For reasons perhaps only comprehensible to Lancaster Rotary Club President Alexandra Weisensale, Rotary has banned media from covering the address today about the Jewish community in Lancaster by Rabbi Jack Paskoff of Shaarai Shomayim Synagogue .
According to Weisensale, Rotary forgot to invite the media to cover the State Senate Candidates Forum a week earlier, although Jeff Hawkes of the Intelligencer Journal attended the forum and wrote a column on the subject.
At the same time she announced the ban concerning Paskoff's address, Weisensale invited the media to cover Dr. Terry Madonna's address next week concerning the presidential race.
When contacted, Paskoff said he was unaware of the media ban.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Public Hearings Scheduled to Present Finalized Draft of Home Rule Charter
After months of deliberations, the 11 members of the Lancaster County Government Study Commission have come up with a finalized draft of a Home Rule Charter, which will appear on the ballot in November.
The Commission wishes to share with the public what it has come up with and to solicit feedback.
Although the public is encouraged to attend any meeting of the Government Study Commission, there are three public hearings over the next number of weeks that will be specifically devoted to presenting the finalized draft and soliciting feedback on a larger scale:
On Thursday, April 17th, there will be a hearing held in the Auditorium of the Farm & Home Center at 1383 Arcadia Road at 7 pm.
On Tuesday, April 29th, there will be a hearing held at the Mt. Joy Borough Office at 21 East Main Street at 7pm.
And on Saturday, May 3rd, a public hearing will be held in the auditorium of Garden Spot Village at 433 S Kinzer Ave. in New Holland.
The full draft of the Home Rule Charter will also be made available on the Government Study Commission's website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lancastergsc and your feedback is always welcome by mail at P.O. Box 83480, 50 N. Duke St., Lancaster PA 17603-3480, by phone at 717.735.9607, or by e-mail at SSherban@co.lancaster.pa.us
The Commission wishes to share with the public what it has come up with and to solicit feedback.
Although the public is encouraged to attend any meeting of the Government Study Commission, there are three public hearings over the next number of weeks that will be specifically devoted to presenting the finalized draft and soliciting feedback on a larger scale:
On Thursday, April 17th, there will be a hearing held in the Auditorium of the Farm & Home Center at 1383 Arcadia Road at 7 pm.
On Tuesday, April 29th, there will be a hearing held at the Mt. Joy Borough Office at 21 East Main Street at 7pm.
And on Saturday, May 3rd, a public hearing will be held in the auditorium of Garden Spot Village at 433 S Kinzer Ave. in New Holland.
The full draft of the Home Rule Charter will also be made available on the Government Study Commission's website at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lancastergsc and your feedback is always welcome by mail at P.O. Box 83480, 50 N. Duke St., Lancaster PA 17603-3480, by phone at 717.735.9607, or by e-mail at SSherban@co.lancaster.pa.us
Government Study Commission Defends $50,000 for information campaign
A delegation from the Government Study Commission appeared before the County Commissioners, this morning, to discuss the anticipated expenditure of $50,000 to educate the public regarding the Home Rule Charter ballot question.
The anticipated expenditure has been controversial with those who fear that a line is being crossed between education and advocacy.
Government Study Commission Chair Carol Phillips explained that the majority of the money would go toward covering the cost of a postcard mailer to every household in the County.
Commissioner Scott Martin, who is a Republican, questioned whether a special exception is being made for the Home Rule Charter given that questions often appear on the ballot without this level of effort for "public education."
Martin called it "a can of worms that has been opened" and questioned whether such informational campaigns are within "the proper role of government."
Commissioner Craig Lehman, a Democrat, disagreed, calling the $50,000 "not a lot of money, in perspective."
"[T]he way I look at it is, whether you're for Home Rule or Whether you're against Home Rule, having some kind of educational campaign is a matter of basic fairness."
Government Study Commission member Sam Mecum said, "A majority of Lancaster County citizens elected the 11-members of the study commission, so you can say that the voters have already spoken to that extent, and now we're not going to tell them what's coming in November?"
Phillips read the conclusion of a Chester County court case in which expenditures to educate the public about a Home Rule initiative were deemed appropriate and not necessarily advocacy.
The Commissioners have the authority to decide that $50,000 for public education is an inappropriate expenditure of taxpayer dollars.
Phillips expects that the Commissioners would consult with the Study Commission in the event that they decide as such.
The anticipated expenditure has been controversial with those who fear that a line is being crossed between education and advocacy.
Government Study Commission Chair Carol Phillips explained that the majority of the money would go toward covering the cost of a postcard mailer to every household in the County.
Commissioner Scott Martin, who is a Republican, questioned whether a special exception is being made for the Home Rule Charter given that questions often appear on the ballot without this level of effort for "public education."
Martin called it "a can of worms that has been opened" and questioned whether such informational campaigns are within "the proper role of government."
Commissioner Craig Lehman, a Democrat, disagreed, calling the $50,000 "not a lot of money, in perspective."
"[T]he way I look at it is, whether you're for Home Rule or Whether you're against Home Rule, having some kind of educational campaign is a matter of basic fairness."
Government Study Commission member Sam Mecum said, "A majority of Lancaster County citizens elected the 11-members of the study commission, so you can say that the voters have already spoken to that extent, and now we're not going to tell them what's coming in November?"
Phillips read the conclusion of a Chester County court case in which expenditures to educate the public about a Home Rule initiative were deemed appropriate and not necessarily advocacy.
The Commissioners have the authority to decide that $50,000 for public education is an inappropriate expenditure of taxpayer dollars.
Phillips expects that the Commissioners would consult with the Study Commission in the event that they decide as such.
County Administrator Mark Esterbrook Resigns
NewsLanc has learned this morning that County Administrator Mark Esterbrook has submitted to the County Commissioners his resignation effective April 8, 2008.
Esterbrook is receiving 3 months of severance pay ($42,311) and his medical benefits will continue for the same period.
Asked whether Esterbrook left willingly or was asked to leave, Commissioner Chairman Dennis Stuckey had no comment.
Asked whether it is possible for an employee who quit willingly to receive severance pay, Commissioner Scott Martin said only that the determination is made on a case-by-case basis.
Stuckey and Ex-Commissioner Sharron Nelson both read statements at Tuesday's Commissioners Worksession, thanking Mr. Esterbrook for his service to the County.
Esterbrook was widely regarded as an extraordinarily competent manager of County government.
He was not immediately available for comment, Tuesday.
Stuckey said that Chief Clerk Andrea McCue will help with the vacuum left by Esterbrook's departure, and that no timetable has yet been set for finding Esterbrook's replacement.
Esterbrook is receiving 3 months of severance pay ($42,311) and his medical benefits will continue for the same period.
Asked whether Esterbrook left willingly or was asked to leave, Commissioner Chairman Dennis Stuckey had no comment.
Asked whether it is possible for an employee who quit willingly to receive severance pay, Commissioner Scott Martin said only that the determination is made on a case-by-case basis.
Stuckey and Ex-Commissioner Sharron Nelson both read statements at Tuesday's Commissioners Worksession, thanking Mr. Esterbrook for his service to the County.
Esterbrook was widely regarded as an extraordinarily competent manager of County government.
He was not immediately available for comment, Tuesday.
Stuckey said that Chief Clerk Andrea McCue will help with the vacuum left by Esterbrook's departure, and that no timetable has yet been set for finding Esterbrook's replacement.
Monday, April 7, 2008
LETTER: Need Qualified Executive Director
The convention center is scheduled to open in about one year, not two years.
The master developer (High), the construction management company (Reynolds), and the marketing/management company (Interstate) are reporting to two masters (PSP-RACL and the LCCCA). We need an executive director who has the right background and qualifications to oversee and monitor these activities to make sure the LCCCA is properly represented. A simple pencil pusher would not be able to do that effectively.
The master developer (High), the construction management company (Reynolds), and the marketing/management company (Interstate) are reporting to two masters (PSP-RACL and the LCCCA). We need an executive director who has the right background and qualifications to oversee and monitor these activities to make sure the LCCCA is properly represented. A simple pencil pusher would not be able to do that effectively.
LETTER: Strong Executive Director Important
Kevin Molloy was only a third-tier manager in Erie. He probably sees "Executive Director" as a career move, which will look good on his resume.
The previous "Executive Director" and "Chairman" left the incumbent board and staff with a very-poorly planned budget and path forward. Art Morris has repeatedly taken a nearly-impossible situation and made it work within unreasonable constraints.
As the inevitable cost overruns and delays (and resulting conflicts) come to fruition, it will take a strong "Executive Director" to complete the project and bring it on-line (perhaps more than Art Morris could handle by himself) – especially considering the unreasonable constraints placed on the LCCCA by its predecessors. I suspect Mr. Molloy will be VERY busy well into 2009.
After that, there is NO need for a highly-paid "Executive Director." Interstate Hotels and Resorts – the hand-picked agent of S. Dale High – has exclusive control over the marketing and operation of the convention center. Once the convention center is in full operation, the LCCCA could cease to exist, and it would make no difference whatsoever in the operation of the facility.
I suspect Mr. Molloy will move on to greener pastures before the end of 2009.
The previous "Executive Director" and "Chairman" left the incumbent board and staff with a very-poorly planned budget and path forward. Art Morris has repeatedly taken a nearly-impossible situation and made it work within unreasonable constraints.
As the inevitable cost overruns and delays (and resulting conflicts) come to fruition, it will take a strong "Executive Director" to complete the project and bring it on-line (perhaps more than Art Morris could handle by himself) – especially considering the unreasonable constraints placed on the LCCCA by its predecessors. I suspect Mr. Molloy will be VERY busy well into 2009.
After that, there is NO need for a highly-paid "Executive Director." Interstate Hotels and Resorts – the hand-picked agent of S. Dale High – has exclusive control over the marketing and operation of the convention center. Once the convention center is in full operation, the LCCCA could cease to exist, and it would make no difference whatsoever in the operation of the facility.
I suspect Mr. Molloy will move on to greener pastures before the end of 2009.
LETTER: Authority Executive Director Overpaid?
Here's my question – and I am totally serious.
What in the world is this guy going to do? Here we are paying this guy $400 per day when:
– There is No convention center for almost two years
– ALL work is contracted out
– There are two other employees (one just left but I'm sure they will replace her)
Absolutely crazy.
Additionally – isn't it great all the JOBS the convention center is giving to the people of Lancaster – or NOT! There's no one that we could get to be this super-duper-pencil-pusher-glad-hander that's from Lancaster?!?!? I am betting that we could have found someone that would work for say $300 a day or maybe even $200 a day. AFTER ALL - WHAT DOES THE GUY DO?!?!?
Editor's note: We do not object to the amount of pay considering Kevin Molloy's experience in opening the Erie Convention Center and hoping that he is very competent. This is a critical stage whereby the Authority must deal with many complicated and demanding challenges of the past, currently and for the future. We hope that Molloy will appreciate that he is working for the Authority (and thus the public) and will stand up to Penn Square Partners rather than being co-opted by them and their cronies in the Power Elite.
What in the world is this guy going to do? Here we are paying this guy $400 per day when:
– There is No convention center for almost two years
– ALL work is contracted out
– There are two other employees (one just left but I'm sure they will replace her)
Absolutely crazy.
Additionally – isn't it great all the JOBS the convention center is giving to the people of Lancaster – or NOT! There's no one that we could get to be this super-duper-pencil-pusher-glad-hander that's from Lancaster?!?!? I am betting that we could have found someone that would work for say $300 a day or maybe even $200 a day. AFTER ALL - WHAT DOES THE GUY DO?!?!?
Editor's note: We do not object to the amount of pay considering Kevin Molloy's experience in opening the Erie Convention Center and hoping that he is very competent. This is a critical stage whereby the Authority must deal with many complicated and demanding challenges of the past, currently and for the future. We hope that Molloy will appreciate that he is working for the Authority (and thus the public) and will stand up to Penn Square Partners rather than being co-opted by them and their cronies in the Power Elite.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
EDITORIAL: Local Rotary President Creates Chaos
A month ago, apparently without doing a modicum of investigation, local Rotary Club President Alexandra Weisensale ejected NewsLanc reporter Matt Henderson from a meeting, where he was routinely covering weekly speakers, something that he had openly been doing for months.
Weisensale justified her action by saying that meetings were not open to the media except by invitation, which brought an editorial blast from the Intelligencer Journal / New Era who pointed out that they had been covering Rotary meetings without special invitations for years and urged that all media be treated the same.
Last week Weisensale acknowledged Rotary's mistake in not inviting media to the State Candidates Forum, attributing the oversight to an apparent error or "miscommunication" among the committees charged with organizing programs and inviting the media.
Then a couple of days later Jeff Hawkes of the Intell devoted a column to the event, indicating he had attended!
We at NewsLanc don't know what to make of all of this. It seems to us that Weisensale acted rashly and is unwilling to recognize her mistake and again open the meetings to all media as has long been national and local policy.
We at NewsLanc admire Rotary. We wish we could feel the same about Weisensale.
Weisensale justified her action by saying that meetings were not open to the media except by invitation, which brought an editorial blast from the Intelligencer Journal / New Era who pointed out that they had been covering Rotary meetings without special invitations for years and urged that all media be treated the same.
Last week Weisensale acknowledged Rotary's mistake in not inviting media to the State Candidates Forum, attributing the oversight to an apparent error or "miscommunication" among the committees charged with organizing programs and inviting the media.
Then a couple of days later Jeff Hawkes of the Intell devoted a column to the event, indicating he had attended!
We at NewsLanc don't know what to make of all of this. It seems to us that Weisensale acted rashly and is unwilling to recognize her mistake and again open the meetings to all media as has long been national and local policy.
We at NewsLanc admire Rotary. We wish we could feel the same about Weisensale.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
$15 Million for Downtown Performance Art Center?
On April 5, NewsLanc broke the news that $15 million in state funds is being earmarked for a Performance Art Center in downtown Lancaster.
First public word concerning the possibility of such a facility was reported by the New Era on September 10.
It quoted Mayor Rick Gray as saying: "The orchestra is a home run and with a bigger hall where they could perform for a larger audience, it would be a grand slam ... And the hall would be available for other major things."
On April 6, a Sunday News article reported that senate candidate Steve McDonald "blasted the Senate's approval last week of a $12.7 billion capital budget as full of pork. He pointed to a $15 million line item for a performing arts center in Lancaster, which he said county commissioners didn't even know about..."
The article goes on to say that Senator Gib Armstrong retorted that "The capital budget 'means absolutely, positively nothing, except to get something funded, you have to have it in the capital budget first.'"
Talk of $15 million for a performance art center caused concern that an attempt may be underway to divert hitherto promised funds from projects already advanced in their planning.
First public word concerning the possibility of such a facility was reported by the New Era on September 10.
It quoted Mayor Rick Gray as saying: "The orchestra is a home run and with a bigger hall where they could perform for a larger audience, it would be a grand slam ... And the hall would be available for other major things."
On April 6, a Sunday News article reported that senate candidate Steve McDonald "blasted the Senate's approval last week of a $12.7 billion capital budget as full of pork. He pointed to a $15 million line item for a performing arts center in Lancaster, which he said county commissioners didn't even know about..."
The article goes on to say that Senator Gib Armstrong retorted that "The capital budget 'means absolutely, positively nothing, except to get something funded, you have to have it in the capital budget first.'"
Talk of $15 million for a performance art center caused concern that an attempt may be underway to divert hitherto promised funds from projects already advanced in their planning.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Authority Selects Kevin R. Molloy to Replace Art Morris as Executive Director
In a special Personnel Committee meeting late this afternoon, the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority unanimously approved the selection of a new Executive Director.
Concluding a national search lasting since last September, the Authority selected Kevin R. Molloy as Art Morris's replacement.
Morris has been serving pro bono as the Executive Director of the Authority since former Director David Hixson stepped down last July.
After receiving some 50 applications and interviewing seven candidates, the members felt that Molloy's qualifications most closely matched the Authority's needs, Sharron Nelson said.
Molloy, who has managed the 154,000 square-foot Erie Convention Center as well as the Augusta Civic Center, will assume his responsibilities on May 19th.
The Erie Convention Center's first five months of operations exceeded expectations, Sharron Nelson said.
Molloy holds a business administration degree from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, and is also certified in Public Facility Management.
His salary will be $121,000 annually with a $10,000 signing bonus and $20,000 to cover moving expenses.
Molloy thanked the Authority for its selection, saying that he is "ready to hit the ground running" and said he is excited about the opportunity for him and his family to make the transition from Erie to Lancaster.
Mayor Rick Gray spoke at the event, saying, "I'd like to thank the Convention Center Board for the unanimity displayed here. It's such a breath of fresh air to see everyone working together and on the same page."
He went on to thank Morris for his many months of volunteer service as the Authority's Executive Director.
Following the meeting, Morris said to Molloy, "I want to say this in front of the reporters: Whatever you do, do not get involved in – I'm just suggesting – if anyone asks you questions about past controversies, you need to get on your feet first. I know you're smart enough to do that."
Molloy agreed that he would have to acquaint himself more with the history of Lancaster's project before being able to speak to such things.
Concluding a national search lasting since last September, the Authority selected Kevin R. Molloy as Art Morris's replacement.
Morris has been serving pro bono as the Executive Director of the Authority since former Director David Hixson stepped down last July.
After receiving some 50 applications and interviewing seven candidates, the members felt that Molloy's qualifications most closely matched the Authority's needs, Sharron Nelson said.
Molloy, who has managed the 154,000 square-foot Erie Convention Center as well as the Augusta Civic Center, will assume his responsibilities on May 19th.
The Erie Convention Center's first five months of operations exceeded expectations, Sharron Nelson said.
Molloy holds a business administration degree from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, and is also certified in Public Facility Management.
His salary will be $121,000 annually with a $10,000 signing bonus and $20,000 to cover moving expenses.
Molloy thanked the Authority for its selection, saying that he is "ready to hit the ground running" and said he is excited about the opportunity for him and his family to make the transition from Erie to Lancaster.
Mayor Rick Gray spoke at the event, saying, "I'd like to thank the Convention Center Board for the unanimity displayed here. It's such a breath of fresh air to see everyone working together and on the same page."
He went on to thank Morris for his many months of volunteer service as the Authority's Executive Director.
Following the meeting, Morris said to Molloy, "I want to say this in front of the reporters: Whatever you do, do not get involved in – I'm just suggesting – if anyone asks you questions about past controversies, you need to get on your feet first. I know you're smart enough to do that."
Molloy agreed that he would have to acquaint himself more with the history of Lancaster's project before being able to speak to such things.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Rotary Holds State Senate Candidates Forum, Doesn't Invite Media
The Rotary Club of Lancaster held a candidates forum for the Pennsylvania 13th District Senate Race at its April 2 meeting.
Candidates Paul Thibault, Lloyd Smucker, Bill Neff, and Steve McDonald discussed and debated issues of local political significance, according to well-placed sources.
NewsLanc did not receive an invitation to this event. Surprisingly, neither did Lancaster Newspapers, according to New Era reporter Tom Murse.
In a phone interview, club President Alexandra Weisensale acknowledged the event and attributed the lack of invitation to an apparent error or "miscommunication" among the committees charged with organizing programs and inviting the media.
Candidates Paul Thibault, Lloyd Smucker, Bill Neff, and Steve McDonald discussed and debated issues of local political significance, according to well-placed sources.
NewsLanc did not receive an invitation to this event. Surprisingly, neither did Lancaster Newspapers, according to New Era reporter Tom Murse.
In a phone interview, club President Alexandra Weisensale acknowledged the event and attributed the lack of invitation to an apparent error or "miscommunication" among the committees charged with organizing programs and inviting the media.
Bart Twp. Residents Oppose Rail Trail 2-1
The attempts by advocates of a "rail trail" along the former Enola Low Grade Line in the southern portion of the County to bring that vision to fruition have been frustrating.
Since the project's inception, it has faced skepticism and opposition from residents in some areas of the County.
One of those areas is Bart Township, a rural municipality in the southeastern portion of the County perhaps most notable for the calamitous 2006 Nickel Mines Amish schoolhouse shooting.
Township supervisors there say that they sent a survey to every mailbox in the township 2-3 years ago, and found that residents opposed recreational use of the rail line by a margin of approximately 2-1.
Along with concerns about trespassing, liability, and maintenance, Supervisor Chairman Calvin Keene shared that "A lot of people thought the County had a big enough deficit and didn't have any business doing it."
"It became rather clear to us that a large majority of our residents didn't want it," said Keene.
"Justified or not, they didn't like it."
"So, being we're elected by those people, we represent what they want. Now, that doesn't mean that one or more of us is in favor or not in favor of the trail, but as far as I'm concerned, I'm trying to represent what the constituents want."
"Until that changes, we represent them," Township Supervisor Bob Girvin Jr. agreed.
Since the project's inception, it has faced skepticism and opposition from residents in some areas of the County.
One of those areas is Bart Township, a rural municipality in the southeastern portion of the County perhaps most notable for the calamitous 2006 Nickel Mines Amish schoolhouse shooting.
Township supervisors there say that they sent a survey to every mailbox in the township 2-3 years ago, and found that residents opposed recreational use of the rail line by a margin of approximately 2-1.
Along with concerns about trespassing, liability, and maintenance, Supervisor Chairman Calvin Keene shared that "A lot of people thought the County had a big enough deficit and didn't have any business doing it."
"It became rather clear to us that a large majority of our residents didn't want it," said Keene.
"Justified or not, they didn't like it."
"So, being we're elected by those people, we represent what they want. Now, that doesn't mean that one or more of us is in favor or not in favor of the trail, but as far as I'm concerned, I'm trying to represent what the constituents want."
"Until that changes, we represent them," Township Supervisor Bob Girvin Jr. agreed.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Lancaster Post to rival Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.
It was announced today that the Lancaster Post, a weekly tabloid, will be launched on April 17. The Post will also provide supplemental coverage and features at LancasterPost.com.
The Post is the joint creation of Ron Harper, Jr., publisher of 5thestate.com, and Christiaan Hart Nibbrig, a veteran journalist. Harper recently announced that 5thEstate.com will shut down at the end of April.
The Post's motto will be "The Lancaster Post....nothing but the truth"
NewsLanc welcomes the Post. The public will benefit from an additional source of news and commentary to counter the occasional bias and frequent omissions of the local monopoly press.
The Post is the joint creation of Ron Harper, Jr., publisher of 5thestate.com, and Christiaan Hart Nibbrig, a veteran journalist. Harper recently announced that 5thEstate.com will shut down at the end of April.
The Post's motto will be "The Lancaster Post....nothing but the truth"
NewsLanc welcomes the Post. The public will benefit from an additional source of news and commentary to counter the occasional bias and frequent omissions of the local monopoly press.
Sadsbury Township Supervisors Skeptical of Rails-to-Trails Proposal
One of the seven municipalities through which the old Norfolk Southern Enola Low-Grade Rail Line runs is Sadsbury Township.
In fact, it's the first if you follow the tracks in from the east.
Many in the County would like to see the line become a "rail trail" recreation area, akin to the very successful ones next door in York County.
But township supervisors there are skeptical.
Eugene Lammey, Chairman of the 3-person Board of Supervisors, said at Tuesday night's meeting that the issue has been quiet lately but that the board has, in the recent past, heard opposition to any such proposal, especially from persons immediately adjacent to the inactive line.
Some of the concerns, he shared, include liability issues and trespassing, if persons were to wander off the trail, or engage in dangerous activities on or near the trail.
"And part of it, I'll be honest with you, is just the old NIMBY," Lammey said.
Wilma John Stone, a local resident, speculated that laws akin to "scenic river laws" might restrict local residents' ability to cut down trees or otherwise make modifications to the land within the line of sight of the trail.
Moreover, she opined that a rail trail seems unnecessary to her and other residents given that their township already has recreation areas.
As for the other two supervisors, they refused to comment, deferring instead to the Chairman's remarks.
Lammey said that, once the township is in possession of the land, he would be not be entirely averse to the idea of recreational use of the rail line if that's what the taxpayers wanted.
But he admitted that he's "definitely opposed" at this point and does not expect residents to come out in force in favor of the plan.
In fact, it's the first if you follow the tracks in from the east.
Many in the County would like to see the line become a "rail trail" recreation area, akin to the very successful ones next door in York County.
But township supervisors there are skeptical.
Eugene Lammey, Chairman of the 3-person Board of Supervisors, said at Tuesday night's meeting that the issue has been quiet lately but that the board has, in the recent past, heard opposition to any such proposal, especially from persons immediately adjacent to the inactive line.
Some of the concerns, he shared, include liability issues and trespassing, if persons were to wander off the trail, or engage in dangerous activities on or near the trail.
"And part of it, I'll be honest with you, is just the old NIMBY," Lammey said.
Wilma John Stone, a local resident, speculated that laws akin to "scenic river laws" might restrict local residents' ability to cut down trees or otherwise make modifications to the land within the line of sight of the trail.
Moreover, she opined that a rail trail seems unnecessary to her and other residents given that their township already has recreation areas.
As for the other two supervisors, they refused to comment, deferring instead to the Chairman's remarks.
Lammey said that, once the township is in possession of the land, he would be not be entirely averse to the idea of recreational use of the rail line if that's what the taxpayers wanted.
But he admitted that he's "definitely opposed" at this point and does not expect residents to come out in force in favor of the plan.
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