When it comes to politics, I have to admit some naiveté, after all I ran as an independent. Speaking of that effort, several times when I was putting up signs last fall, I was told that Mr. Jaindl doesn't allow signs on his land. I had that experience north to the Blue Mountain, and east to Danielsville. David Jaindl's nomination to the Lehigh County Planning Commission is causing some controversy, because he is by far the largest land owner in both Lehigh and Northampton Counties. To some people, like Commissioner Percy Dougherty, the conflict is self-apparent.
Ron Beitler, a Commissioner in Lower Macungie, points out that Mr. Jaindl has a record of development proposals contrary to local development guidelines. I'm curious about the people who nominated him. Sometimes the good old boys are women. After nominating him, LVPC's director Becky Bradley, has no comment other than,
We're neutral. We're Switzerland. Isn't that the land of hidden bank accounts? Actually, the other paid development bureaucrats in Lehigh County government pushing for Jaindl, Rick Molchany and Frank Kane, prefer to paint him as
experienced, as opposed to
conflicted.
It makes you wonder what they are getting out of this. I am sure, something. How can they not think this is a conflict of interest. How can they even look at a man who is ruining the beautiful Lehigh Valley. His back handed way of getting what he wants. It is infuriating and yet people we elect are on his side???
ReplyDeleteI applaud Mr. Jaindl's nomination to The Lehigh County Planning Commission.With all the development He is responsible for His interests should be represented .If more citizens would be willing to volunteer for public service all the citizens are better served.
ReplyDeleteIf he would be appointed, it would be akin to the fox guarding the henhouse (or turkey coop).
ReplyDeleteYes it is strange. Why would anyone nominate Mr.Jaindl ?
ReplyDeleteAnon 4:14: ...for the same reason someone nominated the Allentown mayor for the airport authority board in spite of his public desire to close Queen City in order to increase his city's tax base.
ReplyDelete@4:14, those that nominated him cite his extensive experience in development and zoning. those critical of the nomination cite all the variances he has sought, and the tactics used to achieve them, i.e. threatening to operate a quarry in lower macungie to leverage a shopping center. he has done very well massaging the existing rules to suit his needs, now if he was allowed to write the rules....?
ReplyDeleteIf he's truly interested in public service, there are plenty of wats to do that that wouldn't be viewed as personally benefitting himself at the same time
ReplyDeleteMs. Bradley recommended Mr. Jaindl to Lehigh County and then lied about doing so. Isn't the bigger issue Ms. Bradley's motivations as director of the planning commission?
ReplyDeleteThe planning commission is generously funded by both counties. She owes it to the Commissioners and the public to answer questions we have about her nominations. Why are the planning commission appointees not subject to the same scrutiny as LCA or the airport?
Developers are a good idea. Just not DJ. Nominees should demonstrate a belief in regional planning. For developers that means a body of work that reflects key concepts of the comprehensive plan. Jaindl's projects often don't.
ReplyDeleteIt's not just that his projects conflict it's that he's actively maneuvered to circumvent planning. That's what I can't get past. Whether a LULU (locally unpopular land use) threat or say grandfathering in a rushed plan before a comprehensive zoning change then taking legal action when a municipality rejects... (both have happened in Lower Mac)
There are much better well deserving developers to nominate.
I also worry about perception issues. The LVPC provides an important function. A nomination like this unnecessarily distracts and complicates. Just doesn't look good.
More thoughts.. http://www.ronbeitler.com/2015/03/28/lvpc-jaindl-nomination/
Now MM, you are getting allmost of allentown democratical universal studios¿
ReplyDeleteKeep poking around and look at locations and pryor propryortors of said real properties and the different types of there demise¿
It is very interesting that you chose an edited out weekend to produce this very applicable article with Wednesday midweek, and a different agle of approach or reproach up the sleeves of you nemisises to ReWrite the local flood plain for the FED while also degredating allentown gift from a promenant developer of that time period, Harry Trexler¿
redd
patent pending
David jaindl should serve locally on a planning commission before going full turkey on the lehigh valley, I think he would be well serving the public on the North Whitehall planning commission.... oh yeah they dont want him meddling
ReplyDelete