Our response to Mr. Leiser

Below is our response to Mr. Leiser which appeared in today's Express-Times, letters to the editor.

Don't confuse facts about supermarkets and zoning

I was a little surprised at the content and tenor of Robert Leiser's Jan. 13 letter ("Competition means better retail service) about the proposed "upscale" Weis Markets store in Forks Township.

While Leiser owns a business in the township, he is not a resident. If I understand him, one of the benefits of this grocery store will be to give residents of Tatamy, Stockertown and Lower Mount Bethel Township a closer big box/grocery store. If this is the case, why not build a store in one of those communities?

Regarding competition for the existing grocery store in the township, does Leiser believe the five or more grocery stores within 5 miles of Forks Township are not competition? Is this not enough choice for him? Why did the supervisors allow the "new" Giant to be built leaving the old Giant property with so many deed restrictions?

Most of the current supervisors were in office then, and we are stuck with a huge empty eyesore in the middle of the township. Why are the supervisors wasting money on a conditional use hearing when the zoning challenge hasn't been decided?

Please do not confuse the facts. Our group's claim is about spot zoning for the convenience of one developer, letting the supervisors know they can't keep ignoring the rules. We believe if this domino falls, zoning in Forks will mean nothing. Perhaps Leiser should ask the supervisors these questions rather than attacking residents who are putting themselves on the line to try to make their community better.

Forks Township belongs to the people, not the supervisors, developers or lawyers. We urge all citizens who want this madness to stop to attend the conditional use hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and tell the board enough is enough! For more information visit our blog, www.residentswhocare.com.

Scott Gingold

Member, Residents Who Care Forks Township