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News Headline Archive
February 2006
♦ January 2006
December 2005
♦ November 2005
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October 2005
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September 2005 ♦
August 2005 ♦
July 2005 ♦ June 2005
♦ May 2005 ♦
April 2005 ♦
March 2005
February 2006
What legal fees are likely in convention center challenge?
As city tax pact with Penn
Square Partners faces court scrutiny, Commissioner Shaub says
taxpayers need to know what litigation will cost them.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: February 28, 2006
City center: Whose voice do you trust?
Limited wisdom Future unknowable
By Jeff Hawkes,
Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published February 28, 2006
Center challenge begins in court
County seeks ruling on city tax pact
with Penn Square Partners
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published February 28, 2006
A real study in contrasts
DOWNTOWN CONVENTION CENTER/HOTEL PROJECT Opposing sides
express their ire in letters; threats are veiled
By Judy A. Strausbaugh, Business
Editor
Published February 26, 2006
Oops! A typo
Lancaster County Commissioner Molly Henderson said her office
feels pressured to get a new feasibility study on the convention
center/hotel project completed as soon as possible. The tense
environment may have led to a mistake in the contract between the
commissioners and PKF Consulting.
Sunday News, By
Judy A. Strausbaugh, Business Editor
Published February 26, 2006
Letters to the Editor and
More Letters
Why New Study is Needed
Jack Craver, Lancaster County
Convention Center Authorty
Why We Won’t Participate in PKF
Study
Nevin D. Cooley, President, Penn Square General Corp.
Published Apology Sought
Robert Edwin Field (Partial funder of PKF study and project
opponent)
Authority Chairman Replies
C. Ted Darcus, Chairman, Lancaster
County Convention Center Authority
Shaub: Neutral study chief rejected
Two county
commissioners rejected having a neutral person in charge of the
feasibility study of the proposed hotel/convention center project,
Lancaster County Commissioner Pete Shaub says.
New Era
Published February 25, 2006
A wasted feasibility study
To the editor,
New Era
Nevin D. Cooley President Penn Square General Corporation
Lancaster
Published February 25, 2006
Shaub: County rejected neutral study
Says Shellenberger, Henderson opposed Patterson leading analysis of
center
BY P.J. REILLY, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published February 25, 2006
Laundry business moving after 116 years in downtown Lancaster
The Lancaster Laundry is moving to Manheim Pike to make way for a
planned parking garage in the 100 block of East King Street.
By BERNARD HARRIS, New Era Staff
Writer
Published February 24, 2006
Cooperation? Forget it
Claiming researchers
are biased, mayor and other officials say they won't help with
county's new study of Penn Square project.
By BERNARD
HARRIS, New Era Staff Writer
Published February 23, 2006
Convention market is gaining steam
Planners of Lancaster facility
encouraged by increases in convention business in cities across U.S.
Critic disputes study.
By Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: February 22, 2006
Thibault says firm 'tainted.'
Ex-commissioner
rips new study on Penn Square project.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: February 22, 2006
Convention center case to be heard in Pa. court
The Lancaster County
Commissioners' special counsel will appear before a Commonwealth
Court panel on Monday to contest the legality of a state funding
stream for a hotel and convention center proposed for downtown
Lancaster.
Lancaster New
Era
Published February 21, 2006
Readers: Today's the day you have your say
Logic questioned Lancaster fan
By Jeff Hawkes - Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: February 21, 2006
Penn Square project is headed to court
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: February 21, 2006
More rooms taken in 2005
Hotel occupancy rate up
4.8 percent. Rates also rose, bringing in more room tax.
By Judy A.
Strausbaugh
Sunday News
Published February 19, 2006
Short-sighted Shellenberger
Letter to the Editor, New Era
Donna Grady Lancaster
Published February 17, 2006
Convention center flap revisited
Jeff Hawkes' column,
"Convention center supporter emerges from shadows" (Intell, Feb. 7)
centered on Kirk Liddell.
To the editor,
Intelligencer Journal
John Ranck, West Lampeter
Published February 16, 2006
County OKs new study of city center
Lancaster County
commissioners voted Wednesday to hire a Philadelphia firm to study
the feasibility of the convention center and hotel proposed for
downtown Lancaster.
BY P.J. REILLY,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published February 16, 2006
County hires firm for study
$115,000 review of hotel, convention center ordered.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: February 15, 2006
Center a bad idea; why waste more money?
Reading about the latest idiotic idea for a new feasibility study of
the proposed convention center and hotel in Penn Square caused me to
chuckle, after I dried my tears.
To the Editor, Intelligencer Journal
Charles F. Eshleman, Lancaster
Published February 14, 2006
Board and frustrated Authority meetings give public no fast answers
Will David Hixson explain to taxpayers why everything is secret
in regard to what the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority
is spending money on?
Sunday News
Published February 12, 2006
Letter to the Editor, Sunday News
E.F. Eggert, Lancaster
Published February 12, 2006
Watt & Shand building is sold
The Watt & Shand building has new owners, but don’t look for any
immediate change.
By Bernard
Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: February 09, 2006
County asks for bids on city center study
Lancaster County commissioners expect to know by the end of March
whether the proposed convention center/hotel project is on sound
financial footing.
BY P.J. REILLY,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published February 9, 2006
County seeks study of center finances
After eight years of community planning and
one month before construction bids are due, two county commissioners
say it's time to study the financial blueprints of a proposed hotel
and convention center in downtown Lancaster.
By DANIEL BURKE, New Era Staff
Writer
Published February 8, 2006
County seeks 2-phase convention center study
Lancaster County commissioners hope to solicit proposals today from
several consultants vying to conduct a feasibility study of the
proposed convention center/hotel project.
Intelligencer
Journal
P.J. Reilly
Published February 8, 2006
Convention center still needs permit
Developers of a hotel and
convention center in downtown Lancaster have yet to receive a
necessary permit from the state’s transportation department.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published February 07, 2006
Convention center supporter emerges from shadows
Breaks silence Risk
warranted. It's fashionable these days to consider Lancaster's
proposed convention center the stupidest idea since New Coke.
Intelligencer
Journal
Jeff Hawkes
Published February 7, 2006
Convention center and other queries
To the editor, Intelligencer Journal
A.K. Hartsough, Lancaster
Published February 2, 2006
Maintain city's architectural charm
Amid most of the
current downtown development proposals, it appears the matter of
architectural compatibility of new construction -- so crucial to
maintaining the character, ambiance and unique appeal of historic
downtown Lancaster -- has again been largely dismissed. A Lancaster
Square rerun?
To the
Editor, Intelligencer Journal
Owen Kugel, Lancaster
Published February 1, 2006
January 2006
Hoteliers threaten new suit on center
Authority board moves
ahead, despite possibility of legal action on hotel tax
BY DAVE PIDGEON,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published January 31, 2006
Darcus will remain as chairman
The Lancaster County Convention Center Authority board is expected
to reorganize Monday when it holds its first meeting of 2006.
Sunday News
By Judy A. Strausbaugh, Business Editor
Published January 29, 2006
IN MY OPINION
How are downtowns
revitalized? What's your opinion?
By Tom Despard,
Special to the Sunday News
Published January 29, 2006
At Watt & Shand building, mayor and project officials say that it's
time to: Brace facade; schedule razing
Vote on contracts
Monday; commissioners sought delay
By Judy A.
Strausbaugh, Business Editor
Published January 29, 2006
Consultant won’t do new study of center
Firm did 2 previous studies of
Penn Square project
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: January 28, 2006
What benefits?
In reference to the
proposed hotel and convention center project, Lancaster Mayor Rick
Gray is quoted as saying "a team of economic advisers determined the
project deserves his support because of its expected economic
benefits."
Letter to the
Editor Intelligencer Journal
Randolph D. Carney, Lancaster
Published January 26, 2006
Convention center feasibility study could cost up to $160K
Consultant has not said it would do the work
Lancaster County commissioners have yet to decide
whether to hire PricewaterhouseCoopers to reassess the feasibility
of the proposed $137.8 million hotel and convention center in
downtown Lancaster.
PATRICK BURNS
Intelligencer Journal Staff
published January 25, 2006
Author offers recipe for revitalizing Lancaster
Says there's hope, but it will
take hard work
By Susan E. Lindt, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: January 24, 2006
City forecast: record growth in '06
After near-record construction
last year, new projects could hit all-time high.
By Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: January 23, 2006
Stopping in Molly's 'pub'
Commissioner Molly
Henderson joined colleague Dick Shellenberger in using e-mail to
report her positions on issues. A recent e-mail from her ended:
"Lancaster Newspapers Inc. is an investor in Penn Square Partners in
an undisclosed percentage. This makes it difficult for me to convey
information about the project -- or any county matter -- through the
traditional print media means. That is the reason I have turned to
e-mail.''
Sunday News
Editorial
Marv Adams
Published January 22, 2006
It's time for conventional wisdom
The war of words,
independence of ideas and political positioning continues over the
proposed hotel and convention center. County Commissioners Richard
Shellenberger and Molly Henderson are leading the charge for the
opposition, cloaking their objections in a robe of concern relating
to the amount of risk placed on the taxpayer.
Sunday News Op
Ed
Art Morris, former mayor of Lancaster
Published January 22, 2006
County OKs hotel study
Would assess
feasibility of convention center
BY P.J. REILLY,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published January 19, 2006
New study of center is closer
County moves to review two embattled projects.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: January 18, 2006
He didn't ask us, but .... We have free advice for Mayor Gray
Not that Rick Gray is soliciting our advice as he settles into
his digs at City Hall, but the new mayor is going to get some
anyway.
Sunday News
editorial
Published January 15, 2006
Naysayers and Letterman
From the Sunday News Editor
Marv Adams
Published January 15, 2006
Vote on project
Letter to the Editor Sunday News
Mark Williams, Akron
Published January 15, 2006
Mayor: Conditions on study delaying tactic
There's sharp division
between Gray and commissioners Shellenberger and Henderson on
details of a new convention center study.
By DANIEL BURKE,
New Era Staff Writer
Published January 14, 2006
Mayor answers demands for study
Shellenberger's letter
touches off criticism
BY PATRICK
BURNS, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published January 14, 2006
Shellenberger backs new center study
Agrees to pay for
portion of feasibility study for planned downtown convention center
and hotel.
By DANIEL BURKE,
New Era Staff Writer
Published January 13, 2006
Gray outlines vision for city government
In its 14 previous
annual membership breakfasts, the Economic Development Company of
Lancaster County has offered the podium to CEOs, legislators and
gubernatorial staffers.
By DANIEL BURKE,
New Era Staff Writer
Shellenberger backs new center study
Gray gives nod to city center
Project is right for city, county,
mayor says
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published January 13, 2006
$50,000 offered for study of center
Businessman Robert
Field, who has criticized the project, offered the money Wednesday
for a new feasibility study.
New Era
Published January 12, 2006
Field offers $50,000 for center study
Gray supports proposal, with limitations
BY DAVE PIDGEON,
and MADELYN PENNINO, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published January 12, 2006
Bids for center work come in low at disputed meeting
Bids to demolish and stabilize the site of a proposed
hotel/convention center in downtown Lancaster apparently came in
under budget, according to project developers.
BY DAVE
PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published January 12, 2006
Gray to county: Pay for study
New mayor wants commissioners to drop objections to project.
New Lancaster City Mayor Rick Gray played a game of high-stakes
poker this morning at the Lancaster County Commissioners’ weekly
meeting.
By Bernard
Harris And Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jan 11, 2006 1:23 PM EST
Fill Watt & Shand windows
It's a shame not to make
use of the Watt & Shand building's once beautiful show windows.
Letter to the
editor, Intelligencer Journal
John Ranck, Lancaster
Published January 9, 2006
Trust to get historic sites
Moving on Two new plans
Will develop Stevens, Smith and Swan structures, even if convention
center not built.
Sunday News
By Judy A. Strausbaugh, Business
Editor
Published January 8, 2006
Rick Gray comes out swinging
Not yet 24 hours in office, Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray softened one
of his toughest constituents and was booed by others.
Sunday News
By Patricia Poist, Political Writer
Published January 8, 2006
Letters to the Editor
Robert E. Field
Chris Anderson, Senior Researcher, Opinion Dynamics
Victor Capeccce
Sunday News
Published January 1, 2006
Slots, yes; convention center, no
Editor, New Era
Douglas Knepp East Hempfield Township
Published January 7, 2006
Yellow cabs to make return
Due
to roll Tuesday. Yellow Cab and Friendly Taxi vehicles will sport
advertisements backing the proposed $137.8 million hotel/convention
center and $150 million slot machine parlor planned for Lancaster
city. Downtown development means more taxicab business.
BY DAVE PIDGEON,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published January 6, 2006
Of deaf ears, dumb strategy and blind faith
Heat, not light Forum
spurned. Maybe if we ignore our critics, backers of the
embattled convention center seem to think, they'll just go away.
Intelligencer Journal, By Jeff Hawkes
Published January 6, 2006
Center foes get no satisfaction from new mayor
But most at special meeting speak out against downtown
project.
By BERNARD HARRIS, New Era Staff Writer
Published January 5, 2006
Convention authority forum full of complaints
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published January 5, 2006
County sets sights on city center, slots
Henderson wants a new
study
BY P.J. REILLY
and PAULA HOLZMAN, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published January 5, 2006
Commissioners asked to consider proposals
Lancaster County
Commissioner Molly Henderson asked fellow board members to consider
four proposals regarding the hotel and convention center project in
Lancaster City at the board's meeting this morning.
By DANIEL BURKE,
New Era Staff Writer
Published January 4, 2006
Reopen city budget, reject tax increase
As Lancaster's new
mayor, Rick Gray has many projects before him -- strengthening the
city economy, breaking the deadlock on the stalled downtown
convention center, finalizing plans for the Lancaster Press tower
projects, reducing petty crime
New Era
Published January 4, 2006
3 convention center board members stir controversy
3 holding "clear-the-air"
meeting not sanctioned by majority.
By Chad Umble
Lancaster New Era
Published: January 4, 2006
2005: Gone but, unfortunately, not forgotten
First of three parts
Intelligencer Journal, Larry
Alexander
Published January 4, 2006
An inclusive approach
In our view. Lancaster
city Mayor-elect Rick Gray, who will take office this evening, has a
way of getting to the heart of things.
Intelligencer Journal
Published January 3, 2006
Gray set to take reins as mayor
Swearing-in ceremony
set for 6:30 tonight
BY PAULA HOLZMAN, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published January 3, 2006
Our 2006 wish list
In our view.
The beginning of a new year represents an opportunity to wipe the slate
clean and begin anew. It also affords the editors an opening to make
known our desires for the year ahead. Drumroll, please ...
Intelligencer
Journal
Published January 2, 2006
Letters to the Editor
David Hixson, Executive
Director,
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority
Jack Howell, President, The
Lancaster Alliance
Sunday News
Published January 1, 2006
December 2005
Looking at big issues for 2006
Residents discuss
hopes, expectations for new year. As Lancaster County celebrates the
end of 2005 -- a year marked by controversial building projects,
tragic homicides and political squabbles -- officials and residents
polled by the Intelligencer Journal are predicting what they hope or
expect will be the big stories of 2006.
BY COLBY ITKOWITZ, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published December 31, 2005
Top 10 news stories of 2005
Today is the last day of 2005. A new year of news
begins tomorrow.
Intelligencer Journal
Published December 31, 2005
The Smithgall years
Mayor Charlie Smithgall says
his biggest accomplishment in 8 years on the job has been changing
peoples’ attitudes about the city, making it a better place to live
and spurring economic development.
By Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: December 30, 2005
Center question: What is a feasibility study?
Guest after guest at the Lancaster County
Commissioners’ meeting Wednesday called for a “feasibility study” of
the proposed hotel and convention center in Lancaster City.Reports
generated by consultants who studied the now-$137.8 million project
were “market studies,” not “feasibility studies,” argued guests such
as Robert Edwin Field, a Lancaster developer.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: December 30, 2005
Obstructionists hurt city's progress
Letter to the
editor, Intelligencer Journal
Melissa R. Marschka
Lancaster
Published December 29, 2005
Authority study challenged
Convention center
report 'misrepresented'. Local real estate developer Robert
Edwin Field of Lancaster is accusing hotel developer Penn Square
Partners of "pivotal misrepresentations to government officials"
related to the proposed $137.8 million convention center/hotel
project.
Intelligencer Journal
Published December 29, 2005
Critic attacks center study, process
Developer charges
“misrepresentation” related to project, newspaper bias. New
feasiblity study urged.
By Daniel Burke And Jack Brubaker
Lancaster New Era
Published: December 28, 2005
Big news: Top 10 local stories of '05
For starters, we've selected: Chaos in the Courthouse, The
Pay-jackers, A Ballpark Is Born. 1. Chaos in the Courthouse 2. The
Pay-jackers 3. A Ballpark Is Born 4. The Borden Murders 5. A
Democratic Sweep 6. Gas Pains 7. Slot Machines 8. Convention Center
New Era
Published December 23, 2005
Henderson: Democrat chairman defends her
Molly not to blame.
Democratic chief Bruce
Beardsley: Don't lump Commissioner Henderson in with Republican
majority
Sunday News
Op-Ed by Brue Beardsley
Published Sunday, December 25, 2005
Slots and center, a natural fit
Letter to the Editor,
Intelligencer Journal
Mike Hudick, Rapho Township
Published December 27, 2005
Saving a landmark, improving the city
We're responding to a letter from Victor Capecce (Intell, Dec. 16),
in which he decried the "horrendous scenario" of preserving the
facade of the former Watt & Shand building as "keeping the facade
like a Hollywood set to veneer another building of dubious benefit."
Letter to the
editor, Intelligencer Journal
Nevin D. Cooley,
President, Penn Square General Corp.,
David W. Hixson, Executive Director, Lancaster County Convention
Center Authority
Published December 22, 2005
New voices seek to delay city center
Recent appointees to
board issue 3 demands
BY DAVE PIDGEON,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published December 22, 2005
3 critics plan own meetings
Convention center authority
members break from other 4 on board.
By Tom Murse
Lancaster New Era
Published: Dec 21, 2005
Commissioners overspend
Attorneys' fees above
expectations; budget vote set
BY P.J. REILLY,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published December 21, 2005
New board members a welcome change
It is a breath of fresh
air to have three new business people on the Lancaster County
Convention Center Authority Board.
To The
Editor, Intelligencer Journal
Fred Daum, Lancaster
Published December 20, 2005
Trying to influence opinion
I question the editorial
policies of the Intell which placed the headline "A courthouse
divided, badly and bitterly" on the front page (Intell, Dec. 6).
To The
Editor, Intelligencer Journal
Charles H. Holzinger, Columbia
Published December 20, 2005
Authority must see the light
It's come to this: The
county commissioners are sending an emissary to the Lancaster County
Convention Center Authority to plead with the board to be more open
to the public.
Editorial
Sunday News
Published December 18, 2005
Letters to the Editor
Sunday News
Published December 18, 2005
CONVENTION CENTER/ HOTEL
PROJECT, COMMISSIONERS
We understand that two members of this commission have
blocked a project that is dear to your heart. But to publicly
pillory elected officials who have voted against you is immoral and
frightening.
Meredith Rousseau, Lancaster
Inept Commissioners
I could not help wondering how much more of their
arrogance and incompetence we will all need to endure before we get
to read, with accompanying relief, the article titled, "Out of
COMMISSIONERS"
James D. Lawrence, Mount Joy
Benefactor Defends Fox 43 “poll”
The recent poll concerning the hotel/convention center proposal was
commissioned by Fox 43 from Opinion Dynamics, a major polling
organization that has performed polls for Fox News nationwide.
Robert E. Field, Lancaster
PriceWaterhouse right to recant 2000, 2002 studies
Letters to the Editor Editor,
New Era
Tom Blackman Pebble Beach, Calif.
Published December 17, 2005
Disturbed by response to outcry
To the editor, Intelligencer Journal
Published December 16, 2005
Victor Capecce, Lancaster
Commissioners lack competence
To the editor,
Intelligencer Journal
Published December 16, 2005
Bernard Schriver, Manheim
Hixson: Criticism over consultant is 'effort to cast doubt on
project'
The Lancaster County Convention Center Authority announced the
postponement of its monthly meeting scheduled for tonight and
rebutted recent criticism about the project during a press
conference
By Chad Umble
Lancaster New Era
Published: December 14, 2005
$150 million
casino planned downtown
By Tom Murse
Lancaster New Era
Published December 14, 2005
Authority urged: Foster dialogue
Commissioners have questions,
concerns.
By P.j. Reilly, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published: December 14, 2005
Grinch and Watt & Shand
This is in response to the Dec. 8 letter to the editor
from Nevin D. Cooley, president, Penn Square General Corp.
Editor, New Era
Garry Martin Lancaster
Published December 13, 2005
Allow voters to decide
Who in their right mind
wants to attend a convention in Lancaster when there are so many
other more interesting areas to see and visit in the state of
Pennsylvania?
Letter to
the Editor, Intelligencer Journal
Harold
L. Drake, Lancaster
Published December 13, 2005
Sweet dreams
Letter to the
Editor, Intelligencer Journal
Stan Buch, Lancaster
Published December 13, 2005
Out of
Commission
What a difference a
year didn't make. The sale of Conestoga View, seizure of an office
building and discovery of official's phony resume (bringing
subpoenas and grand jury) have commissioners in hotter water.
By Helen Colwell Adams,
Sunday News Staff Writer
Published December 11, 2005
Solicitor resigns
Espenshade's firm
hit for having county, convention center authority as clients
By Helen Colwell Adams, Sunday News Staff Writer
Published December 11, 2005
City project faces another storm
If the convention center-luxury hotel is not built at Penn Square,
project supporters will have two new names to add to their blame
list: Katrina and Rita.
By Judy A.
Strausbaugh, Sunday New Staff Writer
Published December 11, 2005
Proposal seeks rate swaps on $50M
New tool Henderson opposed. The Lancaster County Convention Center Authority plans to ask its
board to approve a $50 million financing maneuver using interest
rate swaps that some believe are risky.
By Judy A. Strausbaugh, Sunday News Staff Writer
Published December 11, 2005
Don't change the subject
The night owls who react to our articles are often foes of the
convention center-hotel project.
Editorial by Marv Adams, Sunday
News
Published December 11, 2005
Letters to the Editor
Andy Saylor, Elizabethtown
Len Eiserer, Millersville
Glenn H. Landis, Lititz
Kevin F. Fry, Lititz
Fred Daum, Lancaster
Published December 11, 2005
'Upset' Gray to review project
Mayor-elect raises questions after consultant pulls support of
center.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: Dec 09, 2005 1:07 PM EST
Center opponents picket LNP
Group
alleges slanted newspaper coverage. Exec denies charge.
By Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: Dec 09, 2005 1:02 PM EST
Consultant says convention center study warrants an update
A consultant has suggested to Lancaster County Convention Center
Authority members that a 2002 feasibility study of the
hotel/convention center project in downtown Lancaster may need to be
updated.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published December 9, 2005
Turn Watt & Shand into consortium of museums
I support the county commissioners and the new
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority members for upholding
their fiduciary responsibility to ask difficult questions regarding
the multimillion-dollar, public-private convention center/hotel
project before this city and county assume massive debt liabilities.
TO THE
EDITOR: Intelligencer Journal
Suzanne Farmer Campbell
Lancaster
Commissioners
Accuse C.C. Authority Of Cover-Up
WGAL TV
POSTED: 3:45 pm EST December 8, 2005
UPDATED: 4:29 pm EST December 8, 2005
Consultant pulls support for city center
Firm says Penn Square project has
changed. The consulting firm that conducted
two positive feasibility studies for the proposed convention center
in Lancaster City says the project has changed so much it can no
longer consent to be connected with it.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: Dec 08, 2005 1:06 PM EST
Cooley: I am not a Grinch
Editor, New Era
Nevin D. Cooley President Penn Square General Corp.
Published December 8, 2005
About the W&S Christmas trees
Two recent reports (Intelligencer Journal, Dec. 2: "No Christmas
Tree, No Christmas Tree" and Lancaster New Era, Dec. 6, "For first
time in 80 years, Watt & Shand is treeless at Christmas") have left
the readers with the impression that Penn Square Partners has
assumed the role of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas because we didn't
decorate the Watt & Shand building this year. Unfortunately, neither
of these stories contained the total explanation for our decision.
I'd like to set the record straight.
Letter to the Editor, Intelligencer Journal
Nevin D. Cooley, President, Penn square General Partners
Published December 8, 2005
New convention center authority members sparking furor on board
The division over plans for a downtown
hotel and convention center is now quite clear on the board of the
authority charged with building the center.
New Era
Published
December 7, 2005
Two new authority members take heat
Two new Lancaster County
Convention Center Authority board members Tuesday said chairman Ted
Darcus weeks ago encouraged them to keep private their concerns
about the proposed hotel/convention center project. Darcus:
They want to kill city project.
By Dave
Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Published December 7, 2005
For first time in 80 years, Watt & Shand is treeless at Christmas
Holiday decorating
fashions come and go, but until this year Lancastrians could count
on one festive element to dominate the downtown at Christmastime.
By J. Bruabaker,
New Era
Published December 6, 2005
County budget hearing may draw a crowd
With no tax increase proposed, one might expect the public
presentation of Lancaster County’s 2006 budget tonight to be an
uneventful walk in the park.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: Dec 06, 2005 1:11 PM EST
A courthouse divided, badly and bitterly Commissioners will pay a
hefty price for infighting, critics say
For the Lancaster County commissioners, the
political price of the past year's divisive actions, court battles
and infighting is more than they can afford, according to many
community leaders.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published December 6, 2005
Convention center is cause of breakdown, commissioners say
The turning point came on a Sunday in May.
BY DAVE PIDGEON,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published December 6, 2005
Much ado about little Christmastime in the city
If only the Lancaster Campaign could bottle Friday
night and market it.
The
combination of First Friday and the Penn Square Christmas Tree
lighting attracted thousands of people downtown. Shops were full,
young and old were trekking through downtown streets, Miss
Pennsylvania was singing Christmas tunes and Santa and Mayor Charlie
Smithgall formed their own welcoming committee. And, of course, the
Tubadours offered their brassy version of Christmas fare.
It's hard to
tell when a community officially is "back,'' but there was a buzz in
downtown Lancaster on the first two post-Thanksgiving weekends that
is unmistakable.
Editorial: In
our view
Intelligencer Journal
Published December 5, 2005
Questioning authority
As the three new county appointees to the Lancaster
County Convention Center Authority Board, we have been asking lots
of questions about the project, its status and its structure.
By Laura
Douglas, Jack Craver, Deb Hall
Sunday News
Published: Dec 03, 2005 11:35 PM EST
Can't live with them, can't ...
No recall Memorable characters ... get rid of them. State
has no recall system for officials. With controversy swirling around the Lancaster
County commissioners and calls for their resignation being heard,
what would happen if one or more of them left office before
completing their term?
By Paula Wolf,
Sunday News Staff Writer \
Published December 4, 2005
No Christmas trees, no Christmas trees
Beloved decorations are 'not safe,'
official says
BY COLBY ITKOWITZ, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published December 2, 2005
Center Authority spending questioned
Expenditures at $13.25 million through end of March.
Details sought by opponents.
Even before
construction begins, the public authority charged with bringing a
new convention center to Lancaster City has spent about $13.25
million in six years, according to its executive director.
By DANIEL BURKE, New Era Staff
Writer
Published December 2, 2005
It's time to be more decisive, less divisive
Building consensus.
It's been a decade, and the windows are still
dark. I don't know anyone who's happy about that. Nobody thinks it's
a good thing that a landmark four-story building just rots.
By Jeff Hawkes, Intelligencer
Journal
Published December 1, 2005
November 2005
In GOP, a call for unity, focus on principles
Republican leaders here
call for effort to iron-out differences.
By TOM MURSE,
New Era Staff Writer
Published November 30, 2005
Shellenberger, Shaub on the GOP hot seat
Tuesday's Republican
Committee meeting could lead to resolutions regarding the party's
displeasure with its two county commissioners.
By RYAN
ROBINSON, New Era Staff Writer
Published: November 28, 2005
Don’t do as I do
County, up to neck in interest swaps, tries to shoot down use by
convention authority. Debate over interest rate swaps roiled the
county commissioners last week, as two commissioners tried to block
a swap deal by the convention center authority and the third
commissioner reminded his colleagues that they had also voted to
approve the complex investment tools.
By Helen Colwell Adams
Sunday News
Published: November 26, 2005
It's time for county leaders to step down
I sit in amazement at the commissioners' meetings
wondering how this collection of people got placed in such important
positions and how much longer we are going to tolerate their
nonsense.
Op Ed/Sunday
News
Art Morris, Former Mayor
Published: November 26, 2005
Let's not make a deal
We agree with county Commissioner Molly Henderson that the Lancaster
County Convention Center Authority is engaging in risky business by
proposing an interest rate swaption to raise more cash.
Editorial
Sunday News
Published: November 26, 2005
Commissioners urge Authority to stop swap of center bonds
Henderson,
Shellenberger urging Convention Center group not to sell $40 million
in construction bonds. The two Lancaster County Commissioners
opposed to construction of a downtown convention center and hotel
are making another attempt to slow or stop the project.
By BERNARD
HARRIS, New Era Staff Writer
Published Friday, November 25, 2005
Why proceed with center?
It seems every time I pick up my
daily Intell, I read about another entanglement with regard to
building the convention center. Anything this tangled up should not
be allowed to exist. If I had a piece of string this tangled up, I
would cut it off and start over.
Letter to the editor
Intelligencer Journal
John M. Smith, Mount Gretna
A common Election Day message
We have a right to hear
the people's business conducted in public.
Letter to the
Editor
IntelligencerJournal
Rick Sauder, Lancaster
Published November 21, 2005
Henderson challenges action on hotel loan
Both sides of the debate over the proposed Penn Square
hotel/convention center drew battle lines again Friday, this time
over a financing tool to benefit the Lancaster County Convention
Center Authority.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published November 19, 2005
Redevelopers join hotel-center legal fray
City authority seeks to
intervene in state court appeal by two county commissioners who are
opposed to project.
By BERNARD
HARRIS, New Era Staff Writer
Published November 18, 2005
County GOP: Restore integrity, competence
In the past two local elections, the party has failed to produce
the caliber of candidate needed to serve in the county's highest
offices.
Editorial
Lancaster New Era
Published November 18, 2005
Eden Resort to add 'high-end' suites in $5 million project
The Eden owners spearheaded a revolt by county
hoteliers who filed an unsuccessful lawsuit to thwart a January 2000
county ordinance.
BY PATRICK BURNS, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published: November 18, 2005
How can center survive?
My
question to the Lancaster Convention Center Authority and center
advocates is: If the Farm Show Complex is in financial trouble, how
can you possibly think a convention center in downtown Lancaster
will be successful?
Letter to the
Editor
MaryAnne Motter Cullen,
Lancaster
Intelligencer Journal: Published November 18, 2005
Inquiring minds ... ... have a right to know what boards are acting
on
In our view
Intelligencer Journal
Published November 17, 2005
Wants center referendum
Here it is again the cost of the convention center keeps going
up. Let the people vote on it.
Letter to the Editor Intelligencer Journal
Gloria
Rampulla, Lancaster
Published November 14, 2005
Questions persist as authority costs shift
Well-spent? Watt &
Shand. It might come as a surprise to many that the Lancaster County
Convention Center Authority spent nothing on lawsuits last year.
By Judy A. Strausbaugh, Sunday
News Staff Writer
Published November 13, 2005
County takes aim at center plan
Asks court to
invalidate city guarantee of $36 million in bonds. Lancaster County
officials filed a petition in Commonwealth Court Friday asking that
it throw out Lancaster city's debt guarantees for the proposed
$137.8 million hotel/convention center.
BY PATRICK BURNS, and DAVE
PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published November 12, 2005
Is Shellenberger the pot or the kettle?
Process corrupted
Favoritism revealed. Headline-making resignations. It's getting to
be an annual thing at the courthouse.
By Jeff Hawkes
Intelligencer Journal
Published November 12, 2005
Gray hopes to expedite city center
Mayor-elect tells
Convention Center Authority that he continues to support downtown
project.
By Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: Nov 10, 2005
City center authority approves contracts
New board
members' questions draw ire.
The proposed hotel/convention center for downtown Lancaster took
another step forward Wednesday when Lancaster County Convention
Center Authority approved development and operational contracts with
the two other developers, Penn Square Partners and Redevelopment
Authority of the City of Lancaster.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published November 10, 2005
Lancaster elects Gray as mayor
Leads Democratic sweep of
city offices. Gray said the first thing
he will do as mayor-elect is bring together a group of advisers and
experts to "expedite" the proposed hotel/convention center on Penn
Square.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Nov 09, 2005
Taking Act 23 on the road
Program created for convention
center/hotel is put to use in York and Dauphin counties.
By Judy A. Strausbaugh, Sunday
News Staff Writer
Published November 6, 2005
Put Parks' legacy into practice, city leaders say
Reflecting on the legacy of Rosa Parks,
leaders of Lancaster's black community say the civil rights struggle
goes on, and economic development opportunities are crucial to
leveling the playing field for minorities.
By Chad Umble, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Nov 01, 2005
October 2005
County won't give in on project
Attorney predicts legal action after state ruling favors
convention center/hotel
By Helen Colwell Adams, Sunday News Staff Writer
Published October 30, 2005
Convention center: Confusion reigns
"If at first you don't succeed ..." Man, whoever
coined that maxim ought to be made honorary chair of the
Lancaster Convention Center Authority.
Letter to
the Editor Sunday News
Herbert W. Zimmerman, Lancaster
Published October 30, 2005
Complaints by center opponents dismissed
Art dealer, county had challenged number of issues on downtown
project. State department turns them down, but appeal possible.
By Daniel Burke
Lancaster New Era
Published: Oct 29, 2005 1:12 PM EST
A pattern of error: A New Era investigation
uncovers major inaccuracies in Heinke resume
Embattled top county
official, earning $97,000 a year, was hired in 2004 after being
recommended for the post by his friend Dick Shellenberger, the
chairman of the county commissioners.
By Jack Brubaker
Lancaster New Era
Published October 28, 2005
Controller loses case over grant application
Mayor had right to sign documents, court rules
The Lancaster city controller "abused
his discretion" when he refused to sign an application for a
state grant that would help fund a proposed downtown
hotel/convention center, according to a Thursday Commonwealth
Court ruling.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published October 28, 2005
Alter plan for Watt & Shand building
The city of Lancaster is on an upswing, and it is
doing it without the convention center.
Letter to the editor Intelligencer Journal
Stephanie
Sands, Lancaster
Published October 28, 2005
Hotel manager named to board
The Lancaster County Commissioners this week named a hotel
operator to the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority
board.
By BERNARD HARRIS, New Era Staff Writer
Published
October 28, 2005
What hotel deal means for project
City purchase of Watt & Shand may ease
financing, construction. March. That's when the ground will
begin to thaw. That's when you'll see the bulldozers
breaking ground for the new downtown hotel and convention
center.
By JOHN M. SPIDALIERE, New Era Staff Writer
Published October 26, 2005
Convention center is destined to fail
For the life of me, I cannot understand why there is any support
for this doomed convention center.
Letter to the
Editor, New Era
Audrey Atkins
Manheim Township
Published October 26, 2005
The
planned hotel and convention center project in Lancaster is
another step closer to the construction phase.
The Lancaster City Council voted to allow the redevelopment
authority to purchase the former Watt and Shand Building from
Penn Square Partners for $7 million.
WGAL-TV
Published October 27, 2005
http://www.wgal.com/news/5178692/detail.html
City will buy Watt & Shand; downtown project advances
Lancaster City Council Tuesday night
approved a deal that will give the city the lead role in financing
and developing a downtown hotel.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published October 26, 2005
Watt & Shand building purchase likely to get OK
Four council
members have said they will vote yes tonight for $7.06 million cost
of future hotel site.
A majority of Lancaster City Council members expect to vote tonight
to approve cutting a check for $7.06 million to Penn Square Partners
to buy the former Watt & Shand department store.
By JOHN M. SPIDALIERE, New Era
Staff Writer
Published October 25, 2005
Council
hopefuls agree on big issues: policing & convention center
In another matter
raised during debate, both GOP and Democratic candidates say a split
tax proposed by mayoral candidate Rick Gray would be worth studying.
By JOHN M. SPIDALIERE, New Era
Staff Writer
Published October 25, 2005
Give downtown convention center a chance to succeed
Letter to the Editor, New Era
John Moyer East Hempfield Township
Published October 24, 2005
Re-think convention center
Letter to the
Editor, New Era
Stephanie Sands
Lancaster
Published October 24, 1005
Key vote tonight on funding for city center
Penn Square
Partners deal before City Council JUSTIFYING THE COSTS STATE FUNDING
CRUCIAL
In 1999, crews hired by Penn Square Partners hung Christmas
decorations on the facade of the vacant Watt & Shand building.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published October 25, 2005
Center/hotel planners say price tag is $137.8 million
Higher figure included in documents to city, Pa.
Documents outlining a proposed
agreement between Lancaster city and hotel developer Penn Square
Partners say the cost to build a proposed hotel/convention center is
$137.8 million
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published October 24, 2005
More than convention center What's your opinion?
The Penn Square plan is also about preserving history,
industry and community, an outgoing project leader says.
The
passionate debate over the Lancaster County Convention Center is a
good sign. It demonstrates the care and interest the people of
Lancaster take in their community.
IN MY OPINION
By Judy Ware,
Special to the Sunday News
Published October 23, 2005
New convention board member is a tough taskmaster -
on wheels
If anyone on the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority and
its board want to know whom they'll be dealing with in Laura
Clampitt Douglas, it would have been wise to attend her workshop
Thursday.
The difference The project
By Judy A. Strausbaugh, Sunday News Staff Writer
Published October 23, 2005
Convention center-hotel on schedule
Room tax Gap of $5 million closed; no
increase. What a difference 120 days will make.
By Judy A. Strausbaugh,
Sunday News Staff Writer
Published October 23,2005
Planners: Center cost still $134M
In fact, developers say they've found
way to close the previous $5 million gap on funding Penn Square
project.
By JOHN M. SPIDALIERE, New Era
Staff Writer
Published October 22, 2005
City center price tag jumps again
Total now $8.8 million above what
developers have said they can afford. The
projected price of the proposed hotel and convention center in
downtown Lancaster has jumped by $3.8 million, according to
documents obtained by the Intelligencer Journal.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published October 22, 2005
Convention-center survey parrots opinion of sponsor
In my role as president of the Lancaster Alliance, I have a strong
interest in the success of the downtown hotel- and convention-center
project.
Letter to the Editor, New Era
Jack L. Howell President Lancaster Alliance
Published October 18, 2005
Woman wins convention center contract bid
The
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority made a significant step
Thursday toward sharing the project’s long-touted economic benefits
with small business.
By Judy Strausbaugh
Sunday News
Published: Oct 15, 2005 11:28 PM EST
Convention Center Authority hires special legal
counsel Board OKs Holland and Knight of Washington, D.C.; prepares
to out-maneuver county commissioners in court.
The Lancaster County
commissioners have their special legal counsel, and the Lancaster
County Convention Center Authority has decided it won't be outdone
in that regard.
By Judy A. Strausbaugh, Sunday News Staff Writer
Published October 16, 2005
HACC plan was a good one
Although we hold no strong opinion on the convention center…
Letter to the Editor, New Era
Vicki and Bo Stauffer Lancaster
Published October 15, 2005
Who gets profits, losses?
In the ongoing discussions of the hotel/convention
center, I have two questions:
Letter to the
Editor, New Era
Joseph F. Fischer
Lancaster
Published October 15, 2005
Shakeup of convention center panel continues
A one longtime member of
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority, complaining of being
tired, stepped down Thursday just as a new member energetically
stepped in.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Published October 14, 2005
Could have had community college in downtown
Although we hold no strong opinion about the convention center ...
Letter to the Editor
Vicki and Bo Stauffer, Lancaster
Published October 13, 2005
Reject commissioners
As a serious voter, I want to apologize to
all county voters for voting at one time or another for the three
county commissioners.
Letter to the Editor, New Era
George D. Sload Lancaster Township
Published October 12, 2005
City told to review discrimination policy
Expert suggests studying hiring practices in surrounding
areas in order to avoid future lawsuits.
By JOHN M.
SPIDALIERE, New Era Staff Writer
Published October 12, 2005
Minority advocates petition Marriott
Advocates for minority- and women-owned businesses believe Lancaster
city's plan to incorporate such businesses into the city's flagship
revitalization project is inadequate and are taking their appeals to
the next level.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published October 12, 2005
Impeach county
officials
If we can impeach a United States president, why can't we get rid of
two incompetent county commissioners?
Letter to the
Editor, New Era
Doris Burns Lancaster
Published October 11, 2005
Smithgall's success refutes all critics
If you have lived
or worked in Lancaster City for any length of time, you have seen
the change.
Editorial
Lancaster New Era
Published October 11, 2005
Stop
opposing city project
Commissioners Henderson and Shellenberger
were elected to do what is best for the county they represent.
Paul Quinn
Lancaster
Letter to the Editor, New Era
Published October 10, 2005
Convention-center costs
Is it really
possible that we've got such a deal that we'll only pay $134 million
for a hotel and convention center combined?
Letter to the Editor, New Era
Judy Garber Lititz
Published October 10, 2005
Poll:
residents split on convention center
Survey, paid for
by project opponent, shows 37% of respondents against it, 35% for
it, and 28% undecided or decline to answer.
By JOHN M.
SPIDALIERE, New Era Staff Writer
Published October 10, 2005
Convention-center costs
Is it really possible that
we've got such a deal that we'll only pay $134 million for a hotel
and convention center combined?
Letter to the Editor, New Era
Judy Garber Lititz
Published October 10, 2005
Sacking visionaries TO THE EDITOR
Ho hum. If
it's not another litigious ploy, it's another embarrassing,
self-demeaning act by the county commissioners. They sacked John Fry
-- the greatest visionary on the development scene in Lancaster.
Yep, they did it in the clumsiest, most cavalier fashion possible
and alarmingly with reported threats to Fry's plans for the Franklin
& Marshall College expansion. What's next? Stay tuned.
Letter to the Editor, Intelligencer
Journal
H. J. Stremba, Willow Street
Published October 10, 2005
Little respect for county government TO THE EDITOR
In my 48 years of life, I have never observed such
disrespect for public opinion and dishonesty, selfishness and
arrogance as I have since I was exposed to the "Dick, Molly and Pete
Show."
Letter to the
Editor, Intelligencer Journal
Catherine Chilcoat, Lititz
Published October 10, 2005
In support of 2 commissioners TO THE EDITOR
I'm a huge fan of County Commissioners Dick
Shellenberger and Molly Henderson. The way they've neutralized the
erratic and frequently bizarre Pete Shaub has been a thing of
bipartisan beauty. The way they've stood up to pro-convention center
bullies has taken enormous courage.
Letter to the
Editor, Intelligencer Journal
Len Eiserer, Millersville
Published October 10, 2005
First look inside hotel/convention center
Marble, granite, onyx provide luxurious feel.
By Judy A.
Strausbaugh, Sunday News Staff Writer
Published October 9, 2005
Shellenberger, Armstrong debate convention center
plan on WDAC
County Commissioner Dick Shellenberger told
Christian radio listeners Saturday that his strong religious faith
has sustained him in his opposition to the proposed hotel and
convention center project in downtown Lancaster.
By Patricia Poist, Sunday News
Staff Writer
Published October 9, 2005
Commissioners are acting like children
Good morning
Clyde. You look upset. "You're right, Mr. Editor," my jogging friend
said the other day, sipping his coffee.Why? "The county
commissioners, Mr. Editor. Never have I seen such conflict. It's a
real circus over there.
David M.
Hennigan, Editor Sunday News
Pubished October 9, 2005
Convention questions addressed
When I was
producing director at American Music Theatre, I booked Auntie Anne's
annual convention into that venue twice. I offer a possible answer
to Samuel R. Beiler's question in his Oct. 2, Sunday News opinion
piece, "Why is Commissioner Shellenberger trying to kill the
[Convention Center] project?"
Letter to the Editor, Sunday News
Victor Capecce, Lancaster
Published October 9, 2005
Commissioners' tactics
Happy to see tonight's New Era front-page article
"Commissioners on the defense" (10/4).
Lin Stainbrook Millersville
Letter to the Editor, New Era:
Published October 7, 2005
10 treasures
Tilt your head back in the city of Lancaster and you may be
surprised to see what you have been missing.
BY LINDA ESPENSHADE, Intelligencer
Journal Staff
Published October 7, 2005
Penn Square Partners fires back at county
commissioners
Now, it’s Penn Square Partners’ turn.
By Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: Oct 06, 2005 12:46 PM EST
Hall replaces Fry on center board
Lancaster County Convention Center
Authority now has two members appointed by county leaders opposed to
the $134 million project.
BY DAVE PIDGEON,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published October 6, 2005
County hotel, tourism taxes split
Shaub claims commissioners want to kill convention center
funding source.
Two Lancaster County commissioners opposed to a planned downtown
hotel/convention center voted Wednesday to split a pair of taxes
connected to the project.
BY DAVE PIDGEON,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published October 6, 2005
A failure of leadership from our commissioners
Two of Lancaster County's best and brightest have served
on the Convention Center Authority board with distinction. They have
publicly stated that they are willing to continue to serve on that
board
Letter to the
Editor New Era
Judy F. Fulton Millersville
Published October 5, 2005
County's hotel tax is split
Action taken by
commissioners opposed to Penn Square project. The Lancaster County
Commissioners this morning continued their ongoing public argument
on the fate of a downtown convention center.
By BERNARD HARRIS, New Era Staff
Writer
Published October 5, 2005
Shaub blasts rising cost of fighting city project
The meter is running. The Lancaster County Commissioners
have received another bill from their special counsel, Howard Kelin,
who is working to halt the downtown convention center plan.
By BERNARD HARRIS, New Era Staff
Writer
Published October 4, 2005
Commissioners on the defense
Define
positions on embattled projects.
County Commissioners Dick Shellenberger and Molly Henderson sent
an e-mail to supporters Monday, defending their opposition to the
proposed $134 million convention center/hotel project.
By John M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Oct 04, 2005 2:10 PM EST
Clyde can only ask, ‘But why?’
Good morning, Clyde. You look puzzled.
By David M. Hennigan
Sunday News
Published: Oct 01, 2005 11:53 PM EST
Plans to include minorities in city project still
unclear
The promise of involving minority-owned businesses in the
construction of a luxury hotel/convention center at Penn Square was
made so long ago, it seems forgotten.
By Judy A. Strausbaugh, Sunday News
Staff Writer
Published October 2, 2005
'Build
it, Auntie Anne's will come'
Unanswered questions Shared risk IN MY OPINION Other businesses will
come to the convention center too. But why is Commissioner
Shellenberger trying to kill the project?
By Samuel R.
Beiler, Special to the Sunday News
Published October 2, 2005
September 2005
He owned land for county home, W&S
Matthias Slough, a remarkable resident of 18th century Lancaster,
owned the properties over which our most disputatious civic dramas
are being acted out today.
Jack Brubaker/The
Scribbler
New Era
Published September 27, 2005
Convention center DOA
From 1990 to 2003, I attended
many conventions relating to the food industry.
Letter to the Editor
Donald M. Siglin Manor Township
New Era
Published September 30, 2005
Who will lead?
Two of Lancaster County's best and brightest have served on
the Lancaster Convention Center Authority board with distinction.
They have said they are willing to continue to serve on that board.
The county commissioners, through intimidation in the one case and
refusal to reappoint in the other, have deliberately chosen to
ignore the outstanding abilities and contributions of these two
individuals. It is nothing short of a slap in the face.
Letter to the Editor
Intelligencer Journal
Published September 30, 2005
Shaub advancing own nominee for board seat
Lancaster County Commissioner Pete Shaub is trying to be proactive.
On Wednesday, Shaub put forth his own nominee for a vacancy on the
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority board.
No byline
Lancaster New Era
Published September 29, 2005
Restaurateur suggested for convention center board
Lancaster County Commissioner Pete Shaub
wants Al Duncan to fill an open seat on the Lancaster County
Convention Center Authority board of directors.
BY DAVE PIDGEON,
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published September 29, 2005
Public be damned
In our view. "If you took
those three men out of the mix, I am not hearing much from anyone.
I did get one or two e-mails, and I think I got one letter."
Intelligencer Journal Editorial
Published September 29, 2005
Senator: Proposal may kill center
Armstrong says
tax plan threatens county's future. Commissioner defends move.
They found a way to kill the convention
center, state Sen. Gibson E. Armstrong charged today. County
Commissioners Molly Henderson and Dick Shellenberger want to
separate the hotel and excise taxes, which Armstrong says could
easily lead to the death of the $134 million downtown convention
center project.
By John M.
Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Sep 27, 2005 2:19 PM EST
Apology is due Ware, Fry
On behalf of a great many folks in this
community who worked to elect Commissioners Henderson and
Shellenberger, I am writing to extend a public apology to Judy Ware
and John Fry for the treatment they have received at the hands of
these two politicians.
Dennis Cox Conestoga
To the Editor, New Era
Published September 27, 2005
For Ware and Fry, a slap in face from 2 commissioners
Shame and indignation are the sad passwords for the day for
Lancaster.
Anne Gardner
Lancaster Township
To the editor: Lancaster New Era
Published September 27, 2005
There is no debating it: Lancaster needs leader with
vision
Community rift.
The word "disconnect" came up twice in last Thursday's mayoral
debate. Mayor Charlie Smithgall used it first in expressing
consternation at how county Commissioners Dick Shellenberger and
Molly Henderson have turned against the convention center project.
Intelligencer Journal, Jeff Hawkes
Published September 27, 2005
Hall eyed for center board
But Shaub,
Henderson at odds over timing. Lancaster County Commissioners will
consider tapping Deb Hall as the next member of the Lancaster County
Convention Center Authority, Commissioner Pete Shaub said Monday
night.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Published September 27, 200
Convention board's new member vows open mind
Laura C. Douglas wants to make something
clear: She is not joining the Lancaster County Convention Center
Authority with an agenda.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Published September 26, 2005
Commissioners' actions were reprehensible
Shame and indignation are the sad passwords for the day for
Lancaster. The actions of county commissioners Molly Henderson and
Dick Shellenberger that resulted in our loss of two of Lancaster's
finest, civic contributor Judy Ware and F&M president John Fry, from
the Convention Center Authority are reprehensible in the extreme.
Letter to the editor
Published September 25, 2005
Fixing our 'broken' public discourse
Consultants tell local officials how a different approach can result
in less anger, more progress.
By Gil Smart, Assistant News Editor,
gsmart@lnpnews.com
Published September 25, 2005
Chairman won't resign over Fry flap
Lancaster County Commissioner Dick Shellenberger said Thursday he
will not resign, despite requests by elected officials that he step
down. "It goes back to anyone who is against the convention
center is treated this way," Shellenberger said Thursday night.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Sep 23, 2005 11:54 AM EST
Leaders: Shellenberger should quit
Mayor Smithgall and Sen. Armstrong are
furious with chairman of county commissioners for allegedly forcing
F&M president to step down from Convention Center Authority.
By John M. Spidaliere And Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: Sep 22, 2005 1:57 PM EST
Fry quits convention center authority
A member of Lancaster County Convention Center Authority
resigned Wednesday, citing pressure by Lancaster County Commissioner
Dick Shellenberger to do so.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Sep 22, 2005 9:15 AM EST
Businesswoman appointed to convention center authority Douglas gets
nod; Ware not reappointed
Lancaster County commissioners Tuesday appointed a local
businesswoman to the county's convention center authority and
decided not to reappoint one member whose term has expired.
By P.J. Reilly, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Sep 21, 2005 9:45 AM EST
City Council still looking for a parking place
From parking garages to fire bells, plenty of topics were
discussed at Lancaster City Council's meeting Tuesday night. Little
action was taken, however.
By Larry Alexander, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Sep 14, 2005 7:50 PM EST
City center final plans win approval
Land development plans for the convention
center/hotel have been approved, but developers still must obtain
demolition and building permits, receive permission to raze historic
buildings, fill a gap in funding and resolve several legal
challenges before construction begins. The proposed downtown
hotel/convention center took a step forward Wednesday when the city
planning commission approved final land development plans.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Sep 08, 2005 10:30 AM EST
City hears minority demands
The Convention Center Authority will appoint a five-member panel
to ensure that minorities and women get a fair shake in hotel/center
project. “Jobs & Justice on Penn Square Project.” Six
African-American religious leaders picketed Fulton Bank and
Lancaster Newspapers Wednesday and held a prayer vigil in Penn
Square, demanding convention center planners and the city put their
money where their mouth is. Their voices were heard.
By John
M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Sep 07, 2005 1:05 PM EST
Center's final development plan ready for review by
city
If city planners
give their approval on Wednesday, project developers will need only
demolition and construction permits before breaking ground.
No more meetings, and Tom Smithgall
couldn't be happier.
By JOHN M. SPIDALIERE
New Era Staff Writer
Published September 6, 2005
Consultant keeps eyes on prize in downtown project
This summer, the Lancaster County
Convention Center Authority realized it was time to call in an
outside expert.
By Judy A. Strausbaugh
Sunday News
Published: Sep 03, 2005 11:55 PM EST
Commissioners to take state department to court
Lancaster County commissioners launched a two-pronged legal
attack Wednesday to undermine the proposed downtown hotel/convention
center's construction financing.
BY DAVE
PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Published: September 1, 2005
August 2005
City center challenges snowball
The embattled downtown Lancaster convention center project was
facing renewed legal challenges this morning.
By BERNARD HARRIS, New Era Staff Writer
Published: August 30, 2005
Kelin: Pact with state on Act 23 must stand
Will urge county to go
to court to uphold it. A court may have to decide if an agreement
between the state and two Lancaster County commissioners related to
funding for a proposed hotel/convention center is dead or alive.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Published August 30, 2005
Minorities upset with slice of pie
City’s plan to include them in public projects falls short,
leaders argue. It’s a plan. But it’s not a good one.
By Judy Strausbaugh
Sunday News
Published: Aug 28, 2005 12:24 AM EST
State scraps deal with county on downtown hotel
Angry Shellenberger, attorney say deal isn't dead, but
proponents say Penn Square project can move ahead.
Citing
a technicality, a state agency has scrapped its pact with the
Lancaster County Commissioners.
By JOHN M.
SPIDALIERE, New Era Staff Writer
Published: August 27, 2005
State official: Center pact dead
Agreement between
DCED, commissioners said done, but county disputes claim. The state
Department of Community and Economic Development attempted to
rescind Friday an agreement it made weeks ago with two Lancaster
County commissioners that would severely hinder prompt funding of
the proposed hotel/convention center.
BY DAVE PIDGEON, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: August 27, 2005
Prep work to begin for convention center
In coming weeks, samples will be taken from walls and floors, and
from around the rusty pipes.
By JOHN M.
SPIDALIERE, New Era Staff Writer
Published: August 25, 2005
County chiefs eye Campbell lawsuit
Commissioners Dick Shellenberger and Molly Henderson want to have
their say in a state court battle over funding for Lancaster's
proposed hotel and convention center.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Aug 25, 2005 9:36 AM EST
County votes to shelve convention center suit
Like actors repeating their lines, the
Lancaster County Commissioners this morning restated their
respective positions on a downtown convention center project.
By BERNARD HARRIS, New Era Staff
Writer
Published: August 24, 2005
Shaub: Legal fees to fight center are ‘irresponsible’
The county has spent $164,000 so far for an attorney hired by
commissioners Shellenberger and Henderson, who oppose the convention
center. County Commissioner Pete Shaub renewed his attack on his
fellow commissioners and their attorney on Tuesday, calling their
attempts to kill the downtown convention center project “fiscally
irresponsible.”
By Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: Aug 17, 2005 12:42 PM EST
Convention center legal bills cost county $164,000
Commissioners' budget includes only
$100,00. Lancaster County commissioners have broken the bank in
fighting the proposed downtown convention center/hotel project.
By P.j. Reilly, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Aug 17, 2005 9:20 AM EST
Advocates: Women, minority businesses missing in city
project
Developer Penn Square Partners isn't involving minority- and
women-owned businesses as it designs a hotel in downtown Lancaster,
several minority business advocates said Thursday.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Aug 12, 2005 9:07 AM EST
County: Offer to waive fees violates Act 23
Seven years ago, Lancaster city officials
made an offer to developers of a proposed hotel and convention
center on Penn Square: They offered to waive an estimated $1 million
in fees associated with the project.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Aug 11, 2005 10:44 AM EST
County tables suit against hotel project
For delaying lawsuit, county gets promise of advance, written
notice of state approving loans for downtown hotel construction. The
Lancaster County Commissioners will give up their day in court to
reserve the right to sue later.
By John M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Aug 04, 2005 1:54 PM EST
County strikes deal with Pa.
Commissioners stay hotel challenge, win key concessions. Two
Lancaster County commissioners reached an agreement with the state
Wednesday that puts on hold a legal challenge to funding for the
proposed $134 million hotel/convention center project in downtown
Lancaster.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Aug 04, 2005 9:19 AM EST
Was secret
meeting illegal?
Closed-door session on embattled Penn Square plan violated
state's Sunshine Act, newspaper lawyers say. Special counsel for
project says gathering was legal. The Lancaster County
Commissioners may have broken the state Sunshine Law by attending a
secret meeting with convention center supporters in July, an expert
in media law said Monday.
By John M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Aug 02, 2005 1:47 PM EST
July 2005
Convention
center/hotel suit tossed
County judge rules April Koppenhaver doesn't have standing to
bring action
By Justin Quinn, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Jul 30, 2005 7:56 AM EST
Judge dismisses lawsuit aimed at hotel/center
No legal right to stop sale of Watt & Shand building, court says.
Businesswoman is undecided about next step. It’s not an issue of
fair or inflated. It’s not an issue of wise or wasteful. It’s
an issue of whether city businesswoman April Koppenhaver has the
legal right to sue to stop the sale of the former Watt & Shand
building.
By Tim Mekeel
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jul 30, 2005 12:16 PM EST
Convention center plans press ahead
Despite a $5 million gap in project funding, developers of a
downtown convention center and hotel have authorized architects to
draw construction blueprints.
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jul 29, 2005 4:11 PM EST
Authority orders blueprints for center
The Lancaster County Convention Center Authority Thursday
authorized an Atlanta-based architectural firm to draw construction
blueprints for the proposed 200,000-square-foot center in downtown
Lancaster.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Jul 29, 2005 9:38 AM EST
Secret meeting spurs flap
Armstrong, Shellenberger hurl charges at each other after
mediator session. Convention Center proponents claim County
Commissioner Dick Shellenberger assured them during a secret meeting
that he would not stand in the way of the convention center/hotel
project.
By John M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jul 28, 2005 2:02 PM EST
Convention center
authority meets tonight; agenda unclear
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority is scheduled to hold
a public meeting tonight in Southern Market Center that was
postponed twice before.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Jul 28, 2005 8:32 AM EST
Clyde taxed by
the news
By David M. Hennigan
Sunday News
Published: Jul 23, 2005 11:42 PM
EST
Officials defend
center challenge
The county commissioners say they’re trying to protect taxpayers
by challenging a major funding source for the proposed convention
center/hotel, but project supporters claim their opposition is
short-sighted.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Jul 22, 2005 8:44 AM EST
Penn Sq. plan
backers upset by county suit
Commissioners try to block funding of embattled project.
Backers of a downtown convention center expressed outrage and
disbelief today at the latest attempt by county commissioners Dick
Shellenberger and Molly Henderson to kill the downtown
revitalization project.
By Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jul 21, 2005 1:21 PM EST
County will sue
city, Pa. agencies
2 commissioners aim to stop center project: Lancaster County
commissioners voted 2-1 Wednesday night to sue two government
agencies in an attempt to kill the proposed hotel/convention center
in downtown Lancaster.
By Dave Pidgeon
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Jul 21, 2005 9:28 AM EST
Developers
debating center shortfall
The developers of the downtown convention center project are
working furiously to make up a $5 million budget shortfall.
By John M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jul 18, 2005 1:30 PM EST
Smithgall hopes
to get center’s developers talking
Mayor Charlie Smithgall is hoping to bring the public and private
developers of a proposed hotel/convention center in downtown
Lancaster together in an attempt to resolve a budget dispute. It’s
possible the meeting could happen as early as today.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal
Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Jul 18, 2005 9:00 AM EST
Closed-door talks
on Penn Square gap
They
don’t have additional cash readily at hand. But they’re not giving
up.
By John M.
Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jul 14, 2005 11:51 AM EST
Center developers
struggle with budget
Ways sought to ease $5 million shortfall
By Dave Pidgeon
Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Jul 14, 2005 9:08 AM EST
Convention Center
Is Already Millions Over Budget
WGAL-TV POSTED: 6:27 pm EDT July 13, 2005
Partners refuse
to help fill $5M gap
Penn Square group urges public authority to
plug funding hole itself. Penn Square Partners called on the
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority today to “leave no
stone unturned” to find $5 million in public funds to fill a gap in
the convention center construction budget.
By John M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jul 13, 2005 12:44 PM EST
So close, yet ...
$5 million
In softer tones, project partners explain
overruns, what can be done. With a $5 million gap opening in
construction estimates for the downtown convention center project,
the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority now wants the
private hotel developer to share responsibility for any cost
overruns.
By Helen Colwell Adams
Sunday News
Published: Jul 09, 2005 11:48 PM EST
Center/hotel
project $5M over budget
Penn Square Partners, Convention Center
Authority must work together to fill gap, authority’s executive
director urges. Be flexible and don’t
start pointing fingers.
By John M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jul 09, 2005 1:05 PM EST
BULLETIN:
Convention Center cost up $5 million
Darcus vows solution will be found.
The proposed Lancaster County Convention Center and hotel will
cost $134 million, about $5 million more than previously projected,
convention center officials announced this afternoon.
By Special Bulletin
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jul 08, 2005 5:44 PM EST
W. King named as favorite for garage
Parking authority still needs to buy
properties. The city parking authority
Thursday released drawings of a $19 million, seven-story garage it
hopes to build on West King Street. It has not ruled out acquiring
the land through eminent domain.
By Dave Pidgeon, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Jul 08, 2005 9:18 AM EST
Armstrong
amendment ups penalty on room tax
An amendment to a tourism-related bill that passed both houses of
the General Assembly over the weekend could make it more expensive
for hoteliers to pay their county room taxes late.
By Helen Colwell Adams
Sunday News
Published: Jul 03, 2005 12:13 AM EST
June 2005
Penn Sq. project
leader: 'Join us'
Two commissioners
urged to end fight.
By John M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jun 14, 2005 2:38 PM EST
Mythbuster?
Saying he's tired of misinformation by foes of embattled Penn Square
project, Armstrong vows: No county taxpayer dollars will be spent.
By John M. Spidaliere
Lancaster New Era
Published: Jun 13, 2005 1:56 PM EST
May 2005
In
city project, Clyde finds enmity building
Good morning, Clyde. What's new?
By David Hennigan
Sunday News
Published: May 28, 2005 9:30 PM EST
Is Shellenberger offer olive branch or kindling?
Dick Shellenberger's announcement this week that he could support
the convention center if 12 specific concerns are addressed is a
positive development.
By Jeff Hawkes
05-27-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Hoteliers will pay up
Despite threat, room tax payments made.
By P.j. Reilly
Intelligencer Journal
Published: May 26, 2005 9:17 AM EST
The tea party is
over - for now.
Shaub offer of Watt & Shand access rejected
Lancaster County Commissioner Pete Shaub two weeks ago asked
opponents of the hotel and convention center proposed for Penn
Square for viable alternatives to the project, but they told him it
was impossible to come up with plans.
By P.j. Reilly
Intelligencer Journal
Published: May 26, 2005 9:36 AM EST
County wants to publicize tax protesters
Hotels say they won't pay. If some local hoteliers refuse to pay
their taxes, Lancaster County Commissioner Pete Shaub wants the
public to know who they are.
By P.j. Reilly
Intelligencer Journal
Published: May 25, 2005 10:10 AM EST
Penn Square backers reject proposals
Convention center and hotel planners responded today to the
latest plea for cooperation from the county commissioners by revving
their bulldozer engines.
By John M. Spidaliere And Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: May 24, 2005 1:24 PM EST
New convention center compromises floated
Lancaster County commissioners on opposite sides of
a controversial downtown hotel/convention center traded proposals
Monday aimed at moving the project forward.
By Dave Pidgeon
Intelligencer Journal
Published: May 24, 2005 9:50 AM EST
Statement by Penn Square Partners
While Penn Square Partners (PSP) have remained focused on
bringing our part of the downtown Lancaster County Convention Center
and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square project to life, a few of our
government leaders and others have perpetuated myths, mistakes and
misrepresentations about us. We want our community to know the
truth. That’s all. That’s fair.
By Nevin D. Cooley
05-22-2005
Sunday News
Partners take the offensive
Question county’s leadership and its interest in revitalizing
city; detail ‘myths, mistakes, misrepresentations.’
By Judy A. Strausbaugh
Sunday News
Published: May 22, 2005 12:21 AM EST
Do
gov’t. sources regularly fund private projects?
Sen. Gibson E. Armstrong compares government funding of such
projects as Cabela's in Hamburg with proposed Marriott hotel in
Lancaster.
By Bernard Harris
Lancaster New Era
Published: May 20, 2005 2:12 PM EST
County moves to block city project
Filing with state contends guarantee of $16 million for Penn
Square hotel illegal; supporters disagree
By P.j. Reilly
Intelligencer Journal
Published: May 20, 2005 10:25 AM EST
Historical Board Backs Demolition
Lancaster city's Historical Commission on Monday recommended City
Council approve demolition plans for all or part of eight buildings
to make way for a proposed downtown hotel/convention center.
Historical board backs demolition
By Dave Pidgeon
05-17-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Next move for project: Demolition
Take it as a sign the Lancaster County Convention Center and
Marriott Hotel is closer to reality when the city Historical
Commission on Monday reviews demolition plans for Watt & Shand and
other buildings.
By Judy Strausbaugh
05-14-2005
Sunday News
Marching orders?
Darcy Eddy’s May 6 e-mail message was brief and direct. One
sentence. Eight words.
By Tom Murse
05-13-2005
Lancaster New Era
City controller offers to sign papers
Lancaster city Controller R.B. Campbell is offering
to sign documents that would give the city the go-ahead to guarantee
funds for a proposed hotel/convention center on Penn Square.
By Dave Pidgeon
05-13-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Shaub: show me your options 
Lancaster County Commissioner Pete Shaub on Wednesday said he's
willing to listen.
By P.j. Reilly
05-12-2005
Intelligencer Journal
City
Council approves convention center plan 
Lancaster City Council Tuesday approved plans to build a
hotel/convention center on Penn Square, but tabled an ordinance that
would add at least $200,000 from the project into the city's bank
account each year.
By Dave Pidgeon
05-11-2005
Intelligencer Journal
175 step forward...loudly 
Chanting “Build it now” and “Let’s go convention center” some 175
proponents of the downtown convention center/hotel project marched
on the county courthouse today.
By John M. Spidaliere And Bernard Harris
05-11-2005
Lancaster New Era
Pa. court puts hold on center lawsuit
A Commonwealth Court judge placed a temporary injunction Friday
on a court ruling that permitted Lancaster Mayor Charlie Smithgall
to sign documents in place of the city controller for the proposed
hotel/convention center.
By Dave Pidgeon
05-10-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Supports PSP proposal
Let us turn our attention from the fears and skepticism of the
proposed hotel and convention center and face the realities:
05-08-2005
Sunday News
March on Wednesday to support project
Patti A. Connell, a resident of Lancaster and a businesswoman,
plans to publicly show her support for the Lancaster County
Convention Center/Marriott Hotel proposed for Penn Square.
By Judy A. Strausbaugh
05-08-2005
Sunday News
Sen. Armstrong issues a challenge
State Sen. Gib E. Armstrong is so certain that a controversial
convention-center bond issue will be tax-exempt that he’s willing to
bet his political life on it.
By Helen Colwell Adams
05-07-2005
Sunday News
Businessman, irked by hotelier action, files suit 
A local businessman filed a $100,000 lawsuit last month against
Drew Anthon, owner of Eden Resort Inn and Conference Center,
claiming Anthon "colluded to sabotage" the proposed Lancaster County
Convention Center by announcing his intention to withhold the county
hotel room tax.
By Justin Quinn
05-06-2005
Intelligencer Journal
County moves to block project
Seeking to put the brakes on a project they feel is too risky,
county Commissioners Dick Shellenberger and Molly Henderson took
action this morning to end county support of the proposed downtown
hotel/convention center project.
By Bernard Harris
05-04-2005
Lancaster New Era
Authority defends downtown project 
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority counterattacked
Tuesday, taking two county commissioners to task for their decision
to try to kill the hotel/convention center planned for downtown
Lancaster.
By Dave Pidgeon
05-04-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Project foes show support for 2 officials 
Lancaster County Commissioner Pete Shaub did not have to leave
the county last weekend to hunt turkeys, a School District of
Lancaster board member said sarcastically during a Tuesday meeting.
By P.j. Reilly
05-04-2005
Intelligencer Journal
County officials hope to kill Penn Square project 
Lancaster County Commissioner Dick Shellenberger vowed Sunday to
halt plans for a proposed hotel/convention center in downtown
Lancaster, saying he no longer supports the project.
By Dave Pidgeon
05-02-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Commissioners could face suit if bond vow ends 
If the Lancaster County Commissioners yank the county’s guarantee
on a $40 million construction bond for the proposed convention
center, they could end up facing a potentially costly lawsuit from
the lender, a bond counsel says.
By John M. Spidaliere
05-03-2005
Lancaster New Era
Minorities have high hopes for project 
During a meeting of the Lancaster County Convention Center
Authority in mid-December, Reginald Guy, a businessman from
Harrisburg and an African-American, found a seat in the center of
the city council chambers.
By Judy A. Strausbaugh
04-30-2005
Sunday News
Top local officials clash over Penn Square project 
Annoyed but undeterred, supporters of a proposed downtown hotel
and convention center pledged today to push it forward and overcome
new opposition voiced by two county commissioners.
By Tim Mekeel And Bernard Harris
05-02-2005
Lancaster New Era
April 2005
Hotel critic gets 10 days to make her case 
Urgency, the judge can see.
By John M. Spidaliere
04-30-2005
Lancaster New Era
'Opinion' on bonds draws ire 
Disappointed with a noncommittal opinion on the taxability of
bonds needed to fund construction of the proposed downtown hotel,
Lancaster County Commissioners Dick Shellenberger and Molly
Henderson vent their frustration.
By P.j. Reilly
04-28-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Controller can't interfere, judge says 
A county judge on Wednesday stripped the city controller of the
discretionary power to sign or not sign documents relating to a
proposed hotel/convention center in downtown Lancaster.
By Dave Pidgeon
04-28-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Foes attempt to block city hotel project 
Opponents made last gasp efforts today to derail plans for a $129
million downtown convention center and hotel project.
By John M. Spidaliere, Bernard Harris And Ryan Robinson
04-27-2005
Lancaster New Era
Judge backs project loan; county raps hoteliers 
A Lancaster County judge is allowing Mayor Charlie Smithgall to
bypass the city controller and move forward with financing for the
planned hotel and convention center.
By Bernard Harris And John M. Spidaliere
04-26-2005
Lancaster New Era
Contention dogs center plan 
Dubbing themselves "The Lancaster Tea Party," a group of
hoteliers threatened Monday to withhold payment of the county's
hotel room tax, the majority of which goes toward a proposed
downtown hotel/convention
center.
By Paula Holzman
04-26-2005
Intelligencer Journal
SDL pitches tax plan of its own to hotel developer 
By Paula Holzman
03-11-2005
Intelligencer Journal
City project has hurdles yet to clear 
A long road lies ahead of developers of the proposed
hotel/convention center in downtown Lancaster as they try to piece
together the $129 million budgeted for the project.
By Dave Pidgeon
04-25-2005
Intelligencer Journal
New deadline for downtown hotel project 
Lancaster County Commissioners Dick Shellenberger and Molly
Henderson chose their words carefully in a statement released
Sunday.
By Bernard Harris
04-20-2005
Lancaster New Era
Hoteliers won't pay room tax 
A group of local hoteliers is expected to announce today that the
hoteliers will stop paying the tax aimed primarily at financing
construction of the downtown Lancaster convention center, a hotel
industry insider says.
By John M. Spidaliere And Bernard Harris
04-25-2005
Lancaster New Era
Hotel tax deal may be revived 
The TIF returns.
By John M. Spidaliere
04-23-2005
Lancaster New Era
Gray: City center risks should merit rewards for taxpayers 
Now that city taxpayers have assumed the financial risk of the
planned downtown hotel and convention center complex at the former
Watt & Shand building, they deserve some special considerations,
says Democratic mayoral candidate Rick Gray.
By Charles Lardner
04-21-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Bonds' status unclear 
County commissioners voted Tuesday to give the convention center
authority a week to determine if bonds to be used to pay for
construction of the planned downtown hotel/convention center will be
tax-exempt.
By P.j. Reilly ; Dave Pidgeon
04-20-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Brunswick owner seeks to revive movie house 
The new owner of the Ramada Inn Brunswick is proposing to
revitalize a portion of Lancaster Square into a movie/performing
arts theater.
By Dave Pidgeon
04-20-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Officials figuring cost of convention center 
Developers of the proposed hotel and convention center in
downtown Lancaster will get a better idea of the actual cost of
construction during a meeting with the project architect today in
Atlanta.
By Dave Pidgeon
04-19-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Parking not a worry now for center, hotel 
By John M. Spidaliere
04-18-2005
Lancaster New Era
Problem solved.
By John M. Spidaliere
04-18-2005
Lancaster New Era
County won’t stand in project's way 
Two Lancaster County commissioners who had asked tough questions
about the proposed downtown hotel and convention center said Friday
that despite persistent misgivings, they won’t stand in the way of
the project.
By Gil Smart
04-16-2005
Sunday News
SDL likely to seek 10% tax hike 
School District of Lancaster likely will consider a 10 percent
tax hike when its board meets to consider a preliminary budget next
week, school officials said Thursday.
By Paula Holzman
04-15-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Penn Square project: full speed ahead 
For Nevin Cooley, Tuesday’s Lancaster City Council meeting was
like the return of an old friend.
By John M. Spidaliere
04-13-2005
Lancaster New Era
City takes reigns of hotel project 
A proposed downtown hotel will not qualify for tax-exempt status,
according to a legal opinion released Tuesday morning by an attorney
hired by two Lancaster County commissioners.
By Paula Holzman
04-13-2005
Intelligencer Journal
County, city battle: Is new hotel taxable? 
A simmering dispute between city and county officials erupted
into open war today.
By Bernard Harris And John M. Spidaliere
04-12-2005
Lancaster New Era
All eyes on council as it prepares to vote on hotel plan 
Make yourself comfortable and bring a sandwich. It’s sure to be a
long night.
By John M. Spidaliere
04-11-2005
Lancaster New Era
Council faces key vote on hotel plan 
For months, developers of a proposed Marriott Hotel on Penn
Square have said they have a substantial funding gap that can be
plugged with a new state program, Act 23.
By Dave Pidgeon
04-11-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Lawsuit to delay Penn Sq. project? 
A Lancaster City gallery owner hopes to derail plans for a
downtown hotel and convention center on Penn Square with a lawsuit
filed Friday afternoon.
By Bernard Harris And John M. Spidaliere
04-09-2005
Lancaster New Era
Foes challenge Penn Sq. plan
Opponents of the construction of a downtown hotel and convention
center were expected to file legal action today in an effort to stop
the project.
By Bernard Harris
04-08-2005
Lancaster New Era
Convention Center Authority answers the 57 questions 
Despite the comments of two county commissioners, Dave Hixson,
executive director of the Lancaster County Convention Center
Authority, says all questions have been answered. This is what he
sent the county commissioners.
By Dave Hixson, Lancaster County Convention Center Authority
Executive Director
04-07-2005
Sunday News
Found: answers to hotel questions 
The Lancaster County Commissioners say they want answers to key
questions about the proposed downtown convention center hotel.
By Johm M. Spidaliere
04-07-2005
Lancaster New Era
Commitment or guarantee? Council eyes bonds for hotel 
Patrick Snyder longs to hear the word “guarantee” from Lancaster
City Council.
By John M. Spidaliere
04-05-2005
Lancaster New Era
City takes step toward owning hotel 
A packed house at Southern Market Center Monday night endured
sweltering conditions while supporters and opponents of a proposed
hotel/convention center generated even more heat.
By Dave Pidgeon And Paula Holzman
04-05-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Council to hear latest plan for Penn Sq. 
By Paula Holzman
04-04-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Democrat who had Republican support acts independently 
By Helen Colwell Adams Sunday News Staff Writer
04-02-2005
Sunday News
Council begins talks Monday on taxes and hotel 
By Helen Colwell Adams Sunday News Staff Writer
04-02-2005
Private deals don't cut it when public money is involved 
By Jeff Hawkes
04-01-2005
Intelligencer Journal
March 2005
LCCCA Answers to Commissioners' Questions 
Critics hammer Penn Sq. project 
By Bernard Harris
03-31-2005
Lancaster New Era
Project foes at forum bash center/hotel 
By Dave Pidgeon
03-31-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Officials: New hotel immune from tax 
By John M. Spidaliere And Bernard Harris
03-30-2005
Lancaster New Era
Project divides officials 
By Dave Pidgeon
03-30-2005
Intelligencer Journal
County still has questions about project 
By P.j. Reilly
03-29-2005
Intelligencer Journal
City to buy W&S building 
By Dave Pidgeon And Paula Holzman
03-29-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Council applauds revamped hotel plan 
By John M. Spidaliere And Bernard Harris
03-29-2005
Lancaster New Era
WGAL 032805 City to Buy W&S Building 
The city of Lancaster will buy the Watt and Shand Building from
Penn Square Partners in order to get the convention center project
back on track.
Hotel plan rescued 
By Bernard Harris And John M. Spidaliere
03-28-2005
Lancaster New Era
'Viable option' for Penn Square project 
By John M. Spidaliere
03-26-2005
Lancaster New Era
Hot seat? No way, school finance director says 
By Tom Murse
03-26-2005
Lancaster New Era
Penn Square plan stalls 
By Bernard Harris
03-25-2005
Lancaster New Era
Henderson still waiting for answers 
By Bernard Harris And John M. Spidaliere
03-24-2005
Lancaster New Era
Disarray hits Penn Square Plans 
By Dave Pidgeon And Paula Holzman
03-25-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Developer of hotel backs new tax plan 
By Dave Pidgeon
03-24-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Two divided by 57 
By Paula Holzman
03-24-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Henderson, Shaub spar; big crowd backs hotel 
By Bernard Harris
03-23-2005
Lancaster New Era
SDL considers new plan for hotel 
By Paula Holzman
03-23-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Shaub accuses Henderson of attempting to kill hotel project 
By Bernard Harris
03-22-2005
Lancaster New Era
'We've unloaded our tool box'
By John M. Spidaliere
03-22-2005
Lancaster New Era
New Penn Square deal?
By Bernard Harris And Tim Mekeel
03-21-2005
Lancaster New Era
Checking out a new hotel plan? 
By Helen Colwell Adams
03-19-2005
Sunday News
Downtown project in trouble after SDL rejects tax deal
By Paula Holzman
03-16-2005
Intelligencer Journal
Mayor keeps hope alive
By Bernard Harris
03-18-2005
Lancaster New Era
'We don't have a Plan B' 
By Bernard Harris And Tom Murse
03-16-2005
Lancaster New Era
Could Penn Square project revive East King Street?
By John M. Spidaliere
03-15-2005
Lancaster New Era
Convention industry calls critique 'gravely flawed'
By Tom Murse
03-14-2005
Lancaster New Era
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