One Small Voice in Phoenixville

Why we need the Green Line

2009-09-16T18:00:00.003-04:00

Man killed by train near the Columbia Station. OUch. Doesn't that train travel 10 or 15 mph? Perhaps that is the safest route to travel between Phoenixville and King of Prussia if you do not have a car. I really don't know the reason but that has to be a hell of a way to die.

Put up your Dukes!

2009-09-15T19:39:00.002-04:00

Not quite a selfless conservative activist (at least not at first) but someone that saw pure evil (not socialized medicine, abortion, or gay marriage) and decided to expose it. It is sad that she died poor, broken and all but forgotten. I think there is a health care reform lesson in here somewhere but don't let the story get ruined by that.

Hey Hey My My

2009-09-13T08:01:00.003-04:00

Joe Rooney will have some "splainin' to do" after Barry catches up with him. Joe brings up some valid points about the status of capital projects in the Borough. It wasn't until July that Andre Thorton got really going (about 4 months into the construction season. I was under the assumption that Elm Street was closed out and the project was finished. BTW, the facade grants never came about so the broken down house fronts are nicely lit by the new street lamps.

So what is the real job of Mr Cassidy since the capital projects have slowed. Are we paying $125,000 a year for a person to close out grants? We could have an intern do that. Perhaps it is another subsidy to the Parking Authority. The Borough doesn't need his help with Watch Groups. He did a great job with the Middle Ward watch a few years ago but a horrible job with the North Side watch even though he was "Watching Someones South Side" (if you know what I mean.)

It will be really hard to find $1,000,000 to cut out of the budget for next year. The coming moths should be entertaining.

Will they burn out or fade away?

Oh, Newt

2009-09-12T06:52:00.001-04:00

Hey, porn is an important industry but you should really check these people out before you start giving them awards.

We Can't Afford to Wait

2009-09-09T22:57:00.001-04:00

Whether you are moved by the message or repulsed by the idea being floated . . . . . . . . REM can still kick out a decent tune.

The term Lizard King is only half right

2009-09-09T22:38:00.005-04:00

Does it seem strange to anyone that Parking Authority Chair Adam Devaney's resignation dated 8/12/2009 was read to Council only after the initial hearing on the backing of the Borough guarantee of a loan to the Parking Authority? For those with limited math skills, that is 26 days lag time between the letters date and the date it was officially announced to the public.

Two years ago, the Republicans used the phrase "Back Room Man" to paint the past Council President as one that did his job in complete secrecy. I hope history repeats itself.

The voters don't know but the developers understand.

Wasted time

2009-09-07T09:45:00.004-04:00

Schuylkill Trail moves forward in Chester County

Is it too much to ask that Phoenixville be the primary focus of the SRT? The County makes no effort to finish this project in Phoenixville even though they stress that the higher density areas need to have these services (see Landscapes). The Right of Way for the trail in Phoenixville is still in limbo. What a mess. What is our elected officials, borough staff and grant consultant doing? The last I checked, there were roughly 4 or 5 owners of the Right of Way for this trail.

They continue to waste valuable time!

Twits

2009-09-07T07:58:00.002-04:00

No, not some Council President or Non-Profit executive director. The real deal. I really hate Twitter because there are not enough people like this to balance out the people with boring lives and with nothing to say. Pick out your favorite.

Sen Franken on Healthcare

2009-09-04T17:18:00.001-04:00

This is the way to discuss health care with your constituents.

SSDD

2009-08-31T18:05:00.002-04:00

The Citizens advisory committee for the writing of Phoenixville's new comprehensive plan has been announced. You may recognize the names.

Richard Kunsch
Rob Frees
Lou Beccaria
E. Jean Krack
Barry Cassidy
Tom Carnevale

I can see Carnevale. That is a legitimate pick. If the goal is to plan out the giving away of other peoples money or the begging for public funds, you have the A-Team. If the goal is to have citizens give their input for the future of the Borough, not so much. Do any of these people (aside from Carnevale) live in the Borough? Is this then a citizens committee or a business committee. I think the majority of the people should be voters. The Planning Commission sit in on this process also and they are all residents.

I guess we should be happy that they only put 2 CDC people on the committee.

The Two Faces of Prickdom

2009-08-30T21:37:00.003-04:00

I need an explanation as to why the Council is now concerned with the impact of a project on the residents of this neighborhood and the residents of the Libraries neighborhood can go pound sand. I think it is hypocritical and sleazy for neighbors of one development to have sway while neighbors of another is left in the cold. Mr. Ciruelos needs to resign now before his term is up. He has really lost it. He had so much promise 4 years ago and has since become a waste of a vote.

Here are two great quotes from the biggest two faced P$**ks in the Borough:

"Your plan is to minimize cost, which I can respect," said Henry Wagner, council president. "But you are increasing traffic on a residential street."

and

"I want to bring up the strong nature of the building," Ciruelos said. "Everything is jam packed in one area. Everyone in that neighborhood is going to have to deal with it daily for 45 years plus. You are impacting this residential area.

These guys are incredible!

2009-08-30T07:14:00.001-04:00

*****************************************************************************

Those were the Days

2009-08-30T07:09:00.001-04:00

I am getting ready for Cool Club 2. This time it will be Wagner and Speck. Thanks to G for sending these classics in.

A True Classic

2009-08-29T22:07:00.005-04:00

I was deleting old emails today when I came across one that contained this classic from a respected member of the community..

Chappaquid-----DICK!

2009-08-26T16:48:00.005-04:00

I didn't care too much for Ted Kennedy though I thought he was a highly respected and effective Senator. This was a bit out of hand seeing that the dude just died. So I was feeling a little bit uneasy about this as I ate my pizza from Franco's today (I am going to start writing about what I eat) when I decided to contact my elected officials (Democrat elected officials) to plead with them not take Mr. Cassidy as anything more than the bafoon that everyone already considers him. I wanted to be one of the first to get in touch with them so that they do not hear about it and formulate any adverse opinions of Phoenixville. The following is the quick email I sent Sen Dinniman, Commissioner Cazzone, St. Rep. Drucker, Sen Casey, Sen Specter, and Rep. Sestack.

Hello:

I am a constituent of yours from the Borough of Phoenixville. Recently, as I am sure you have heard (if not, the link is here), that the very public face of the Phoenixville revitalization made a rather unprofessional posting about the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy. Mr. Cassidy has come to you many time asking for money and support for various projects. I hope that this posting will not harm the relationship that you have with the Borough of Phoenixville. Why Mr. Cassidy does what he does remains a mystery. I am convinced it was a little bit of Downingtown rubbing off on him. What ever the reason, I hope that your view of the Borough residents is not diminished by the actions of this Borough consultant. Some have tried to control his actions but I am not sure it is possible anymore.

Keep up the good work,

Ellsworth Toohey

PS Check out his comments on drug use,

Far out, dude!

2009-08-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

This could really make 21st health care a hell of a lot of fun.

The Borough of Phoenixville . . . . . . .

2009-08-20T17:52:00.001-04:00

Where integrity goes to die!

Bend Over, Mike Speck wants to give you something

2009-08-18T21:46:00.003-04:00

The fix is in for another project. Mike Speck visited the Community Garden today bringing tidings from the Borough Council of Phoenixville. It appears they are poised to give the thumbs up to the Pennrose Properties plan. What does that mean (aside from a reduced garden area)? That would be public housing out the wazoo on the North Side. 48 units total and to make it even juicier . . . . . . . . Council will change the zoning to allow for more units than the current zoning allows by more than 50%. How nice. Of course the way this usually works is that there is public meetings and other quaint formalities. Mike and Henry really feel that it would be below them to do this. One might remember the love affair Mike Speck has had with Jim Evans and the Holy Ghost project. He couldn't do anymore for the developer than he did without getting a marriage license.

I really think that Mike Speck has no clue. He is only out to stick it to the community while giving big handouts to developers. Tell him how you feel at mspeck@phoenixville.org

Wright Place, Wright Time

2009-08-17T22:44:00.003-04:00

Has anyone found the latest slew of Dennis Wright article a breath of fresh air from the big guy? He has really covered the stories that people care about and has covered them very objectively. Nicely done. I can only imagine that the reason may have something to do with an editor on Bridge St and his willingness to take phone calls from community leaders.

Keep up the good work.

Next up Dennis . . . . . . . How many PC applications will Mr. Knabb have to remove himself from participating on because of having worked on (or bid on) specific projects? How much in solicitor fees did the Borough pay for its work on the Holy Ghost mess (and why wasn't it covered by the applicant)?

Giving Away The Farm.

2009-08-15T11:33:00.002-04:00

Is there anyone out there that is buying the claims made by Pennrose Properties that only 25 units of the proposed 48, will be available for Chester County Housing Authority clients? There should be a few conditions placed on this development. The first is that 50% of the units should be "non vouchered" units (units not publically subsidized). The second should be that the Community Garden stays intact. The third is that there needs to be some coordination between Fllmore Village (proposed by Dave Moskowitz adjacent to the site) and Pennrose Properties in regards to the access of the site.

Pennrose is asking for a zoning change to allow for a 50% increase in units. That is quite signifigant. If they are asking the Borough to change its zoning to the financial benefit of the developer it would seem only right for there to be some return.

Who let the dog in?

2009-08-14T21:37:00.002-04:00

Here is my opinion on the Eagles signing Mike Vick. Everyone deserves a second chance. Every organization should have the ability to sign players that will make their team better. Every person in this city should have the right to despise the decision and the person.

It is perfectly fine to judge the person (and his past deeds) and judge the organization and their bad decision making. This should be a PR nightmare for this team and their advertisers and the best part . . . . . . . . . . . its their own damn fault.

RIP

2009-08-14T09:17:00.000-04:00

I am not a big skateboarding fan but I have heard the story of Alex Kessler in the past. Here is a pretty good op-ed piece written about him in the NY Times.

Keep your standards low and you will never be disappointed

2009-08-13T17:21:00.003-04:00

The above picture is the current sketch plan by our latest PC member Ron Knabb of the revamped community garden. Looks great? There is a catch. The property lines that are shown on the arial are not where the property lines are located. They are off by as much as 20 yards. The County GIS map, available from the County for a small fee, shows a different property line.

20 yards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Now is that laziness or incompetence? Does it seem that Phoenixville promotes and celebrates such productivity? Pennrose Properties should be proud of their choice of land planners.

Back Up and Running but nothing has changed

2009-08-13T17:16:00.001-04:00

Oh how things just keep getting worse and worse. After a late night appointment of Ron Knabb to the Planning Commission Tuesday, the Planning Commission now consists of 2 members with rather large conflicts of interest in 2 rather large applications on the PC agenda. We all know that Jim Evans took his Senior Living roadshow through the PC last month. Tonight episode of COI Theater brings Ron Knabb into the spotlight. Mr Knabb is the hired land planner for the Fairview Housing project. I am sure that he will step down from any discussion or vote on the project. It is the only legal thing he can do.

This brings up the complete disregard by this Council to Council Resolution 2007-1. That was the ethics rule passed by John Messina and the boys to force out Tom Carnevale. AHHHHHH, the good ole days. Anyway, no one can be a member of any board if that person has business in front of that board. They thumbed their nose at the resolution with Evans then they rammed Knabb through without even a hearing or interviews of other candidates.

Phoenixville, where integrity goes to die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, Kids, I am back after a long break (I call it a Blogwalter-esque summer break). Thanks for jumping back on board.

Remeber me?

2009-08-04T22:05:00.001-04:00

Big computer problems equals no posts. Will be back shortly.

Don't Stand Too Close

2009-07-29T23:03:00.002-04:00

From a readers comment of the previous post:

I just learned that the Holy Ghost Rectory was struck by lightening today. Seems like it only knocked out the phones according to Fr John Fedornock. Funny... . seems like the will is to quiet the voice??? So lightening can strike the same little group twice. God does work in mysterious ways!! Perhaps he doesn't like the conversations that originate there.

That is pretty freaky. First Ely's house and now the rectory. Someone way up above is PISSED and I don't even want to be in the same town as some of these people knowing that the big guy out for blood.

With a little help from my friends

2009-07-29T06:03:00.004-04:00

From a reader's email:

He is the short of it on the Holy Ghost Conditional Use hearing. Both the Brotherhood (legitimate) and the Evans were represented by separate attorneys wich made for some of the most entertaining courtroom drama. They were slugging it out. Tons of objections and objections on top of objections.

There was a 20 minute debate about who should be a party to the conditional use with Clemm wanting the Church to be included (they were not).

Clemm rolled out the normal story of the project. Evans too. It was a sham and everyone knew it.

Highlights:

1) Council will not remove the issue of ownership as a condition for the conditional use. Clemm advised that it could be years before that is resolved. Mr Rau seemed not to care.
2) Mr Evans was asked by the brotherhood attorney if he ever received a letter from HUD regarding the underground railroad on the property. He answered no. He was then asked if he has ever read a letter from HUD about the underground railroad on the site and he answered Yes.
3) Colonel Jessup stands up and shouts, "you can't handle the truth!" Ok, that didn't happen but it would be cool if it did.
4) The hearing was continued to the next Council meeting.

Perhaps the best Council meeting since the PPG CU hearings.

Sorry I missed it.

Serious Courtroom Drama

2009-07-28T22:01:00.001-04:00

Tonight's Council Meeting. Be sure to pick it up on PCTV.

Do you still hear the lambs, Agent Starling?

2009-07-27T21:11:00.003-04:00

Warning ---- Not for weak stomached people

From Msnbc:

Investigators are looking into Sanchez's mental health history to see if there was anything "significant," and whether postpartum difficulties could have factored into the attack, McManus said.

I would say thereare significant mental health issues at play here.

A Nice Final Touch

2009-07-27T06:43:00.002-04:00

From the Pottstown Mercury on the passing of John Messina:

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 121 Church St., Phoenixville on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 11 a.m., where Father Jim Evans will officiate. Burial will follow immediately in the Limerick Garden of Memories, Limerick. Visitation will be on Monday, July 27, 2009 at the Shalkop Grace & Strunk Funeral Home, Bridge & Church streets, Spring City, from 6-9 p.m.

Those two did some of their best work together and it is only right that the big goodbye in Phoenixville should be officiated by Father Evans. Not mentioned in the article, Walt Logan and John MacPhee will be pallbearers.

Let's see, an 11 am Tuesday funeral with a Jim Evans eulogy, that puts the burial at Thursday night 9:30.

A very interesting dilema

2009-07-27T05:40:00.002-04:00

Just had a wonderful vacation to Paris and Madrid. Weather was nothing but rain. I am back now. Remember this little piece of the Council agenda for tomorrow night.

X. Public Hearings

a. Consider Adoption of Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Part 4, “General Parking Regulations” By Creating Additional Handicapped Parking Zones in the Borough of Phoenixville, Chester County, Pennsylvania

b. Consider Conditional Use Application of St. Peters Place/St. Peters Housing Development Corporation to Construct a Senior Housing Project Upon Property Located Adjacent to the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church (55 Starr Street)

This one is going to court anyway so why not just reject the application, have Evans appeal, and make him prove that he is entitled to ownership of that land. Hope to see you all out at the meeting tomorrow night.

Oh, By the Way

2009-07-22T17:11:00.001-04:00

I am on vacation this week and next week. I am looking for a few questions to ask the candidates. If you have any in mind, write them in the comment section.

Misty water soaked memories

2009-07-16T19:02:00.002-04:00

There are a few movements that have taken Phoenixville by storm. The Hospital Expansion, The Dog Park, Community Clock, . . . . . have brought people into the public arena to push for a cause. I was upset that this one never really took off. The video on the site is what may be Barry Cassidy at his craziest. I wonder if the offer still stands?

A bit of humor

2009-07-16T08:10:00.001-04:00

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!

Click here to see what is so funny.

It's gotta be tough dealing with idiots

2009-07-15T17:19:00.002-04:00

Did I actually hear at last nights Council meeting that the resignation of George Martynick may not have been accepted yet? Did he send it into the Borough? He spent the last 2 years with Mr. Wagner asking him to resign and when he does, they don't acknowledge it. What is going on? Maybe the whole thing was a dream.

PS. Has the term of Mike Speck expired yet? This has been going on too long.

Brothers in Arms

2009-07-14T22:30:00.002-04:00

“It takes two men to make one brother” -- Isreal Zangwill

How true but it takes five men and one lady to make a complete cluster f*&K. I am glad this sad little story is finally out in a format that is not either gossip or blogging. Here is the link to the court filing (you go to an external site to download)

This story shall the good man teach his son;
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;

William Shakespeare, HenryV

Lost Again

2009-07-14T06:33:00.000-04:00

This is getting old. Can I go another year without being recognized?

PAPA announces Father of the Year

Did you get your invitation yet?

2009-07-10T16:47:00.002-04:00

You are cordially invited to celebrate the resignation of

George Martynick

Phoenixville Planing Commission Member

Date: 7/10/09

Time: 7:30

Location: Councilman Henry Wagner's House

Event Chairman

Henry Wagner

Event Committee

John MacPhee

James Evans

Mike Handwerk

Nick Dana

Mike Speck

John Messina

Don Coppedge

Walt Logan

Anthony DiGirolomo

Barry Cassidy

Don Edwards

Life Goes On

2009-07-10T16:38:00.001-04:00

Sad Day? Happy Day? I guess it is which side of the guy you were on.

July 7, 2009

Mrs. Deb Johnston
Chairperson, Phoenixville Planning Commission
120 Church St
Phoenixville, Pa 19460

Deb:

Please accept my resignation from the Phoenixville Planning Commission. I have enjoyed my time working with you and the rest of the commission both past and present. I am grateful for all that I have learned from you and the others and I hope that my impact has been a positive one.

Not being one to go away quietly, I would like to give my impression of where the Planning Commission is and a suggestion or two on how it can be improved.

1) The meeting should really be digitally recorded and available to the public. It would be a wonderful resource for the public so that they can understand the whole process.
2) The Planning Commission needs to get away from bypassing the ZHB by enacting zoning changes. By adding changes to the ordinances for specific projects, we have been flirting with (if not crossing the line) spot zoning.
3) Applications should come to the Planning Commission without the pre approval of Borough Council. For some projects, it has transformed the Planning Commission from a recommending body to a justifying body. We have made defensive approvals on these applications when we felt that the project was not in the best interest of the Borough. We half heartedly approved applications, with some recommendations, because we wanted there to be some guidance on plans that were basically approved before we received the application. The correct procedure is being bypassed in the same way that we bypass the ZHB with zoning changes. It is not the right way to work through the projects.
4) When a member requests a legal interpretation of a planning issue prior to a meeting, they really should be given some kind of answer. Even if the request is denied, there should be some response. There are issues that we deal with that needs legal interpretations for members to make informed decisions.
5) The Borough needs to realize that a lot of seasoned members have left or been removed from the Planning Commission. The turnover has left an unseasoned body that will need some more time to gel. Remember that I was not always as cool and level headed as I am today. When I started on the Commission, I would go on a rant but it would be Charlie Berger and Tom Carnevale that would follow up with a cool level headed observation. That is what the Planning Commission needs to get back to. It has been decimated by years of removals and resignations and it will be a long time before things stabilize. Council started this by removing Charlie Berger and has continued until last year. Hopefully this game will stop.
6) Members should be required to take the Chester County Planning Commission’s Master Planning Course.
7) The Borough should spend some money to hire someone to do the minutes.
8) Members and Council need to realize that an opposition to a project does not mean that you are an obstructionist. As long as you have studied the application and talked to the people affected, it is the right thing to do to oppose a project if you believe it is not in the best interest of the Borough.
9) The comp plan need to be a community wide project and though a 9 or 13 member committee is manageable, it will yield a very limited plan. There should be sub committees studying individual aspect of the plan and reporting back to a centralized committee. Then it will be well thought out.

It’s been fun!

George Martynick Jr.

Candidate Gautreau on the Library Expansion

2009-07-08T21:12:00.001-04:00

I would favor an entire new regional library (without additional tax dollars beyond the currently millage contribution from our school taxes) , I can envision locations already mentioned such as Friendship Fire Company, re-modeling/addition to original Schuylkill Elementary School or putting in a new facility near or/on location at the existing Middle School after its demolition (which would allow the Library to keep a Main Street address). I have stated both publicly and in conversation that I am against closing Second Avenue for the purpose of an expansion. I am a fan of the library and appreciate all the hard work the staff and volunteers put into this wonderful organization, however our library needs to represent a regional feel because the library is part of our school system, therefore it needs to be readily available and used by the neighboring townships as well as borough residents. I would like to see a library that is similar to the Henrietta Hankin Library in Eagle/Chester Springs that is modern and has ample parking and is used by various communities. Some reasons I can give for being against the current location for expansion across Second Avenue are as follows: As Mr. Kirkner stated in his blog and which I agree “The purpose … is to maintain the integrity of existing neighborhoods while providing for infill development which will be compatible with the general character of the district.” This is the standard which borough council members pledge to uphold when they take their oaths of office. Also, Regardless of what traffic studies have been conducted I do not feel comfortable bringing more traffic flow onto Third Avenue where you have both Holy Family School and Barkley Elementary (this area at 8 am and 3 pm weekdays is already a nightmare with pickups and many young children in and about the area; I cannot imagine bringing more traffic into the mix). As for the current location, the school district could use this beautiful facility for various reasons (admin/school board building, multi-media center, etc). I certainly respect the opinions of everyone, but cannot support the idea of closing part of Second Avenue.

Dave Gautreau
East Ward Council Candidate

Deep Seeded Hatred

2009-07-07T07:04:00.002-04:00

I very much hope that when I die, there is no column like this one printed about me. I can think of a few people in town that I could write a similar article on.

From the first paragraph of the McClatchy column:

Well, the aptly named Robert Strange McNamara has finally shuffled off to join LBJ and Dick Nixon in the 7th level of Hell.

Way to go, Joe

2009-07-07T05:47:00.001-04:00

Check out Karen John's blog. Mr. Rooney is on the case.

Grumblings

2009-07-06T16:31:00.002-04:00

I heard that there is a lot of grumblings from the residents of the lower North Side that they got the shaft on the Elm Street Grant. They believe that when the concept was floated to the residents and the questionnaires were passed out, they would be in line for some facade grants. Well, a couple of years later and the streetscapes aren't done and the residents have heard little from the Borough about the rest of the project. I seem to remember that there was talk about facade grants when this was all started but I can't pin down when that was. What I can pin down is that the streetscape was supposed to have actually been completed and not the half assed job that has been completed so far.

Oh the places you'll go

2009-07-05T09:07:00.002-04:00

I have droped the ball on Sarah Palin and her resignation. I hate to see her go but I am sure it is not the last we will hear of her. So to see her off to a greater calling, I present . . . . .Dr. Suess.

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own.

And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care.

About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”

With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

Programming Note

2009-07-05T08:26:00.002-04:00

Since it is a holiday week, I will be extending the question to next week. Feel free to send the question to the candidates in your ward that have ignored my emails. They would be both East Ward candidates (though Mr. Gautreau did comment on one of the questions), both West Ward candidates (AKA "Never Heard of" and "Never Heard From"), and that one guy fom the Middle Ward that gave me the middle finger. Everyone in teh North Ward should be happy that their candidates are so engaged.

I would have thought that one of the Mayor candidates would care enough. I guess that is the nature of the beast these days.

I look forward to being well represented after this next election.

This date in History

2009-07-04T19:23:00.001-04:00

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion." - 1. Economy, Walden, Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau starts his great experiment at living simply

Candidate Reber on the Library Expansion

2009-07-03T18:34:00.001-04:00

There is no issue in Phoenixville as divisive as the current plan for expansion of the library across Second Avenue. It has split votes by ward, votes by party, support by community, support by proximity, support by age groups, and even the vote of the school board itself. I believe the Library Board did its due diligence in considering multiple approaches to the expansion, though limited as they were to presenting only one. Upon much consideration, however, I am generally not in favor of the expansion as it is currently presented. As a potential representative of the Middle Ward, aside from decisions guided outright by law, need, or morality, my duty is first to my constituents as part of Phoenixville, then to the Phoenixville Borough, then to the community as a whole (in this case, designated as the school district area of Phoenixville, East Pikeland and Schuylkill). I believe its impact to traffic, parking, and the local neighborhood would not be in the best interest of Phoenixville’s Middle Ward.

The library expansion is, thankfully, still in its planning stages, and an overwhelming majority wants the expansion of the library. I believe that expansion of the library will be a positive growth for both Phoenixville and the community at large. The difficulty lies in the approach and impact of implementing it. Harkening back to a comment I made previously, the honest hope in municipal decision making is, guided by the letter and spirit of the law, to bring the most benefit to the greatest number of people, while being the most fair to all parties involved. However, if the wider community supports a project that has less than favorable impact on a locally represented area, I believe a representative must reject such a proposal until a suitable compromise can be found.

Marc Reber
Republican Candidate
Middle Ward Borough Council

The Fly That Loved Me

2009-07-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Franz Kafka!

$25 for dinner with Mike Speck and Dennis Wright

2009-07-03T07:10:00.002-04:00

Not quite but the Washington Post got caught with a similar plan.

Link

More Than A Feeling

2009-07-02T07:06:00.002-04:00

At least one candidate views my question like he/she viewed HARB.

HARB----Hardly A Reason for Being

Candidate Tigro on the Library Expansion

2009-07-01T06:17:00.001-04:00

Phoenixville has been the center of this areas activity for quite sometime. Phoenixville has also taken more than its fair share of density while helping the surrounding townships keep their open space. This has posed many growth issues for the Borough from traffic congestion, parking and increased services.

The part that I have enjoyed being a Councilman Representing the North Ward, was that I not only represented my neighbors but it also allowed me to have in a voice in what I believed was right for the community as a whole. Phoenixville is renowned for having beautiful architecture, aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods, and its fair share of parks and in all a very generous and giving community. With the growth of the past few years that Phoenixville has gone through, I fought hard to keep the new developments match their surrounding neighbors.

I do not believe that anyone in town is against the expansion of the library. It is a beautiful building inside and out and by some accounts haunted (which by the way, activity is supposed to increase during renovations). Everyone continues to say about the existing plan for the library expansion is still in the information and gathering stages. Council has forgone the part of Second Avenue as long as there are some zoning issues are met. The School Board is ok with everything as long as they ‘cannot be sued,’ (in this litigious society, I did not know that you can say, 'Do what you want, but you have to take the blame’). The problem with this tactic is that sooner or later unless someone steps up and states that this is a bad plan, it WILL become the PLAN! The time, money and man hours invested in this type of project add up quickly and just as quickly other ideas are too late to be researched properly.
The Philadelphia Library has 54 branches according to their website (http://libwww.freelibrary.org/branches/branchmap.cfm); Chester County ’s Library System is 18 branches strong according to their website (http://www.ccls.org/cwo/Find_a_Library) most of which are along the main line and to the south of the county. It makes you wonder if other townships are opposed to having a Library in their community, so much for all of the previous Regional Planning that we have done in the spirit of cooperation. If Phoenixville is sternly committed to keeping the complete branch within the Borough limits, why not look at a satellite location? I have heard the argument that we cannot afford the extra staff, but I have to ask then who is working the coffee bar and overseeing the teen area. The old Moose building, the bank across from the Civic Center and the Friendship Fire Company all possess good attributes for making a beautiful building a public treasure. I also find it difficult to believe that the rehabbing of the interior of any one of these gems would cost anywhere near the proposed new building. I would love to see those actual estimates.
In short, I know too late, we must continue to impress upon the builders, developers and rehabbers that the surrounding areas cannot suffer for their gain. This must include the library. Planning Commission and Council must hold the line and not surrender any more of the community assets for special interests.

Bob Tigro
North Ward Candidate
www.bobtigro.com

Councilman Kirkner on the Library Expansion

2009-06-29T16:41:00.002-04:00

Here's my answer. Thanks for the opportunity.

I weigh a project’s impact on the immediate neighbors versus the needs of the overall community as equals within the law and best practices for planning and zoning. The borough’s zoning ordinance for the residential districts explicitly states: “The purpose … is to maintain the integrity of existing neighborhoods while providing for infill development which will be compatible with the general character of the district.” This is the standard which borough council members pledge to uphold when they take their oaths of office.

The “needs” of the overall community do not outweigh the “needs” of the immediate neighbors, and vice versa. Indeed, the immediate neighbors comprise part of the overall community. Elected officials sworn to “maintain the integrity of existing neighborhoods” must strike a balance by, first, representing the “needs” of their constituents; second, by weighing a project’s impact on the immediate neighbors; and third, by reviewing the impact of a project in the context of existing case law and best practices. An elected body must not allow one’s needs to supersede the other’s.

Above all else, however, council must “maintain the integrity of existing neighborhoods.” Phoenixville’s residential neighborhoods are the lifeblood of this community, the pulse that sustained this town during its transition from manufacturing center to regional center and bedroom community. Managed properly, these neighborhoods will sustain us again through the next unforeseen economic tsunami. We must not turn our backs on our neighborhoods.

Richard Mark Kirkner

Democratic Candidate

North Ward Borough Council

Another Idea

2009-06-27T22:36:00.002-04:00

Perhaps you should consider raising money to actually elect candidates that will vote for your interests. That way $5000 will get you Council and School Board members that will work for you for more than this project. If you gathered the people that support the community garden, Saint Nicholas Brotherhood, and the 2nd ave crew you will have a good sized group.

Question of the Week 2

2009-06-27T07:02:00.003-04:00

I appreciate the effort that Mr. Reber, Mr. Kirkner and Mr. Tigro put into answering this weeks question. To an extent, I appreciate Mr. Wagner telling me to go pound sand. Mr. Amici is on a grand tour of America and was unable to answer.

I have little respect for candidates that ignore these platform questions. I mean ignore them, not refuse to answer. It really doesn't show the voter that they will listen to their concerns and answer their correspondence. I will give the candidates one more chance to answer a question before hammering them. Check your spam folders, people! I will not send Mr. Wagner a question this week because I don't think he wants to answer my questions. Feel free to email him the question. I will print the response. I will send the questions to the 2 party heads with hopes that they will push a little harder.

This week I want to deal with the Library. I really think that this is a complex issue that gets narrowed down to Yes/No too much. I want to do a series of questions on the Library that will form a well rounded view of the candidates on the issues surrounding it. There is certainly a legislative side to the Library project that is important to learn how the candidates think, but the political side of it is just as important. If Council is willing to be pushed around by the Library Board, does that help you out?

This weeks question:

Using the expansion of the Phoenixville Library as an example, how do you weigh a projects impact on the immediate neighbors vs. the needs of the overall community (being a regional library, community is to mean Phoenixville, East Pikeland and Schuylkill)?

Punk Ass Stupid Decision

2009-06-26T16:31:00.003-04:00

The PASD Board voted 5-3 last night to purchase the piece of 2nd Ave for the Library expansion. Wonderful. Of course, as luck would have it, only Josh Gould is one of the 5 that can be voted out in November. This was already determined a long time ago. Like everything in this town, there is no compromise or thought put into these types of plans.

Ask the school board candidates if they are willing to dedicate the street back to the Borough after they are sworn in next year. That is the important question.

Further thought ---- Why is Mary Paris on this board? Honestly, what does she bring to the table. During that whole Noyes fiasco, she stood up and said she didn't like the way she was treated and after that meeting she went back to being a sheep.

Candidate Bob Tigro on the Community Garden

2009-06-25T21:27:00.006-04:00

The Chester County Housing Authority and the St. John's Community Garden have attempted to coexist for about the last 10 or so years. I understand the need to have subsidized housing what I do not understand is for the increased density nor do I recall the County even approaching the Phoenixville Planning
Commission for this need. But let's look at what we do know:

The CCHA owns the property and does provide a need. Do they perform the necessary follow up inspections on their units? Probably not. Do 'some' of the residents in these units put strains on our resources? You betcha! Are there people in there people in there that would not want to live there? Yep.

The SJCG has also used that part of the property to do good for the community as a whole and not a select group. The SJCG has won awards, when was the last time that the CCHA won an award?

In closing, these two entities are at the opposite ends of providing community good will, assistance to the community and NEED to find a way to co-exist on that property. I would do everything in my power to see that this would happen.

Bob Tigro
North Ward Council Candidate
www.bobtigro.com

Who had the better plastic surgeon?

2009-06-25T21:19:00.002-04:00

I guess if you look at them as the sex symbol of the 70's and the King of Pop in the 80's, you can get beyond the freak shows they became.

There were a reported 12 million posters of Farrah Fawcett in the above pose.

In his life, all 46 years of performing, Michael Jackson sold 750 million albums.

Both are pretty impressive.

Candidate Marc Reber on the Community Garden

2009-06-25T16:35:00.001-04:00

The honest hope in municipal decision making is to bring the most benefit to the greatest number of people, while being the most fair to all parties involved. With that being said, decisions by Borough Council must be within the limits of the law.

As the land is owned by the CCHA, had the CCHA worked within the defined zoning ordinances, there would be little to mitigate its impact on St. John's Community Garden. However, since the CCHA requires the approval of the Borough Council at this point, it gives the Council the opportunity to address the value and presence of the Community Garden. Considering their prior support of the Garden, a position with which I agree, it would seem only logical for the Council to preserve the Garden by integrating it into a plan acceptable to both the developers of Fairview and the community at large.

Marc Reber

Republican Candidate

Middle Ward Borough Council

Don't Cry For Me Argentina

2009-06-25T06:19:00.002-04:00

I hope all of you got a chance to watch the South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford press conference yesterday. If not, her it is. It was horribly painful but when you cheat on your wife you deserve to get tarred and feathered. This is a wacked out story that I hope will clear out some of the . . . . . more "righteous" among the party. I come at this from the other side of the ideological spectrum but SC State Rep Inglis said it best. The GOP needs to “lose the stinking rot of self-righteousness” and “to understand we are all in need of some grace.”

Let's back up a bit. If you have no idea what is going on, I will give you a quick overview with links.

The Gov. of South Carolina leaves Thurday without his security detail and nobody knows where he is (including his wife). His staff says that he is hiking the Appalachian Trail. His wife basically says that it isn't her turn to watch him. Click here for the timeline

Tuesday, they find the car at the Columbia, SC airport and the Gov is caught flying into Atlanta from . .. . . . . .. Buenos Aires.

Yesterday, he has a press conference where he tells the world that he had an affair dating back a year and that he was in Argentina to break up with this woman. . . . . .for 5 days.

Well, later today it came out that there were some love letter emails out there. Here is the link. And the wife's statement really leads me to believe that she is pretty pissed. That is here.

Lesson here: Keep it zipped, respect your wife and family, and don't tell me that homosexuals will ruin the institution of marriage when the hetero's are doing a good enough job f&%king it up.

Councilman Kirkner on the Community Garden

2009-06-24T16:12:00.001-04:00

Borough Council has already stated via resolution that the Community Garden should continue to exist as it has on property the Chester County Housing Authority owns at the top of Fairview Street. That said, any property owner has a legal right to seek any use for his/her/their/its property within reason and in compliance with regulations, including local zoning codes.

The "correct" answer is in strict compliance with the borough's zoning ordinance. The CCHA parcel, including the Community Garden, is in the Multi-Residential district with clear guidelines on units per acre. However, the CCHA could comply with the letter of the zoning ordinance and still eliminate the Community Garden.

Losing the Community Garden would be a devastating loss for the community, not to mention poor community relations by the CCHA (not that so-called public entities always care about such things). So it's incumbent upon the borough and CCHA to work together to craft a win-win plan for the community. That is, to preserve the Community Garden, and then for CCHA to step up and maintain the property in a way that belies its spotty track record.

Richard Mark Kirkner

Democratic Candidate

North Ward Borough Council

2009-06-22T16:19:00.002-04:00

Slave cemetery, church threats and land ownership disputes in Phoenixville

Why is it that the local paper could not cover this issue adequately over the past year? At least it is being covered now. It was a fairly good article. I was not at the PC meeting but I could actually understand most of what went on. A breath of fresh air. I am real thankful that members of the board stood up to the project though I am a bit confused why, if the site is not acceptable for the members, people still voted for it.

Here is another confusing part:

Krack warned that such an action by council could set them up as a litigant in future lawsuits, a warning supported by Venzie.

“You can make this recommendation to council, but they will probably not be advised to go that route,” she said.

Why is the Borough Manager making a recommendation during a PC meeting? Were these statements made before the vote and was his opinion solicited?

The fix is in, Kids.

A Middle Finger to you, the voting public

2009-06-21T20:05:00.002-04:00

From our Council President:

Dear Ellsworth,

I won’t even consider participating until you step out from behind your cowardly veil.

Henry

My Response:

Mr Wagner,

I respect your decision not to answer the questions. I will post to your constituents that you will only answer questions from people you agree with. Those that know you should understand that.

ET

Question of the Week

2009-06-21T08:06:00.001-04:00

I sent the following questions out to the candidates this morning.

Question for the week of 6/21 - 6/28:

What should the future be for the St. John's Community Garden and the Fairview Housing Project? Is there a correct side to this issue?

Breakup Sex

2009-06-19T05:51:00.002-04:00

The best sex in any relationship is the sex immediately after a couple has broken up. It is the last moment when you passion and heart is open to that person before the pages are closed and you no longer share what is on the inside. I felt that way today reading the Phoenix Op-Ed page. (sniff sniff). There was actually an article condemning the denial of global warming. It was as if they held that one column until the end to finally set me at peace. I can sit back and smoke a cigarette, remembering today and not the 7 years of rocky relationship.

Enough sentiment. Good riddance. You were a useless piece of crap for the last year. I am sure that you will be below the Tri County Shopper on the Journalistic food chain.

Leo is Moving Up on the List

2009-06-19T05:34:00.001-04:00

Official: World's oldest man dies at 113

and he actually looked better than Bridget Bardot does at 63.

Stick out your tongue and say Ahhhhhhhhhhh

2009-06-18T22:45:00.001-04:00

Veterans Affairs grilled over botched colonoscopies

Like Hef goes through women

2009-06-17T16:29:00.003-04:00

You may remember Shannon McDonald from her fine work last week as the news editor of the Phoenix. She is no longer there and I am sure she has moved on the managing editor of the NY Times of the Washington Post. Filling those rather large shoes is now Leann Pettit. The article outlining her qualifications are not online so I will print them here.

New editor at The Phoenix

THE PHOENIX STAFF REPORT

editor@PhoenixvilleNews.com

PHOENIXVILLE — As a recent graduate from Cedar Crest College, in Allentown, PA,Leann Pettit came to The Phoenix originally as an advertising representative. After getting to know Phoenixville and the community I was put in the newsroom as the editor.

At Cedar Crest College,she was the news editor and the advertising manager for The Crestiad, the award-winning, student run weekly newspaper. She spent two and a half years as news editor for The Crestiad, which was her first love in journalism. In her two years as news editor, I took the section from a two page section to a six page section, focusing on Cedar Crest news, both the good and the bad.

During Leann’s senior year,she stepped in as advertising manager when the newspaper didn’t have one.

During her time at Cedar Crest, I covered the new College president leaving after four months and the hiring of a new president for the College.

She grew up in Exeter Township, graduating from Exeter Township High School. During her senior year at Exeter she interned at Berks-Mont Newspapers, in Boyertown, another Journal Register Company newspaper.

As editor, Leann hopes to get to know the community, the businesses, but also the people, who are the heart of Phoenixville both with The Phoenix but also on a personal level as she learns the community,.

As The Phoenix transitions to a weekly publication, Leann’s hope to to give the community the newspaper they want with the news they want to read and that is relevant to them.

Facebookin' Twits

2009-06-16T06:04:00.001-04:00

Take the mobile phones and the laptops away from the Republicans. Why? Check here and here

Goin' Underground

2009-06-15T16:42:00.002-04:00

If it'a true that the old Reeves estate served as a stop on the underground railroad (it isn't a stretch since Elijah Pennypacker was the station master for the area), does that warrant the preservation of the whole Holy Ghost property even if the areas that may have evidence of the past are nowhere near the development site? It is a good question. There are plenty of oral history to suggest that at least 4 tunnels existed on the property and at least 2 grave locations where an unknown number of slaves were burried. I certainly believe that if the entire property was used for such a historically noble act as the aiding of fleeing slaves, there is just cause for the preservation of the entire property. Am I off base here?

New Zoo Review

2009-06-14T17:10:00.002-04:00

Here is a new blog the reviews businesses and restaurants in Phoenixville. It appears to be a good alternative to the political firestorm that erupts here every day. Check it out here.

Phoenixville's Krack Problem

2009-06-13T22:27:00.003-04:00

When E. Jean Krack became the Borough Manager in 2008, we had great hopes that a competent manager was on his way into town and we would stop the 2 year cycle of firing and hiring managers. Some of us believed that some of the dynamic features of the attempted Coatesville revitalization (and none of the devastating failures) would kick start some of the stalled progress in Phoenixville. I am very skeptical that Mr. Krack will be able to distance himself from his Coatesville tenure.

It is pretty well known that the problems that Coatesville has faced over the years, its downfall from prosperous Steel town to depressed ghost town, have come because of 2 factors that are quite intertwined. The first is the scaling back of the Steel industry and the loss of jobs. The second issue is the building of a federal housing project on Oak St. in the late 1960's. Oak St was a blight and a nuisance for the city for nearly 40 years until it was eventually redeveloped under the Hope IV probram into a townhome development.

If Mr. Krack has seen the problems associated with public housing, why then does he persitst in pushing through public housing in Phoenixville? Why would subsidized housing in the downtown be a good move for the business district? Low income seniors, I would imagine, don't have a lot of disposable income to spend for the duck confit special at Marley's across the street. He speaks at meeting like there is no reason for anyone to question this project. Why? He refuses to acknowledge an property ownership issues though it isn't supprising since he was part of the administration in Coatesville that ripped through $3 million in legal fees trying to seize the Saha property.

Most puzzling of all is his almost oouright endorsement of the new Fairview Housing Project on the North Side. This is going to be a privately built and publically subsidized housing project to cater to low income residents. It is to redevelop the rat hole that Fairview has become under the leadership of Rev. Donald Coppedge and his niece Tanya Mitchell-Westin. Krack loves the concept of expansion of the housing on the North Side. Our North Side will be just like Coatesville's south side. Krack is obviously guiding this project into a smooth landing, meeting with the applicant frequently. As you may remember, the fight with this project is the saving of the St Johns UCC Community Garden. Krack is seeing to it that the garden is reduced in size, moved back, and that the public housing takes the whole site.

Whose side is Council and Mr. Krack on? We are getting a clear picture that E. Jean Krack was cast in the same mold as Don Edwards and Anthony DiGirolomo. I guess it could be the job that creates opportunities for authoritarian action that goes against the will and rights of the residents. Therefore anyone taking that job will last 2 years until a new Council comes in and fires the Manager. I don't think this will turn out any differently.

Holy Ghost and the second hurdle

2009-06-12T05:29:00.002-04:00

Holy Ghost passed their Planning Commission phase of approvals last night. They were able to obtain approval for both their Conditional Use application and Full Land Development and Subdivision application. The whole show now goes to Council in its late July meeting for a conditional use hearing and approval of the plans.

Look up the word "absurd" in the dictionary

2009-06-11T16:34:00.002-04:00

Library worried about losing state funding

Wow, this is a pretty absurd article for a couple of reasons. One revolves around this statement:

Mostek wanted to irriterate that the loss of funding for the library itself doesn't coincide for funding for the expansion plan.

"This has nothing to do with the library's expansion," she said. "This is a separate issue. The expansion funds and plans are being handled by the Library Expansion Board."

Obviously, if you build a bigger building the operating cost will be higher and though the initial construction costs will not be impacted by the loss of state funding, the operating costs could be significantly higher in a period of less revenue. Here is another gem:

Mostek said that the most significant funder for the Phoenixville Library is the Phoenixville Area School District (PASD). However, the Phoenixville Area School Board has publicly stated that they would like to explore ways to no longer fund the library, she said.

"They would rather have the local municipalities fund us," Mostek said.

Can anyone see what is coming next (besides Rich Kirkner standing on his head talking about the inequity of the contributions)? A contribution structure based on population not on property value or income. So Phoenixville can bear more of the burden than the McMansions in Schuylkill Twp.

I can't wait for that fight. The library thinks they have the good will of the people over their expansion plans? Wait until the contribution fight hits town.

Face of a Hero

2009-06-10T19:11:00.003-04:00

From the US Holocaust Museum:

Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns died heroically in the line of duty today. There are no words to express our grief and shock over these events. He served on the Museum's security staff for six years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Johns' family.

We have made the decision to close the Museum tomorrow in honor of Officer Johns, and our flags will be flown at half mast in his memory.

The guy probably went to work today expecting a quiet day and planning what he was going to do tonight. He was 39 years old and he was shot a killed by a crazy old man. Some days this world seems so fucked up!

***Sorry for the cursing but it is fucked up ***

Right Wing American Terrorists

2009-06-10T17:44:00.005-04:00

Elderly gunman kills guard at Holocaust Museum

The funny part in all of this (it is not the least bit funny though) is that head of the Department of Homeland Security had to apologize a few months ago because her Department put out a report, commissioned by GW Bush, about the rise of right wing extremists and the conservatives were pissed that they were singled out (though a left wing extremist report came out months earlier to no outrage). Not they are publicly killing abortion providers and shooting up holocaust memorials. When do we call these acts of terrorism?

Kind of Makes You Wonder

2009-06-10T16:38:00.002-04:00

He covers his hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark. Its crashing tells about him; he is jealous with anger against iniquity. --- Job 36:32

Lightning strikes Limerick home

So I read this article in today's paper and I think "I am glad nobody was hurt". I didn't recognize the address or the picture of the house. I get an email today with this link. It appears that this is the house of the new "president" of the newly formed "St. Nicolas Brotherhood". You know, that group that the church formed so that they can steal the Holy Ghost land.

It really had me thinking. How many ironic things happen like this every day that I am missing. Then I got thinking "Wow, I hope I don't get the chance to stand next to Ely and Evans in the same place." The Big Guy in the Sky sure does work in strange ways!!

Public Service Announcement

2009-06-08T16:43:00.003-04:00

Starting next week, I will be publishing candidate responses to individual issues. I will be sending emails out to candidates that will ask them to address specific issues. The responses will not be edited and will be printed as an individual post (each candidate will get a post). I will spread out the posts so there is not an overload of posts and there will be less of a chance that a candidate gets the short end of the stick. If a candidate does not respond by a specific date, there will be a post announcing that they chose not to acknowledge their constituents. I will not make any comments on the response but I reserve the right to comment on the comments.

My intention is to get clear information out to the voters on very specific issues. I think that this years has more ward specific issues than any election I can remember and with the loss of the daily paper, it is important that there be an avenue for these candidates. This will be for Borough Council candidates and, I have not decided yet, perhaps school board candidates. I would include the tax collector candidates but does anyone really care about them?

If you have contact with a candidate, be sure to have them look out for an email from Ellsworthtoohey@yahoo.com.

But Who Will Clean Up Our Town in the Spring?

2009-06-07T06:51:00.002-04:00

Four Phila.-area colleges fail financial test

Yesterday's Inquirer had an article on the US Dept. of Educations assessment of the financial health of US Colleges and found that 4 colleges in the SE Pa area are in a bit of trouble. Among them . . . . . . Valley Forge Christian College.

Harcum, a junior college in Bryn Mawr; Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia; and Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville also made the list.

Failing the test can be an indicator that a college is in danger of closing, the Chronicle said, although officials from Harcum, Rosemont, and Lutheran Theological all said yesterday they were on the rebound and not facing that possibility. Valley Forge officials did not return calls for comment.

I guess an article dealing with your ultimate demise may not warrant a call back to the reporter.

Jump Ship Part 1!

2009-06-06T13:08:00.001-04:00

On this date in 2001,The Democrats assumed control of the US Senate when Sen. Jim Jeffords of Vermont left the Republican Party and became an independent.

The Greatest Generation

2009-06-06T06:52:00.003-04:00

Thank God we had a generation of people in this Country that were brave enough to see us through those troubling times.

The Borough has got all the Answers

2009-06-06T06:19:00.003-04:00

Chester Co. Food Bank distribution rates increase

It is sad that we rarely put 2 and 2 together here in Phoenixville. There is no "cause and effect". Just "cause" or "effect". The Rotary Club gets a speaker from the Food Bank and he proceeds to tell the audience that they are seeing a 30% rise in the amount of people they are providing food for. He tells them that they provide over a million pounds of food for needy and hungry families in Chester County. In a few weeks, that story will fade off into the distance.

Then, rising out of the east, Pennrose Properties and the HACC will resubmit their Fairview Housing Project plan that will include the removal of most of the Community Garden's land. Obviously if this goes through, the garden will be limited in the amount of food it will be able to donate to the needy.

Cause --- Pennrose and HACC rips out the Community Garden
&
Effect --- People go hungry

Amen

2009-06-05T05:52:00.002-04:00

Editorial in Today's Phoenix:

Editorial: Time is right to legalize medical marijuana

State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., introduced legislation (H.B. 1393) at the end of April that would allow the use of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.

Few subjects stimulate the heated discussion legalizing a drug vilified for decades as a gateway to further drug abuse can cause.

But Cohen is right to say the time has come to recognize a need to expand options for health care and help alleviate patient suffering.

Medical cannabis, (commonly referred to as “medical marijuana”), refers to the use of the cannabis plant as a physician-recommended drug.

Its use is legalized in Canada, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, Israel, Finland and Portugal, and in 14 U.S. states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

Pennsylvania joins four other states considering medical-marijuana bills — Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York.

One of the earlier difficulties facing legislatures attempting to legalize the use of marijuana to alleviate patient suffering has been the response of the federal government.

Under the administration of George W. Bush, federal agents raided California “dispensaries” selling medical cannabis, claiming the state had no right to pass the bill since marijuana was prohibited under federal law.

That has changed under the Barack Obama administration. In February, Attorney General Eric Holder announced the federal government would no longer raid medical-marijuana clubs that abide by state laws.

At the news conference announcing his legislation, Cohen noted that modern medical research has discovered marijuana is beneficial in treating or alleviating the pain or other symptoms associated with certain debilitating medical conditions. The other option for helping those with such illnesses is prescription painkillers.

But as Cohen said, “Many of today’s prescribed pain medications have severe side effects and reactions that can be so horrible, some patients would rather have the pain. Many of today’s pain medicines are strongly addictive, leaving people with terrible withdrawal difficulties.”

So, addiction cannot be a reason to refuse patients medical cannabis because legal medical marijuana is not physically addictive for most people.

Cohen said a survey on his Web site, www.pahouse.com/Cohen, found 80 percent supported the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. And there is good reason. Opposition to this bill seems to be based on fear and misinformation.

A woman dying from brain cancer two years ago was able to get marijuana in pill form to alleviate her suffering. The pharmaceutical company manufacturing that pain reliever charged her $200 for each pill.

Cohen’s bill remains in the House Health and Human Services Committee. It is a fair attempt, as he said, “to create a new image for marijuana – one as a medicine that when prescribed by responsible doctors could help thousands of patients across this commonwealth.”

Cohen is not asking for marijuana to be sold to anyone who asks for it. He wants sick patients with a doctor’s prescription to be able to go to an approved facility and get something to relieve their pain — something that would benefit the patient, not the pharmaceutical company charging an outlandish fee for a single pill.

A Historical Beating

2009-06-04T05:54:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder that the Holy Ghost Conditional Use hearing for the planning commission will be on June 11th at Borough Hall. Part of the Pa Historic Commissions approval letter to Father Evans stated that if the applicant became aware of any historic feature that was overlooked in the initial application, they are to contact the Commission immediately. Of course, no real assessment of the property was done by Evans and a gloss over analysis was done by the Commonwealth.

Perhaps the Historic Commission would love to get information expanding on the rich history of the Reeves property and how Holy Ghost has been the protector of that history for the last 70+ years.

The Phoenix and the Mentally Challenged

2009-06-03T19:11:00.002-04:00

From the article today about the PJ Ryan's and Molly McGuires boat race . . .. . . .who cares, skip down to the comment section to see the cream of Phoenixville's critic class. I love this town. At every comment I wanted to report abuse.

GeorgeM wrote on Jun 3, 2009 11:10 AM:

" Would someone please tell me what, other than its name, is Irish about P J Ryan's??? Molly's is the only Irish Pub in Phoenixville - period. "

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chris wrote on Jun 3, 2009 12:45 PM:

" George, you dope, PJ Ryans has been around for generations. Their grandfather was a Irish immigrant who started a family business and became successful enough to give his children the ability to open a family business that is Irish/American. You do know what that is don't you? Or do you need a history lesson son. "

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Steve wrote on Jun 3, 2009 2:28 PM:

" Careful George, this Chris guy gets really upset if you say anything about PJ Ryans. Clearly he works there or knows the owners. I think he may be the guy who dressed up in the bad bunny outfit for PJ's Easter "tradition".

A real contest would be to take all of the guys who fist fight in front of PJ's and match them up against all the want to be gangsters that fight at the Moon. You could put that on pay per view! I think the Moon's wanksters would beat down the drunken yuppies at PJs but we won't know until they throw down!

Somebody call Atomic Wrestling promoter Dennis Wright and get this set up! Since there are major fights every single week at these joints, we could simply funnel all of these tough guy drunks into a chain link cage on Bridge Street after last call and then watch the mayham.

Get it done! "

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Mike161 wrote on Jun 3, 2009 4:22 PM:

" Your a dope steve, clearly you need to get over yourself. "

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john wrote on Jun 3, 2009 4:31 PM:

" Everyone knows PJRyans has it all over Mollys no matter what hash gets slung in these comment sections. "

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GeorgeM wrote on Jun 3, 2009 5:24 PM:

" Given the crass delivery of comments from Chris, it should be obvious that he is one of the goons instigating conflicts at Ryan's. By the way Chris "son", the owners of Molly's are actually "real" Irish as are some of the surroundings. Let me guess, you drink Coors light.

And, Mike, are you a product of the Phoenixville school system? Your use of the word "Your" is incorrect. That would be "You're" as in "You are." Who is the dope for all to see now??? "

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

2009-06-02T08:32:00.001-04:00

The Phoenix announced today that Shannon McDonald will be the new editor as it transitions into a weekly newspaper. A recent Temple Grad, she is coming off an internship with the "Great Green Lady" AKA The Fishtown Spirit. You may recognize the Fishtown Spirit by their hard hitting editorials deriding their neighbors Kennsington. It is my hopes that Ms. McDonald has the ability to help return the paper to a respectable publication.

We salute you

2009-06-01T18:56:00.002-04:00

Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band was released on this day in 1967. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Majority Rules at Holy Ghost

2009-05-31T19:07:00.002-04:00

190 Members in good standing
43 members attend special meeting to vote on by laws
39 members vote for the new by laws
------------------------------------------
= 100% support for the new St. Nicolas Brotherhood bylaws

Only in Phoenixville does 20.5% equals a majority.

Importing News

2009-05-31T08:27:00.003-04:00

Do we really need to report on horrible stories from out of town? Do we need to have Montco court proceedings from a Tredyffrin Twp. incident in the Phoenixville local paper. Enjoy the story.

Man pleads no contest to raping 13-year-old girl

Blogger Hell

2009-05-30T23:36:00.002-04:00

I don't know if this is the final layout. I am not very sold on it but try it out and tell me if there are any bugs.

UPDATE--- This is the final layout

Changes

2009-05-30T08:16:00.001-04:00

Bear with me as I spend the weekend changing the site around.

The D's are Salivating

2009-05-30T07:57:00.001-04:00

From Daily KOS:

PA-06: A GOPer Eyes The Seat—Is This A Sign That Gerlach’s Gone?
According to CQ, Republican state representative Curt Schroder has filed with the FEC for Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District. Schroder’s move could just be a “just in case” action, but it could also be a sign that the longtime legislative veteran is convinced that Rep. Jim Gerlach (R) is leaving the House, for either a run for Governor or as a moderate alternative to Pat Toomey for the U.S. Senate. For the Democrats, former Inquirer editorial board member Doug Pike is already planning a bid.

"Takings" it to the street

2009-05-29T18:58:00.004-04:00

I received and interesting email that asked the question "Does the actions of the Borough with regards to the ignoring the actual ownership of the Holy Ghost property constitute a "quasi Eminent Domain" situation?"

I think it is an interesting point to ponder yet the whole process is in its infancy. If we play it out I think there is a good argument that it could lead to that. Planning Commission approval and Council approval of both the Conditional Use and the land development plans would lead to the issuing of permits. Since the church is claiming that it is the brotherhood, there will be no legal title questioning. The church has no problem signing for the brotherhood anyway. HUD looks at the Borough approvals and the signatures along with church signed agreement of sale from the "brotherhood" and feels it is legit. The Borough is the player in this that makes the process legit. Therefore, the transfer of the Holy Ghost property from the real Brotherhood to the fake brotherhood is done by way of a lazy Borough Council and its pet solicitor. What makes this worse than real Eminent Domain is that, since Council and Holy Ghost are making shit up as they go along anyway, they disregard the just compensation portion of the takings clause of the 5th amendment to the US Constitution.

If the real brotherhood is unwilling to fight this in court (for whatever reason ie financial or fear) Evans and Holy Ghost gets away with it and the Borough is an accomplice to the fraud. The Borough, by shear fact that they ignore the rightful ownership of the property, will effectively transfer the ownership of the property to another entity without providing just compensation.

Is Melodrama a Wrestling Move?

2009-05-29T06:20:00.004-04:00

From the latest Write Hard column by Dennis Wright:

My heart goes out to you, and I join you in your sadness over this change. I've listened to all of your words, share in your sorrow, and feel your pain. Then there are those rare few who took it for granted, kicked it when it was down, and are celebrating this change. You should be ashamed of yourselves, but to feel shame, you have to have a soul. It hasn't been an easy week, and I appreciate the support I've received from friends, family and my saints & sinners. I truly appreciate those who've kept me in their thoughts and prayers, and allowed me to speak about this when I was ready.

I guess he is referencing me and some of my readers. Criticism during a time of self made crisis is not a soul less act.

Lost Causes are Rightful Causes

2009-05-28T16:20:00.002-04:00

"The only lost cause is one we give up on before we enter the struggle."
— Vaclav Havel

"I am not a champion of lost causes, but of causes not yet won"
-- Norman Thomas

This is my 500th posting and I think it is worth a step back to reaffirm the basis for creating this blog. Here is my first real post, way back in August. The problem that faces Phoenixville Borough Council is the lack of commitment to the fine art of doing the right things. They appear lazy and have no desire to look at all the options on the table. Not the whole Council but certainly the block of votes that make up the majority. There is also a lack of faith (rightfully so) by the public that the causes they feel strongly about will be ruled on by an open minded group of elected officials. It leads to apathy by the public and abuse by the elected officials. I started this blog to get information out about issues that are usually lost in the abyss that exists between the parties of a specific issue.

I have become well informed about these 3 issue and I am actually embarrassed by actions that the Borough has taken on them.

Phoenixville Borough Council made a committment to the St Johns Community Garden and passed a resolution supporting the garden and stressed Councils desire to have it kept intact when the Housing Authority redevelops the site. We have come to find out that it will not be kept intact and that a Councilman and the Borough Manager are attending meeting where plans are being finalized that go against that resolution. How would that information get out if it was not for these blogs? Would the Council President tell you? Once and for all, this project needs to be brought into the open and have the issues debated out in the open. I have taken pride in supporting this because it one of the community projects that makes Phoenixville special.

Phoenixville Borough Council has made a huge committment to Fr. Evans and Holy Ghost by supporting their Senior Living Center. The problem is that neither of the applicant have the right to do anything with the party. No matter how many times the Planning Commission and the Council are confronted with these facts, they are ignored. It got to the point where a Councilman actually told a parishioned that he was unaware of the ruling. When did that occur? That would be Tuesday, months after the decision was granted. Pure lazyness. This needs to go away and it is the job of Council to put it to bed. I know that Evans is the largest individual contributer (not corporate) to the Phoenixville Democratic Party in the past 10 years, but Council need to look beyond all the partisan crap and look at the facts.

There are a bunch of people to blame for the library mess. If they had not been so cheap 2 years ago and purchased the land adjacent to them, they would not have divided the community like this. Instead, they will be the main issue in the school board and Council elections this year. May calmer heads prevail and let this project keep 2nd ave open.

I will keep following these issues. I hope that people will take some more interest in them. This officially kicks off the municipal election year coverage here at OSVP. Lets start beating the shit out of the candidates. I appreciate the 254 people that read my blog yesterday. I was stuck at 16 people a day for the first month of existence and I have tried to make it interesting for all of you. Some of the references you may get and some you may not but I am trying.

Let the Games Begin

Happy 230th

2009-05-28T06:36:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to poet Sir Thomas Moore

I feel like one,
Who treads alone
Some banquet-hall deserted,
Whose lights are fled,
Whose garlands dead,
And all but he departed!

---Oft in the Stilly Night

The Borough of Endless Possibilities

2009-05-27T16:29:00.002-04:00

Is it possible that there are still Council people that do not know about the ruling of Judge Griffith in the case of Holy Ghost v St. Nicholas Brotherhood?

Big Day for War Criminals

2009-05-27T05:58:00.002-04:00

May 27th marks a landmark day for war criminals. Today is the 10 anniversary of the indictment by the World Criminal Tribunal in the Hague of Slobodon Milosevic for his role in the slaughter of thousands in the former Yugoslavia. It also marks the birthday of Henry Kissinger. The former Secretary of State is 86 today.

Bueller, Bueller

2009-05-27T05:41:00.004-04:00

I would be interested to see if anyone had attended the Council meeting last night and could report on the the two issues covered here in this blog. The first being the conditional use request of Holy Ghost Church and Father Evans. That was just a request to schedule the hearing but, honestly, they should have been thrown out on their ears. The issue of the secret meeting that Mr. Wagner and Mr Krack had with the housing authority and Pennrose Property.

It smell like slow death

2009-05-25T08:11:00.004-04:00

" It smelled like slow death in there. Malaria,...nightmares." --- Captain Willard

Wouldn't you think that if the Phoenix was going to transform from a "weakly" paper to a "weekly" paper that they would go down fighting. The online version and the blogs that accompany it need to make the transition from a secondary role to a primary role. That means that your blog topics need to be about something that people other than the staff have an interest in. That means that the Custodian of Public Opinion actually express an opinion that someone understands.

This is like watching a slow painful death.

Happy BIrthday

2009-05-24T17:40:00.002-04:00

Happy 68th Birthday Robert Allen Zimmerman (AKA Bob Dylan)