[MA-RPC] FW: Development in Cumberland Valley

[Walt Daniels]

Negotions are always a tough call. Sometimes it helps to have a good cop/bad
cop routine where separate groups are quiet and noisy. Depending on the
specifics we might want to play either role while insuring that someone is
playing the other role.

The case of preemptive strikes of approaching people before they even think
about developing is obviously done very quietly. Once an acquisition or
development is public and in the papers, it is time to join the noise.

Even when there is a lot of noise, it is important to evaluate compromise
positions and decide what you might accept in behind the scenes
negotiations. They know that you have to keep up the noise to keep your
members happy but may be willing to deal quietly on a compromise. So you can
play both sides at once.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: kerry at trailcrews.net [mailto:kerry at trailcrews.net] 
> Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2005 1:33 PM
> To: HikeSperry at aol.com
> Cc: kerrysnow at comcast.net; wdhiker at optonline.net; 
> ma-rpc at commerce-02.cilia.org
> Subject: Re: [MA-RPC] FW: Development in Cumberland Valley
> 
> Thyra,
> 
> I apologize for any confusion.  I'm well aware that all of 
> the local clubs and the ATC are doing their best to keep 
> their eyes on any opportunity for corridor protection.  My 
> initial comment was meant to suggest that we might need to do 
> more to publicize that work to people like the e-mail poster 
> who seemed critical of those efforts, and to use our 
> committee to help out wherever possible.  I guess I could've 
> phrased it better.  Sorry.
> 
> I also agree with you, concerning your advice to keep 
> specific property concerns relatively quiet.  The PATC is 
> often frequently involved in property transfers that require 
> just the sort of decorum that you described.  Even in cases 
> in which we work with willing sellers or with property owners 
> interested in establishing conservation easements, there are 
> always complications that require a very light touch.
> 
> Kerry
> 
> 
> > Kerry and others,
> > In reference to the proposed development near the A.T. in 
> Monroe Twp.
> > Cumberland County, PA, we, I ,Mid Atlantic A.T. and other partners) 
> > have been working for the last five years trying to acquire 
> land from 
> > an unwilling and uncooperative and difficult seller. The 
> plot of land 
> > which is being planned for development and is land not 
> originally up 
> > for sale was sold by the unwilling seller to a developer.
> > Our hands have been tied until the developer presented plans to the 
> > township.
> > We have contacted local groups and other interested parties in an 
> > effort to thwart the development.
> > I guess that I don't understand the negative attitude 
> towards ATC or 
> > myself in this matter. I don't know what anyone else could 
> add to the 
> > dilemma even if they had the information.
> > When you are trying to purchase a piece of property it is 
> not always 
> > wise to advertise the effort widely. There is a measure of 
> decorum to 
> > be considered.
> > I assure you, I and we and A.T. are doing their best under 
> > circumstances where our efforts are not always welcome, but we keep 
> > trying. The local citizens are also against the project 
> which will be 
> > helpful. It will be a long haul.
> > We welcome your support and advice in a positive and useful manner.
> > Thyra Sperry
> > Ex Vice Chair- Mid Atlantic Region
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> >
>