Dead issue

Several weeks ago a letter published in the Local [May 20 issue]by Suzie O'Neill alerted residents in Chestnut Hill to the negative impact that the proposed land tax would have on the community - particularly on its long-term efforts to preserve open spaces and historic character. While such a tax might benefit other parts of the city, houses on the larger lots common throughout Chestnut Hill would have experienced significant tax increases, which likely would result in the subdivision of scores of residential properties and the probable demolition of many historic residences.

Well, everyone can breathe easier. That portion of the tax reform bill was defeated by City Council in committee by a vote of 14 to 3 while other portions of the tax bill  — which we should support — were reported out of committee. This took place in the late evening on Monday, May 24^.

We have been told by the leadership of Philadelphia Forward, the organization that has been pushing for tax reform, that the land tax is a dead issue now and it is unlikely that it will be revived. Nevertheless, the Historical Society will continue to monitor the reform effort and if the concept is put forward in the future, we will work with the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and other organizations to make sure that it does not penalize the type of residential properties and private open spaces that are so important to the exceptional character of Chestnut Hill.

Peter Lapham
Executive director
Chestnut Hill Historical Society

Blight on the Hill

Fact: The properties on E. Gravers Lane (formerly Manner & Knoll, etc.) and on E. Hartwell Lane (formerly Martha Hutchison Antiques) are an absolute disgrace. If you walk by these properties you will witness an eyesore associated with abandoned properties in major slum areas.

One of the criteria in basing tax assessments is whether the exterior of the property is in below average, average or above average condition. The above-mentioned properties have gone from one extreme to the other.

Opinion: The owner of these properties has intentionally trashed them to reduce his tax assessment (probably a sound business decision on his part) or has total disregard for the effect this kind of activity has on the mindset of property owners who maintain their unoccupied storefronts in at least average condition.

Conclusion: Let's hope that either the Business Association or the Community Association will stop tiptoeing around this situation and come up with a solution to make Snowdenville proud.

Perhaps the Business Association can have a fundraiser if cash flow is a problem for the owner — or maybe the best solution is for Susan Pizzano to start a "Friends for Snowdenville" Foundation since her "Friends of the Fountain Plaza" foundation accomplished a major restoration at the top of the Hill.

Ron Recko
Chestnut Hill

Speak, America

Our leaders' mouths spin

New meanings for liberty, equality, fraternity.

In this information age

We get instant messages every Disinformation Day!

At the Supreme Court and on the local TV

Truth is turned every which way

To be free

To end terror

To keep us safe

From tyranny.

It's ok,

Chain them at Guantanamo

Remove obstructive heads of state —

Bucks will bind the arms of law and

Seal the mouth of dissent.

Electronically void the vote.

And soon, too soon

We are silenced

And consent.

Marietta J. Tanner
Willow Grove

Still cutting hair

Contrary to your April 29 story noting Angelo DiPinto's 50^th year cutting hair in Chestnut Hill, Don Murphy is still cutting hair in Mt. Airy.  Absent briefly due to illness, Don came back to work April 1.  On September 7, he will mark his 50^th year at 7149 Germantown Avenue, where customers still come from near and far not just for a good haircut but for the lively conversation and shared memories that every community needs. 

Joe McLaughlin, Customer Since 1958.