Blog Entry

HR 4128/S. 3873 - 11 days to Deadline of Death of Legislation

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:37:40 +0000

Folks, the clock is precariously close to the September 29th, 2006 deadline to get federal eminent domain reform on the U.S. Senate's agenda and to allow a vote. We are going to share a letter we found this morning. If you haven't called your U.S. Senator of choice, please do it TODAY. Right NOW. Take the time for the call. Make the time for the call. YOUR private property rights are at stake! If your U.S. Senator will not support this measure, and if your U.S. Senator is up for re-election this November, politely remind them, that an enlightened voter is an angry voter!

"You're stealing our houses!" (Long Branch, NJ and Eminent Domain )

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:21:55 +0000

Wild times at Long Branch City Hall Hot-button issues fire up Long Branch council, residents Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 09/17/06

A stranger once stood up at a meeting and put a curse on the mayor and the city council. Over the years, they have been called heathens and Nazis, among other things. On one occasion, they were encouraged to "eat worms and die." "We've had some wild and woolly times," said David Brown, a councilman in Long Branch for the past 12 years. Not that they're done having fun. It can still get pretty lively down at City Hall. All they have to do is open the floor for comments, especially since eminent domain became the main topic of conversation three years ago.

When Should A Public Official Recuse Themselves?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 13:02:48 +0000

As we hear it, some folks in Lower Merion (who shall remain nameless), are concerned about the ties some commissioners (who also shall remain nameless) may have. (We'll note this isn't something new or unusual, as this topic comes up time and time again through differently composed boards throughout the years.) We just thought we would throw the subject out there for all of you citizens in Lower Merion to mull over: If something comes before the Board of Commissioners and the person presenting a project has ties to a commissioner, or decision maker, should that commissioner or decision maker recuse themselves over both personal and/or professional connections? And if they merely acknowledge such a potential issue and do nothing else, should other commissioners and/or decision makers have a say in the ultimate decision of recusal?

Hmmm...Will Bob Casey have a public position on EMINENT DOMAIN?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 20:03:40 +0000

[SAC Editorial Note: This is not an endorsement of any candidate(s) for political ofiice(s)- it is in fact reporting how candidates in 2006 are reacting to questions on eminent domain abuse as we have the opportunity to ask candidates questions] This morning, two intrepid Save Ardmore Coalition members went to a home in Haverford for a casual gathering to meet the candidate for United States Senate, Bob Casey. The SAC members saw a lot of familiar faces including Daylin Leach, Greg Vitali, Connie Williams, and Leigh Anne Smith. One of the things our members found interesting is that one of the hosts of this morning's gathering is an independent. Our members remarked at how pleasant and straightforward they found this candidate for U.S. Senate. They also said they had no basis for judgement since this was the only Pennsylvania candidate for U.S. Senate they had ever met! But still, when you are a little fish in a relatively big political pond, you never know how people are going to take you....especially when you bring up that not so sexy-let's keep it on the back burner topic of eminent domain...because face it, a year plus post Kelo, and politicians still would rather walk on nails than touch the topic...especially in PA....we know from first hand experience... So, it's no great secret why our two members were there, it was to ask Bob Casey about how he felt about eminent domain for private gain and the fact that eminent domain reform legislation is languishing in the United States Senate. One of our members told the candidate point blank that Senators Santorum and Specter have been in their opinion, ignoring the subject of eminent domain for private gain and not really responding at all on where they stand on the proposed legislation, which would be HR 4128 and Senate Companion Bill S.3873. Our members said that they had called and written Senators Specter and Santorum recently and several times over the past year and a half about eminent domain and proposed eminent domain legislation, and have never received even a form letter back. (some of our members have had return phone calls which still left them dissatisfied because they basically say nothing) One member told Mr. Casey of all the calls members have been making to Senator Frist of TN, and Specter and Santorum in the past couple of weeks in particular. This member remarked how interesting it was that eminent domain as an issue was being disregarded by the Senators from Pennsylvania when we all know they know it is both a local and national issue. Bob Casey did not dodge the questions on eminent domain or try to change the subject. He seemed to concur that private property rights are important to each American, and said he was not familiar with the legislation that is pending. Our members, johnny on the spot as always, have gathered contact names and numbers and e-mail from Mr. Casey's staffers, and will send to him today information on the legislation and links to www.IJ.org and www.castlecoalition.org . We'll see what he does. Our SAC members also noted that a woman running for State Representative in 150th State House District named Olivia Brady came up to them as they were getting ready to leave the neighborhood get together and told them she has been getting eminent domain questions. Know what that means, people??? It means that the American voter still feels eminent domain is a huge issue. Our members will send this candidate links on eminent domain as well. Our members suggested that we reiterate the following: SAC does not endorse candidates. Our members are free to express their own political individuality, but as a group, SAC is a proverbial melting pot and does NOT and will NOT endorse specific candidates...so please, do ask, and don't try to co-opt. We've been through election seasons before There are 13 days and counting DOWN to get eminent domain legislation passed in the United States Senate.

Check this out: PA's Low Interest Home Improvement Program

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 16:31:36 +0000
We are posting this at the suggestion of our SAC Vice President. This is a great opportunity if you are a homeowner and have been trying to figure out how to do your home improvments: Pa. offers low-interest home-improvement program
HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency yesterday announced a new low-interest loan program for homeowners who want to borrow money to pay for home repairs and renovations. The Keystone Renovate and Repair Loan Program also will offer guidance on matters including how to select a contractor and how to determine if work was done correctly.

"Affordable-housing advocates want developers to do more."

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 19:49:31 +0000
Uh huh. See? Of course, this is a GOOD IDEA that should be applied everywhere...even here in suburbia...click on the title for full article Low-income tenants squeezed out Affordable-housing advocates want developers to do more. By Jennifer Lin Inquirer Staff Writer
Lillie Mae and Ray Wilson got the news about their $300-a-month South Philadelphia apartment in a form letter, slid under the door on Aug. 11. "We regret to inform you that the building has been sold..."

Thumbs Up For Narberth and Historic Preservation

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 15:00:45 +0000
This is what we wish we'd see more towns doing in our township and in neighboring townships. Narberth loves their Main Street Community just like we do in Ardmore and isn't that wonderful? Narberth moves to save its traditional storefronts By:RICHARD ILGENFRITZ

NARBERTH - Narberth officials say a new ordinance could help the borough keep its small town charm - and dissuade business and property owners from turning its quaint "Main Street" into an office park. The borough council unanimously voted Monday night to create a Narberth Traditional Neighborhood Development category in the zoning code for its downtown commercial area. The change, borough officials believe, will help the town maintain its core downtown business area.

Please Be Safe in Ardmore During Bridge Construction!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:57:26 +0000

This is SOOO important. Click on title for full article... please note that Wally McLean, who is so safety-minded and quoted extensively in this article, is a member of The Save Ardmore Coalition: Main Line Times: School district and Amtrak want to keep students from crossing tracks By:RICHARD ILGENFRITZ

ARDMORE - Now that thousands of students are back to schools in Lower Merion and the Church Road Bridge has finally been closed for its long delayed reconstruction, the challenge remains to discourage students and other pedestrians from taking a dangerous shortcut across the railroad tracks.

Ardmore Not So Expensive To Redevelop....HMMMM

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:50:16 +0000

Fancy that, taking eminent domain off the table in Ardmore will save money...like $25 million...WOW!!!! Main Line Life: Not as much money needed for Ardmore plan By:Cheryl Allison

For more than two years, Ardmore redevelopment dominated discussions in Lower Merion. Though parts of the community disagreed on form and methods, most concurred the town needs a new train station, and the Lancaster Avenue business district could be revitalized. So why has projected spending on the transit center and related initiatives actually decreased $25 million in a new draft capital spending plan?

Our Private Property Rights: Dying in The U.S. Senate

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:29:43 +0000

Folks, there are only 15 days and counting down to pass eminent domain legislation. From the Castle Coalition late yeasterday, we learned that some of the greatest, supposed "advocates" of the rights of every American guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, are trying to KILL eminent domain legislation. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist , are you listening? Senator, you are going to hear the voices of American citizens whether you like it or not!

SAC's Dr. E-Ni Foo Honored By Bryn Mawr Trust!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 02:40:01 +0000

On September 13th, 2006,several members of The Save Ardmore Coalition went to Bryn Mawr. "Ardmore in Bryn Mawr?" you ask "Yes" we answer. Why? Because this evening, our beloved Dr. Foo was honored at a reception hosted by The Bryn Mawr Trust Company. It is the first of a series of events celebrating the impending opening of the Bryn Mawr Trust's Ardmore branch...and tonight, tonight gentle readers, our beloved Dr. Foo was honored. Dr. Foo was honored as a Civic Leader, Educator and Artist. The Save Ardmore Coalition, and local notables like writer Bonnie Squires, were proud to bear witness to such a wonderful honor...after all that the Foos went through over the past two years (as well as our other beloved merchants), can you imagine someone more deserving than one of SAC's own??? The reception, which was at Bryn Mawr Trust Company's main branch in Bryn Mawr (and Ardmore's own Cricket Catering did the most fabulous menu!), also featured a special display of the fabulous (and enormous) painted watering cans which have been on display at Jenkins Arboretum. We all had a chance to get a peek up close at Dr. Foo's watering can. It is simply spectacular! It is a yellow background with fabulous red/pink tree peonies painted on it! Dr. Foo says, when describing the impetus of his design: "I was so thrilled that Jenkins Arboretum asked me to join the watering can project to celebrate their 30th anniversary. I painted a Mudan (tree peony)watering can in red, green, and yellow. The colors also symbolize love and prosperity, peace and nobility" Dr. Foo and Betty Foo were also given a special award by Bryn Mawr Trust, and the accolades for our Dr. Foo were fabulous. Dr. Foo, thank you for allowing your friends at the Save Ardmore Coalition to bear witness to your very special honor. There was no place else we would have rather been, than with you! We also would like to thank Ted Peters and Bryn Mawr Trust Company for bestowing such an honor upon our Dr. Foo. We also would like to note that Bryn Mawr Trust is also a very generous sponsor of the upcoming First Friday Main Line ( Come get some "ARTitiude" FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2006, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Bryn Mawr Trust isn't even open yet in Ardmore, and tonight they are already showing the kind of neighbor and partner in Ardmore they want to be! We think they will be a welcome addition, and we hope other businesses with a large presence (even some already there) will follow their excellent example. We took some photos from this evening, so hopefully we will have some to show you all soon. Congratulations again, Dr. Foo! We love you!

Be a volunteer with ARTitude and SAC! You can do BOTH!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:39:49 +0000

Folks, here at SAC we are so excited about the upcoming Inaugural First Friday Main Line ARTitude event Friday OCTOBER 6, 2006 5:00 to 10:00 PM! Previously, we have mentioned to you how easy it is to be A Sponsor With ARTitude, and today we're here to tell you if you have an interest in volunteering, we're hip to that as well. If you would like to be a volunteer, please contact SAC Vice President Sharon Eckstein at saveardmore@AOL.com or Sherrie Tillman at 610.642.4040 or e-mail to info@FirstFridayMainLine.com ---and if you want to receive the events calendar and general event info, you can also e-mail events@FirstFridayMainLine.com We encourage you to be a part of this! Get in on the ground floor and have bragging rights to say "I was there when it started!" And, we also would note if you have an interest in volunteering with SAC on our restoration committee or with anything else, please feel free to e-mail saveardmore@AOL.com --- if you would like to donate to SAC, see our link on the front page! Folks a better Ardmore is here - be a part of it!

Be A Sponsor with ARTitude! Join First Friday With A Main Line Spin

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 20:00:51 +0000

We know most of you out there are generous and supportive, so if you are into the idea of this fantabulously fun event, here's how YOU and YOUR business (large, small, or in between) can sponsor a piece of Main Line History About To Happen....OR, you can also give as an individual:

Opening in a village near you! INAUGURAL EVENT: FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 6, 2006 5:00 to 10:00 PM Your funding support is requested for an exciting Community Event that can help move the Main Line forward and re-invent its presence. As in other communities across the country, First Fridays showcase the many arts, music, cultural venues and restaurants that make a community so vibrant, and we're excited to announce that the Main Line has joined this national trend.

Dear Mr. Lower Merion Parking Man....

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 15:56:00 +0000

....We don’t need new parking meters, Mr. Parking Man. We need the parking meters freed up for actual customer parking!!! Wanna’ know what we’re talking about? Watch the replays of the township meetings from September 6th on Channel 7. This township JUST got new parking meters within the last few years. We don’t need hi tech meters that can tell you what you ate for lunch, we need parking spaces made available - all of those parking spaces that have meters that are supposed to be for the adoring public at large..... No matter where you go, Mr. Parking Meter Man, we can't park. Especially in Ardmore. Mr. Parking Meter Man, you have GOT to find those township vehicles a home! Night and day, they take customer parking away!!!

Eye Opening Refresher on West Philly ......

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 14:06:32 +0000

This is also interesting...see how eminent domain was reported to have been used here - Philadelphia Weekly: WEST PHILLY Black Bottom Blues Revisiting the neighborhood that Penn and Drexel gobbled up. by Jeffrey Barg (click on title for full text, this is just a brief excerpt)

Don't think for a second it hasn't all come at a very hefty, very human price. University City's surge in retail and construction has been a boon for the neighborhood's institutions of higher learning, and for longtime residents who've seen the values of their homes rise. But some old-timers still fondly remember the Black Bottom: a tight-knit working-class neighborhood obliterated in the decades following World War II by the expansion of Penn and Drexel, which were aided and abetted by the city.

Just Plain Curious....Lower Merion School District

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 14:00:14 +0000

This editorial is just plain curious: Commentary: That's Their Story And They're Sticking To It By: BILL MANGINELLI, Special To The Evening Bulletin 09/06/2006

If you have any interest in safe-guarding the tax advantages of our township, your time is running out. And if you feel that nothing can be done, just look back over the last few months. You may recall that the Lower Merion school board planned to increase your taxes by 14.3 percent. But, after being confronted by a handful of concerned citizens who believe that you can and should have great schools responsibly, they reduced the increase to 10.8 percent.

York, PA Man Sues Over EMINENT DOMAIN

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 13:49:22 +0000

York Daily Record: Property owner sues again York's mayor stood by the city's use of eminent domain in the case.

Sep 8, 2006 — A York man who lost a bid to block the City of York from taking his West Springettsbury Avenue property has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit claiming city officials employed unlawful means to seize his property through eminent domain. In the lawsuit, filed in U.S. Middle District Court Aug. 31, Emmett Mann alleges city officials, the city redevelopment authority and York College colluded to devalue and condemn his property after private sales negotiations with the college failed.

Compromise on Eminent Domain?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 13:38:53 +0000

Compromise may be in the works for GVSD eminent domain lawsuit By ANNE PICKERING, Special to The Phoenix (PhoenixvilleNews.com) 09/07/2006

EAST WHITELAND - A compromise may be in the works to allow a neighbor of the Great Valley High School and middle school to keep their home which has been the object of an eminent domain lawsuit by the school district. School district attorney Guy Donatelli gave an update at Tuesday's school board meeting on the status of the case which has pitted the school district against Patrick and Karen Cassidy whose 1-1/2-acre home the district wants to acquire for a playing field.

"You know the boom is over when ....."

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 13:23:26 +0000

Another article of caution regarding real estate and development..... The Economy | Housing decline: How 'temporary'? By Andrew Cassel Inquirer Columnist

You know the boom is over when even the brokers start predicting lower prices. That was true of the stock-market bubble in 2001, and it's true now, as the air comes out of housing. Yesterday, the National Association of Realtors issued its sales forecast for the rest of this year, saying an "inventory and price imbalance" will likely cause home prices to fall below the levels of a year ago.

9/11: Somber Anniversary

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 18:08:08 +0000

No, it has nothing to do with eminent domain, Ardmore, or development. Nevertheless, it is important that on Monday, September 11, 2006 we all take a minute to remember something we shouldn't forget. Here are two perspectives from this week's editorial pages of our local papers: From Main Line Life: Five years after September 11 what have we learned? By: Carla Zambelli 09/07/2006

Sept. 11, 2006, is the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and United Airlines Flight 93's crash in the field in Shanksville, Somerset County. This date has special significance to every American, and intense personal significance to far too many individuals who lost friends and loved ones. But September 11, wasn't the first time terrorists visited the World Trade Center. In truth, Feb. 26, 1993 was the date of the first terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. [click HERE for more]

And from Main Line Times Editor Susan Greenspon comes this: Editorial: Lest we forget our everyday heroes after 9/11 By: 09/07/2006

Why is it that five years after Sept. 11, 2001, a time when our nation focused on the heroism of New York City's firefighters, are so few supporting their local volunteer fire companies? "After 9/11, people said they wouldn't forget," says Lower Merion Fire Chief Charles J. McGarvey about the flurry of volunteerism here after the terrorists' attacks. "Guess what?" he adds. "They forgot." There are 2,462 volunteer fire departments in this state - more than any other state. Seventeen of those companies serve the lower and upper Main Line areas, including Lower Merion's seven. Thirty years ago, there were nearly 300,000 volunteer firefighters in the state. Today that number has dwindled to less than 75,000. The 291 volunteer firefighters in Lower Merion Township risk their safety to ensure ours. Within seconds of a fire call, they drop everything - leaving family gatherings, meetings, jobs, classes, or their warm beds on icy winter nights. All for no pay. They are there because of tradition, of pride, of a sense of duty.[for more click HERE]

Uncle SAC Wants YOU to Make EMINENT DOMAIN an ELECTION ISSUE for 2006

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 16:48:27 +0000

The year has changed, the game's still the same: MAKE EMINENT DOMAIN AN ELECTION ISSUE ONCE AGAIN! Here are the players who want our vote from coast to coast! Call them and tell them if they DON'T get off their collective keysters and pass eminent domain reform, they will be standing in the U.S. Senate equivalent of the unemployment line! Trust us...we do not believe that this is a list ANY incumbent wants to be on!!!!! Contact these wayward incumbents TODAY PENNSYLVANIA Santorum, Rick (R - PA): (202) 224-6324

Bloom off Real Estate Boom...yet ANOTHER article!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 14:05:44 +0000

Well, well, well! Another article about development and the real estate market .....but never fear, we're sure those development plans along the Main Line will keep on trucking, won't they? After all, we have yet to meet a municipality that says either "no" to more development, or even says "proceed with caution" and isn't that maddening?? Regionally: Results better, but market isn't so giddy now. By Joseph N. DiStefano Inquirer Staff Writer

Homes are still moving, but local bankers and home sellers confirm that the giddy market of the last five years has passed.

Are Specter and Santorum Letting Some of Our Inalienable Rights Die?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 02:15:25 +0000

WE HAVE 24 DAYS TO PASS NATIONAL EMINENT DOMAIN LEGISLATION! PLEASE ACT NOW! The U.S. Senate is letting eminent domain reform die. Yes, our good Senators Santorum and Specter are letting freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers die While Senators are good for the occasional debate, apparently they pretty much suck at doing what we elected them to do. Now part of this we can deal with in November, but right now, we need you to read this very important and urgent message from the Castle Coalition, and to find your U.S. Senator of choice and contact them A.S.A.P! Please....a lot of us in this country have worked so hard that others don't suffer what some of us suffered. Don't let eminent domain reform die. Act now!

Friends: CONGRESS HAS ONLY 24 DAYS LEFT TO PASS EMINENT DOMAIN REFORM! Over ten months ago, the House passed H.R. 4128, the Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005, by an overwhelming majority of 376-38. This bill would discourage eminent domain abuse by withholding federal economic development funds for two years from local governments that condemn private property for private commercial development. Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Kelo v. City of New London that private property can be seized through eminent domain on the mere promise of increased tax revenue or jobs, every home, business, church and farm across the country is endangered - because anyone’s property could make more money as something bigger and newer. Federal protections are essential to curb the abuse of eminent domain, but this bill has been languishing in the Senate since last November! It is critical that you CONTACT YOUR SENATORS NOW and URGE THEM TO PASS THE HOUSE VERSION OF EMINENT DOMAIN REFORM! You can find their main phone numbers below. When you call, it's important that you request a written response from your senators. If you would like to call or visit their home state offices, you can find that information here: http://castlecoalition.org/legislation/senators.html. And although phone calls are more effective, if you'd rather send an email, you can do so through this link: https://action.popuvox.com/default.aspx?actionID=284. After you call your senator, there are a number of other things you can do to make your voice heard: - Write letters to the editor about eminent domain abuse and H.R. 4128 - Call radio talk shows and discuss the Senate’s lack of action to protect America’s home and small business owners - Link to our countdown clock - which will countdown the amount of time Congress has left to pass reform - on your homepage or blog (you can do so by clicking here: http://castlecoalition.org/senatedeadline2006/) - Sign-up your neighbors and friends for the Castle Coalition so they, too, can receive our legislative updates and join the fight against eminent domain abuse! TIME IS RUNNING OUT! EMINENT DOMAIN REFORM WILL NOT PASS CONGRESS WITHOUT YOUR HELP. Contact your senators today! Best, Christina Walsh Assistant Castle Coalition Coordinator Institute for Justice 901 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900 Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 682-9320 www.ij.org www.castlecoalition.org PHONE NUMBERS PENNSYLVANIA Santorum, Rick (R - PA): (202) 224-6324 Specter, Arlen (R - PA): (202) 224-4254 DELAWARE Biden, Joseph R., Jr. (D - DE): (202) 224-5042 Carper, Thomas R. (D - DE): (202) 224-2441 NEW JERSEY Lautenberg, Frank R. (D - NJ): (202) 224-3224 Menendez, Robert (D - NJ): (202) 224-4744 The rest of the U.S. ALASKA Murkowski, Lisa (R - AK): (202) 224-6665 Stevens, Ted (R - AK): (202) 224-3004 ALABAMA Sessions, Jeff (R - AL): (202) 224-4124 Shelby, Richard C. (R - AL): (202) 224-5744 ARKANSAS Lincoln, Blanche L. (D - AR): (202) 224-4843 Pryor, Mark L. (D - AR): (202) 224-2353 ARIZONA Kyl, Jon (R - AZ): (202) 224-4521 McCain, John (R - AZ): (202) 224-2235 CALIFORNIA Boxer, Barbara (D - CA): (202) 224-3553 Feinstein, Dianne (D - CA): (202) 224-3841 COLORADO Allard, Wayne (R - CO): (202) 224-5941 Salazar, Ken (D - CO): (202) 224-5852 CONNECTICUT Dodd, Christopher J. (D - CT): (202) 224-2823 Lieberman, Joseph I. (D - CT): (202) 224-4041 FLORIDA Martinez, Mel (R - FL): (202) 224-3041 Nelson, Bill (D - FL): (202) 224-5274 GEORGIA Chambliss, Saxby (R - GA): (202) 224-3521 Isakson, Johnny (R - GA): (202) 224-3643 HAWAII Akaka, Daniel K. (D - HI): (202) 224-6361 Inouye, Daniel K. (D - HI): (202) 224-3934 IOWA Grassley, Chuck (R - IA): (202) 224-3744 Harkin, Tom (D - IA): (202) 224-3254 IDAHO Craig, Larry E. (R - ID): (202) 224-2752 Crapo, Mike (R - ID): (202) 224-6142 ILLINOIS Durbin, Richard (D - IL): (202) 224-2152 Obama, Barack (D - IL): (202) 224-2854 INDIANA Bayh, Evan (D - IN): (202) 224-5623 Lugar, Richard G. (R - IN): (202) 224-4814 KANSAS Brownback, Sam (R - KS): (202) 224-6521 Roberts, Pat (R - KS): (202) 224-4774 KENTUCKY Bunning, Jim (R - KY): (202) 224-4343 McConnell, Mitch (R - KY): (202) 224-2541 LOUISIANA Landrieu, Mary L. (D - LA): (202) 224-5824 Vitter, David (R - LA): (202) 224-4623 MASSACHUSETTS Kennedy, Edward M. (D - MA): (202) 224-4543 Kerry, John F. (D - MA): (202) 224-2742 MARYLAND Mikulski, Barbara A. (D - MD): (202) 224-4654 Sarbanes, Paul S. (D - MD): (202) 224-4524 MAINE Collins, Susan M. (R - ME): (202) 224-2523 Snowe, Olympia J. (R - ME): (202) 224-5344 MICHIGAN Levin, Carl (D - MI): (202) 224-6221 Stabenow, Debbie (D - MI): (202) 224-4822 MINNESOTA Coleman, Norm (R - MN): (202) 224-5641 Dayton, Mark (D - MN): (202) 224-3244 MISSOURI Bond, Christopher S. (R - MO): (202) 224-5721 Talent, James M. (R - MO): (202) 224-6154 MISSISSIPPI Cochran, Thad (R - MS): (202) 224-5054 Lott, Trent (R - MS): (202) 224-6253 MONTANA Baucus, Max (D - MT): (202) 224-2651 Burns, Conrad (R - MT): (202) 224-2644 NORTH CAROLINA Burr, Richard (R - NC): (202) 224-3154 Dole, Elizabeth (R - NC): (202) 224-6342 NORTH DAKOTA Conrad, Kent (D - ND): (202) 224-2043 Dorgan, Byron L. (D - ND): (202) 224-2551 NEBRASKA Hagel, Chuck (R - NE): (202) 224-4224 Nelson, E. Benjamin (D - NE): (202) 224-6551 NEW HAMPSHIRE Gregg, Judd (R - NH): (202) 224-3324 Sununu, John E. (R - NH): (202) 224-2841 NEW MEXICO Bingaman, Jeff (D - NM): (202) 224-5521 Domenici, Pete V. (R - NM): (202) 224-6621 NEVADA Ensign, John (R - NV): (202) 224-6244 Reid, Harry (D - NV): (202) 224-3542 NEW YORK Clinton, Hillary Rodham (D - NY): (202) 224-4451 Schumer, Charles E. (D - NY): (202) 224-6542 OHIO DeWine, Mike (R - OH): (202) 224-2315 Voinovich, George V. (R - OH): (202) 224-3353 OKLAHOMA Coburn, Tom (R - OK): (202) 224-5754 Inhofe, James M. (R - OK): (202) 224-4721 OREGON Smith, Gordon H. (R - OR): (202) 224-3753 Wyden, Ron (D - OR): (202) 224-5244 RHODE ISLAND Chafee, Lincoln (R - RI): (202) 224-2921 Reed, Jack (D - RI): (202) 224-4642 SOUTH CAROLINA DeMint, Jim (R - SC): (202) 224-6121 Graham, Lindsey (R - SC): (202) 224-5972 SOUTH DAKOTA Johnson, Tim (D - SD): (202) 224-5842 Thune, John (R - SD): (202) 224-2321 TENNESSEE Alexander, Lamar (R - TN): (202) 224-4944 Frist, William H. (R - TN): (202) 224-3344 TEXAS Cornyn, John (R - TX): (202) 224-2934 Hutchison, Kay Bailey (R - TX): (202) 224-5922 UTAH Bennett, Robert F. (R - UT): (202) 224-5444 Hatch, Orrin G. (R - UT): (202) 224-5251 VIRGINIA Allen, George (R - VA): (202) 224-4024 Warner, John (R - VA): (202) 224-2023 VERMONT Jeffords, James M. (I - VT): (202) 224-5141 Leahy, Patrick J. (D - VT): (202) 224-4242 WASHINGTON Cantwell, Maria- (D - WA): (202) 224-3441 Murray, Patty (D - WA): (202) 224-2621 WISCONSIN Feingold, Russell D. 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"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." --Declaration of Independence as originally written by Thomas Jefferson, 1776. ME 1:29, Papers 1:315

Eminent Domain Heats Up in H-Burg PA!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 03:07:06 +0000

Our friend, Stan Cramer who is fighting eminent domain for private gain in Harrisburg sent the article we are about to promote along to us. And did anyone happen to catch the Casey/Santorum "debate"? Neither candidate for U.S. Senate mentioned ONE WORD about eminent domain. The national legislation is languishing in Washington DC in the Senate, and a current, sitting U.S. Senator and the man who would be senator took pot shots at each other while Tim Russert mediated, yet not one word about eminent domain. We don't know about you, but don't you think it is time they discussed eminent domain????

It's all your fault...the eminent domain blame game

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 02:58:39 +0000

Again from www.castlecoalition.org and "Castle Watch" Castle Watch: Blaming the Homeowners

Property owners who have lived and worked in their communities their entire lives suddenly fight tooth and nail to protect their properties from so-called “redevelopment” and “revitalization.” These people put on brave faces as they seek to save their childhood homes and small businesses. But in the development world, these folks are known impersonally and condescendingly as “holdouts,” because they allegedly threaten grandiose development plans—even though they are simply doing what every American should—asserting their rights. However, since developers have always been able to develop without resorting to eminent domain, it’s clear that the true threat comes not from a home or small business owner, but from the government that’s all too willing to use its eminent domain power to transfer property to better connected private owners.

Bait -n-Switch

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 02:55:07 +0000

From www.castlecoalition.org comes this bit of fun: Castle Watch: When Bait and Switch Meets Eminent Domain Abuse

It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book: the trickster lures the victim with a common understanding in order to reach an agreement and later breaches the terms of the deal as he intended to do all along. Only, by that time, the pieces have already fallen into place and it’s too late to argue. City officials across the country have put a new spin on the well-worn bait-and-switch tactic. They’re taking private property by eminent domain under the pretext that it’ll be used for public use and then giving that property to private developers as they intended to do all along. The scheme is as unjust as it is effective—and that’s the problem.

Eminent Domain and Great Valley: Residents Asking Tough Questions

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 20:47:16 +0000

Good. The residents AND taxpayers are asking Great Valley School District some tough questions. Great Valley, as we have previously reported, is trying to steal, yes steal, a couple's dream home and property via eminent domain. We hope these people fight, and fight hard because it sounds like the ONLY ones who want eminent domain is the Great Valley School District. This is how they use taxpayer monies???? Because this is a school it's right to use eminent domain? No, this is NOT public good, it's more like Great Valley Greed. This is not a library or anything useful, it's one more playing field and that is just stupid. There are plenty of schools, public and private, which make do with a heck of a lot less! What is frightening here is that they haven't said this is the only private parcel of land that they will ever seek. Great Valley School District is a victim of it's own poor planning and urban sprawl in Chester County....they should deal with that and leave the Cassidys alone!

"We think it's a nice project; it's just the wrong place."

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:32:42 +0000

No, not us saying this about something Ardmore...this is a timely development article from Daylesford area (next to Paoli) ...sigh...they're doing "Transit Oriented Developement" or "MUST"....so we thought we'd pop it up...we've heard whispers of eminent domain with this project because it requires acquisition of private properties...hope it doesn't come to that...we have enough condos and other forms of development...Here's a novel idea: would it be so crazy to just say "No" to development for a while? You all watch, as this neighborhood will get tagged as "NIMBY" because they choose not to want to be overrun by development- Ardmore has got the T-shirt on this one already, unfortunately. Why is it that all developers seem to be able to manage is plan after plan to turn SUBurban URBAN? They all suffer from these delusions of non original thoughts, don't they? What is so hard to grasp about the simple concept if we all wanted to live in the city, we would?

Easttown Residents Want Preservation- New Grass Roots Group Forming

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:19:36 +0000

Apparently, other communities are learning from the mistakes they see in places like Lower Merion and Radnor. We applaud grass roots efforts that urge things like preservation, no eminent domain, citizen input...how could we not?: Easttown residents seek to protect historic sites By: Ryan Richards 08/31/2006

Anna Sicalides is literally surrounded by history each day she gets out of bed. She descends a narrow, winding, wooden staircase leading into the dining room. The room is dominated by a hearth that in its time roasted many a fowl and boiled many a stew. The adjacent living room is adorned with a large oil portrait of John Lawrence, who came to Watertown, New England, in 1630. His descendants, who fought in the Revolutionary and Civil wars, include Sicalides' fiancée, Peter.

Eminent Domain and Schools......not so perfect together

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:04:32 +0000

Given the issue of eminent domain and Great Valley, we thought we would promote this article on eminent domain and schools from Camden, NJ....we're only posting an excerpt, so be sure to click over to the Inquirer for the complete text... Monica Yant Kinney | N.J. made mess of this laundromat By Monica Yant Kinney Inquirer Columnist

Six months ago, Alexander Sterin was running a laundromat in East Camden with 6,000 square feet of fluffing and folding. He paid his workers and his taxes, and still had plenty of quarters left to support his family.