Chambersburg column brings out variety of feedback
A column about the worsening condition of the once-proud and pristine Chambersburg neighborhood attracted many responses. Many bemoaned the deterioration while others offered words of support that were appreciated.
By the way, Friday’s Trentonian will include five agendas that can have an immediate positive effect on improving conditions in The Burg. Here’s some emails received from readers.
“Great article today. Why won’t anyone listen & tackle this situation? My ancestors are turning over in their graves. So sad, but true. Thanks for bringing it up. Hopefully the Mayor will take some action.”
“excellent article today... I am nodding my head and agree with everything you said today.. I also understand your frustration .... wish I had some advice/suggestions.. sad to say that I surrendered and sold my properties .... ( .took a big loss but they became too much of a headache... have many stories ..none of which were good endings .... it seemed that the “nicer” I was as a landlord, the more I was taken advantage of... I have some many great memories of growing up and going to school in the City and it pains me to even go back .... I would be willing to help in any way .... if you can think of anyway a Hamilton Township resident can be of assistance... let me know .... keep up the good fight!”
“just got done reading your article about the blight in Chambersburg and Trenton. The story struck home with me as my mom and dad and two siblings grew up in a small Cape Cod, with one bathroom, on Irving Court just over the line in Hamilton. Mom didn’t work and Dad worked as a custodian... He never made much money. I remember mom, who handled all money matters, stating that dad made about $3600/year back in the mid 60s. He often worked additional custodian jobs and (found other employment opportunities)
I often drove around with him growing up, mostly because it was a way of getting out of the house for a while. Every time he came across an area or property that was less than ideal, he would always say the same thing to me. “You can be poor, but you don’t have to be dirty. Brooms are cheap”. For some reason, that has always stuck with me. I have fond memories of the Burg .. ... I usually don’t write things like this, but your column this morning moved me quite a bit. Thanks for all that you do.”
“Mr. Parker you should also write a story on the local bars in the burg, w(h)ere they have women working there and charging, the client to dance with them or to purchase drinks. Most of these guys are immigrant and they get assaulted leaving these venues sometimes these same women steal from them once they are good and drunk ..... this is one of the many problems the city have by the way the women’s are referred to as pidetragos. Ok going back to the garbage they have no respect for other people property they walk and throw waste everywhere, and let’s not talk about the abandoned house my house got broken into twice, there is an abandoned house next to it and someone lives there and I out up a gate they broke it down to gain access to the abandoned property. Can my name not be included in any comment please. Just a concerned citizen.”