Letter to Yenta 01/19/03

Is nothing happening in New Hope that we should be discussing? What about Laura Hahn's letter to the Editor this week? What about Windybush Road? What about Winter Fest - it's getting better every year. Let's keep the Yenta going.

Letter to Yenta 12/18/02

I am another Windy Bush Road resident who feels that something needs to be done ASAP to save lives in the future.

I live on George Schweickhardts farm and our driveway is right at the 50 MPH sign before you come to Old Windy Bush Road from the direction of River Road. It's actually frightening to pull out of our driveway because cars come up on you so fast that it's almost impossible to see them before you actually pull out onto Windy Bush.

This section also has a passing lane and is relatively close to Aquetong Road. People flying down this stretch have no warning that they are approaching Aquetong until they turn a bend and then it's too late.

Sometimes when I'm coming home and try to turn into the driveway, people try to actually pass me just before I turn. I've actually had to drive past my driveway to avoid an accident because people just don't care if your turn signal is on or that you are slowing down to make a turn. These clowns are only worried about getting to their destinations as soon as possible and ignore people like us that know the area and drive the road cautiously.

This section is part of a long straightaway that people use to gun their engines and it's no wonder that there are so many accidents in this area. Sometimes I can actually hear the high pitched screams of motorcycle engines as they speed down this stretch in my bedroom with the windows closed! I shudder every time I hear them.

I think that the stretch between River Road and Aquetong should be a no passing zone all the way with reduced speed limits along the straightaway. I also think that there should be yellow warning lights well before you reach Aquetong with a sign that warns of a dangerous intersection.

There are also many deer along this stretch and I feel that there should be deer warnings too. Every year I see many deer carcasses along this stretch of road and someone hitting a deer at high speed in in real danger of losing control of their car and getting killed.

Allan P. Duncan
Windy Bush Road

Letter to Yenta 12/13/02

Dear Yenta,
Please help us spread the word to make this road safe for all who travel, Spare another family like the Ruffs so they don't lose a loved one. If you live on or near, and travel on this dangerous stretch of highway, call or e-mail PENNDOT, Senator Conti's Office or the Solebury Board of Supervisors and New Hope Councilman. Let them hear the voices of the people.

We are requesting that PENNDOT do the following:
Emergency Traffic Analysis and Traffic and Safety Engineering Study
Speed reduction on the length of the Windy Bush.
Increased Speed Enforcement at varied times and different areas.
Electric Speed Sign
Double yellow lines, no passing zone from River Road to Route 413. ( With signs)
Warning signs for Aquetong, Pidcock Creek Road and Street Road. (Look left, right left) Poor visibility at all three
Post high accident areas
Thank you!
Please direct all correspondence to:

State Senator W. Joseph Conti
10 Garden Alley
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-2233
215-345-6583 FAX

Lawrence Bucci, Safety Engineer buccilr@dot.state.pa.us , 610-205-6584

Donald Fein, dfein@dot.state.pa.us, 610-205-6598

PennDOT Mr. Bradley Mallory, Secretary of Transportation Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 1200 Transportation & Safety Building. Harrisburg, PA 17120
Mr. Andrew Warren, District 6-0 Administrator Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 200 Radnor-Chester Road St. Davids, PA 19087 (610) 964-6660

Letter to Yenta 12/11/02

We echo the sentiments of others regarding the dangerous conditions along Windy Bush Road in Solebury and Upper Makefield townships. On October 27th my brother, John Szymczak was tragically killed when a northbound driver lost control of her vehicle in a ditch and overcompensated by crossing into his motorcycle's path in the southbound lane. He never had a chance.
We went to the scene afterwards and were amazed to see a 50 mph speed limit on a winding road with no shoulders and ditches bordering both sides. It seems insane to allow such a high rate of speed when there is no room for error.
We urge all residents to get behind this effort and contact Penndot and local authorities to reduce the speed limit to 35 mph. before more lives are unnecessarily lost.
JoAnne & Robert Ruff
Warrington, PA.

Letter to Yenta 12/10/02

Dear Yenta,
The following is a copy of the press release describing the annual monroe
crossing. Could you please post it? I encourage everyone in New Hope and
Lambertville to come out and support the troops. It is usually quite a
moving event. Anyone may participate but please contact me before Friday if
you intend to do so. Also there is an after event party that I host each
year. I would welcome residents to this, all they have to do is ask me at
the event for an invite.

By the way I notice that people are falling back into the habit of not
signing letters. I will write to you again soon as I have much interesting news.

The Coryell's Ferry Militia to Host Annual Monroe Crossing of the Delaware
River.  Saturday December 14th, 2002; Parade-12 noon;  Military formation 12:30
Events 1:00 - 2:00

The Coryell's Ferry Militia will once again get Lt. James Monroe across the
Delaware River. The Coryell's Ferry Militia is New Hope's only living
History reenactment group. On the second Saturday of December every year
they gather other reenactment groups from the Delaware Valley to focus the
American public's attention on the importance of the events that occurred in
December of 1776.

THE STORY

When General George Washington completed plans to cross the Delaware River
and attack the Hessiens at Trenton they included two other armies crossing at
both Morrisville and Bristol. Washington also realized that he needed to
control the possibility that an alarm could be sent from the Hessiens at
Trenton to the British in Princeton. To that end Washington asked for
volunteers to do this very hazardous mission.

Washington's third cousin, Captain William Washington volunteered to lead the
mission. Captain Washington needed a "sub-alturn" to help lead the hand
picked volunteers. A young 17 year old Lieutenant of the Virginian Regiments
volunteered. His name was James Monroe. Specifically the Captain and
Lieutenant were to lead a group comprised of 57 people across the Delaware
River at Coryell's Ferry just before dusk. They were assigned to penetrate
into the Jersey countryside crossing over cottage hill in Lambertville NJ and
heading to the intersection of the Princeton-Pennington road. There they
kept watch for 6 hours in case there were any riders traveling between
Princeton and Trenton and vice-versa. While standing post the team of
patriots alarmed Doctor Riker who owned the farm near their post. Dr. Riker
at first must have felt that he had a group of British soldiers in his front
pasture. Since Dr. Riker was a true patriot he came outside into the driving
blizzard to confront the group of mysterious soldiers and to drive them from
his property. Dr. Riker quickly figured out his mistaken identity of the men
and that something spectacular was occurring he offered his services as a
physician and joined the group.

Capt. Washington and Lt. Monroe's orders were to hold their position for six
hours. Having successfully completed their mission they were released from
further duty. However, to a man they decided to add their effort to the
great plans that General Washington had prepared and started to head for
Trenton. Unbeknownst to the intrepid band of Colonial Patriots only
Washington's Army was successful in crossing back into the Jersey's. The
other two Armies under Cadwalider and Ewing failed in their attempts to cross
the river. The men couldn't know that their help was now vital.

Because Washington's crossing of the river was delayed by six hours the men
under command of Capt. Washington and Lt. Monroe were able to catch up with
the General's army and fully take part in the battle of Trenton!

Both Captain William Washington and Lieutenant Monroe were wounded in the
fray with chest wounds. Dr. Riker was able to stabilize their condition.
Monroe credits Riker with saving their lives. Riker arranged for medical
transport for the fallen heroes and ministered to their needs for almost two
weeks back at John Coryell's House in Coryell's Ferry (Otherwise know as
Havana restaurant in New Hope, PA.)

Lt. James Monroe later became the 5th president of the United States and
furthered his career with such important diplomatic developments as the
Monroe Doctrine.

The Coryell's Ferry Militia was founded by New Hope businessman and former
New Hope Councilman Robert V.Gerenser. The purpose of the Militia is to
recognize the vast importance played in the American Revolution by the Town
of Coryell's Ferry (modern day New Hope, PA). AS exciting as the Monroe
crossing is, it represents just one of the many pivotal events that occurred
here.

The part of Lt. James Monroe will be played this year by Robert V. Gerenser
Jr. who is a staff sergeant in his junior year at Valley Forge Military
Academy. The event is open to the public and will occur rain or shine.

For More information call Gerenser's Exotic Ice Cream at 215-862-2050.

Bob Gerenser.

Letter to Yenta 12/09/02

What happened at the 12-04-02 George Michaels project meeting? Didn't read or hear anything. Is it all OK now?

Letter to Yenta 12/02/02

Do we really need those unsightly signs at the junction of 179 and 202? They are tacky, illegible most of the time, and dangerous at that particular intersection as they restrict the view in an area that is a mess anyway. Who is in charge??

Letter to Yenta 12/02/02

Yenta, to all those interested there will be a planning board meeting in which George Michaels will present his latest "MOST EXCITING PROJECT" of the NEW HOPE INN. The meeting will be held on Wednesday 12/04/02 at 7:30 at the New Hope / Solebury H.S.. If you are not familiar with what's going on scroll back and read the many letters written to the Yenta by concerned residents. Need support to stop this NONSENCE that George is proposing, he will ruin what's left of the Historic District of our town!!!!!!!!!!!!

Letter to Yenta 12/01/02

Dear Yenta,
We need your voice to spread the word to drive with caution while traveling on Windy Bush Road, Route 232. There have been a number of fatalities and very serious accidents along this road. In October there were two fatalities in one week one near Pidcock Creek Road and the other close to Street Road.
Please be aware that drivers are passing in non passing zones, going through stop signs and quite a few vehicles are traveling at high speeds over the posted speed and on many occasions passing school buses with blinking red lights. Please be aware that your neighbors are trying to exit or enter their driveways and the recycling and trash trucks may be stopped right over the hill. The Windy Bush like many of the roads in New Hope and Solebury have shoulders with deep ditches and no place to pull over in an emergency, hidden driveways, poor site visibility at key intersections and deer.
We have collected over 500 signatures from residents who want change, have met with PENNDOT, the Solebury Township Manager, and the police. You will get a ticket. We have also contacted companies about reckless drivers by calling the numbers listed on the vehicle or truck, and reporting auto license numbers and description of drivers and their cars to the police. Stop flashing your headlights. These people deserve to get a ticket.
Please help your Windy Bush Neighbors by obeying the speed and be cautious. Pace yourself and the drivers behind you will follow suit. Remember the next life taken may be yours or someone you know.
Give us a break, please show your support and spread the word to "SLOW DOWN!!!"
Thank you!

Letter to Yenta 11/11/02

Dear Yenta,
As a resident of center New Hope, I am bemused by the complaints regarding Herr Michael's metro-blitzkrieg of our town. I fell in love with the town here years ago, only to see the main staples of a small town (a breakfast counter, a darn good deli) go the way of Versace. Yet I see the local populace vote overwhelmingly for the very candidates that condone such development expansion. I am now faced with towering condo's to be built along my street, and I foresee the canal becoming a River Walk of San Antonio (don't let National Park Service protection deceive you). So, seeing such lack of real support for civic preservation, I'll just work towards getting my lot commercially zoned and sell it to the highest bidder (maybe a neato t-shirt shop, or, a great idea, an Orient Imports Express!). I'll move down to the Caribbean with my profits, after I bid adieu, to what I once knew. Maybe I'll meet y'all in a few years at TGI Fridays or Zany Brainy's at the Giant mall. And hey, let's compare our SUV's!

Letter to Yenta 11/11/02

The Water View high rise was praised by many boro officials. At least, this was not in the heart of town. Now Mr. Michaels is pushing his apartment complex (in the very center of the boro). Since the character of development will surely play a long-term role in the viability of our tourist economy,  I hope Mr. Michaels will rethink this project. Evolving the boro's "center" into condo's & apartments would likely mark the beginning of the end for New Hope's tourist economy (which many businesses rely on).
Regarding our public officials: Over recent years, many have done little or no publishing of their specific views (resulting in many votes being cast without any real knowledge of the candidate's positions). If a voter wants more than platitudes, they usually need to try and personally contact the official in question or attend one of the candidate's pre-election social gatherings. This time honored method of keeping control and avoidance of the written proclamation seems to help foster development based on the preferences of a few.

Letter to Yenta 11/10/02

New Hope had the opportunity to have a representative on the School Board - but no one volunteered. Surely, someone on the hill who has children of school age would be willing to represent us? Help!!! It's too late now but maybe next time!!.

Letter to Yenta 11/10/02

Dear Yenta,
I must register (as I did to vote) my extreme displeasure at the people confirming our names at the voting room at New Hope Fire Hall. When I stepped up and stated my name, they repeated my name, and my party affiliation!, in a loud vociferous blast for everyone to hear. So much for the privacy curtains!

Letter to Yenta 11/08/02

I just picked up the new Gazette (Nov 7, 2002) which reports on the first page that the New Hope-Solebury School Board voted unanimously to impose a one percent income tax on all residents and businesses. What an outrage! I realize that School Boards have Broad and sweeping powers, but we just had an election three days ago...don't we get to vote on this? Guess not. I think we need to be paying more attention to the spending habits of the Board.

Do we REALLY need another "pink palace" of a school? This is what happens when you have uncontrolled growth and new population. The people who have lived here for years (if not decades) will be unable to continue to live here as costs go up, up and up! Congratulations to Councilman Randy Flager (and others) who realized how unfair this is to New Hope residents and businesses. I wonder where most of the Board members are from...and live now...all Solebury?

Talk about taxation without representation!!!

Letter to Yenta 11/07/02

I'm so glad people are waking up to what's happening in town. I'm pretty cynical about the chances of fixing anything at this point. By the way, doesn't it bother anyone that Mr. Michael didn't "discover" all the buildings faults BEFORE he bought it? All competent developers perform "due diligence" before they purchase a property, for just that reason. So is Mr. Michael NOT a competent developer...or did he know the outcome? That he could "muscle" the town into giving him whatever he wants. There were any number of old New Hopers who used to build anything they wanted, on the theory it's better to beg forgiveness, than ask for permission. Those old New Hopers are long gone, the times are different, we need to care for our limited resources and husband them. I still want to know where are our regulatory agencies in this? EPA, DEP, Penndot, Water and Sewer authorities, etc. A height requirement is a wonderful idea, but we better write one soon or it will be way too late. Let's all send Mr. Michael a roll of duct tape.

Letter to Yenta 11/07/02

Does it have to be the North Pointe "eyesore" or a Target/Kohl monster?  What's wrong with a little creative thinking?  e.g. cluster homes with open space around each cluster, smaller mega-shops, etc.  We could use a few more shops on a small scale.  Is it too late already?

Yenta Column 11/06/02

Once again the dark shadow of the wings of the "big" developers hangs over the little village of New Hope... once again, it is very clear, that this time, as in the past, the village will be helpless and the  developer will have his way. History always repeats itself...strangely enough, the previous owner of this property, (oh by the way, we are of course speaking about Mr. Michael's proposed apartment complex on Mechanic Street) ...was Pam Mimford...who also did whatever she
wanted to the property as well.

So what's new?

Well, what's new is that the town seems to be getting rather saturated on lots of levels, as a result of the last rights claim on all of the remaining open areas...

Let's see, there is the Riverwoods houses, the Riverwoods condos, the condos on the "Greenhouse" now called Hilltop-- the Yenta would not be surprised if the next move on the association's part was to build on the circle...seems like such a waste of space based on everything else that has been allowed...and according to the studies there should be "plenty" of water??????? and "plenty" of sewage
capacity.

Oh, but that's not all...there is Water View, great for property values, but alas...more sewage...but you don't have to worry...there  is plenty of duct tape on the sewage pipe across the bridge to Lambertville. You don't have to worry about the water either, they'll pump that out of the river.

Back to the impact of the proposed complex...the Yenta suggests that a close look at the following might be in order....

height requirements in town---it seems hard to imagine that after all of the work that Mr. Michael's has done in town that his staff is not aware of the height limits...looks like a throw away in the transaction that will appease a few of the constituents....

traffic impact
sewer impact
water impact
stream encroachment
noise
trash
additional services costs
and of course, not that it really matters any more...the aesthetic impact on one of the most picturesque streets in town...probably the most photographed for the town's publicity...and since Mr. Michael's is most concerned about "everyone" making $$$$$$...the appeal of the town should be addressed.

Aren't you just dying to know what will become of the "Zadar's"/ "River's Edge" parking area...and any last piece of land that is left in the borough...which by the way is not much!?

Actually, this is a really good time for everyone to stop for a minute and think about what it really is that New Hope is marketing to the rest of the world... do you really know? It used to be history, art and food...the Yenta is not so sure any more...are you?

Looking at what Mr. Michael's is proposing is worth the time...after all, it is YOUR town. Go to the meeting so you can make informed comment. It' like a tree falling in the forest, if you're not there, no one will hear you.

The planning board meeting is tonight Wednesday, November 6th, at the high school at 7:30 PM. Be there if you care!!!!  The Yenta

Letter to Yenta 11/04/02

What price tag can we put on volunteers?
There probably is no way that we could begin to put a price on the services to the community performed by volunteers, and when you consider what volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel provide and at what sacrifice to themselves and their families, I think you will find that their value is priceless.
In November, you will be able to help these priceless volunteers, who save the state and its municipalities about $6 billion each year. What will you have to do? Simply vote in the General Election and carefully consider your answer to a referendum on the ballot.
The 2002-03 budget includes a referendum that asks voters to support a $100 million bond issues to help volunteer firefighters and emergency services finance the improvements and equipment they need to ensure public safety - your safety.
A dedicated funding source for our volunteer emergency services personnel has been an important issue to me for years and I'm grateful that the administration is finally hearing my pleas that volunteers need the state's financial help.
In reality, this is a major turnaround for the administration, which cut a $25 million funding program from the state's 2001-02 spending plan, after offering it during the previous fiscal year. The program worked and it saved lives by ensuring that emergency services personnel could spend more time training and on-call for the public than raising funds to buy the life-saving equipment required today.
We know that the latest technology will allow emergency services personnel to save even more lives, but that technology comes at a steep price. Because of this, only the companies in more affluent areas are able to purchase equipment.
I hope that in November, you will give this referendum question a gooddeal of thought. Consider what local emergency services volunteers mean to you, your family, your friends and your neighbors.
There really isn't much to think about in my estimation. It simply is time that a dedicated funding stream for emergency services is put back in the state budget. So to answer my first question, I guess for emergency services volunteers we can put a price tag on their efforts - a $100 million price tag - and this is a bargain.

Sincerely,
Tony Melio
State Representative
141st Legislative District

Letter to Yenta 10/29/02

We need your help oh mighty Yenta!!!!!! George Michaels has presented his latest plans for the New Hope Inn. It consists of a 4 story structure which would rise well above the historic homes of New,Mechanic and Ferry Streets (at least 55 feet or more). It will house 40-60 "condo units" which will be "leased", in other words it will be an apartment building which George isn't going to sell. They will run in size from 1100-1600 square feet,with the top residences being able to look down onto our roof tops and the entire town! Construction on this project will run around 2 years if we are lucky.

Yenta think of what this will do to our small town who's charm lies in the back streets along with the shops and homes on Main. Mr. Michael's states he purchased the property to "renovate it" but can't because of insurance problems which arose when he took over ownership. If he truly cares about New Hope as he says he does then build something as tasteful as the surroundings. There are also the rumors of George going after the Canal House property, will that be phase two? What about our wells, the added traffic, flooding to the Ferry Street properties due to the parking garages below, property values, loss to the Mechanic Street businesses due to construction traffic, the noise of 2 years of construction etc.............. MR. MICHAELS will present his agenda to the
Planning Board Meeting on Wednesday, November 6th, 7:30 at the High School, we need your help to get the word out so that all that will be impacted by this will attend!!!!!!!
Any Suggestions???

Letter to Yenta 10/29/02

Just stumbled upon this forum. Very interesting discussion
topics. I noticed many people have expressed displeasure over the North
Pointe "eyesore." Would you prefer a megacomplex with a Target,
Home Depot, etc? I am not sure I would.

Letter to Yenta 10/25/02

Since several people have written in this forum that they're
concerned about the plans for the old New Hope Inn, I thought
it might be helpful to draw their attention to an item in today's
paper.
Today's (Friday, 10/26) Intelligencer reports that George Michael
will present his plans for the condos and apartments he wishes
to build on the site of the new Hope Inn. The presentation will be
at 8:30 AM Saturday in the rear parking lot of the New Hope Inn.
Michael is reported to be appearing before the borough Planning
Commission on November 6.
For all those interested and concerned, these are the places to be.

Caroline Dechert
True as Touch Holistic Massage
relax@trueastouch.com

Letter to Yenta 10/21/02

My brother and I wish to thank everyone who sent cards, flowers and kind wishes upon the death of our mother Julia P. Gerenser on Oct. 10, 2002. Mom was nearly 87 years of age and we were able to bring her home with the aid of the wonderful people at Doylestown Hospital Hospice Program. They made sure Mom was comfortable and well cared-for. Mom and Dad came to New Hope in 1945 and started the Village Snack Shop, now Gerenser's Exotic Ice Cream, and is run by Bob Gerenser. Thank you all for your kindness, it was touching to receive so many good wishes.
Judy G. Williamson and Bob Gerenser

Letter to Yenta 10/19/02

Don't blame it on New Hope. The Northpointe eyesore is in Solebury not New Hope. The developers have money and lawyers and can wait us out. We have to hang in there, vote appropriately and stay involved.

Letter to Yenta 10/18/02

Perhaps land preservation in Upper Bucks will have a chance. It's too
late for New Hope (No Hope). It's clear that in this town, the council
allowed the developers to roll-over the land....just look at that
debacle on Rt 202- Northpointe, what an eye-sore......WAKE-UP
residents......

Letter to Yenta 10/14/02

Have you picked up your copy of the new newspaper, the Bucks County Herald, covering central and northern Bucks County? It is edited by Bridget Wingert and is available at Clemens or the Visitors Center in New Hope as well as many locations in upper Bucks. Upper Bucks has long needed a voice, particularly in the area of land preservation. Give the new Bucks County Herald a look.

Letter to Yenta 10/05/02

What happened to the Main Street Manager Program? It seemed like a good idea. Was it doomed before we even had a chance to check it out?

Letter to Yenta 09/10/02

I like your ideas. Pocket parks were included in a previous plan but only one was ever made. They were also suggested for Division St., (with a right of way from the canal to the river), Randolph St., behind the Playhouse, Waterloo St. and Dock St.  We need to improve and maximize all our public access to the river. This would benefit residents and businesses and I agree that there would be plenty of public support for fund raisers to help pay for this. There are also grants available and it's obvious that New Hope finally figured out how to go after them.

Letter to Yenta 09/09/02

This is in reply to the person who wants "someone else" to step up to the
plate where the various properties "that need help" are concerned. Wouldn't it be just wonderful if (for example) Zadar's was leveled and the resultant lot bought by New Hope and turned into a grassy riverside park? Maybe with an old fashioned grandstand. Before you say we can't afford it, there could be held money raising concerts, etc. to help defray costs. I'm envisioning a beautiful place with shade trees and benches for all to appreciate the river. Towns in NJ are doing this like crazy, (buying up open property) at great effect to the public. They must have access to grants, or maybe state funds to do this. The Canal House site would be a great spot for a "pocket park" as well. It would be great if our elected town council would look into something like this that would actually IMPROVE New Hope?

Letter to Yenta 09/04/02

The Zadar complex, the Canal House and and the New Hope Inn all need help - lots of it - to even make them look like anyone cares. If Mr. Michael's ideas are not acceptable, then let someone else step up to bat and help out. Don't let these places fall apart like the Bag Works before he took over.

Letter to Yenta 08/26/02

Regarding the letter with "please stop this madness before New Hope loses its very character and soul" - Ditto!
I quess the boro can go in one of two directions in the long term. Either it opts to become an extension of the encroaching suburban sprawl and allows an ever expanding bedroom community (effectively migrating the business types to those catering to locals) - or work to maintain and enhance the eclectic mix necessary for a viable tourist economy (atmosphere, lots of unique shops, historic preservation, arts, events, and the unusual as only New Hope can do it). Start converting the inns and other business structures in the heart of town into condo's and eventually the only thing left for tourists to do will be to look at private residences and purchase things they could have found in their own strip mall (in addition to having no place to stay or park). Substantially increasing the number of full time residences in the already tiny confines of the boro's center would start a process (in my opinion) that would forever alter the core of what makes New Hope New Hope.
I'll again make the suggestion to Boro Council that transcribing and distributing the content of council and zoning meetings would give residents a more workable ability to select and participate in issues of concern (before they get approved or denied). I'm not sure how much money a transcriber would cost, but the resulting files could be made available to the public for downloading via the internet (without incurring any postage costs, printing costs or website layout costs). For the dwindling number of residents without internet access, a fee based subscription could be used to cover any hard copies requested. Allot of people do have work schedules that make it impossible for them to attend the majority of meetings. This shouldn't be a hole through which projects get approved or denied with only a handful of residents having convenient access to the details.

Letter to Yenta 08/24/02

Oh please! Someone say it isn't so. Eighty condominiums in New Hope? The Intelligencer reported earlier in the week that developer George Michaels was planning to build eighty condo's on the site of the New Hope Inn. There will be underground parking for 160 cars.

Can you imagine the bottleneck every morning and evening as 160 cars try to leave town and then to return in the evening on eighteenth century streets? New Hope has never attempted to solve our many traffic problems as it is. We've never planned for parking at the entrances to town, never though about public shuttle buses whose fares would be a good source of revenue for New Hope, never thought to stop the endless circling of cars as they search (in vain) for a parking spot. So the thinking is "let's make it worse"? I just don't get it.

What is Borough Council thinking!? Where is our Historical Preservation Council in all this? Historical Society? The silence is deafening. Has everyone just given up?

We should be outraged that this is more than a rumor! This most definitely should NOT be allowed to happen in the heart of New Hope. And speaking of rumor, it is said that Mr. Michaels has his eye on the Canal House property, as well as Zadar's. Can you imagine the outcry if someone wanted to do this at Colonial Williamsburg or Mystic Connecticut? When do we change the name of our town to "Michaelstown"? Please stop this madness before New Hope loses its very character and soul.

Letter to Yenta 08/05/02

Dear Yenta,
On Saturday (August 3, 2002) I was driving in town, alongside the cannon, and was attempting to make a left turn to go north on S.Main. One of our tourist attractions, the white horse drawn carriage was parked directly in front of the cannon, blocking all views of on coming traffic going south on South Main. I had to estimate from the traffic visible beyond the carriage if it was safe to pull out. Yikes! The next day, (Sunday the 4th.) the carriage was parked in front of the Parry Mansion, and I thought, oh good, someone made her move. But I soon discovered that NOW the view was blocked of the NORTH travelling traffic. (The black carriage was parked alongside the Parry Mansion.) It was worth my life to try and pull out into the Sunday traffic with a blocked view. Thankfully, some kind soul allowed me to enter traffic ahead of him. (Thank you sir!)
While I fully appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit of this business, and
the carriage company's right to make a living, can't the police or Boro
Council find a safe place for them to stand and wait for their fares? How
about down by the riverside park? Still visible, but off S. Main St. (And by the way, the temperature yesterday was 98 degrees, why are the horses allowed to work in such heat? True, the young drivers were wetting the horses down with water, but I believe that in Philadelphia, once the temperature reaches 90 degrees, the horses have to be taken back to the barn.) Traffic is bad enough in New Hope, without the obstacle of the carriages.

Letter to Yenta 07/31/02

A good idea. Let's follow up on this idea.

Letter to Yenta 07/30/02

What would the cost be to transcribe, publish and distribute (via print or the internet) the minutes of every council and zoning board meeting to all residents (on an ongoing basis)? Granted many of us are negligent in catching the meeting announcements in the Gazette (and in finding time to attend all meetings to keep track of what's in the boro's oven). Others have to travel for work and simply can't attend. But, if the mayor and council are interested in having the citizenry more involved and informed, they might consider looking into this step (which would make their actions more accessible before the deeds are done). Tax dollars spent in this regards might be supported by the majority of voters and property owners.

Letter to Yenta 07/21/02

Re: Appalacia

Hmmmmm....sounds like they are related to the individual who has the Upper Makefield/Solebury scrap yard on Rt. 32 a mile or two South of New Hope. It has been an eyesore for years. Hopefully someone will take an interest in that site as well......before I rent a bulldozer. Any takers ?

ickmanne

Letter to Yenta 06/10/02

Appalachia Comes to New Hope:
I've noticed what appears to be a junk yard taking root on, in and around 79 Old York Road in New Hope. There are numerous derelict cars in various stages of decomposition that come and go, scrap metal strewn about the property, a travel trailer to live in, above ground swimming pool with enough water in it to breed West Nile Flu, trailers with dead cars hitched to a truck full of scrap metal and even 3 dogs tied to trees out front that never seem to have water and bark all day.
This is a residential neighborhood which I'm sure pretty sure [sic] excludes junk yards. Take a ride by and have a look, especially if you are a member of Boro Council.
It would be nice if the Yenta, Boro Council, the health dept., the SPCA, the police, or Boro management would take an interest and deal with obvious zoning violations, health code violations, waste management violations, probably hazardous waste issues with all the oil and gasoline being absorbed into the ground and your drinking water, and animal violations, aside from the fact it looks like Tobacco Road.

Letter to Yenta 06/04/02

One would think that New Hope residents would be so full of good feelings and busy celebrating, we would naturally start being kinder to each other. We are experiencing a unifying sense of relief that one of New Hope’s costliest and debilitating burdens with which we have struggled with far too long has finally lifted, leaving only a few residual wounds that still need healing. Is it too much to hope for that we could prolong that rare jubilant feeling that so many of us have been treated to for the past few months? Are New Hope residents destined to have any periods of pure contentment cut short by antagonists who take joy in creating conflicts to break the spell?

The last Police Chief Selection Committee and our council finally got it right! They earn our congratulations. The response to our new Chief Rick Pasqualini seems to be uniformly outstanding, and we continue to hear that initial good feelings have not faded over time. Finding someone that we can all be happy with seemed unattainable, but we did it and so we should have a renewed faith in believing that almost anything is possible. In the Intel article about Chief Pasqualini, he is quoted as saying, “This is a labor of love; I get excited about coming to work every day. It is much easier to work for an optimistic, enthusiastic, energetic boss. And that’s what I am.” But what clearly motivates these obvious qualities in Chief Pasqualini is his sense of ethics and respect for those with whom he works and the residents for whom he works. We can all learn by his example.

The antitheses of those qualities were rampant at the voting place during the primary election, with rude and unethical behavior by the most unlikely individuals. Time has proven that we cannot depend on respectful and honest behavior at the polls and so we must have an Election Constable overseeing violations at future elections. Sadly, the worst violators were several of our borough officials who may believe that they are immune to abiding by laws and fair behavior. Truth and political campaigning do not coexist well generally, but that fact is particularly true in New Hope where it thrives. Success with misrepresenting facts often succeeds in gaining followers and that can inspire even more brazen improprieties.

A lone volunteer secretary at County Democratic Committee Headquarters in Doylestown experienced just such a grievous impropriety immediately prior to the election. She encountered New Hope Council member Randy Flager, accompanied by two other individuals, (one of whom was a Republican) when they entered that office but denied his request for official campaign literature because she sensed that he misrepresented himself in his request. This provoked him into loud verbal outbursts and grabbing of literature from her desk in a threatening and intimidating way. Randy and his raiders must have an interesting rationale for their bad behavior on that pre-election day. Check his reasons out against the Bucks County Democratic Committee’s version of Randy’s Raid, who will supply the riddle to what creative use Randy’s Raiders had in mind and implemented for their valuable loot .

Councilman Randy Flager reprimands attendees to Borough Council meetings for not showing respect to council members. These attendees are often simply expressing differences of opinion with views of council members on issues that affect their lives. Council president, Richard Hirschfield encouraged us to “settle--- differences openly in public forum” and of course he is right. If Councilman Flager wants more respect (the meaning of which he has not demonstrated much understanding), I suggest that he cease his “Flager-ant” violations of proper behavior at the Committee offices and at the polls.

Despite Flager’s shortsighted shenanigans, the endorsed New Hope Democratic Committee was commended for their remarkable turnout for Ed Rendell who received 97% of the Democratic votes in New Hope. The November election is not about New Hope; the newly elected Committee needs to work together to achieve a far greater goal. Ed Rendell himself said that it’s critical for all Democrats to “be on the same page” at this point in time. Let’s make that attempt.

Jan and Paul Witte

Yenta Column 05/29/02

Dear PO-V in New Hope and others,

...upset over the lack of consideration of individuals who litter and who allow their dogs to litter. The Yenta could not agree more with your position. However, the problem goes far deeper than littering the countryside with dog excrement and trash. The reality is that this group of people is demonstrative of the growing problem everywhere... a complete lack of caring and consideration for living in close proximity to other human beings. Just littering the countryside with more signs is not going to stop someone from tossing their trash or allowing their dog to squat in the middle of the path and leave the waste. And in fact, the signs themselves litter the countryside as well. Did you ever stop to take in a beautiful view, line up your camera, take the shot and there, right smack in the middle, is a cadry of signs== "no parking", "no loitering", "no fishing", "no", "no", "no"!!! It's endless. Our solution is always putting up another sign. Don't you think maybe it's time for us to be considerate of living in close quarters and maybe teach our children to do the same?

On another note....as usual, New Hope seems to have not been able to go through an election without some turmoil and shananagans (how do you spell that anyway?) It seems that the Democratic Committee people endorsed by the County Democratic Committee, somehow were not the candidates whose names appeared on the Goldenrods (sample ballots) that were being distributed around town prior to the election. Dissention in the ranks...once again. The Democratic Committee, as the Yenta recalls, held a fund raiser where ALL members of the Democratic party were invited. Seems like this group should just start a party of their own, but maybe, instead of creating controversy for New Hope...once again, they really should start their own party...not create controversy for the town again, and again, etc. It really is getting old.

And then, there is the growing interest in the Business Improvement District (BID) as it is called, versus the Main Street Manager program. Seems to the Yenta, in very simplistic terms, that the Main Street Manager would have been largely subsidized by grant money while the BID would come from a tax levied on commercial property owners and business owners. Perhaps someone with more information could enlighten everyone about the impact of each program. Not to mention enlightening everyone on how we got from "grant" to "tax". This town would really like to understand that transition. Especially in light of the fact that the town has had plenty of "people traffic" for 4+ decades. The good businesses have survived, and the not so good have failed. Why is it "all of a sudden" the responsibility of the property owners to pay a "tax" to contribute to "advertising and managing" the town to   "make" a business successful? Sounds like a different form of "free" enterprise than most of us have observed thus far in the American experience.

As for the rest of town...things seem relatively quiet. The LaCorte's repainted their home...it really looks quite nice. Tom and the crew have "beautified" the parking area on N Main, StarBucks has done nothing to "beautify" their front porch or pick up their trash, looks like a steak house will occupy the Methodist Church, much to the dismay of a neighbor to the South. Oh well. That is the way of business... competition.  The Yenta

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