Councilmembers Ciruelos, Gill, Handwerk, and Speck of Phoenixville's Borough Council voted to spend more of our tax dollars last night to extend the CDC's contract for another five years with a $14,000 annual raise.
Richard Kirkner, D-N, reminded Council, "The intent was never to have this as a taxpayer-supported entity." He continued, "This is not a good contract." After Kirkner cited the possibilities of a layoff, Carlos Ciruelos, D-E, said, "That's the politics of fear." Several other Councilmembers weighed in according to the Phoenix, and the vote passed to August's full Council meeting 4 to 3.
Politics of fear or did Kirkner merely state fact?
Will Council learn from their own history of mistakes?
Council hired a borough manager who did not qualify for the position under their own advertised requirements. Phoenixville now has a new borough manager.
Phoenixville residents are paying a high premium for the borough program of trash removal rather utilizing a contract with a commercial hauler who guaranteed a fixed price for a number of years. Council made a huge mistake which will continue to rise in cost and haunt the taxpayer.
The institution of a Parking Authority meets my criteria for a risky move. Although we have heard little publically about the future considerations of the authority, will we learn of the need for taxpayer subsidies?
By my read of today's Phoenix article on the CDC contract extension, a $14,000 increase to the prior three year contract fee of annual $111,000 has now put us on the hook for a Council vote to approve $125,000 annually for a grand total for the life of the contract of $952,000.
For what?
Sure,the downtown looks nice and people have fun on First Fridays.
But, it's all "Bling". And, it's costing taxpayers money which, by all accounts will be needed for the 2009 budget.
Phoenixville, as with every other municipality in these United States, is fast approaching a fiscal crisis. We are already at an enormous deficit with the "Budget Time Bomb Discovered" thread at Councilman Buckwalter’s site.
How can the residents be asked to foot the bill for another unfunded contract?
Do none of these members realize the looming economic threats on the horizon?
Is there no foresight?
Where is the commonsense?
Economic woes have already reached our community.
A downward spiral in home prices is already evident locally, homes are not selling, and there are projections of defaults of 20 to 30% in home mortgage foreclosures.
Nationally, we are facing the possibility of a long recession.
Banks are failing.
IndyMac's problems prompted a bank run.
The stock market is in voltile bear country.
Many businesses are already cutting back which means the possible loss of jobs or rollbacks in hours worked.
We have already seen as much as an 85% increase in home heating oil for this winter, along with rising gas and electricity costs. Higher grocery bills and the hidden costs of the increase in energy are reflected in the cost of goods every time we shop.
The specter of hyperinflation may be just around the corner, and I am not the only one who has heard the stories of food shortages and riots in third world countries and the beginning whispers of a global depression.
The impact of higher costs will be reflected in Phoenixville’s 2009 budget, and the already overburdened Phoenixville taxpayer cannot afford a third year in a row double digit tax increase.
Now is the time for Council to realize it’s obligation to our residents.
Now is the time for budgetary cuts.
Now is the time for economic austerity, at home and in our municipal government.
Bling has it's place, but not at the expense of Phoenixville becoming an example of unintended consequences.
No tax hikes on the backs of Phoenixville taxpayers for an expendable CDC.
Cut costs, Councilmembers. Whether one is in denial or completely ignorant of the economic crisis it is coming whether we are prepared for it or not.
*For non-hip-hop fans, "Bling" is flashy, elaborate ornamentation.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
$625,000 Recommended to the Easy Street CDC
$625,000 Recommended to the Easy Street CDC*
Despite arguments of fiscal responsibility concerns by Msrs. Buckwalter, Kirkner and Senley, last evening's Committee meeting resulted in a recommendation to Council that we extend the current CDC contract for 5 years at $125,000 annually. The vote was 4-3, Msrs. Ciruelos, Gill, Handwerk and Speck voting in the affirmative; Mr. Wagner was absent.
This recommendation is being made to Council without any knowledge of any part of the 2009 budget. Yes, Council will be asked to approve this expense without any idea of what else taxpayer monies might be "needed" for in the Borough in 2009.
Apparently, this being the first recommended fund allocation for next year, Council has tagged the services of Barry Cassidy as the most important item in this Borough that the property taxpayers absolutely must fund for 5 more years.
The BID/DID concept is apparently a DUD; it's just easier to raise your taxes.
The Committee chose to disregard the statements of the current Finance Chair, past Finance Chair, and past CDC Liaison advising against acting whimsically on this item before Council is fully informed about the Borough's 2009 operational and project needs.
Taxpayers at this point may only grasp two moments of sanity:
1. It's not a "done deal" as of last night.
2. Even if it was a "done deal" last night, it's not a "done deal" until December.
An obvious tactical error was made by those supporting the contract extension in Committee. The contract could have been moved right to Council last night, as there was a continued Council meeting which both preceded and followed the Committee meetings. No such motion was made.
Following on, even if that symbolic gesture had been executed, there is no money officially allocated until the approved 2009 budget in December.
Therefore, the public still has several months to make their feelings known. If you believe your Councilmen are not casting votes that represent your interests, their contact information is available at http://www.phoenixville.org/CouncilMembers.html.
Councilman Jeff Senley's blog: http://councilmansenley.blogspot.com
Despite arguments of fiscal responsibility concerns by Msrs. Buckwalter, Kirkner and Senley, last evening's Committee meeting resulted in a recommendation to Council that we extend the current CDC contract for 5 years at $125,000 annually. The vote was 4-3, Msrs. Ciruelos, Gill, Handwerk and Speck voting in the affirmative; Mr. Wagner was absent.
This recommendation is being made to Council without any knowledge of any part of the 2009 budget. Yes, Council will be asked to approve this expense without any idea of what else taxpayer monies might be "needed" for in the Borough in 2009.
Apparently, this being the first recommended fund allocation for next year, Council has tagged the services of Barry Cassidy as the most important item in this Borough that the property taxpayers absolutely must fund for 5 more years.
The BID/DID concept is apparently a DUD; it's just easier to raise your taxes.
The Committee chose to disregard the statements of the current Finance Chair, past Finance Chair, and past CDC Liaison advising against acting whimsically on this item before Council is fully informed about the Borough's 2009 operational and project needs.
Taxpayers at this point may only grasp two moments of sanity:
1. It's not a "done deal" as of last night.
2. Even if it was a "done deal" last night, it's not a "done deal" until December.
An obvious tactical error was made by those supporting the contract extension in Committee. The contract could have been moved right to Council last night, as there was a continued Council meeting which both preceded and followed the Committee meetings. No such motion was made.
Following on, even if that symbolic gesture had been executed, there is no money officially allocated until the approved 2009 budget in December.
Therefore, the public still has several months to make their feelings known. If you believe your Councilmen are not casting votes that represent your interests, their contact information is available at http://www.phoenixville.org/CouncilMembers.html.
Councilman Jeff Senley's blog: http://councilmansenley.blogspot.com
Monday, July 28, 2008
Budget crunch time - we can help with our ideas!
Phoenixville Borough Council, along with the newly hired Borough Manager, E. Jean Krack, will have a long and laborious task ahead of them in their work on the 2009 budget.
I don’t envy the job ahead.
I do have suggestions for their consideration as they move through the process. You may have contributions, also. Add them to the blog.
This year, Council’s motto should be, no, has to be....slash and burn.
In view of the revelations at Councilman Ken Buckwalter’s site, “Budget Time Bomb Discovered”, at http://www.watchingphoenixville.com we have more problems than originally thought.
Rising costs for gasoline, heating oil, (electricity is next), chemicals for the water and sewer departments either will or already are hitting the borough with major increases. Controlling some costs may not be as easy as piggybacking with the state anymore. This is the time for creative ideas, and a fair amount of gumption to implement those ideas which show merit.
Due to the rising costs on every aspect of life, Borough Council must deal with fiscal realities by doing everything they can to lower the cost of government services. No one can expect Phoenixville residents to have the ability to bear another double digit tax increase. Council must achieve real and sustainable relief by addressing our local government's efficiency after dealing with any found deficiencies during the budge process.
Therefore, a department by department review of costs must be made with department heads taking the lead along with the staff to examine budget items. Council should request a realistic percentage of reduction in each department.
A hiring freeze should be effective immediately.
A no-idling rule should be instituted for all borough vehicles including the police department. Increase the bike patrol program.
All municipal buildings should have zoned thermostats if they don’t already, and weatherized before winter.
Eliminate all unnecessary travel, and urge departments to consolidate borough related errands.
Work with the unions on temporarily freezing education benefits as well as urging consolidation of employee insurance benefits to a spouse’s group insurance.
Cancel previous funding commitments to capital improvement programs, at least temporarily, such as the CDC, and Friendship Field.
Aggressively pursue outstanding receipts due to the borough.
Re-negotiate agreement with PTV to cut costs, and if possible, revisit all outside vendor contracts, i.e., cell tower owners.
Facilitate for and examine any available models for shared services with neighboring communities.
Examine the savings realized by a 4 - 10 hour day work week in departments where possible.
Council should determine if the utility poles throughout town and in our parking lots are owned by the borough. Years ago they were sold, bought back, and perhaps sold again. I’m not certain if we do or do not own them today. Either way, the borough should examine and make a cost saving move to solar powered or LED lighting as effective way to reduce electrical costs. Light pollution should also be a consideration when a change is made.
Marple Township’s program:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/rebuild_america/marple_township_final102604.pdf
Develop a long term plan to reclaim methane gas at the sewer plant into heating for the facility. Here is one company which converts sewage into clean water and renewable energy.
http://www.wwdmag.com/Innovative-Company-Converts-Sewage-into-Clean-Water-and-Renewable-Energy-NewsPiece11934
Think green everywhere.
Years ago, I presented Council with the idea of municipal supplied electricity for the borough. Revisiting that idea may be worth considering. In addition, wind turbines on top of utility poles are now being used to generate electricity in those areas with sufficient wind power. See this article:
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080603/NEWS/806030341
Many more ideas were contained in a draft memo which I lost before saving when we had a power outage. :(
Please post your ideas on ways the borough can save your tax dollars.
Together, maybe we really can make a difference!
I don’t envy the job ahead.
I do have suggestions for their consideration as they move through the process. You may have contributions, also. Add them to the blog.
This year, Council’s motto should be, no, has to be....slash and burn.
In view of the revelations at Councilman Ken Buckwalter’s site, “Budget Time Bomb Discovered”, at http://www.watchingphoenixville.com we have more problems than originally thought.
Rising costs for gasoline, heating oil, (electricity is next), chemicals for the water and sewer departments either will or already are hitting the borough with major increases. Controlling some costs may not be as easy as piggybacking with the state anymore. This is the time for creative ideas, and a fair amount of gumption to implement those ideas which show merit.
Due to the rising costs on every aspect of life, Borough Council must deal with fiscal realities by doing everything they can to lower the cost of government services. No one can expect Phoenixville residents to have the ability to bear another double digit tax increase. Council must achieve real and sustainable relief by addressing our local government's efficiency after dealing with any found deficiencies during the budge process.
Therefore, a department by department review of costs must be made with department heads taking the lead along with the staff to examine budget items. Council should request a realistic percentage of reduction in each department.
A hiring freeze should be effective immediately.
A no-idling rule should be instituted for all borough vehicles including the police department. Increase the bike patrol program.
All municipal buildings should have zoned thermostats if they don’t already, and weatherized before winter.
Eliminate all unnecessary travel, and urge departments to consolidate borough related errands.
Work with the unions on temporarily freezing education benefits as well as urging consolidation of employee insurance benefits to a spouse’s group insurance.
Cancel previous funding commitments to capital improvement programs, at least temporarily, such as the CDC, and Friendship Field.
Aggressively pursue outstanding receipts due to the borough.
Re-negotiate agreement with PTV to cut costs, and if possible, revisit all outside vendor contracts, i.e., cell tower owners.
Facilitate for and examine any available models for shared services with neighboring communities.
Examine the savings realized by a 4 - 10 hour day work week in departments where possible.
Council should determine if the utility poles throughout town and in our parking lots are owned by the borough. Years ago they were sold, bought back, and perhaps sold again. I’m not certain if we do or do not own them today. Either way, the borough should examine and make a cost saving move to solar powered or LED lighting as effective way to reduce electrical costs. Light pollution should also be a consideration when a change is made.
Marple Township’s program:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/rebuild_america/marple_township_final102604.pdf
Develop a long term plan to reclaim methane gas at the sewer plant into heating for the facility. Here is one company which converts sewage into clean water and renewable energy.
http://www.wwdmag.com/Innovative-Company-Converts-Sewage-into-Clean-Water-and-Renewable-Energy-NewsPiece11934
Think green everywhere.
Years ago, I presented Council with the idea of municipal supplied electricity for the borough. Revisiting that idea may be worth considering. In addition, wind turbines on top of utility poles are now being used to generate electricity in those areas with sufficient wind power. See this article:
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080603/NEWS/806030341
Many more ideas were contained in a draft memo which I lost before saving when we had a power outage. :(
Please post your ideas on ways the borough can save your tax dollars.
Together, maybe we really can make a difference!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Why not Phoenixville? A little Hollywood coming to Chester Township
Phoenixville's improved downtown district provides the residents and visitors with some great restaurants and interesting shops, fun things to do, and picturesque eye candy most everywhere one looks.
Kudos for a positive change!
We need more.
Now, we need substance.
We need to fill the empty acres of the former Phoenix Steel Company with an industry which will bring good paying jobs to Phoenixville while providing an interesting but contiguous pathway between the downtown and the barren Iron company property.
Admittedly with some envy, I watched a report by Lisa Thomas Laurey from Channel 6 ABC news this morning on a proposed $90 million dollar production studio to be located on the Sun Oil property in Chester township.
According to the article I've posted below, "The 370,000 square-foot Sun Center plan calls for the construction of five studios, seven soundstage studios, a 4-D movie theater, interactive museum, and a landing pad to accommodate the helicopters of the beautiful people.
Rotwitt claims the Concord Road development could bring as many as 1,000 permanent and 300 construction jobs to the county."
All this on 33 acres.
Imagine what a production studio would do for Phoenixville.
Imagine using the French Creek waterway developed in the manner of the San Antonio Riverwalk as I described and suggested years ago, as a beautiful transition area between the downtown and a redeveloped, exciting steel site.
Reproduced here from an earlier post to this blog referencing a letter to the Phoenix:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7888510041198780859&postID=3454758064363452601
Years ago, I mentioned Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas on Council floor, and I believe this is the perfect time to revisit the idea. I'm hoping everyone who is interested will do an internet search on the extraordianary development of Riverwalk, in Texas, and learn more.
I've provided one internet link, so please keep in mind as you view this, the French Creek which runs through the property. What I'm thinking of would not, of course, be the size or scope of the San Antonio waterway, but scaled to fit the property.
http://www.sanantonioriverwalk.com/photo.html
Imagine, if you will, instead of office buildings and even more townhomes, a lively and lovely setting for small businesses along the creek, jazz or blues festivals, boat rides, seasonal events, creek-side cafes with outdoor seating, well landscaped greenery, perhaps a small waterfall, twinkle lights in the shrubbery. Picture families enjoying shopping, strolling the waterway, or having a meal under the lights from overhead trees with their twinkling mirror images reflecting in a warm glow from the gently bubbling water.
If you can see what I see, wouldn't this be a beautiful alternative to rather mundane usage for the property?
Think of all the individual businesses that such a project would entice to the area. The steel site WOULD become the jewel of northern Chester County.
With access to the Schuylkill River, and a trail coming from the east, the Melchiorre park area and the shopping center would be the western border, resulting in a completely contiguous, new area for development along the creek, and a wonderful compliment to the main downtown area.
Rather than continuing to be a division between the north and south sides of the borough, French Creek would truly be a celebratory destination center for the heart of our town.
It's not too late for a different approach to the former steel site redevelopment.
We, as a community, have one chance to redevelop this parcel of ground, why not make it something we can all appreciate, enjoy, and get really excited about??
* End letter
Phoenixville may have missed an opportunity to attract the developer of this particular production studio to our community, but the reading I have done on Hollywood's primary industry indicates a desire and perhaps a need to find more available acreage in this area for additional studios.
We have what they need!
Now is the time for the borough, the CDC, and interested individuals to scour the articles regarding Chester township's apparently successful bid for a production studio, garner all the information regarding the principal players and follow the leads to attract an industry of this nature to our hometown.
Just imagine a little bit of Hollywood coming to Phoenixville.
*****
07/26/2008
A little Hollywood coming to Chester Township
By Tim Logue , tlogue@delcotimes.com
CHESTER TOWNSHIP - The odds of a $90 million movie production studio sprouting up on the former Sun Center property have improved dramatically thanks to massive tax breaks approved by Chester Upland Empowerment Board.
"I think this agreement shows that if you engage us, we'll listen and we're not anathema to all development deals," said board Chairman Marc Woolley. "Simply put, the developer of the project came to the table and listened, which is something that hasn't always been done.
"They have expressed an interest in our kids, so we have expressed an interest in their project."
Philadelphia attorney Jeffrey Rotwitt has spent the better part of a year pitching his grand plan with partner Pacifica Ventures of Santa Monica, Calif.
On Wednesday night, the empowerment board approved a tax-increment financing (TIF) program that will allow Rotwitt and Pacifica to pay 50 cents on the dollar in real estate taxes for 20 years on the future assessed value of the 33-acre property on Concord Road that is now home to the Tri-State Sports complex.
"We are very grateful to the school district, the county and the township," said Rotwitt, who purchased the former recreational center for Sun Oil employees in 1999 with a few partners, including Kevin Flynn, one of the principals in the Harrah's Chester development. "We are moving forward in a positive direction and, with county support, we are still optimistic about breaking ground this fall."
The state has already kicked in $10 million and Delaware County Council and Chester Township Council have been champing at the bit to approve tax breaks and get a shovel in the ground.
"We've been waiting on this since September," said Chester Township Councilman Robert May, adding that the land development plan is nearly completed and could be approved in a matter of weeks. "If the county can get it done between now and the seventh of August, which is our next meeting, it's possible we could be issuing permits by the end of the month."
County council's next scheduled meeting is August 5.
The 370,000 square-foot Sun Center plan calls for the construction of five studios, seven soundstage studios, a 4-D movie theater, interactive museum, and a landing pad to accommodate the helicopters of the beautiful people.
Rotwitt claims the Concord Road development could bring as many as 1,000 permanent and 300 construction jobs to the county.
Delaware County Commerce Director Patrick Killian said the Sun Center project would be the first in the county under a TIF program, which allows the taxing authorities - in this case, Chester Upland, Delaware County and Chester Township - to continue to collect taxes based on the pre-development value of the land.
But instead of collecting higher taxes as the value of the property increases, Killian said a TIF permits a developer to retire their debt in lieu of making tax payments on the developed portion of the property.
After 20 years, taxes are once again collected based on the full value of the property.
When Rotwitt first approached the school district looking for total tax abatement, Woolley objected, saying the district would no longer rubber stamp development deals that did not benefit the district.
"In the end, I think they came to appreciate the merits of the project," Rotwitt said.
While Woolley said that's true, it was an additional carrot - Rotwitt's promise of a $1 million payment to the district by the end of 2009 - that sealed the deal.
"It's an up-front payment we can reprogram directly into the schools and directly into the partnership programs we're trying to proliferate across the district," Woolley said. "There's never been a development deal like this for the district, though I know of another one that pays $11.2 million to the city, $10 million to the county and nothing to us."
Woolley was referring to the school district being left out of the profit-sharing agreement with Harrah's Chester Racetrack and Casino.
According to Rotwitt, the first phase of construction would take approximately five months to finish and the whole project could be completed within a year.
He said executives from Paramount have already visited the Sun Center property "at least a half dozen times" and confirmed "Sixth Sense" director M. Night Shyamalan is interested in shooting his next film in Chester Township.
Rotwitt said the studio would also draw students and tourists to Delaware County. "We think it will be a cross between the Franklin Institute and Disney," he said. "It will be a great resource for class trips and teaching people how movies are made.
"We are also introducing a whole new spectrum of job opportunities for kids from Chester or the Main Line that are not normally on the radar screen."
Local filmmaker Tim Chambers said a Philadelphia-area studio is a perfect complement to the tax credits approved by the state legislature.
"It's the final piece of the puzzle," said Chambers, the director of "Our Lady of Victory," the film about the improbable title run of the Immaculata women's basketball team. "It gives the Philadelphia region and Pennsylvania the proper infrastructure to compete with other states and it's close enough to pull actors, actresses and other union labor from New York."
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19873090&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18179&rfi=15
Kudos for a positive change!
We need more.
Now, we need substance.
We need to fill the empty acres of the former Phoenix Steel Company with an industry which will bring good paying jobs to Phoenixville while providing an interesting but contiguous pathway between the downtown and the barren Iron company property.
Admittedly with some envy, I watched a report by Lisa Thomas Laurey from Channel 6 ABC news this morning on a proposed $90 million dollar production studio to be located on the Sun Oil property in Chester township.
According to the article I've posted below, "The 370,000 square-foot Sun Center plan calls for the construction of five studios, seven soundstage studios, a 4-D movie theater, interactive museum, and a landing pad to accommodate the helicopters of the beautiful people.
Rotwitt claims the Concord Road development could bring as many as 1,000 permanent and 300 construction jobs to the county."
All this on 33 acres.
Imagine what a production studio would do for Phoenixville.
Imagine using the French Creek waterway developed in the manner of the San Antonio Riverwalk as I described and suggested years ago, as a beautiful transition area between the downtown and a redeveloped, exciting steel site.
Reproduced here from an earlier post to this blog referencing a letter to the Phoenix:
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7888510041198780859&postID=3454758064363452601
Years ago, I mentioned Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas on Council floor, and I believe this is the perfect time to revisit the idea. I'm hoping everyone who is interested will do an internet search on the extraordianary development of Riverwalk, in Texas, and learn more.
I've provided one internet link, so please keep in mind as you view this, the French Creek which runs through the property. What I'm thinking of would not, of course, be the size or scope of the San Antonio waterway, but scaled to fit the property.
http://www.sanantonioriverwalk.com/photo.html
Imagine, if you will, instead of office buildings and even more townhomes, a lively and lovely setting for small businesses along the creek, jazz or blues festivals, boat rides, seasonal events, creek-side cafes with outdoor seating, well landscaped greenery, perhaps a small waterfall, twinkle lights in the shrubbery. Picture families enjoying shopping, strolling the waterway, or having a meal under the lights from overhead trees with their twinkling mirror images reflecting in a warm glow from the gently bubbling water.
If you can see what I see, wouldn't this be a beautiful alternative to rather mundane usage for the property?
Think of all the individual businesses that such a project would entice to the area. The steel site WOULD become the jewel of northern Chester County.
With access to the Schuylkill River, and a trail coming from the east, the Melchiorre park area and the shopping center would be the western border, resulting in a completely contiguous, new area for development along the creek, and a wonderful compliment to the main downtown area.
Rather than continuing to be a division between the north and south sides of the borough, French Creek would truly be a celebratory destination center for the heart of our town.
It's not too late for a different approach to the former steel site redevelopment.
We, as a community, have one chance to redevelop this parcel of ground, why not make it something we can all appreciate, enjoy, and get really excited about??
* End letter
Phoenixville may have missed an opportunity to attract the developer of this particular production studio to our community, but the reading I have done on Hollywood's primary industry indicates a desire and perhaps a need to find more available acreage in this area for additional studios.
We have what they need!
Now is the time for the borough, the CDC, and interested individuals to scour the articles regarding Chester township's apparently successful bid for a production studio, garner all the information regarding the principal players and follow the leads to attract an industry of this nature to our hometown.
Just imagine a little bit of Hollywood coming to Phoenixville.
*****
07/26/2008
A little Hollywood coming to Chester Township
By Tim Logue , tlogue@delcotimes.com
CHESTER TOWNSHIP - The odds of a $90 million movie production studio sprouting up on the former Sun Center property have improved dramatically thanks to massive tax breaks approved by Chester Upland Empowerment Board.
"I think this agreement shows that if you engage us, we'll listen and we're not anathema to all development deals," said board Chairman Marc Woolley. "Simply put, the developer of the project came to the table and listened, which is something that hasn't always been done.
"They have expressed an interest in our kids, so we have expressed an interest in their project."
Philadelphia attorney Jeffrey Rotwitt has spent the better part of a year pitching his grand plan with partner Pacifica Ventures of Santa Monica, Calif.
On Wednesday night, the empowerment board approved a tax-increment financing (TIF) program that will allow Rotwitt and Pacifica to pay 50 cents on the dollar in real estate taxes for 20 years on the future assessed value of the 33-acre property on Concord Road that is now home to the Tri-State Sports complex.
"We are very grateful to the school district, the county and the township," said Rotwitt, who purchased the former recreational center for Sun Oil employees in 1999 with a few partners, including Kevin Flynn, one of the principals in the Harrah's Chester development. "We are moving forward in a positive direction and, with county support, we are still optimistic about breaking ground this fall."
The state has already kicked in $10 million and Delaware County Council and Chester Township Council have been champing at the bit to approve tax breaks and get a shovel in the ground.
"We've been waiting on this since September," said Chester Township Councilman Robert May, adding that the land development plan is nearly completed and could be approved in a matter of weeks. "If the county can get it done between now and the seventh of August, which is our next meeting, it's possible we could be issuing permits by the end of the month."
County council's next scheduled meeting is August 5.
The 370,000 square-foot Sun Center plan calls for the construction of five studios, seven soundstage studios, a 4-D movie theater, interactive museum, and a landing pad to accommodate the helicopters of the beautiful people.
Rotwitt claims the Concord Road development could bring as many as 1,000 permanent and 300 construction jobs to the county.
Delaware County Commerce Director Patrick Killian said the Sun Center project would be the first in the county under a TIF program, which allows the taxing authorities - in this case, Chester Upland, Delaware County and Chester Township - to continue to collect taxes based on the pre-development value of the land.
But instead of collecting higher taxes as the value of the property increases, Killian said a TIF permits a developer to retire their debt in lieu of making tax payments on the developed portion of the property.
After 20 years, taxes are once again collected based on the full value of the property.
When Rotwitt first approached the school district looking for total tax abatement, Woolley objected, saying the district would no longer rubber stamp development deals that did not benefit the district.
"In the end, I think they came to appreciate the merits of the project," Rotwitt said.
While Woolley said that's true, it was an additional carrot - Rotwitt's promise of a $1 million payment to the district by the end of 2009 - that sealed the deal.
"It's an up-front payment we can reprogram directly into the schools and directly into the partnership programs we're trying to proliferate across the district," Woolley said. "There's never been a development deal like this for the district, though I know of another one that pays $11.2 million to the city, $10 million to the county and nothing to us."
Woolley was referring to the school district being left out of the profit-sharing agreement with Harrah's Chester Racetrack and Casino.
According to Rotwitt, the first phase of construction would take approximately five months to finish and the whole project could be completed within a year.
He said executives from Paramount have already visited the Sun Center property "at least a half dozen times" and confirmed "Sixth Sense" director M. Night Shyamalan is interested in shooting his next film in Chester Township.
Rotwitt said the studio would also draw students and tourists to Delaware County. "We think it will be a cross between the Franklin Institute and Disney," he said. "It will be a great resource for class trips and teaching people how movies are made.
"We are also introducing a whole new spectrum of job opportunities for kids from Chester or the Main Line that are not normally on the radar screen."
Local filmmaker Tim Chambers said a Philadelphia-area studio is a perfect complement to the tax credits approved by the state legislature.
"It's the final piece of the puzzle," said Chambers, the director of "Our Lady of Victory," the film about the improbable title run of the Immaculata women's basketball team. "It gives the Philadelphia region and Pennsylvania the proper infrastructure to compete with other states and it's close enough to pull actors, actresses and other union labor from New York."
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19873090&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18179&rfi=15
Friday, July 25, 2008
Yo! Joey's II - You bin out there yet?
Rocky Balboa didn't know about Joey's II right here in Phoenixville but he would've fought the traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway to knock down a couple a Frank and Donna Kalatchny's great sandwiches!
My family has many favorites, among them the Death by Cheesteak, and the Philadelphia Eagle wings. I wanted to try a hybrid combination of two of their wet sauces and found the staff to be most accomodating with my request. They were outta this world!
If you haven't given Joey's a try, please check their link to the right on this blog for the menu. They deliver, too!
Yo! When you order, tell them Karen sent you!
Joey's II
The 'Burbs: Joey's II
By: Ken Alan
kalan@aroundphilly.com
When it comes to my buddy Bill, here’s all you need to know: The man loves meat and he will travel very great distances to eat it.
Growing up and living his first three decades in the Philadelphia suburbs, Bill had quickly become the quintessential carnivore. He would seek out foods that once had a face - specifically roast beef and especially cheesesteaks.
Through the years we shared together in our teens, as college roommates and later, as hell-raising twenty-something local lads, Bill would continually drive me all around to find the perfect steak sandwich. We’d trek late nights and weekends to Tony Luke’s, to Jim’s Steaks and most everywhere else – from Pat’s and Geno’s in South Philly, to our personal fave (Larry’s “Home of the Belly Filler” near St. Joe’s U.); up toward the northeast and down into Delaware.
So fevered he’s been for a great sammich’ Bill once made me go on a gonzo road trip with him all the way to Halifax, Nova Scotia (no lie), just because he had read about a place serving a steak sandwich that was boasted to be “better than South Philly.” Eighteen-hundred miles later we ate that dreadful Steak-Um on a Kaiser roll imitator. At least they had cold Moosehead on tap to enjoy before that long trip home.
Growing up, there were some tasty places nearby, but being from the ‘burbs, none of them had quite the chew, heft or grilled flavor of the real thing invariably being served ten miles east of us in the big city.
Bill split the Philly scene several years ago but swore he would travel here anytime there was something worth cashing in the airline miles. I didn’t think much about it until I began to hear recent rumblings out of Phoenixville (of all places) about Joey’s II, where the motto is “we’re not asking you to BE a Philly fan…Just EAT like one!” By the ghost of Pat Olivieri (the dude who invented the blessed steak sandwich), they are indeed getting it right at Joey’s.
So right in fact, Bill immediately scheduled a weekender trip to come see me all the way from Nashua, NH. I’ll say this for him: The man’s got his priorities in line.
Owned by Frank and Donna Kalatchny, two friendly locals with great addy-tude, Joey’s tries hard to be the real Philly deal, right down to its authentic Amoroso’s Italian rolls, Frank’s sodas, Dietz & Watson deli meats/cheeses, Tastykakes and Goldenberg Peanut Chews. The place, conveniently situated next to a Rita’s Water Ice stand on Route 23 just outside of town, can get cramped and kind of sweltering inside. There is a smattering of high top tables and the requisite signed photos of local luminaries and sports stars. “Rocky” plays on the corner TV screen while the sound of “Yo!” and “Wit’ or Wit’out” resounds throughout the place. And, on the countertop, a clunky little version of the Liberty Bell rests, there with a hammer to ring (as the sign reads) if you’ve had really good service.
Now, I wouldn’t be writing about a cheesesteak place and Bill would not be jetting down to this area if Joey’s weren’t worth raving about. The steaks served are a beefy six-incher (half) and a gut-busting 12” (whole); order wit’ American, Provolone or Cheez Whiz. The Joey’s secret lies partly in the beef – 100 percent Rib eye steak (thick-cut and not chopped into microscopic flecks like some places do); in that soft Italian torpedo roll, and in the seasoning of that sizzling grill.
Bill ordered a half with American and fried onions while extolling some true c/s wisdom: “I don’t care what they say in South Philly” this gourmand of the grill emoted – “processed liquid cheese food has no business being on something as natural as a steak sandwich.”
Bite, chew, ruminate - repeat, then he’s on to a zesty wild Buffalo chicken steak half, overflowing like a red/white runny mountain of blue cheese-drenched chicken in a tangy wing sauce, fried onions, lettuce, tomato and provolone. Meanwhile, I gamely enjoy succulent roast pork with sharp provolone – better than most – not quite up there with Tony Luke’s.
“Holy Mother of God” Bill solemnly intones to himself. He’s spotted his Holy Grail - scrapple served on a light baguette. Crispy-fried on the outside and buttery within, scrapple to some may be er, an acquired taste; to Bill it is Philly foie gras. What can I say? The dude loves Habbersett scrapple.
Prices are fine at Joey’s: less than a finn for a cheesesteak and $9.99 for the 76er steak, which comes with broccoli rabe, cheese, and long hots.
Next time, we’ll try a Clubber Lang roast beef hoagie, or maybe, either the wet or dry rub “Philadelphia Eagles” wings.
“Not bad” my cheesesteak-inhaling friend proclaims as he orders one more sandwich to go. “Definitely as good as Jim’s Steaks.”
It is and they are at Joey’s II, so good that Bill considers stopping by the original Joey’s one day in the near future. It’s located in Michigan and he has some clients out there anyway.
**Ken Alan is a corporate concierge, the founding member of the Philadelphia Concierge Association and a hospitality writer for several regional publications.
http://www.aroundphilly.com/the-burbs-joeys-ii-philadelphia-dine-restaurants/a-4314
My family has many favorites, among them the Death by Cheesteak, and the Philadelphia Eagle wings. I wanted to try a hybrid combination of two of their wet sauces and found the staff to be most accomodating with my request. They were outta this world!
If you haven't given Joey's a try, please check their link to the right on this blog for the menu. They deliver, too!
Yo! When you order, tell them Karen sent you!
Joey's II
The 'Burbs: Joey's II
By: Ken Alan
kalan@aroundphilly.com
When it comes to my buddy Bill, here’s all you need to know: The man loves meat and he will travel very great distances to eat it.
Growing up and living his first three decades in the Philadelphia suburbs, Bill had quickly become the quintessential carnivore. He would seek out foods that once had a face - specifically roast beef and especially cheesesteaks.
Through the years we shared together in our teens, as college roommates and later, as hell-raising twenty-something local lads, Bill would continually drive me all around to find the perfect steak sandwich. We’d trek late nights and weekends to Tony Luke’s, to Jim’s Steaks and most everywhere else – from Pat’s and Geno’s in South Philly, to our personal fave (Larry’s “Home of the Belly Filler” near St. Joe’s U.); up toward the northeast and down into Delaware.
So fevered he’s been for a great sammich’ Bill once made me go on a gonzo road trip with him all the way to Halifax, Nova Scotia (no lie), just because he had read about a place serving a steak sandwich that was boasted to be “better than South Philly.” Eighteen-hundred miles later we ate that dreadful Steak-Um on a Kaiser roll imitator. At least they had cold Moosehead on tap to enjoy before that long trip home.
Growing up, there were some tasty places nearby, but being from the ‘burbs, none of them had quite the chew, heft or grilled flavor of the real thing invariably being served ten miles east of us in the big city.
Bill split the Philly scene several years ago but swore he would travel here anytime there was something worth cashing in the airline miles. I didn’t think much about it until I began to hear recent rumblings out of Phoenixville (of all places) about Joey’s II, where the motto is “we’re not asking you to BE a Philly fan…Just EAT like one!” By the ghost of Pat Olivieri (the dude who invented the blessed steak sandwich), they are indeed getting it right at Joey’s.
So right in fact, Bill immediately scheduled a weekender trip to come see me all the way from Nashua, NH. I’ll say this for him: The man’s got his priorities in line.
Owned by Frank and Donna Kalatchny, two friendly locals with great addy-tude, Joey’s tries hard to be the real Philly deal, right down to its authentic Amoroso’s Italian rolls, Frank’s sodas, Dietz & Watson deli meats/cheeses, Tastykakes and Goldenberg Peanut Chews. The place, conveniently situated next to a Rita’s Water Ice stand on Route 23 just outside of town, can get cramped and kind of sweltering inside. There is a smattering of high top tables and the requisite signed photos of local luminaries and sports stars. “Rocky” plays on the corner TV screen while the sound of “Yo!” and “Wit’ or Wit’out” resounds throughout the place. And, on the countertop, a clunky little version of the Liberty Bell rests, there with a hammer to ring (as the sign reads) if you’ve had really good service.
Now, I wouldn’t be writing about a cheesesteak place and Bill would not be jetting down to this area if Joey’s weren’t worth raving about. The steaks served are a beefy six-incher (half) and a gut-busting 12” (whole); order wit’ American, Provolone or Cheez Whiz. The Joey’s secret lies partly in the beef – 100 percent Rib eye steak (thick-cut and not chopped into microscopic flecks like some places do); in that soft Italian torpedo roll, and in the seasoning of that sizzling grill.
Bill ordered a half with American and fried onions while extolling some true c/s wisdom: “I don’t care what they say in South Philly” this gourmand of the grill emoted – “processed liquid cheese food has no business being on something as natural as a steak sandwich.”
Bite, chew, ruminate - repeat, then he’s on to a zesty wild Buffalo chicken steak half, overflowing like a red/white runny mountain of blue cheese-drenched chicken in a tangy wing sauce, fried onions, lettuce, tomato and provolone. Meanwhile, I gamely enjoy succulent roast pork with sharp provolone – better than most – not quite up there with Tony Luke’s.
“Holy Mother of God” Bill solemnly intones to himself. He’s spotted his Holy Grail - scrapple served on a light baguette. Crispy-fried on the outside and buttery within, scrapple to some may be er, an acquired taste; to Bill it is Philly foie gras. What can I say? The dude loves Habbersett scrapple.
Prices are fine at Joey’s: less than a finn for a cheesesteak and $9.99 for the 76er steak, which comes with broccoli rabe, cheese, and long hots.
Next time, we’ll try a Clubber Lang roast beef hoagie, or maybe, either the wet or dry rub “Philadelphia Eagles” wings.
“Not bad” my cheesesteak-inhaling friend proclaims as he orders one more sandwich to go. “Definitely as good as Jim’s Steaks.”
It is and they are at Joey’s II, so good that Bill considers stopping by the original Joey’s one day in the near future. It’s located in Michigan and he has some clients out there anyway.
**Ken Alan is a corporate concierge, the founding member of the Philadelphia Concierge Association and a hospitality writer for several regional publications.
http://www.aroundphilly.com/the-burbs-joeys-ii-philadelphia-dine-restaurants/a-4314
Monday, July 21, 2008
DEP to spray today for mosquitos in Phoenixville, Spring City, & West Goshen
N E W S R E L E A S E
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Southeast Regional Office
2 East Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/18/2008
CONTACT:
Dennis Harney
Phone: (484) 250-5819
MOSQUITO SPRAYING SET FOR CHESTER COUNTY OPEN AREAS TO CONTROL WEST NILE VIRUS THREAT
NORRISTOWN – Weather permitting, the Department of Environmental Protection and West Nile staff in Chester County will apply treatments the evening of Monday, July 21, in Phoenixville, West Goshen Township and Spring City open areas to control adult mosquito populations.
Samples taken by local officials and DEP in these areas have shown adult mosquito populations that can carry the West Nile virus.
The treatments will be administered during the evening hours with ATV-mounted equipment to spray Black Rock Preserve in Phoenixville, Barker Park in West Goshen, and the open spaces surrounding the sewage treatment plant in Spring City. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3 + 15, a permethrin insecticide product, at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.
There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania this year.
Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.
• Pay attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes to breed.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitats for domestic mosquitoes.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.
• For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
In addition, here are some simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:
• Make sure screen fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, go to www.westnile.state.pa.us.
###
http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=5177&varQueryType=Detail
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Southeast Regional Office
2 East Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/18/2008
CONTACT:
Dennis Harney
Phone: (484) 250-5819
MOSQUITO SPRAYING SET FOR CHESTER COUNTY OPEN AREAS TO CONTROL WEST NILE VIRUS THREAT
NORRISTOWN – Weather permitting, the Department of Environmental Protection and West Nile staff in Chester County will apply treatments the evening of Monday, July 21, in Phoenixville, West Goshen Township and Spring City open areas to control adult mosquito populations.
Samples taken by local officials and DEP in these areas have shown adult mosquito populations that can carry the West Nile virus.
The treatments will be administered during the evening hours with ATV-mounted equipment to spray Black Rock Preserve in Phoenixville, Barker Park in West Goshen, and the open spaces surrounding the sewage treatment plant in Spring City. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3 + 15, a permethrin insecticide product, at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.
There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania this year.
Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.
• Pay attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes to breed.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitats for domestic mosquitoes.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.
• For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
In addition, here are some simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:
• Make sure screen fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, go to www.westnile.state.pa.us.
###
http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=5177&varQueryType=Detail
Friday, July 11, 2008
Towns join forces for new Upper Providence library
What a novel concept! A NEW library branch...
*******
A new library branch in Upper Providence is the subject of active talks among three municipalities, although Limerick officials have signaled they can't afford to contribute.
Kathleen Arnold-Yerger, executive director of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, said the proposal is "very preliminary."
A new 10,000- to 15,000-square foot branch would be situated in Upper Providence, although an exact location hasn't been selected.
Arnold-Yerger said a growing population along the Route 422 corridor will need an expanding library system to serve its needs during the coming years.
There are library branches in Royersford, Schwenksville, Red Hill and Conshohocken - all of which are under the Norristown Public Library's management.
Officials from Royersford, Limerick and Upper Providence met several times in recent months to discuss the possibility of partnering together on an additional library.
At a recent Limerick Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Chairwoman Elaine DeWan said she would "love to see a library."
"I have major concerns. We have so many things on our plates right now," DeWan said.
Limerick Supervisor Ken Sperring Jr., said the township doesn't have funds to support this joint effort. That point was echoed by Supervisor David Kane.
Limerick contributes $1 to the Montgomery County-Norristown Pubic Library for each resident because the township lacks its own library.
If a new branch were to come to fruition, Norristown would provide staffing, computers, books and other materials, according to Arnold-Yerger. Each branch carries a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation and is responsible for fund raising, she said.
The three municipalities would likely pay for utilities, maintenance and some other items. Although no agreement is final, the municipalities would likely contribute proportionately to their populations.
Royersford Borough Manager Mike Leonard did not specifically endorse the additional library and said talks are preliminary. Upper Providence Manager George Waterman did not respond to a request for comment.
Arnold-Yerger is pleased to see the municipalities at least talking, and didn't expect anything concrete for a couple of years.
Julie Mullin, a Spring-Ford Area School Board member and Upper Providence resident, has a child entering kindergarten and two sixth-graders.
"I don't see how an extra library could be a bad thing," she said. "Royersford is such a tight-knit area, they wouldn't want to lose (the current library)."
The Royersford branch is approximately 6,000 square feet and is located in the 200 block of Fourth Avenue.
Throughout Montgomery County, there are 35 independent libraries, the Norristown executive director said. New construction for libraries of that size can be expensive. In Horsham, for example, an independent library cost between $5 million and $6 million, in addition to $700,000 in annual maintenance.
"We're trying to offer a branch, so they don't have to put in those types of dollars," Arnold-Yerger said.
In 2008, Montgomery County allocated $2,485,000 to public libraries, a 3.5 percent increase over last year. Pennsylvania's Legislature earmarked close to $76 million in library subsidies last year.
http://www.springfordreporter.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19842571&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=187830&rfi=6
*******
A new library branch in Upper Providence is the subject of active talks among three municipalities, although Limerick officials have signaled they can't afford to contribute.
Kathleen Arnold-Yerger, executive director of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, said the proposal is "very preliminary."
A new 10,000- to 15,000-square foot branch would be situated in Upper Providence, although an exact location hasn't been selected.
Arnold-Yerger said a growing population along the Route 422 corridor will need an expanding library system to serve its needs during the coming years.
There are library branches in Royersford, Schwenksville, Red Hill and Conshohocken - all of which are under the Norristown Public Library's management.
Officials from Royersford, Limerick and Upper Providence met several times in recent months to discuss the possibility of partnering together on an additional library.
At a recent Limerick Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Chairwoman Elaine DeWan said she would "love to see a library."
"I have major concerns. We have so many things on our plates right now," DeWan said.
Limerick Supervisor Ken Sperring Jr., said the township doesn't have funds to support this joint effort. That point was echoed by Supervisor David Kane.
Limerick contributes $1 to the Montgomery County-Norristown Pubic Library for each resident because the township lacks its own library.
If a new branch were to come to fruition, Norristown would provide staffing, computers, books and other materials, according to Arnold-Yerger. Each branch carries a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation and is responsible for fund raising, she said.
The three municipalities would likely pay for utilities, maintenance and some other items. Although no agreement is final, the municipalities would likely contribute proportionately to their populations.
Royersford Borough Manager Mike Leonard did not specifically endorse the additional library and said talks are preliminary. Upper Providence Manager George Waterman did not respond to a request for comment.
Arnold-Yerger is pleased to see the municipalities at least talking, and didn't expect anything concrete for a couple of years.
Julie Mullin, a Spring-Ford Area School Board member and Upper Providence resident, has a child entering kindergarten and two sixth-graders.
"I don't see how an extra library could be a bad thing," she said. "Royersford is such a tight-knit area, they wouldn't want to lose (the current library)."
The Royersford branch is approximately 6,000 square feet and is located in the 200 block of Fourth Avenue.
Throughout Montgomery County, there are 35 independent libraries, the Norristown executive director said. New construction for libraries of that size can be expensive. In Horsham, for example, an independent library cost between $5 million and $6 million, in addition to $700,000 in annual maintenance.
"We're trying to offer a branch, so they don't have to put in those types of dollars," Arnold-Yerger said.
In 2008, Montgomery County allocated $2,485,000 to public libraries, a 3.5 percent increase over last year. Pennsylvania's Legislature earmarked close to $76 million in library subsidies last year.
http://www.springfordreporter.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19842571&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=187830&rfi=6
Monday, July 7, 2008
Planning Commission to hear Library expansion plans on July 10 at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, July 10, 2008, at 7 p.m., the Phoenixville Public Library will present plans to the Planning Commission regarding a controversial addition to the building.
The plan proposes to close Second Avenue by building an addition from the existing building directly onto the street and south to the sidewalk of Reeves Park turning Second Avenue into a one-way street from B street west. Traffic would leave Second Avenue via Park Alley to Grover Street alley (behind the homes on Second) or turn right on to one-way First Avenue, turn left on B Street, and another left on to Washington Avenue in order to reach Main Street. Or, the borough could make Park Alley one-way north to Washington Avenue. In that event, the entire of Park Alley would have to be rebuilt to withstand the impact. Major traffic pattern change will occur on each of the aforementioned streets which will disrupt entire neighborhoods.
Phoenixville Library currently has over 200,000 visits annually by members of the public. When the library was built, the building served the needs of the community at a time when local vehicles still included horse drawn carriages. I seriously doubt that Andrew Carnagie envisioned 200,000 visitors and the impact they would have on a neighborhood in the heart of our community. During one meeting, it was mentioned that due to the increase in new homes being built in this area, the as-yet-to-be-built addition to the library would be obsolete in 10 years.
Due to it's success, the library has simply outgrown the building and the surrounding area's ability to accomodate it.
Personally, my family and I, and our neighbors, certainly have enjoyed the close proximity of the library, but over the years we have endured the lack of parking as well as inconveniences during the building of the addition, along with the constant, sometimes maddening drone of the HVAC system.
We have been uncomplaining, good neighbors to the library, and, as I’ve stated in public meetings and private conversations with library board members, I would much rather be working for the library than against this particular plan.
That being said, many issues with the plan were presented to the library board during the two meetings with the neighbors and the public at-large which have never been resolved, answered, and perhaps have been summarily dismissed. I have also had several private conversations with board members to no avail. I will attempt to address some of the issues and concerns in this post.
Second Avenue is the primary choice for library visitors to park. Often we are left without parking spaces near our homes, and non-handicapped patrons flagrantly violate the law by parking in the two available handicapped parking spaces. Impatient drivers pull north into one-way south Park Alley and back out to oncoming traffic on Second Avenue to secure a choice parking space. I’ve seen fender-benders and near misses. This every day maneuver is extremely dangerous. We live with this every single day.
Parking is a serious problem which is not addressed in the current plan. Any developer planning to build in the Borough of Phoenixville must provide parking. A few diagonal spaces in front of the proposed building won't even replace those which already exist by the Library. Second Avenue is destined to become the primary parking lot for the library while the rest of the parking problem will be pushed into the surrounding neighborhoods of east Second Avenue, Main Street, Third and First Avenues.
The design of the building shows arched windows on the front. The back, unless the plan has changed, is a solid wall. Phoenixville’s own Berlin Wall will cover the former Byrne mansion almost completely to the west, and completely obliterate the western view and line of sight, blocking the sunsets as well as the air flow.
The library is backed by Park Alley. As was mentioned at the first meeting, the alley is not wide enough to accommodate fire vehicles. At the second meeting, we were finally informed that the library would need to have a widowed neighbor’s small side yard condemned by eminent domain in order to widen the alley for emergency traffic. If the amount requested is condemned, traffic will reach within feet of the home. The addition of much more traffic so close to the foundation begs the question as to whether the foundation could withstand such an impact.
To my knowledge, the borough has never sold an ordained street. Can a borough street be sold? Who would appraise the value of this property? Who would pay for the appraisal?
What is under the street at the intersection of Second Avenue and Main Streets? Storm drains. Water and sewer lines. Gas service. How can a building this size be built on a borough owned street with underground utilities? Can storm drains be dug up and redirected? What streets or private property would have to be excavated to vacate the the existing storm drains and utility lines? Who would pay for the engineering to relocate the storm drains and the utilities? Who would pay to reconstruct everything?
This plan is not feasible and does not serve the public. Many alternatives have been suggested but to date they apparently have made no impact.
Logic dictates the Phoenixville Library needs either a satellite branch in another location or a completely new campus.
Please make plans to attend the Planning Commission Meeting on Thursday, July 10th at 7 p.m.
Link to other threads on this subject:
http://karenjohns4phoenixvilleboroughcouncil.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html
The plan proposes to close Second Avenue by building an addition from the existing building directly onto the street and south to the sidewalk of Reeves Park turning Second Avenue into a one-way street from B street west. Traffic would leave Second Avenue via Park Alley to Grover Street alley (behind the homes on Second) or turn right on to one-way First Avenue, turn left on B Street, and another left on to Washington Avenue in order to reach Main Street. Or, the borough could make Park Alley one-way north to Washington Avenue. In that event, the entire of Park Alley would have to be rebuilt to withstand the impact. Major traffic pattern change will occur on each of the aforementioned streets which will disrupt entire neighborhoods.
Phoenixville Library currently has over 200,000 visits annually by members of the public. When the library was built, the building served the needs of the community at a time when local vehicles still included horse drawn carriages. I seriously doubt that Andrew Carnagie envisioned 200,000 visitors and the impact they would have on a neighborhood in the heart of our community. During one meeting, it was mentioned that due to the increase in new homes being built in this area, the as-yet-to-be-built addition to the library would be obsolete in 10 years.
Due to it's success, the library has simply outgrown the building and the surrounding area's ability to accomodate it.
Personally, my family and I, and our neighbors, certainly have enjoyed the close proximity of the library, but over the years we have endured the lack of parking as well as inconveniences during the building of the addition, along with the constant, sometimes maddening drone of the HVAC system.
We have been uncomplaining, good neighbors to the library, and, as I’ve stated in public meetings and private conversations with library board members, I would much rather be working for the library than against this particular plan.
That being said, many issues with the plan were presented to the library board during the two meetings with the neighbors and the public at-large which have never been resolved, answered, and perhaps have been summarily dismissed. I have also had several private conversations with board members to no avail. I will attempt to address some of the issues and concerns in this post.
Second Avenue is the primary choice for library visitors to park. Often we are left without parking spaces near our homes, and non-handicapped patrons flagrantly violate the law by parking in the two available handicapped parking spaces. Impatient drivers pull north into one-way south Park Alley and back out to oncoming traffic on Second Avenue to secure a choice parking space. I’ve seen fender-benders and near misses. This every day maneuver is extremely dangerous. We live with this every single day.
Parking is a serious problem which is not addressed in the current plan. Any developer planning to build in the Borough of Phoenixville must provide parking. A few diagonal spaces in front of the proposed building won't even replace those which already exist by the Library. Second Avenue is destined to become the primary parking lot for the library while the rest of the parking problem will be pushed into the surrounding neighborhoods of east Second Avenue, Main Street, Third and First Avenues.
The design of the building shows arched windows on the front. The back, unless the plan has changed, is a solid wall. Phoenixville’s own Berlin Wall will cover the former Byrne mansion almost completely to the west, and completely obliterate the western view and line of sight, blocking the sunsets as well as the air flow.
The library is backed by Park Alley. As was mentioned at the first meeting, the alley is not wide enough to accommodate fire vehicles. At the second meeting, we were finally informed that the library would need to have a widowed neighbor’s small side yard condemned by eminent domain in order to widen the alley for emergency traffic. If the amount requested is condemned, traffic will reach within feet of the home. The addition of much more traffic so close to the foundation begs the question as to whether the foundation could withstand such an impact.
To my knowledge, the borough has never sold an ordained street. Can a borough street be sold? Who would appraise the value of this property? Who would pay for the appraisal?
What is under the street at the intersection of Second Avenue and Main Streets? Storm drains. Water and sewer lines. Gas service. How can a building this size be built on a borough owned street with underground utilities? Can storm drains be dug up and redirected? What streets or private property would have to be excavated to vacate the the existing storm drains and utility lines? Who would pay for the engineering to relocate the storm drains and the utilities? Who would pay to reconstruct everything?
This plan is not feasible and does not serve the public. Many alternatives have been suggested but to date they apparently have made no impact.
Logic dictates the Phoenixville Library needs either a satellite branch in another location or a completely new campus.
Please make plans to attend the Planning Commission Meeting on Thursday, July 10th at 7 p.m.
Link to other threads on this subject:
http://karenjohns4phoenixvilleboroughcouncil.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html
Thursday, July 3, 2008
West Nile Virus found in Chester County mosquitos - DEP recommendations
As we head outdoors for 4th of July festivities, please be aware that West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitos in Chester and other Pennsylvania counties.
Please take the time to read the recommendations to eliminate mosquito breeding areas and for the prevention of bites.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
****
NEWS UPDATE, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Southeast Regional Office
2 E. Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401-4915
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dennis Harney
Phone: (484) 250-5919
MOSQUITO SPRAYING SET FOR CHESTER COUNTY PUBLIC PARKS TO CONTROL WEST NILE VIRUS THREAT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORRISTOWN – Weather permitting, the Department of Environmental Protection and West Nile staff in Chester County will apply treatments the evening of Thursday, June 26, in Downingtown and West Chester public parks to control adult mosquito populations.
Samples taken by local officials and DEP in these areas have shown adult mosquito populations that can carry the West Nile virus.
The treatment will be administered during the evening hours with ATV-mounted equipment to spray Kerr Park and Kardon Park in Downingtown, and Everhart Park in West Chester. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3 + 15, a permethrin insecticide product, at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.
There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania this year.
Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.
• Pay attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes to breed.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitats for domestic mosquitoes.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.
• For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
In addition, here are some simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:
• Make sure screen fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, go to
#>www.westnile.state.pa.us.
# # #
Please take the time to read the recommendations to eliminate mosquito breeding areas and for the prevention of bites.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
****
NEWS UPDATE, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Southeast Regional Office
2 E. Main Street
Norristown, PA 19401-4915
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dennis Harney
Phone: (484) 250-5919
MOSQUITO SPRAYING SET FOR CHESTER COUNTY PUBLIC PARKS TO CONTROL WEST NILE VIRUS THREAT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORRISTOWN – Weather permitting, the Department of Environmental Protection and West Nile staff in Chester County will apply treatments the evening of Thursday, June 26, in Downingtown and West Chester public parks to control adult mosquito populations.
Samples taken by local officials and DEP in these areas have shown adult mosquito populations that can carry the West Nile virus.
The treatment will be administered during the evening hours with ATV-mounted equipment to spray Kerr Park and Kardon Park in Downingtown, and Everhart Park in West Chester. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3 + 15, a permethrin insecticide product, at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.
There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania this year.
Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.
• Pay attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes to breed.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitats for domestic mosquitoes.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.
• For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
In addition, here are some simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:
• Make sure screen fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, go to
#>www.westnile.state.pa.us.
# # #
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Hot, Hot, Hot! 4th of July in Phoenixville!
4th of July in Phoenixville!!
7:30 Headline – Craig Newell presents an evening with Elvis
vegascraignewell.tripod.com
Phoenixville Federal First Friday
Fireworks around 9:45
Bands start at 2:00PM
2:00 Alexandra Day – band
3:00 Telleri Band
4:00 Michael Packer Blues Band
6:00PM – 8:00PM Local Acts
Black Rock – band
The Machine Stops – band
Dave Fiorenza and Wayne Dowling – duo
Cindy Arena and Wes – duo
Dirk Quinn – singer songwriter
David Bolles – singer songwriter
Pokie-Poke the Jongleaur – balloon hats, magic
******
From the Phoenixville Summer Street Music Series!
Phoenixville has something to do on Friday nights in addition to its 'First Friday' festivities. Every Friday this summer, live bands and entertainers will be featured in the Molly Maguire’s Summer Street Music Series. All concerts are free and open to the public.
The outdoor concert will showcase over a dozen musical performances by blues, jazz and rock artist as well as tribute bands for The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Santana, and even Elvis.
Local bands start at 6 p.m. Acts start at 7:30 p.m., at the corner of Bridge and Main streets in the heart of downtown Phoenixville. The concert series will be taking place on the 200 block of Bridge Street in the Columbia Hotel parking lot directly across the street from this year’s main sponsor Molly Maguire’s.
For information contact Barry Cassidy at 484-880-1530, or by email at mainstreetcdc@comcast.net
http://phoenixvillesummers.com/
7:30 Headline – Craig Newell presents an evening with Elvis
vegascraignewell.tripod.com
Phoenixville Federal First Friday
Fireworks around 9:45
Bands start at 2:00PM
2:00 Alexandra Day – band
3:00 Telleri Band
4:00 Michael Packer Blues Band
6:00PM – 8:00PM Local Acts
Black Rock – band
The Machine Stops – band
Dave Fiorenza and Wayne Dowling – duo
Cindy Arena and Wes – duo
Dirk Quinn – singer songwriter
David Bolles – singer songwriter
Pokie-Poke the Jongleaur – balloon hats, magic
******
From the Phoenixville Summer Street Music Series!
Phoenixville has something to do on Friday nights in addition to its 'First Friday' festivities. Every Friday this summer, live bands and entertainers will be featured in the Molly Maguire’s Summer Street Music Series. All concerts are free and open to the public.
The outdoor concert will showcase over a dozen musical performances by blues, jazz and rock artist as well as tribute bands for The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Santana, and even Elvis.
Local bands start at 6 p.m. Acts start at 7:30 p.m., at the corner of Bridge and Main streets in the heart of downtown Phoenixville. The concert series will be taking place on the 200 block of Bridge Street in the Columbia Hotel parking lot directly across the street from this year’s main sponsor Molly Maguire’s.
For information contact Barry Cassidy at 484-880-1530, or by email at mainstreetcdc@comcast.net
http://phoenixvillesummers.com/
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