The Public Opinion Soapbox

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

Great news in the PO this morning; Orrstown Bank will be relocating its corporate operations to the empty Norland Shopping center. I had just mentioned this yesterday in the Cuisine section with Caretti's Pizza.

It's good to see a business attempting to revitalize an eyesore and yet another vacant, C-burg strip mall and I hope that this means more will follow suit.
wwwDOTpublicopiniononlineDOTcom/localnews/ci_7317258

Unbelievable · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 19 Location: New Franklin

I agree - this is good news.

When I was growing up that shopping center was a nice place to go on our end of town. It's disappointing to see so many stores build 'bigger and better' rather than revitalizing. The companies that use existing structures are more likely to get my business as they are being conscientious. Saving money too? Probably, but its a win-win in my mind.

Now if we could just get the old Lowe's and that shopping center to be put to good use.
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.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3093 Location: Chambersburg

I posted on Haloscan about this. I wish more businesses would utilize existing buildings. It isn't just fiscally responsible but it beautifies the town and helps to preserve what little greenery is left. At least the Home Depot will be taking over two structures and a patch of weeds.
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Me!!!!!!!! · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 306

Why is everyone excited about Orrstown? After reading the article it is not going to be a branch where u do your banking just an operations center. Am I missing something???

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3093 Location: Chambersburg

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

hanginout · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 77

[quote="Me!!!!!!!!"]Why is everyone excited about Orrstown? After reading the article it is not going to be a branch where u do your banking just an operations center. Am I missing something???[/quote]

The last thing we need is a another bank branch.

This Ops center sounds exciting and an oppurtunity to utilize a long empty structure. Maybe more businesses will follow into the area.

Maybe even a new Sheetz out front to replace the mini-Sheetz at 11 and 997.

me · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 119

Yes, this is VERY good news and must commend Orrstan Bank for this.

The best example of this is the Rescue Hose Company's use of the old elementary School when they looked at building a new fire-EMS station.

I think incentives should be given for developers, business owners, etc if they elect to use-renovate an existing facility instead of constructing a new one.

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 577

I live right behind there in Presidential Heights, so I'm very glad, it should make that eyesore look better. As far as why companies don't do this more often, it is usually cheaper to build new, even demolish and build new on the site than to renovate.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3093 Location: Chambersburg

In a similar story, the old jails >>what should be done with them?

I like the idea of turning them into condos or apartments...neat little gimmick, but I don't know enogh about all of the inner workings of the penal system and the county etc.

Some said we should rent the space for use by other inmates.

Any other opinions?
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Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

I don't know, I can only assume that the old jails thing is complicated since it's a public structure and all. I think it would be pretty cool to turn them into apartments or condos, or whatever, but a private financier would have to be involved since people probably wouldn't be ok with their tax money being spent to turn old jails into housing.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3093 Location: Chambersburg

Why doesn't the county/ government just sell properties they don't need anymore? Of course, I mean for the actual value of the property and not what they wish it was worth. Is it really more beneficial to hang onto the unused buildings, allow them to fall into disrepair and then charge the taxpayers to fix them up again? I don't see why it is so hard to let go of buildings (or vehicles or supplies) that are no longer needed just because the government owns them.

Now, I know many of you are thinking about that darned medical van. That purchase seems to have been a horrible mistake and it's pretty obvious that certain people in our local government have purchasing power that shouldn't. But I suppose that's another conversation that will have no positive outcome, because apparently the majority of people in the community would rather just be pooped on and complain about it rather than getting a shovel and digging out. >see, now I'm getting cranky again<
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Nevermind.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2663 Location: Chambersburg

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3093 Location: Chambersburg

Yeah... that van shows up on my street and it's time for the kid to come inside!
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Nevermind.