up again recently. The
Sunshine Law allows for Council to have closed meetings (executive sessions) on certain
subjects. The law only allows this; it does not require it. The New Hope Council can tell
you anything that they choose to. I believe Council takes advantage of this law. I would
like to see this change.
The above is my personal opinion, which may or may not be the opinion of
my running mates.
Chris Bollenbacher
Republican Candidate for Borough Council, running with:
Rick Swanson
Mark Harrison
Hepburn Duncan
Yenta Column 4/17/99
With the advent of Spring and the progressively warmer weather and
nice weekends, New Hope's tourist business is escalating with each passing day. While the
tourist business escalates, so do the emotions of the residents as the issues around the
upcoming election become more intensified. Where to start?
Well, as theorized earlier by the Yenta, the council has in fact been holding meetings
with the redevelopment authority, and under the guise (as usual) of a "legal"
proceeding, they have managed to keep the town in the dark. Of course, people are
wondering what the hidden agenda is and wondering why it is that the "retailers"
on council seem to be those most in favor of defending the redevelopment project. It seems
that if the George Michael's proposal to the borough can be public, so can the proposal of
the redevelopment authority. Both will ultimately need the support of the residents - so
let's get it all out on the table sooner than later. The Yenta said it before and will say
it again - this town has enough trouble operating itself. The last thing on earth it needs
is to take on the development and operation of Union Camp. Leave it to a developer. They
insulted and lost the Hillier Group, the least they can do is to hang on to George Michael
and let a developer do his business. Sorry boys, you'll have to give up your desire to
control an "empire."
Meanwhile, the Yenta gives plaudits to the resident who volunteered to help Kathryn Bair
by driving her to Doylestown to visit her husband Walter. Unfortunately, since that plea,
Kathryn too has moved into a senior project. The good news however, is that she can now
ride a shuttle daily to see Walter and they are both doing fine
Letter to Yenta 4/16/99
Dear Yenta:
New Hope is such a wonderful town and it is a shame that there are a small group of people
(and we all know who they are) who insist on causing an ugly scene at every town meeting.
Instead of offering helpful suggestions and comments, their agenda is that there is an
unspoken conspiracy among council members and the Boro manager!!! Maybe some of them could
join the production of the X-Files.
I am tired of the volatile behavior, the intimidation, and the threats that this group has
chosen, to push their way of thinking. New Hope is a creative and free thinking society,
and this council has allowed the residents and merchants to speak freely at council
meetings, (whether you agree with everything or not, it was never allowed with the last
council) and it is outrageous that citizens are screamed at to come and fight in the
alley, outside of meetings. Even our ex-chief was yelling threats outside the last council
meeting. What is going on? Maybe some one should put some Prozac in the well water, that
is, if the well is dug deep enough!
Letter to Yenta 4/15/99
From: R. Iain Haight-Ashton, 31 West Ferry Street,New Hope, PA., (215) 862-3747
I am responding to the letter from the Yenta dated 10th April 1999. Mr. Bollenbacher don't
waste my time and yours defending yourself, the facts are the facts, you first quit the
Finance Committee and then you quit the Borough Council. However you call it, a quitter is
a quitter. Let me next respond to another erroneous comment made by you, about the Borough
Manager. Here are the public facts. Funding has already been received by the Borough from
the Heritage Conservancy and the Borough is in line for funding for the "Open Space
Plan", which will represent 6 figures. A Borough Manager is crucial to researching
funding possibilities and the accurate monitoring of the Borough's accounts. Maybe you
need to check your facts.
Let me assure you and the "gang of four" that not only am I running in this
election, but I had the guts to make my platform public before anyone else. Perhaps you
shouldn't run in this election yourself, so that you won't have to quit when the going
gets tough and you don't get your way. I don't see individual ideas coming from your camp,
all I see are resumes and
handpicked phraseologies. Well staged pictures and a package deal format do not a good
Councilman make. Your senseless comebacks are not worth my time. I am concerned with the
real issues of the residents. My final comment...The day that you and I agree on issues
will be the day that I said something very very foolish.
Letter to Yenta 4/14/99
To the Yenta:
Gail Pedrick's and Jay Snyder's campaign fliers for their handpicked block of endorsed
dream-team candidates is a shameful disgrace to every thinking GOP voter.
The fliers open with the heading "Heard Around Town" then they go on to make an
anonymous and fabricated quote. That false and misleading quote is made the subject for
discussion in the flier.
Our committee people's determination to run their block of endorsed candidates on a
"Heard Around Town" campaign is wrong. They are milking innuendo. What our party
wants is to have a clear understanding of the individual platforms, positions and past New
Hope accomplishments of the people running for office. Our party members demand that we
have an open debate. All GOP candidates should meet in an open public forum and state
publicly what they as individuals stand for.
If Gail and Jay's hand picked block of endorsed candidates do not renounce the fatted cow
of their endorsement they will prove that they are indeed the "Herd Around
Town." Like a herd of bovines they will mindlessly stampede at the first heard rumor.
There are other fine GOP candidates. Ralph Prosceno is a three term Council veteran and a
proven worker. Iain Ashton is raising real issues and running on facts. These people are
not afraid to address the issues and think outside the herd mentality. They are willing to
speak out. To date we have not heard from the herd.
I request the endorsed candidates to break free from the "Heard" and speak out
on facts. But I am willing to bet their wranglers Gail and Jay will keep them corralled
and silent fearing an outbreak of "hoof-in-mouth" disease.
Come on Buckaroos, campaign on the issues and not the innuendo.
Robert V. Gerenser
Borough Council 862-2050 Rgerenser@AOL
4-14-99
Letter to Yenta 4/14/99
Dear Yenta,
Way back in one of the letters to the Yenta, I saw someone asked if any grants had been
obtained by the Boro Manager and I could not find any response from anyone until Mr.
Bollenbacher mentioned that none have been achieved to date.
Am I crazy or was this not the save all chant of the then council that the B.M. position
would be justified by the procurement of grants in a time of stressed budgets?
I would like to know if the boro manager received a raise this year and if the need for a
boro manager has been justified or not at this point in time?
Letter to Yenta 4/12/99
Did a big real estate transaction occur last week ??? Ron Filler
traded his big white house on old Mill Rd for the old Hacienda??? (Now the New Hope
Inn???) And Daniel Unger, former owner of the Inn, now resides on Old Mill Road??? What
does Pam Minford think of all this???
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