Welcome to “Blog the Mayor”. The Blog is a first for both the Borough and the Mayor so bear with us as we launch what we hope will be an interesting, informative, and productive conversation. One thing I want to remind everyone is that the Borough is fortunate to have ten dedicated Council persons who also want to hear from you if you have questions or problems with Borough services in their ward. Don’t be afraid to contact them. A list of council members is at: http://borough.chambersburg.pa.us/html/elected.asp If you’re not sure what ward you live in I’ll be glad to direct your questions/comments to them.
I hope you have a chance to come downtown and participate in IceFest, January 31 –February 2. There will be all sorts of activities going on. I’ll be judging the chilli cookoff on Saturday morning, February 2nd . Also on Saturday morning a Boy Scout troop from Alaska will run a dogsled through downtown, re-creating the famous 1925 serum run in which diphtheria anti-toxin was transported from Anchorage to Nome. And don’t forget the fireworks that same night at the Southgate Shopping Center. You can learn about all the IceFest activities at: http://www.icefestpa.com/Home/home.html
So, don’t be shy. What’s on your mind?
Mayor Lagiovane
53 comments:
My husband and I were wondering why the property at Wolf Business Park on Commerce Street has been allowed to turn into a junk yard. It is an eye-sore, and the rain run-off could be polluting the Conocheague Creek.
Dear Mayor,
I would first like to say that I think this blog is a great idea. I hope it will create more dialogue between the younger generation (aka people like me) and the Borough's elected officials.
Now I guess I should introduce myself. I'm a guy in my mid 20's. I've lived in suburban Chambersburg all my life and in the past year bought a house in the borough as well as work in it.
I thought maybe you could start out by helping me and possible others who are not "into" politics as to what are the primary responsiblities of the mayor and council members. What are the things that you and the council do that affect people like me who live and work in the borough? And how would they affect me?
Good Morning Mayor, This is the first time I've done this, but I have a concern that I thought I'd address with you. I work on Stouffer Ave. I appreciate the new lights at Stouffer & McKinley, but cannot understand why there is no left turn signal when turning from Stouffer onto Mckinley!! When you are on McKinley turning onto Stouffer, the left turn signals are great! You have to sit thru long lines of oncoming traffice to try to turn left from Stouffer (usually several lights), and then you can only turn if you inched your car out into the intersection and turn when the light turns red. I know you live near this area and am sure you have encountered the same problem. Any insight into why they can't activate the left turn signal on Stouffer??? Thank you and congratulations on your win as Mayor!
Welcome to the blog world. I think this is a great idea. As an area youth pastor I appreciate you looking for new ways to be involved with the people.
Something that might help is to make sure you have away for people to subscribe to new post via email and through an rss reader.
Thanks again and I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Hello Mayor,
I don't live in Chambersburg but I think this blod is a good idea. Maybe I'll see you at the ice fest!
Welcome Mayor Lagiovane,
My first time blogging....it doesn't seem to be too hard!! During your door to door campaigning, you spoke about revitalizing the downtown area. What are the plans, when does it start, and how can I help?
I also live on Wolf Ave. and wounder the same thing about the Business Park, it is an eyesore to look at everyday. I also would like to know why the borough don't plow our street, they forget about us every time it snows, also some speed bumps would be nice, everyone seems to think that Wolf Ave. is a speed track. Thank You for listing to the people.
Folks,
Thanks for your posts. Thisis exactly the kind of dialogue I was hoping to establish.
Let me start by answering Ben first since this is something I know about. The Borough is effectively controlled by the Borough Council and Council President. The Council passes ordinances, approves budgets, appropriates funds, authorizes hiring, etc. In effect it is the Borough legislature. The day to day operations of the Borough are controlled by the Borough Manger, Eric Oyer. He makes sure "the trains run on time". He is in charge of all Borough operations and reports only to the Borough Council and Council President (who hire him and can fire him). The Mayor has only a few official duties. First, he is in charge of the Police Force. While the Police Chief runs the force, the Mayor oversees the forces operations and has final hire/fire approval. He also reports to the Council on Police issues. The Mayor sits on the Council but does not have a vote, unless there is a tie. He can only vote to break ties. However, no ordinance passed by Council is offical until signed by the Mayor, in effect giving the Mayor veto authority. It takes a two-thirds vote of Council to override this veto. Finally, the Mayor can marry people and can declare a state of emergency in the Borough. I may be marrying someone next month and hope to never have to declare a state of emergency. Obviously, the most direct impact the Borough government has on you is in your pocketbook. Council sets tax rates and manages the programs that require such taxes. (See my next comments).
Now for Roseareba's comment. Penn DOT made the determination not to install left turn signals from Stouffer on to McKinley. They made this decision based on data collected at the time a light was put in. However, I understand that we can go back and do another traffic study to determine if a left turn signal is warranted. Since doing so and putting in a turn signal will cost several thousand dollars the best thing for Roseareba to do would be to contact his/her Councilperson and ask them to appropriate the funding for such a study.
Regarding Anonymous comments on Wolfe business Park. I'll have to talk to some people here in the Boro before being able to answer. I'll get back to Anonymous tomorrow.
Finally, Jeremy, I'll check with our IT people about subscribing through email and an rss reader. I'll get back to you on that later.
Hey, this is starting out well. I hope my respones were helpful.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
I'd like to request several cars removed from the public, boro lot on West Queen Street, near the CVS. One is black with four flat tires and the other is burgundy, backed in closest to the street. These cars have been parked there for months and months and never moved. This lot was once marked for NO overnight parking. Those signs disappeared and the lot is now a place where every body who lives downtown parks. It is becoming harder and harder to find a space to park in that lot throughout the day. The boro did not provide free parking to those tenants years ago, why now? It turns my stomach to park in that lot each day, only to find paper, beer bottles, vomit, condoms, and predators lurking about. It's time to clean the place up! This is one of the first places people see when they pass through Chambersburg from Route 30 West.
Hello Mayor!
This Blog is a GREAT idea. There are so many people in and around Chambersburg who are online, but have no real (or virtual) way to connect to each other and city government. Kudo's on the idea!
My primary focus is the state of Downtown. We really need to find a way to get the greater community focused on Downtown and understand what it means to a community to have a healthy, vibrant center, to gather in, to urban hike, and to just "build community". What are your ideas concerning improving the Downtown? How can Council help?
One of the things I have noticed is the relatively high number of bicycles using the sidewalks downtown. This is dangerous, and from what I understand, illegal. Can you ask the police force to be a bit more vigilant on this issue and some others like abandoned cars etc in our downtown? I know these seem like small issues, but they really do add to or detract from the feeling of Downtown.
Thanks Mayor Pete!
~A Fan
Folks,
"a fan" posted a great question regarding what is being done to improve downtown Chambersburg. The short answer is, " a lot". Check out the website of Downtown Chambersburg Inc (DCI) at: http://www.chambersburg.org/dci.asp?org=dci
Paul Cullinane and his staff have been working tirelessly with public and private investors to transform downtown into the vital, enjoyable place we want it to be. Just yesterday I attended an Economic Development Summit put together by DCI. Over 50 business, government, church, and charitable organization representatives were there to discuss efforts to revitalize the North Main Street area. And Jack Jones as head of the new Elm Street Program is working just as hard to improve the southern part of downtown. As these groups, private developers, and others come up with proposals that require Council approval the Borough Council and Borough Manager work with them to do all they can to "grease the skids" i.e. ensure that these plans and proposals meet state and local ordinanaces. A good example of this public/private collaboration is the way TBL Inc and Borough Council have joined forces to get a state authorized Economic Development Zone liquor license for TBL's proposed Bistro on North Main Street. As far as what I am doing as Mayor to contribute to this process, I'm trying to meet and regularly talk to many of the people and organizations that I believe can contribute to downtown development. Just yesterday I met with Wilson College President Lorna Edmundson and discussed ways to attract more Wilson students downtown to shop, eat, and entertain themselves. I'm also working with several community members to create a Film Club that will show Foreign and Independent movies as well as kid-friendly cartoons at the Capitol. I could go on and on but rest assured that many, many people are working to "build a community" downtown that we all will be proud of. Regarding bicycles on sidewalks. There is a Borough ordinance prohibiting this and Borough police officers are always on the lookout for such activity and are authorized to cite violators.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Regarding "anonymous" comment about the Wolfe Business Park. The Business Park is located in a part of town zoned Heavy Manufacturing. The businesses there comply with this zoning classification. I have been informed that they have agreed to put up a 7 foot high fence around their property that will shield it from the road and the fence will be constructed this Spring. Regarding runoff. Unless you have an indication that their operations are leading to runoff into the creek we really can't do an inspection. However, you are free to contact your Council person and raise this issue with him/her. The Borough would respond to any such complaint.
Sometimes it takes a newcomer to town to notice things that ought to be fixed. I have lived in Chambersburg for less than three years, and I have already observed a few things:
It's hard to get around town, especially in the north end. There are parallel streets with no crossovers, such as North Main and Second St. There is no way to get from one to the other between King St. and Commerce St., where they run together. Also there is no connection between Grant St. and Broad St. in the southbound direction. There is only one northbound connection, Second St. I think a southbound connection could be established by condemning only a small amount of property, and this would help residents in the north end get to Grant St. without having to either go all the way down to King St., or way over to Fifth Ave.
Mr. Mayor
I read that a new grant has been granted for the replacement of old handicap ramps. I should hope these are installed correctly. I didn't see a one that was installed correctly out of the last bunch. Either the installer does not know or does not care about the regulations. Who inspects these ramps?
The addition of the new restaurants is great. However all of them have access problems. Why? The Ruby Tuesdays just opened and is not even close to being ADA cmplient. Again,WHY? I would hate to see the borough lose the grant because none of the ramps are to ADA requirements
Rich
Hello Mr. Mayor,
I,too, would like to know any plans in the works towards "revitalizing" our downtown area. How can I help?
Thanks and great idea for the blog!
The posts are coming fast and furious so bear with me as I try to answer them all. Understand that in order to answer some postings I have to check with Borough staff to be sure I'm giving out good information.
First I'll talk to Rich's comments regarding handicapped ramps. I happen to have firsthand knowledge of this issue because my son Matt was born with Spina Bifida and is in a wheelchair. Rich is right that a federal grant is helping to install these ramps throughout the Borough. We started in Ward 5 and will eventually get to all the Borough Wards. I'm very pleased with the ramps in my neighborhood (Coldbrook school area). They've all been inspected by Borough personnel to ensure that the contractor met ADA requirements. Rich, if you can give me specifics on why they are not ADA compliant I'll be sure to pass them on to Boro staff. Regarding Ruby Tuesday. Again, give me specifics. I've found that most new restaurants, especially chains, are very aware of ADA accesibility requirementsand have designed their restaurants accordingly. I'd recommend Applebys and Bob Evans (for handicapped accesibility not necessarily the food). I've never eaten at Ruby Tuesday but was planning on going there soon. Matt and I will be sure to check it out.
Bruce, you are absolutely right about the problems with Broad street and the inability to go south on Broad without having to go down to second and then around the point. I'll mention this to our Road and Street people. I'm sure most people living in the area would like something done so let me suggest that you talk to the Borough Councilpeople in the first Ward (Bill McGlaughlin and Allan Cauffman). Also if you live there you could pass a petition around to your neighbors. I'll mention it to Bill and Allan but since any action would require money and possible use of eminent domain, it will take a lot of popular pressure to get the Council to act.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Mr. Mayor, Your blog mentions the boy scout troup / dog sled demonstration at the ice fest on Saturday. But the ice fest website and schedule of events does not mention it.
Where can I get more information?
Let me start by answering Mary's question about the Dogsled Run. It will start at 9:00am at the Rails to Trails terminus at Commerce Street. It will proceed down the Rails to Trails to King Street. It will go up King Street to Main and then down Main Street pass the Square as far as Washington Street before turning right down to the Rail to Trails and then back up the Trasil to the Rosedale Parking lot and the Founders statue. We expect to meet the dogsled team at the founders statue at 9:30am and have a short "welcoming" ceremony.
Linda, I welcome your support of downtown revitalization. I spoke to Paul Cullinane and he writes: "If you are Downtown property or business owners, I would ask How are you insuring that your property or business is improving in quality over time? Do you financially support Downtown Chambersburg, Inc., the downtown economic development organization? Would you like to have me call you to meet an discuss our vision for the future?" Paul goes on to write: "If you a are Borough citizen, I would ask Do you patronize downtown shops? Do you patronize the Capitol Theatre Center? Would you be willing to financially help with downtown revitalization?" I would add that you also consider participating in "Leadership Franklin" a community leadership development program of The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce designed to stimulate leadership potential of individuals who are interested in assuming leadership roles in the community. You can learn more about this program and get an application at: http://www.franklin-chamber.org/leadership.html
Mayor Lagiovane
"Anonymous" has raised important questions about the appearance of several properties downtown. I say important because urban planners have known for years that "eyesores" lead to deterioration that then lead to crime that then lead to urban decay. The Borough aggressively enforces the its Property Maintenance code to prevent this from happenning. Bill Lockbaum (261-3262) is our Property Maintenance Code officer. I referred annonymous' complaints to Bill and he has checked out the Wolfe Property and cited the property for several code violations. Regarding the CVS Parking lot, we have spoken to the Borough Street Department (Bob Wagner, 261-3228) and they will clean it up. Keep me posted on how this cleanup is going.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
I hadn't forgotten Jeremy's suggestion that the Blog provide a way to subscribe to new post via email and through an rss reader. I checked with our IT people to find out what an rss reader was and whether posting via email is feasible. They advise that using an rss reader would be expensive to set up and timely/costly to maintain. However, they will work on seeing if bloggers can post via email. I'll keep you posted.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Hello Mayor,
You seem to really be making some impact based upon the responses to the blog concerns. If only all government responded so quickly to the feedback from their constituents.
I have grown up in this community, went away for college, but came back because I like the small town atmostphere. In the past 10 years or so I have witnessed a continued, sustained decline of downtown Chambersburg. I keep reading all these things about a skyscraper and a prominade along the stream and on and on, yet nothing seems to be happening. I know you say that there is alot going on and big plans. But honestly mayor, I've heard enough about plans, I'd like to see some results. Seems every year that goes by adds to the number of buildings that are either vacant, torn down, or filled with scary looking stores. What is next? Adult stores? Seedy bars? Downtowns can be really great. I went to school near a small town not much bigger than Chambersburg and it was absolutely wonderful. Great restaurants and shops and things to do.
The Chambersburg that I love and came back for is slowly going away. I want to stay here. I want to be able to bring my kids downtown. (the festivals are great)I want to be proud when out of town visitors come. Right now, I am not proud of my town.
Please help save our town.
Respectfully.
Mr. Mayor,
I have been very concerned in recent years about the safety of the railroad bridges or "highlines" in the borough. There was a letter written to the editor of the Public Opinion this week by a gentleman that drives for the county and pointed out the age of the bridges. All were constructed in the early 1900's. I live very close to the bridge on Catherine Street and have witnessed pieces of concrete falling and lots of pigeon droppings on the sidewalk below. People walk on the road to avoid these wet, slimy siewalks. I actually spoke with the Norfolk Southern folks a few years back but I got nowhere. Maybe someone could look into this?
Thank you
This is a great idea and thanks for attempting a clean up at Wolf Lake!!
Mayor L.-- great idea with the blog. You're off to a great start. As you know, the Northend is becoming more congested due to the extension of Norland Avenue and the development of the Gabler Farm. One choke point contributing to the congestion is in the area of the railroad overpasses (the highline) along Norland Avenue. A good portion of the traffic is going towards destinations past the Northend -- e.g. Menno Haven, Scotland, Greenvillage, etc. I believe a great way to cut the traffic flow along Norland Ave in half would be to connect 5th Avenue with Grand Point Road in Green Twp. In that way, drivers have an alternative route (5th Ave) in addition to Scotland Ave and Rt 11 to go further north. Is there anyway the borough could partner with the landowners (of the former Diller Farm) and Green Twp to extend 5th Ave? Your thoughts?
Good afternoon everybody. I hope you had a great weekend. If you were with me and the 3,000 other folks jammed into CASHS gym this Saturday I'm sure you did. The Dunks for Drew Tournament is a wonderful idea and everyone involved should be complimented. I hope this will be an annual tournament and will check with Dr. Padasak to see what we can do to make it so.
Some other good news. Our IT people did some research and have found that bloggers can subscribe to new post via email and through an rss reader. Just go to the ATOM button at the bottom of the blog and click. You should be able to subscribe from there.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Scripto raised a good point about the highline over Catherine Street. Bob Wagner, Borough Engineer/Director of Public Works, advises me that maintenance of the bridge itself is the rersponsibility of Norfolk Southern railway. Bob says he has spoken to them many times over they years and they assured him that the bridge is regularly inspected and, in their words, is as safe or safer than any other bridge in the county. I know this sounds like "famous last words" but we have to accept thier statement. If however, anyone finds pieces of concrete under the bridge please contact Bob (261-3228)immediately and he will call Norfolk Southern. Regarding the "pigeon" problem Bob explained that the Fire Department regularly (every 2-3 months) hoses down the sidewalk under the bridge. If that is not frequent enough let Bob know and he can get the Fire Department out there more often.
"Anonymous" and "linda" both continue to raise questions about downtown revitalization. First let me point to the work of Larry, Barb, and Tucker Lahr in renovating several buildings along North Main Street and their efforts to secure an Economic Development Zone liquor license pursuant to opnening a Bistro in one of the renovated buildings. Also, I understand the new owner of the building that housed Northwood Books is also planning an extensive renovation. And we can't forget the work being done by the Capitol Theater and the Center for the Arts. In addition, a lot of folks are trying to come up with a good use for the King Street School property when it is finally sold by the school district. I know the Coyle Free Library would like to expand there as would King Street Church. And don't forget the businesses already downtown. Ludwigs, Olympia, Lyons, On What Grounds and Heavenly Grounds coffee houses, Gypsie, Here's Looking at You, etc. They're working hard to provide a vibrant shopping area downtown and need your patronage. I (and Paul Cullinane) would welcome any ideas you may have to help these businesses as well attract new ones.
All this discussion however, raises the eternal question of which comes first the chicken or the egg or in our case the supply or the demand? Will new restaurants and businesses, renovated housing, unique shops, and arts/entertainment venues draw people downtown or will the demand for these things generate the creation of such businesses and housing. My feeling is that we are seeing more people coming to the area from communities that had thriving downtowns. I know we definitely are seeing many retirees moving up from Washington & Baltimore who are used to more "eclectic" shops and restaurants. We need to come up with more magnets to draw them there. That's what Downtown Chambersburg Inc and many others in the community are trying to do and that is also what this Blog is all about. What are your ideas?
BTW, I'll use this post as a way to advertise something new for downtown. I am President of the newly formed Cumberland Valley Film Club. The Club is preparing a membership drive ($20 per person) and hopes to begin showing foreign and independent movies at the Capitol this Spring. It will also have family movie festivals, offbeat movies for teens (Rocky Horror) and cartoons for the kiddies. I'll keep everyone updated on the progress of the Club.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
"Duke" said that a great way to cut the traffic flow along Norland Ave in half would be to connect 5th Avenue with Grand Point Road in Green Twp. I agree that connecting Norland to Grand Point Road or Woodstock Road is a great idea. However, understand that this would have to be done by Greene Township since the Borough line ends at the rear of the Gateway Center. While the Borough isn't aware of any plans to extend 5th Avenue we have heard, unofficially, that Greene Township will someday extend Parkwood Avenue to either Kohler, Grand Point or Woodstock Roads. You might want to contact the Township Supervisors office to find out more about a future extension of Parkwood Avenue. I'll also make an inquiry of Township officials.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Mr. Mayor,
The Film Club sounds fantastic and I will look forward to hearing more about it as it begins to expand. I've always wished that the Capitol would play more Independent/Foreign films, like many similar, small-town theaters all over the country.
Also, could you explain how the Economic Development Zone liquor license works? It sounds like a great way to revitalize downtown as I know how restrictive procuring a liquor license can be for potentially new, independent restaurant. I always felt it was a huge barrier of entry to new businesses and we could really use some nice, casual dining and perhaps even a bit of a nightlife downtown.
Is there potential for more of these licenses to be issued as part of the downtown revitalization plans?
"KF" reinforced a belief that I, and many members of the community as well as members of Borough Council, have held for a long time, namely that the cumbersome and expensive liquor license requirements in Pennsylvania are preventing people from opening and operating successful restaurants in places like downtown Chambersburg. I think the state legislature recognized this and created "Economic Development Zone Liquor Licenses". As I understand it, these licenses are unique in that they are not "owned" by the restaurant obtaining the license. They cannot be transferred. And in order to retain the license a percentage (I believe 70%) of the restaurant's gross annual receipts must be derived from the sale of food. In effect, these will be restaurants that serve liquor, not bars that serve food. A community can only obtain one license per year and the application must be endorsed by the local governing body. I hope this answers your question and you can be sure that as Mayor I will do all I can to support bringing more such liquor licenses to the Boro.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Has the Borough given consideration to curbside pick up of plastics as part of its recycling program? I feel guilty, if not ashamed, of the fact that I put so many recyclable plastics into the trash. Isn't there some sort of market for clear plastics at the very least?
The film club and kid's cartoons at the Capitol sounds great. My family goes to the Capitol often, and were one of very few patrons for last summer's Sat. morning kid's movies.
I'd love to see some more kid-friendly bike riding places in the downtown area or at the boro parks. I think the skate/bike park near the pool is great, and would love to have it expanded or have similar things built elsewhere.
In answer to "anonymous" question about recycling plastics. Let me start by saying this is something i have often wondered and it's something many people have asked me about. Well, I talked to several people here at Borough Hall and, as I suspected, the reason we don't recycle plastics (or metal cans other than aluminum) is dollars and cents. Currently it is costing the Borough around $150,000 annually to recycle glass and aluminum. This is what it costs after receiving state grants and after receiving a small amount for the recycled material. The question for Borough Council (and Borough taxpayers) is how much more would they be willing to pay in monthly garbage collection bills to cover the cost of recycling plastics. I suggest you do some research, come up with an estimate of how much it would cost (per Borough household, per month). You can probably get ballpark estimates from Bob Wagner (261-3228) at the Borough. Then discuss it with your Council representative and see if he/she would support such an initiative.
Regarding biking in the Borough. I'd think the best way to increase kid friendly bike trails would be to expand the Rails to Trails. Talk to Councilman Newcomer about how you can help raise funds to do so. Wouldn't it be great if you and your family could ride from here to Shippensburg on a nice Spring or Fall day?
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Dear Mr Mayor,
Thank you for responding. I tried to access the website www.franklin-chamber.org/leadership.htmland was directed to Franklin County, NC?? What did I do wrong?
I am a property owner in the borough and I do patronize businesses in our downtown.
Although a bistro is nice...I was leaning more towards revitalizing our downtown through community involvement of fund raisers and volunteer efforts. Wine tastings, Jazz festivals, walking tours through some of our historical buildings and homes, community "shredding of paper" days, a community "going green" day, etc.
I personally would like to see a Community Calendar of Events posted somewhere of activities that will be happening. The Film Festival sounds great - I look forward to hearing more about it.
Thanks.
Hi Mayor. I'm writing about all the people who think they own the street in front of their homes. Specifically, the people who live at 142 and 138 Park Avene (duplex), who place chairs, garbage cans and even a small dumpster in front of their homes every day because they don't want people from Wilson College parking in front of their spots. Not only is it extremely rude and arrogant, but it also makes the neighborhood look crummy.
The police were called and said they can't do much, but I would think a visit from a cop or a note from one in their door would at least let these folks know they're being monitored and their behavior has to stop.
Can you please do something about this? Thanks very much in advance.
Dear Mr. Mayor,
The borough has a number of parks for folks with children, but what we don't have is a dog park. For those of us for whom are dogs are our "kids" - and who help foot the bill for human children to go to school and have recreational facilities - we get very little in return. I would like to suggest that Chambersburg seriously consider establishing a dog park somewhere either within the borough, or perhaps in conjunction with one of its neighboring townships. Those of us with dogs would really appreciate it.
First let me apologize to Linda. The correct address for Leadership Franklin County is:
http://www.chambersburg.org/pages.asp?page=8&org=foundation
Linda, you have some great ideas. I strongly recommend you go to the Leadership Franklin site and contact Chamber rperesentatives about signing up. Also, talk to Bonnie Rotz and others at the Chamber about your ideas. I know several of them may already have been adopted, i.e. historical walking tours and jazz festivals. I'd talk to Bob Windemuth, 264-4706of Kittochtinny Historical Society.
And also consider getting involved with the Council for the Arts. Call Theresa Backman-Meyeres at 264-6883.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Regarding people putting lawn furniture et. al. in front of their homes to protect a parking place. Everyone should be aware that there is an ordinance prohibiting such actions. I recommend Anonymous contact the Police Dept when she sees this junk out in the street. You can file a complaint and the homeowners will be contacted. Most likely they will be given a warning the first time but will be fined for repeated offenses. If Wilson students parking in front of their homes is a major problem homeowners should contact their Council representatives about requiring permits to park in that area. Similar to what was done in the CASHS neighborhood.
Mayor Pete L.
BobO asks about establishing dog parks in the Borough or surrounding townships. This is really a proposal that should be brought before Borough Council and/or Township Supervisors. Before doing so I'd prepare a petition and get lots of signatures supporting creation of such parks. It then will be up to your representatives to determine how to respond. This would be a good time to do so since Borough Council is planning on creation of 3 new parks in the Borough. I believe this issue was discussed at the last Borough Council meeting and not acted on. I'm sure, if there is enough public support, it could be re-opened for consideration.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Sir, As a child I lived across the street from the WW1 Doughboy statue on Queen St. I cared for the flag at the East point putting it up and taking it down when the weather was bad. I joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1994 and served active duty until 2006. I am back home now and volunteer in the VFW Honor Guard participating in parades and military graveside funerals. I have been maintaining the Flag again and purchased a large flag for holidays. Recently I was driving past and the Flag was just about on the ground, the rope has broken and the pole is in need of repair. I have a great respect for Flag and Country. We need to have pride in our statue and Flag honoring our Franklin county veterans. How can I get some help repairing the pole? Also all the small American flags throughout the town are torn and tattered, as far as I can remember they were always removed for the winter after Veterans Day. Thank You.
Joshua Knepper pointed out that the flagpole at the W.W.I memorial (Doughboy Statue) at the point on Lincoln Way East is in disrepair. He asked for help in repairing the pole. He also pointed out that several flags around town are worn and tattered. I made some calls and found out that while the Borough owns the Doughboy statue and the land it sits on the flagpole and flag were purchased and maintained by local veterans groups. I spoke to Mike Sabol, Chairman of the Cumberland Valley 21 Day Retreat, and he recommends that Joshua contact him at 263-1302. His group will be meeting later this month and will take up the issue of the W.W.I Memorial flagpole. Be aware that the Borough will provide logistics support as needed, e.g. lift trucks. Also it may be a good idea for Mr. Knepper to share his concerns with his Borough Council representative. Finally, I urge readers of this blog to contact their local veterans organizations and ask how they can help with this and other veterans memorial activities in the area.
Dear Mayor, I spend a lot of time walking around downtown and I think it has already bottomed out and is heading back up. You are right, there are many good things that already happened and many planned things that will come. It is probably a good time to buy property downtown. I think the new park along the Falling Spring will be great this summer!
I am a new resident and enjoy the area immensely.
I've lived in numerous townships and boros in PA where plastics are always taken for recycle.
We have a responsibility to care for our environment and can't keep adding to landfills. My parents live two miles from a former small village dump which was bought by a corporation. It has been turned into two huge mountains you can see for miles throughout the county, and they aren't stopping there.
I would be willing to pay more to have plastics recycled. I hope others feel the same way.
Deborah, You're the second or third blogger who's asked about recycling plastics. Like I said in my earlier replies, this is an issue that will only be resolved when the community, through its elected representatives has decided that the cost of NOT recycling plastics is greater than the cost of doing so.
Unfortunately, the cost of doing so will be obvious and immediate, i.e taxes or trash removal charges will have to be increased, while the cost of NOT doing so are hidden (unless like your folks, you happen to live near a landfill)and long term. I suggest you look into the cost of setting up a plastics recycling program. Then figure out how to pay for it, starting with the least painful e.g. federal or state grants, and ending with the most painful, tax increases or increased trash reemoval fees. Factor in the reduced need for landfills that recycling plastics will create. Finally, with your numbers in hand start a grassroots organization (or join an existing one) to lobby your legislators (federal, state, and local) to pass legislation requiring the recycling of plastics and also pass accompanying legislation to help localities to pay for it. A state tax or fee on plastic containers and/or bottles with proceeds going to pay for recycling, comes to mind. BTW, this all comes under the process of what's called by some economists "Externalizing Internalities". By that is meant making the price of something, in this case plastic containers, reflect the actual costs of that commodity, in this case the environmental damage caused by plastic and the cost of disposing of it. You can probably get the costs of recycling from nearby towns or counties that do so. Good luck and if you need any help please let me know what I can do.
Mr. Mayor, Is there a map showing the ward boundaries on the borough website? I cannot find one. Also, you have made it very easy to contact you but some of these comments and questions should be directed at others in the borough. Why don't all the council members and administration have posted emails or blogs?
Anonymous asked how to get a copy of a map showing the Borough's Ward boundaries. There isn't one posted on the website but Tannie Mickey can get you one. Her number is 261-3254. If you can wait, Tannie will be posting the map on the Borough website within the next few weeks. As far as Council members having blogs, I think the best way to contact them is the old fashioned way, i.e. a telephone call. I'm pretty sure all their numbers are in the phonebook.
Mayor Pete Lagiovane
Thank you for starting this Mayor Lagiovane. I look forward to your answers to questions brought up here.
Dear Mayor,
I don't live in Chambersburg anymore, but my parents do, so I still get over there quite a bit.I was happy to see you addressed the problem at the Wolf property. I have interest in that area as I grew up there and love the history associated with that area, the old amusement park,the wolf co...are there any plans for that area?
Mr. Mayor,
I would like to address the traffic issue on Stouffer Avenue, while I know that there is no way to reduce the amount of traffic on this street, i feel that there needs to be something done about the speed of the cars traveling on Stouffer. I live close to the corner of Stanley and Stouffer and witness on a daily basis cars that are certainly speeding up and down this street. The posted speed limit is 35 but I would guess that there are very few cars that abide by that limit. This street is traveled by many school buses picking up and dropping off kids as well as childeren walking to and from the middle school. Something needs to be done to slow down the traffic and make the street safer for all who travel it.
I also see an issue with the intersection at Stanley and Stouffer, since just before Christmas there has been four accidents at this intersection for people not stopping or not even seeing the stop signs at this intersection. I have also witnessed many times cars going through the intersection without even touching the brakes, this intersection has become quite dangerous. Maybe it is time to look into a red light at this intersection or at the very least a flashing red light to warn of the stop sign ahead.
Thank you for the work you do for our community and I hope that you will take the time to look into this issue and bring it to the attention of the borough council and police department.
John,
Councilman Wareham mentioned this to me yesterday. I'll tell you what I told him. Chief Dave Arnold has secured a grant to initiate a "Smooth Operator" Program in the Borough. There weas a story about it in the P.O. recently: (http://www.publicopiniononline.com/search/ci_11382656?IADID=Search-www.publicopiniononline.com-www.publicopiniononline.com.
Basically the grant will allow us to pay overtime for police officers to target aggressive drivers and to monitor various intersections. I've forwarded the chief your-and Councilman Wareham's-concerns and we will be sure to include the Stouffer Avenue area in our Smooth Operator program. The funding will be available late janiary and the program will begin then.
I was at a party recently with several Borough employees. The conversation turned to military time that some of them had served. As we talked more about this, one of them (a policeman) had mentioned that the Borough actually allowed them and the fireman to buy into there retirement. Meaning, if they served ten years in the active military, they were able to buy a certain number towards their retirement. Serve 20 years as a policeman or fireman, buy 5 years, retire with 25 total years. I thought that this was great. Hey, they served their country, why not? But, I came to find out that this isn’t possible with the regular Borough workers. They do not get this opportunity. A policeman who served 3 years active duty, NEVER went to war and received an honorable discharge can participate. A regular Borough employee, who may have served 10 years, FOUGHT in a war and was discharged honorably, cannot. I was told that the Borough gives the union the opportunity to use this as a bargaining tool when negotiating their contract. They served or fought for their country so it can be used as a bargaining tool??? An individual, who risked his life and gave his time, has to hope that an entire union will back him and possibly a handful of others, giving up other bargaining chips that would help the entire union so that they can have this benefit that the police and fire sections have. Like that would ever happen! This should be a benefit afforded each and every one of our Borough workers who served honorably, not just a few!!!
Anonymous,
Regarding your comment about Police and Firemen retirement "buy-back". You're correct that Police and Firemen who are veterans can buy back a portion of their military retirement and apply it toward their Borough pension/retirement age. This is a benefit that was arrived at via normal contract negotiation between the Police Union and the Borough. As you wold expect, during such negotiations both sides try to achieve results that benefit themselves while also benefiting the greater common good. I wasn't around when this benefit was negotiated but I'm sure the basis of the negotiation was that the stress of Police work puts a tremendous burden on a police officer (and his family) and therefore allowing veterans who are police officers to apply accumulated military retirement toward their Borough retirement age is a good thing for both parties. While it probably raises Borough pension costs it also provides for a better police department both by improving recruitmen and retention and removing "burned-out" officers from the force. Note, police are being offered this benefit not because they are veterans but because they are police officers with 20+ years service. Regular Borough employees can negotiate for this benefit just like the police did however it would be hard to see how providing them such benefits would be as much of a benefit to the Borough. I'm a 34 year retired federal employee. I've also been in charge of the police for a little over a year. Trust me, not once in my 34 years with the government did I experience as much stress as a police officer experiences every time he's called to respond to a call for service.
I notice nothing has been posted here since November 2008. Has the blog been abandoned, or what?
Sorry, I should have said the mayor hasn't posted anything on the main page since last November. Looking again, I see that other people have posted things and been answered. No need to post my earlier comment or this one.
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