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With gusto, businessmen and women from the community shared their enthusiasm back and forth about Honesdale, at the Annual Meeting of the Greater Honesdale Partnership (GHP), Thursday.
Some concerns were discussed, including a problem that never seems to fade away, people leaving their cars in parking spaces on Main Street all day, by “feeding” the meter before the time runs out. Another issue was speeding through town, which one-way traffic to some extent has encouraged.
Comments from the audience were made about the annoyance of having cars left on the street, taking away spaces where a merchant’s customers would be able to park. Honesdale Council President Ed Langendoerfer advised that police should be called, so that a ticket can be issued. Gail Tucker, GHP Executive Director, said that if a business owner does not want to be the “rat,” then call her and she will call the police.
“It’s an unending story,” said Michael Augello, GHP Vice-president and downtown businessman. He said he started trying 15 to 20 years ago to persuade fellow merchants to not let their employees use up parking spaces on the street. He was dismayed at the attitude of some, that felt it was their store, so they could park in front of it all day.
“If you care about you business- and your neighbors,” he said, you have to police it. He stated that customers are not as much concerned about paying a meter than having a space near the store; if they don’t see any they will head to the mall.
One-way traffic was briefly mentioned including the speeding. Said Tucker, “It won’t kill you to go eight blocks at 25 miles per hour.” She added that the community is still in a transition process and is gradually getting accustomed to the new traffic flow.
Karen Houshultz, Membership Director, encouraged business people to join the GHP. She said she was so proud that Honesdale enjoys few vacant store fronts, and credited the community and GHP for their hard work. Said board member Paul Meagher Sr., shopping local was the key. He said that he refused to shop elsewhere if he can buy what he needs here. Sandie Grandinetti, also on the board, echoed the sentiment. She said that she chooses to do all her Christmas shopping on Main Street. All her gifts go home wrapped, she noted.
GHP’s next big street event will Home For The Holidays, November 27 and 28. Participants are needed for the Santa Parade, set for 6 p.m. on the 27th. The tree and star lighting ceremony in Central Park follows. The Mardi Gras, first held last February, was hailed as a tremendous success. Another one is planned on February 13, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on the GHP, call (570)253-5492, or visit on-line at www.visithonesdalepa.com.
With gusto, businessmen and women from the community shared their enthusiasm back and forth about Honesdale, at the Annual Meeting of the Greater Honesdale Partnership (GHP), Thursday.
Some concerns were discussed, including a problem that never seems to fade away, people leaving their cars in parking spaces on Main Street all day, by “feeding” the meter before the time runs out. Another issue was speeding through town, which one-way traffic to some extent has encouraged.
Comments from the audience were made about the annoyance of having cars left on the street, taking away spaces where a merchant’s customers would be able to park. Honesdale Council President Ed Langendoerfer advised that police should be called, so that a ticket can be issued. Gail Tucker, GHP Executive Director, said that if a business owner does not want to be the “rat,” then call her and she will call the police.
“It’s an unending story,” said Michael Augello, GHP Vice-president and downtown businessman. He said he started trying 15 to 20 years ago to persuade fellow merchants to not let their employees use up parking spaces on the street. He was dismayed at the attitude of some, that felt it was their store, so they could park in front of it all day.
“If you care about you business- and your neighbors,” he said, you have to police it. He stated that customers are not as much concerned about paying a meter than having a space near the store; if they don’t see any they will head to the mall.
One-way traffic was briefly mentioned including the speeding. Said Tucker, “It won’t kill you to go eight blocks at 25 miles per hour.” She added that the community is still in a transition process and is gradually getting accustomed to the new traffic flow.
Karen Houshultz, Membership Director, encouraged business people to join the GHP. She said she was so proud that Honesdale enjoys few vacant store fronts, and credited the community and GHP for their hard work. Said board member Paul Meagher Sr., shopping local was the key. He said that he refused to shop elsewhere if he can buy what he needs here. Sandie Grandinetti, also on the board, echoed the sentiment. She said that she chooses to do all her Christmas shopping on Main Street. All her gifts go home wrapped, she noted.
GHP’s next big street event will Home For The Holidays, November 27 and 28. Participants are needed for the Santa Parade, set for 6 p.m. on the 27th. The tree and star lighting ceremony in Central Park follows. The Mardi Gras, first held last February, was hailed as a tremendous success. Another one is planned on February 13, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on the GHP, call (570)253-5492, or visit on-line at www.visithonesdalepa.com.
