I just got of the phone with "The Slant", a real up and coming group from Potter County, PA. These
dudes are really unique and talented....last I heard they were looking at record deals and even played
a few House of Blues shows down south. Anyhoo...they will be back at the pub Friday April 3rd and we
hope you'll come see them as it could be the last time we get to have them!!!!
Let's talk Wal-Mart briefly.... I went to a town board sponsored meeting last night to discuss the
environmental issues surrounding the project. As most of these Wal-Mart meetings have been...a
freakshow.... the point got hard to follow but I think its something I should report on. Placing this big
store requires alot of planning and looking ahead, especially considering the river is very near.
Wal-Mart has complete the first, required phase of environmental study and would like the town to call
that good enough. A second phase is required for any project that could have a larger impact on the
environment or if the project involves endangered wildlife, waterways, or similar issues. Wal Mart does
not want to do the more detailed study as it would be there bill to pay and a pretty good sized expense.
There corporate lawyers and local supporters argue that more studies will take more time and are
unnecessary. Local residents and environmentalists insist that a complete environmental impact study
be done before construction is approved.
The first group, Wal-Mart and 75% of our population, want the store open ASAP....tough luck for the
bald eagles or folks on the flood plain down river. The corporate lawyer argued "the sooner we can
build this store, the sooner you can start saving money! More studies will only delay the store opening
and could drive prices higher!" Despite the existence of endangered animals, the danger of storm
waters and flooding, and despite the effect on next door nursing home residents. They don't think we
should fully investigate these issues and find the best way possible to build a safe complex on a
sensitive area.
I fully disagree with them and hope you do too!!! If ya really want Wal-Mart fine.... just take all the
precautions necessary and fully mitigate the possible negative impact. The only way that can be done
is to require Wal-Mart to compete the second phase of the EIS(Environmental Impact Study). Please
take the time to send a quick email to the following town board members with the subject line
WALMART NEEDS TO DO EIS PHASE 2
Timothy McNulty
Email: captntjm1950@yahoo.com
Thomas Hennessy
Email: tomhenn@adelphia.net