More Police

In reading this article concern the Police 5 year plan we find ourselves with one question. Will fees charged to developers be raised to cover the additional Police Officers needed for the township's growth?

The last time there was an increase to development fees several years ago it was a measly few hundred dollars. A mere pittance when you think of the millions they made off of projects in Forks Township.

With our debt so high, our infrastructure needs so great, and our growth so rapid, as we have said for the last 10-12 years, literally, why don't we charge more?

One wonders if someday, someone, or some group, will ever look at the last 10-12 years of development in Forks Township and connect all the dots to see if it was sheer ignorance that got us into the mess that we find ourselves in, or something else.

Another business fails....

While the township is doing a great job in enforcing small blinking ("signs and common sense") signs put up by small businesses, another business seems to have closed its doors.

Movie Galley, which, is in the same strip as Giant, is closed and the store is emptied. It was about 1 month ago or so when Wing Zone shut its doors as well. One does not have to think too hard to recall how many businesses have come and gone in Forks Township.

Though it is not the township's responsibility to make sure that businesses succeed, why is there no formal effort to help them? Palmer Township has the Palmer Township Business Association. Why don't we? Check out the first paragraph from their "About the BIP" page-

"The BIP is unique as a local business organization because it allows its members to become better acquainted and have direct communication with elected and/or appointed officials. This occurs at bimonthly meetings at local restaurants and at Association sponsored mixers held at our members' facilities. The meetings facilitate a better understanding of business, government and community issues in Palmer Township."

Years ago several of our members suggested this in Forks Township and indeed the idea moved forward. Unfortunately, when several of the Board of Supervisors were not receiving the credit for the initiative, it died..quickly.

Isn't it time that the Board start assisting small business owners and not just big box retailers and large developers?

Signs and common sense

Imagine, you own a small business in Forks Township. You are looking for ways to beef up business. You go to Sam's Club, buy a small (maybe 8" wide x 36" long) "open" neon type sign and put it in your front window. To attract more people, you set it to blink. Lo and behold, Forks Township swoops down and says stop it from blinking or we will fine you as it is against code.

Are we to believe that there are no significant building and code violations in this Township among Developers and Builders so we have the resources and manpower to hassle a small business? How come the Community Center sign on Zucksville Road can blink, flash and rotate and it doesn't seem to cause anyone any problems?

Granted, rules are rules, but considering the dire state of this Township, common sense should prevail and our energy should be focused on addressing the serious issues that we face versus harassing a small business trying to make it here.