Transparent and Communicative Chautauqua is Possible

The Sidewalk to No Where debate has generated some comments and concerns on both sides of the project--yea and nea. But, I still can't help but ponder why we even have to have this debate on this blog--or why we even need this blog. All this discussion and analysis should be occurring within the structure organized and responsible for guiding this community: the PA Chautauqua.

Several years ago, I discovered the New York Chautauqua, who's website can be found at:

http://chautauqua.squarespace.com/about-chautauqua/

Granted, they have more resources than the PA Chautauqua--but there is no excuse why our Board is not posting more details, meeting minutes, committee compositions, contact info, etc at our website. They even post their homeowners association material with what seems to be complete transparency, when compared to us. So, you can even find their rules, meeting dates, etc. right online, at:

http://www.cpoa.ws/webhelp/cpoa.htm

Now, a quick look at their manual, and you find statements like:

"The Chautauqua Property Owners Association serves as a communication link between the property owners and the administration, advocating for the interests and needs of the owners, and, in turn, conveying to the owners the concerns of the Institution."

and, in comparison, here is how they would start to approach this whole safety, sidewalk to Princeton issue:

"Chautauqua was created as a walking community long before the advent of the automobile. Its streets are narrow, not designed for cars. Its lots are small with little or no space for parking cars.
When cars began to appear, it was understood they would be parked outside the fence. Today, cars, trucks, bicycles and golf carts appear everywhere often in violation of existing regulations. This creates three concerns: primarily safety, loss of ambiance and a loss of beauty.

The community would be safer for all community members, including young children and the elderly, the ambiance and quality of life would be enhanced, and beauty could be restored and preserved if all Chautauquans followed the driving and parking rules.

Chautauqua has always prided itself on being a walking community where pedestrians have the right of way. Bicycles are the preferred form of vehicular transportation and even bicycles must follow all of the N.Y. state laws which apply to automobiles.

Driving a car on the grounds is a privilege intended only for the necessities of loading or unloading baggage or other essentials. (Special provisions with a doctor’s certificate are made for the handicapped). The car driving privilege is intended for you to go directly from the entry gate designated on your pass to your place of residence to unload your groceries or other goods and then to return directly to the parking space assigned. The driving privilege is not intended for driving to:

The post office to pick up mail or a newspaper,
The Cinema,
The Plaza for a little shopping, or
To pick up or visit a friend, or to make such a visit a preliminary to a shopping trip off the grounds.

Please designate a meeting place at your exit gate.

The Institution has provided free busses and trams to take people from almost anywhere on the grounds to the major places of program or activity in a very efficient way. This shuttle service is reevaluated and improved every year.
Limited use of commercial vehicles is also an essential need for which special
provision is made. A property owner who schedules all but immediate need deliveries before or after the season is being a good neighbor and making a difference in the atmosphere of the community.

Parking of cars on the grounds is permitted only in the specifically designated parking place indicated on the parking permit issued to a ticket holder. This is usually a private home or an Institution lot.

If each resident makes the effort to adhere to these rules, although sometimes a bit
inconvenient, Chautauqua will truly be a pedestrian community and the unparalleled beauty and ambience of an atmosphere without cars and trucks will be our legacy to future generations."


A legacy for future generations--what a concept! I suppose that means that we can't just let ourselves deteriorate into just another subdivision...

It seems as if many of us here really want the subdivision amenities and aren't willing to make the sacrifices necessary to keep the unique and tranquil character of the Chautauqua. That is a tragedy, and it is unfair to those of us who chose to own property in the Chautauqua simply for that professed unique character. While you may have had that 30 years ago--you certainly are losing it rapidly now. So, its deceptive to maintain and solicit that that character still remains or will be protected.

Sidewalk to nowhere

Records from the recent paving of State road 117 indicate that our own Bill Care had urged, during the planning meetings for this project, that crosswalks be painted at the intersection of 117 and Pinch Rd. Now, why this was of interest to him was not recorded. But I suspect that it is because it is a dangerous intersection--frought with fatal peril.

However, when the project actually went down, the state said to Care, essentially, the entrance to the Campmeeting, across Pinch, leads to, aaahh, nowhere. So, they can't do the painted crosswalk there.

So, since that rejection, Care has been hell-bent to make a "receiver" end for that painted crosswalk that he wants across Pinch. Let's also admit that it gives his staff something to do for a month or so, as well as an excuse to use his "big toys." With a sidewalk in front of P&W's home, he can now request his coveted painted crosswalk.

Let's now talk about the reality of that scenario.
First, the Borough Council is not acting responsively to its constituents by carrying out this project. The Council has received any number of written and formal complaints about this type of "development" within the Chatuaqua. However, the Borough Council has never acknowledged and incorporated these concerns into their actions. Instead, they just do things like this project on the sly. FOr example, in the Sept. Borough Council meeting, they tabled this sidewalk project, essentially until P&W die. [That's a paraphrase of Care's comments, but I have it available on dvd for your review, if you would like to see for yourself.]

Second, you and your neighbor's elected this council, and, well, they can do what ever they want in this regard. As long as they spend less than ten thousand a pop, there basically isn't much to keep them in check.

Third, as with MANY other MGB commitments, this project serves noresident or property owner in MGB. It starts across the street in the Campmeeting, runs across a private citizen's property, and ends in, well, a road. It does not connect with another sidewalk, a park, a bench, nothing pedestrian or ped-like. Further, it does nothing to address the reasons WHY that intersection may be dangerous. And, whats more interesting, is that the residents that have really driven home the reason why that intersection is dangerous, have been ostracized and targeted for police harassment--all under the authoritative umbrella of authority from Care and the Council.

Fourth, the Chautauqua Board has adopted a "no more tree cutting" resolution, which applies to this project. Or, is supposed to apply---but is not really being enforced.

In the next couple of days I will post the video of the council tabling this project, and pictures of how it leads to nowhere. In the meantime, we are grieving the loss of a family friend-Toby. However, if anyone feels like it, I have the name of an attorney who is adept at filing Sunshine Act violations and will also file an injunction on this matter. I will gladly share it with you at your request.

Removal of the Mt. Gretna's Holiday Tree

In the minutes of the last Borough meeting, I read that the Borough plans on removing our Christmas Tree that is the excuse for our annual get-together, sing-along, buffet-feasting tree lighting festivities graciously held each year by Walter and Peter. That one event is probably the single event that a majority of us over-wintering Mt. Gretnans attend, and its been going on for nearly twenty years now.

The tree, which is located at the front of their home, apparently must be removed to install a sidewalk on that little peninsula between the Campmeeting entrance and the post office.

While it is always disconcerning when a municipality's new construction takes a portion of a person's private property, I think it is safe to say that we all will miss the tree lighting ceremony, as it is another of those treasured symbols of the unique and neighborly character of Mt. Gretna.

(The meeting minutes are posted at http://www.mtgretna.com/Borough/BoroughMinutes/tabid/1191/Default.aspx
and are the minutes of the July 23, 2009 meeting.)