This group, which includes former Judge William Moran, former Northampton County Council member Greg Zebrowski and retired educator Bill Nelson among its members, is a direct response to Abe Atiyeh development proposals. In addition to opposing the proposed voluntary substance abuse residential treatment on Dewberry Avenue, they're also against Atiyeh's plans to build either luxury apartments or a psychiatric hospital on a five-acre tract, directly across the street. They're also concerned about Atiyeh's recent purchase of a nearby residential property, located at 2110 Center Street. "This property may be a part of a grand plan for this area—either multiple drug and alcohol treatment facilities or large, high density apartments."
Using the Internet, they've circulated a petition opposing Atiyeh's proposed rehab, and have collected 240 signatures.
All Atiyeh has on his side is a former Phillies ace.
And the law.
When you say "and the law", are you saying you believe the former judge is on the wrong side, legally?
ReplyDelete-Clem
No. What I'm saying is that this is very unpopular, and the only thing Atiyeh can rely on is the law, which does tend to favor special exceptions.
ReplyDeleteAlrighty, then.
ReplyDeleteI think he IS on the wrong side of the law on this one. I think that if the law doesn't allow people to protect themselves from this kind of thing and allow them to determine what is good for their community, it is bad law.
But, it is the law, and I think this and other judges, past and present, are no better at respecting that than the common man whose sensibilities are offended by bad law. The difference is that, if the common man stands against bad law, judges get all indignant and arrogant and threaten and jail. But when the judge takes exception, well, build a website and smear a guy, it's all good.
I don't like Abe Atiyeh and his antics any more than the next guy. But, I dislike what I see from Moran and his ilk a whole lot more.
-Clem
The ZB must grant a "special exemption" for the plan to proceed. Three is no "law" forcing them to do so. they should reject this plan.
ReplyDeletethe Law is the Law!
the board will be canned by the administration if they pass this.
ReplyDeleteAND RIGHTFULLY SO!!!!!
Just checked the website. I don't see where they are smearing Atiyeh at all. That's been done on this blog and on newspaper comments boards, but not by the neighborhood group. In a time when we so often lament apathy, it's refreshing to see a spirited group form to protect their neighborhood interests. The website is issue-based and contains no personal attacks.
ReplyDeleteAnd we will try to keep the website issue based and informative.
ReplyDeleteWe invite people to send ideas and suggestions (to info@northbethaction.org ) for how to resolve these issues. Atiyeh has invested in 5 acres plus the corner house; and Calvary Baptist Church has a building it doesn't need.
"That's been done on this blog and on newspaper comments boards, but not by the neighborhood group. I"
ReplyDeletePlease. I've been to the hearings.
I think the Board should let him do this, there is no reason to deny the special exception for these NIMBYs and this goofy old judge
ReplyDeleteA "special exemption" is just that, a "special exemption". The Board is not required to exceed the authority of their positions to accommodate a variance. They must confine themselves to their duty.
ReplyDeleteThe Law is the Law!
Bernie you may want to check, I think the contract for Atiyeh to purchase the old church has been cancelled by the old church for non-payment. Check it out first of course, but this is just what was heard from a pretty reliable source.
ReplyDeleteWill do. i doubt Atiyeh would spend all the $$ for the zoning appeal and then let the contract expire, so I think it's unlikely.
ReplyDelete