Conditional and Finial Approval

This is on the agenda at tonight's Coatesville City Council meeting:

Regular Action Items
1. Receive a consider a Resolution approving the Preliminary and Final Land Development Plan, with conditions for the Land Development Plan, referencing the development of an Office Building and Hotel Redevelopment Project, located along Manor Road.

The last time the Coatesville City Council voted on a conditional and final approval of a major project it was for Chetty's "Pennock Place" at 3rd Avenue and Lincoln Highway. City Solicitor Andrew Lehr recommended voting against it.

From the Chester County Reporter, March 28, 2006

“Coatesville Council puts Chetty Development on hold”

“Johnson said he wanted to vote in favor of the project, but was acting on the advice of city Solicitor Andrew Lehr who said there were problems with some of the language in the resolution. Lehr said one of the conditions of the resolution was that a zoning variance is needed. The zoning hearing board, he said, meets on April 4.”

From:

Coatesville council action delays building plan
Source: Benjamin Y. Lowe INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
A major part of Coatesville's $600 million revitalization is on hold after City Council, on its solicitor's advice, declined last night to approve plans for a downtown condominium building.
The move has delayed builder Carl Chetty for at least a month. He has proposed building up to seven seven-story condominiums.
After he angrily walked out of last night's meeting, Chetty said that his patience was "wearing thin" with
Published on 2006-03-28, Page B03, Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)

“Schenk said he voted to table it because of advice from City Solicitor Andrew G. Lehr who said there were problems with some of the language in the resolution.”

The lot at 3rd Avenue and Lincoln Highway is vacant.

Did an alleged meeting at Chetty Headquarters in December of 2005 have anything to do with Mr. Lehr's recommendation against Chetty's building?
Ernie Campos speaking at the City of Coatesville Redevelopment Authority meeting July 17,2006:

CamposMeetingWdevelopers.wav

Redevelopment Authority Minutes May 15, 2006
http://coatesville.org/minutes/rda/060515.pdf

Redevelopment Authority Minutes June 19, 2006
http://coatesville.org/minutes/rda/060619.pdf

Redevelopment Authority Minutes July 17, 2006
http://coatesville.org/minutes/rda/060717.pdf

Agenda for tonight's Coatesville City Council meeting:
http://coatesville.org/minutes/ccagenda/2010/100322Regular.pdf

Lehr’s gotta go

Andrew Lehr may be competent at Texas hold 'em but we need a good City Solicitor in Coatesville.

Pat Sellers was the one with lots of tea bags hanging on the brim of his hat.

You may remember Pat Sellers wearing a hat with lots of tea bags hanging all around the brim on the “Bloc of Four’s” Election Day.

Pat Sellers was the campaign director for the election of the “Bloc of Four”. That is the election of Patsy Ray, Robin Scott Johnson, Kareem Johnson and Kurt Schenk.

This is an excerpt from a Lancaster Intelligencer Journal article from Thursday April 11, 1996:

“Sellers, and electrical worker who trails his opponent in the race, has also come under fire recently for seeking the support of Larry Pratt, a former aide to presidential candidate Pat Buchannan.

Pratt is executive director of Gun Owners of America. He left the Buchanan Campaign after the media reported on his ties to the Ku Klux Klan and the white supremacist group Aryan Nation.”

You can find the entire article here:
http://www.box.net/shared/7j62u1705d

Larry Pratt Books:
Armed People Victorious (1990).
Safeguarding Liberty: The Constitution and Citizen Militias (1995).
On the Firing Line: Essays in the Defense of Liberty (2001).

Pat Sellers had a recent column in the Daily Local News explaining why global warming is a farce, “statistics indicate the globe is cooling”:
http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2009/08/03/opinion/srv0000005999014.txt

I don’t think Pat Sellers is a bomb maker; I think that he is a writer and political organizer.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has a new report on militia groups in the United States.

“THE SECOND WAVE, RETURN OF THE MILITIAS”

“THIS IS THE MOST SIGNIGFIGANT GROWTH WE’VE SEEN IN 10 TO 12 YEARS. ALL IT’S LACKING IS A SPARK. I THINK IT’S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE YOU SEE THREATS AND VIOLENCE.”

“The current political environment is awash with seemingly absurd but nonetheless influential conspiracy theories, hyperbolic claims and demonized targets, and this creates a milieu where violence is a likely outcome.”

The report concludes with:
“TERROR FROM THE RIGHT-75 plots, conspiracies and racist rampages since Oklahoma City.”

http://www.splcenter.org/images/dynamic/main/The_Second_Wave.pdf

From the Department of Homeland Security OFFICE OF INTELLIGENCE AND ANALISIS:

"(U//FOUO) Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment
7 April 2009
Prepared by the Extremism and Radicalization Branch, Homeland Environment Threat Analysis Division. Coordinated with the FBI.

(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that a number of economic and political factors are driving a resurgence in rightwing extremist recruitment and radicalization activity.

Despite similarities to the climate of the 1990s, the threat posed by lone wolves and small terrorist cells is more pronounced than in past years. In addition, the historical election of an African American president and the prospect of policy changes are proving to be a driving force for rightwing extremist recruitment and radicalization."

http://www.fas.org/irp/eprint/rightwing.pdf

Like I wrote Pat Sellers is not a bomb maker. But I do expect that there is a resurgence in the kinds of things Pat Sellers writes about right now. I think he must be very busy.

Read Karl Marking's comments on the warning letter that Coatesville's government received from the Commonwealth

You can find it at:
http://www.karlmarking.com/

Scroll down to "Spotlight on City Hall"

Commonwealth Warns City of Coatesville Administration in letter

I agree with City Councilperson Ed Simpson’s statements in this article.

I would go a further my criticism of Lehr and Walker. I believe the potential for criminal activity exists. But that is up to the USDoJ to ferret out.

State criticizes Coatesville in letter
Pennsylvania official outlines 11 of the city's problems as well as offering recommendations to move municipality forward
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
By JENNIFER MILLER, Staff Writer

http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2009/07/29/news/srv0000005966001.txt


A more clear copy of the letter is here:
http://www.box.net/shared/mh2q6tjhel



See Matt Baker's blog for more information:
http://bakerforcoatesville.com/matts-blog/

Missing Campaign Finance Statement

Apparently this 30 day post-primary Campaign Finance Statement is the only Campaign Finance Statement filed by Jarrell Brazzle:
http://www.box.net/shared/nc8c80ofy2

There was no 2nd Friday Campaign Finance Statement as of 10:00 am Monday, July 13, 2009. The fine must be quite a lot by now.

There are two political entities in Coatesville; hint it’s not Democrats and Republicans

The two basic political entities are those who are go along with the drug traffickers and those who are working against the drug traffickers. It does not matter whether they are Democrats or Republicans; the big differences in politicians here is whether they go along with the drug scene or not. One caveat to keep in mind is that there are many naïves who do not understand how things work here.

There is a separate underground economy that operates on trickle down money from drug trafficking in Coatesville. When the undercover ATF and DEA people were here because of the arson, much of the drug trafficking stopped. The legitimate local business here suffered; some people did not have the cash to their pay bills.

There is no long standing drug trafficking business anywhere that does not have support from public officials. Read; Police Politics Corruption “The mixture dangerous to freedom and justice” by Colonel Frank McKetta Retired Pennsylvania State Police.

On the surface Coatesville seems like an ordinary Pennsylvania town. But a drive down any main street on a Friday or Saturday night will tell you that this is a huge drug trafficking town. It is a beautiful town with great potential and wonderful people but one that is held hostage by long time drug traffickers with political connections. I call it “Little Sicily”.

If a shooting occurs in front of several people in Coatesville right now; chances are “nobody saw it”. Much of the tips that law enforcement does get in Coatesville comes from new residents. Coatesville is a city of about 12,000 residents with the infrastructure for 20,000 residents. New residents without long time family connections in Coatesville cannot be easily intimidated by drug traffickers. The USDoJ is well aware that a redevelopment of Coatesville that brings in new people may be the end of the drug trafficking and the terror hold that it has over Coatesville. The drug traffickers are also aware of that fact.

Election of people not connected to the drug trafficking political establishment here will help but what I think Coatesville and Chester County really needs is a full investigation of the city by the USDoJ. Until that happens we will continue to see articles like this one in the Daily Local News:

The Daily Local (dailylocal.com), Serving Chester County, PA
'How do you sleep at night?'
Along with most other older Daily Local articles this one is difficult to find. But the same article appears in the DelCo Times:

One year last, double-slayings in Chesco continues to haunt families, police

Monday, July 6, 2009
By JENNIFER MILLER
One year ago, two Chester County families were destroyed and a community was sent into a state of shock.

More about the Coatesville Unity Committee

Solicitor's campaign link raises questions
Legal adviser responds he has supported all 7 members on Coatesville City Council
Sunday, June 21, 2009
By JENNIFER MILLER, Staff Writer
http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2009/06/21/news/srv0000005641236.txt

The links to the CUC’s campaign finance report filing and other information about the CUC are here:
http://coatesvilledems.blogspot.com/2009/06/is-coatesville-unity-committee-united.html

Is the COATESVILLE UNITY COMMITTEE united with the Walker Administration?

The COATESVILLE UNITY COMMITTEE is spending a lot of money on the campaigns of Patsy Ray, Kurt Schenk and Jarrell Brazzle.

Andrew Lehr, Eddy Scrivens and Harry Walker have worked together for a very long time. Walker, Lehr, Pat Sellers and Harry Walker were involved in the Scott School project that fell though.

Lehr, Walker and Scrivens also worked together in the Wilmington, DE area.

From the Daily Local News:

“Walker said he met (City Solicitor) Lehr several years ago through Ed Scrivens, a business associate from Wilmington.

‘He (Scrivens) asked me to come up to Coatesville and talk to city officials regarding economic development. I remember meeting with them in the council chambers, although I don’t remember whether it was council members or the city manager or members of the RDA,’ he said.

Walker said he made some suggestions regarding revitalization projects; specifically, he recalled talking about the concept of tax-increment financing, which the city has since adopted.

As the economic development director in Wilmington, he also worked with an organization called Phase V Community Development Corporation.

Scrivens and Lehr sit on the board of directors of Phase V, which was involved in converting an abandoned building into a charter school.

Walker worked with the company on the project, and later, after he left the city payroll, Phase V signed on as a client of Walker Marketing Group.

‘I don’t know Andrew Lehr well. Our relationship was about helping them get the school going,’ Walker said.

But that was not the only time Scrivens and Lehr worked with Walker.

The two served on the Coatesville Regional Development Corporation (CRDC), a nonprofit group that in 1999 sought to turn then-defunct Scott High School into a business and technology center.

Walker also reportedly worked on the project.

But it fell through after plans were delayed and the CRDC missed agreement deadlines.

Ultimately, the school district spent $22 million transforming the former Scott High School into Scott Middle School.”

The Daily Local News Article is HERE:

http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2006/04/30/frontpage/16558811.txt

Are Lehr and Scrivens now working together for certain people running for the Coatesville City Council?

The Political Committee Registration Statement of the Coatesville Unity Committee has Eddy Scrivens as it’s Chairperson, and Raelyn Stonewall as its Treasurer. The person submitting the Registration Statement of the Coatesville Unity Committee is Andrew Lehr.

CHESTER COUNTY VOTER SERVICES RECORD OF THE COATESVILLE UNITY COMMITTEE REGISTRATION STATEMENT CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://www.box.net/shared/1c8kx30af4

Read Eddy Scrivens’ own description of his relationship to Harry Walker and Andrew Lehr in the Minutes of the Coatesville City Council Meeting Monday, April 24, 2006:

Ed Scrivens, 133 Pennsylvania Avenue:

Mr. Scrivens spoke on behalf of Mr. Walker, a businessman, devoted father and an individual he has known for 14 years. What he’s read and heard about Mr. Walker is a debasement of his professionalism; Mr. Walker is overqualified for the position. Mr. Scrivens stated that Mr. Walker directed the economic development plan for the City of Wilmington under hostile conditions. Mr. Walker is for the little guy and elevates the lowest economic standard up to the highest.

He stated that Mr. Walker schooled Mr. Paul Janssen on TIF; he is a man with outstanding academic accolades. Mr. Scrivens stated that if the people want to turn the City around, hire Mr. Harry Walker tonight. Mr. Simpson asked Mr. Scrivens if he had submitted Mr. Walker’s name to Mr. Lehr for consideration. Mr. Scrivens replied, “I certainly did.”

Ed Scrivens, 133 Pennsylvania Avenue: Mr. Scrivens stated that revitalization starts with the little people. If you can’t elevate the standard of living and quality of life, the lesser people in your community, then you fail with community development and revitalization efforts. He mentioned the work of the Coatesville Redevelopment Corporation, and how the group was blocked by the then City Manager and the Economic Development Coordinator with the revitalization of Scott School. However, Harry Walker helped the Corporation to stop people from tearing it down. Mr. Scrivens spoke of what’s needed for regional economic development and community economic development. Mr. Simpson asked Mr. Scrivens if he were still associated with the Coatesville Redevelopment Corporation, and he replied yes. Mrs. Smith-Dowridge asked if Mr. Scrivens has any current development projects going on now. Mr. Scrivens said yes, they have other initiatives they’re exploring at this time. Mrs. Smith-Dowridge asked if they were working with any other municipalities, and Mr. Scrivens said their focus is only Coatesville. She asked if they did anything anywhere else, and Mr. Scrivens said not in Pennsylvania. They collaborated with a group in Delaware on refurbishing and bringing back into operation a 35,000 square foot school in the City of Wilmington. They worked with the Mr. Walker on the development of this project; Harry Walker is a financial wizard. Mr. Simpson asked if Mr. Lehr is on their Board of Directors. Mr. Scrivens said, absolutely, he was at the time and implored City Council to look out for the little guys.

The Minutes of the Coatesville City Council Meeting of Monday, April 24, 2006 can be found here:
http://www.coatesville.org/minutes/council/060424.pdf

The Coatesville Unity Committee is supporting candidates Patsy Ray, Kurt Schenk and Jarrell Brazzle.

Hundreds of hand cards "paid for by the Coatesville Unity Committee" for Patsy Ray, Kurt Schenk and Jarrell Brazzle were passed out on Election Day by people who were allegedly paid $200 each to hand them out.

You can see some of them here:

http://www.box.net/shared/k4og3tjxd6