The Public Opinion Soapbox

Andy G · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 10:11 am Post subject: Pudunkville, I think not!

OMG, what an amazing array of stories and topics in the paper today. It seems that overnight we went from small issues and filler news to big city headlines. Controversy, murder,politics, Elvis clothing sold for huge amount. Don't know whether to be embarrassed, amused or entertained. I'm just glad to have a full years subscription! Wink

John Chambersburg · Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 55 Location: Chambersburg

a little stretch of the imagination sees the metamorphis from pudunk to big city times. (mornings paper...someone shot in Lugan). we ain't in mayberry rfd anymore nor Kansas, Toto.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

We're not podunk, but a lot of people here want us to be.

John Chambersburg · Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 55 Location: Chambersburg

Chambersburg has gotten to where it is today, certainly NOT by any planning whatsoever on any of the local officials part, but truly on its own. People moving here and developers doing their things has gotten Franklin Co. to where it is today. Growth is good...BUT...it would be excellent had planning...and planning...and planning been done years and years ago. It just amazes me how Chambersburg and Franklin Co. practically run on its own. I know...I'm just a lay person.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg

This is the most poorly-planned community I've ever seen in my life.

People avoid planning thinking that planning will necessitate development; yet development is inevitable and without planning, it can't be done responsibly.

In other words, thanks to local ignorance, everyone loses.

It's sort of like not teaching safe sex to teens because you think it will make teens have more sex.

And yet again, a local told me how all this development is "destroying our farmland."

I still don't understand this?? What farmland is being destroyed? All the development I've seen, along the highway, has been done on land that was previously completely vacant! And all future development in that Gabler Tract area is land that is nothing but overgrown grass right now.

I'll just never get this local mindset, and as long as it persists, we will continue to be "podunk."

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3043 Location: Chambersburg

Well, that depends.

Does podunk mean warehouses gone wild?

I'd add more, but I don't need to, as usual, Coppy has typed it all.
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Andy G · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 4:06 pm Post subject:

My original intent was to take a shot at those that think that this area is still backward and at the Public Opinion itself. The shot at the paper was in regards to all the AP news rather than all the chances it has to report more on local issues that affect the local community.
The shot at some of the locals that still see this area as preety backwards does refer to some of your commentary about growth and planning. I've lived in a number of other communities that have grown the same way that we are heading. Develop the outskirts of town with all those nice big box stores and watch the heart of the town get run down. follow the traditional path for years and then go back to reform the run down areas to bring people back into the blighted areas. What a vicious cycle. I'm sure that local politicians have a tough time with this issue and how best to balance the growth and development. I know as population grows that it is nice to have the big box stores to try and keep the community from going elsewhere to shop, but what I'm not convinced about is whether enough is being done to keep the inner part of town vital.
For all these things I am sure we are beyond Pudunkville. Lots of progressive things happening but it is nice to retain the small town charm. The larger and faster a community grows the less and less you know your neighbors, business owners and politicians. I for one appreciate the ease of accessabiliy to them right now and don't like being treated like the big city whereas you leave your name and number and hope they call.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3043 Location: Chambersburg

Retaining the small town charm...Absolutely.

IMnsHO, revitalizing downtown Chambersburg is necessary for this community.

I disagree that downtown can only be cleaned up by getting rid of the ethnic groceries, though. (An argument made by many on Topix) I feel that they wouldn't be there if there was not enough business to sustain them and, frankly, I would be upset if Tito's Tacos was run out.

I know there are quite few Hispanic groceries in the area surrounding downtown C-burg, but think of all the chain groceries we have in the area. (I can think of 6 straight away.) Not to mention Mom & Pop groceries and the Mennonite/Amish run grocery/deli stores.

Revitalizing downtown will be a great deal of work --- all I can suggest is baby steps. Maybe we could start with cleaning up the facades. Put a shine on it and get people in the remodeling mood.

Heck, I don't know.
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armed_citizen · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 233 Location: Chambersburg, PA

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3043 Location: Chambersburg

Darn you for your valid arguments!! Laughing

I still haven't made it to 7 P's!
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Dragas · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 133 Location: Waynesboro, PA

Andy G · Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:09 am Post subject:

While I can some what agree with the hours of operation statements as we grow I hope that will change. Soon there should be a couple of new restaurants that will open( Cafe Datalia and Bistro71) and will bring in a later draw. As these things happen there will be a chance to amend some of the business hours to accommedate the later draw into town. As one comment said, baby steps. Progress happens slowly and in gradual steps. But at least, as a business owner, I'm seeing some positive things happening. Moving forward at a snails pace is better than not moving forward at all.

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 548

cookieclaygirl · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 2136 Location: shippensburg

LOL....i was gonna say W.B. and Scranton

omg....scranton....CHAAAAAOS!!!!!!

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2569 Location: Chambersburg