Thursday, May 29, 2008

"County and City very unique"

My heart and soul do not see daylight at the end of this tunnel due to all the infrastructure problems now and in the near future for the city.

The mention of a Trolley is absolutely crazy when we need parking closer to the convention center. We are a lazy society, nobody wants to walk or carry bags any further than necessary. Consider airports as an example: People would rather pay more to park closer to the terminal.

The remodeling of the Amtrak Station and the cost of gas may increase usage of trains to come here but to hop a trolley car with bags to check into the Convention Center and Marriott Hotel is not going to float. What is so wrong with regular buses that are more mobile than a trolley and cost far less? Perhaps have a porter on board to assist the passenger, one who will wear a uniform, work for a minimum wage plus tips, and have a personality.

I would not stay at the Days Inn behind the train station nor the Travel Lodge. Accommodations close to price point, security and comfort of this new Marriott start at the Eden.

The convention center project is in the worst location one could have picked. We need to concentrate on cleaning up the streets and crime in at least a two block radius, open this complex, and hope people will patronize on a regular basis.

Lancaster County and the City are very unique. We cannot be compared to or copy other cities that are trying to attract dollars; we need to enjoy and appreciate who we are and what we have.