News Headline Archive

February 2006 ♦ January 2006
December 2005 ♦ November 2005 ♦ October 2005 ♦ 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

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.

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.

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
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