Anticipating the Worst

Are we ready for this? The older I get the "less ready" I am.......

A Nose for Things

As I stumbled around the neighborhood in the dark this morning (yes, an early morning walk), I was reminded of the days when I was growing up, playing in a pile of leaves. The memory wasn't as much about the crumbled leaves that ended up down the back of my shirt as it was the "wonderful" smell that emanated from that pile. I experienced that smell again this morning walking past the piles waiting streetside to be picked up.

It's funny the associations one makes. As I thought about the smell of those leaves, I began to think some other smells of Mother Nature - the crispness in the air from that first snowfall - the freshness created by April showers - and one I always look forward to - the smell of fresh mown grass in the spring.

Sometimes it's just fun to walk outside and close your eyes - then listen and smell. It's a great perspective.

Good News for Homebuyers

We have now received word that President Obama has signed the revised homebuyer's tax credit legislation into law. This is good news for first-time homebuyers and those currently owning a home who are looking to buy - who meet the qualifications in the law. Much more will be written about this enhanced tax credit i...n coming days. I've attached a short piece provided by the staff at the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. If you or someone you know is looking to purchase a home and has questions about this revised tax credit or any other aspect of the home buying process, please contact me. I'd be glad to help.

Senate, House pass tax credit (click on this link to access the article)

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2009 Neighborhood Sales Activity To Date

Tis the Season....No, Not That One Yet

I find Fall to be a unique time in and about our neighborhood. We all suddenly emerge from our backyards or out from in front of the football game on TV and congregate along the streets for the annual ritual of the "Raking of the Leaves". It's actually kind of fun. I've seen and met more neighbors in the last week than I have probably all summer - and I'm out and about a lot.

The 2nd Fall event that seems to bring Pine Brookers together is the "Gathering at the Polls". It's always fun to catch up with neighbors when we go to cast our ballots. It's especially great to see the number of Pine Brookers who volunteer their time at the polls - keeping the democratic process alive..

I guess the next opportunity for large turnout of neighbors will be the first big snow - and as much as I enjoy catching up with the neighbors I hope Mother Nature chooses to keep the flakes to herself this year.

Rainy Fall Morning "In the Hood"

An otherwise dreary day for a jog turns magical with the colors of fall.

Enjoy the day!

Get out and play!

I thought I'd share with my followers the recent exchange I had with Hampden Township regarding the condition of the Orrs Bridge. It provides some insights on the prospect of things to come......

My e-mail to the Township

Subject: Orrs Bridge - A Neighbor's Perspective

An observation- for what it’s worth. I don’t need to expound on the importance of Orrs Bridge to the traffic flow and access to a significant portion of Hampden Township. I also lack credentials to comment on the physical soundness and safety of the structure itself. But what I do know is that the deteriorating conditions of the walkway and the safety railings along that walkway pose a risk to pedestrians crossing the bridge on foot or on bicycle (yes - with the heavy traffic conditions on the bridge more and more bicyclists seem to be using the walkway).

As homeowners we are required to maintain our sidewalks and curbs in the interest of public safety. I think it’s time someone evaluates the condition of the Orrs Bridge walkway and take whatever corrective action is required – before someone gets hurt. I don’t know if the bridge is State or Township responsibility – but I hope my Township has a vested interest regardless. And as much of a pain as it may be for those of us who use the Bridge multiple times on a daily basis – I would welcome slight traffic tie-ups while repairs are being made.

Below are some pictures I just took yesterday.

Thanks for your consideration. /guy

Thanks to Hampden Township for the prompt response as follows:

Good morning Guy,

I have forwarded your complaint onto Cumberland County since they are the owners of the bridge and are responsible for maintenance.

I will also let you know that earlier this year we submitted this bridge to PennDOT for possible replacement. The bridge is the number 2 priority for repair/replacement in the County. We have submitted a request to have the replacement/repair funded by the federal stimulus money. We are still waiting to hear the results of this submission.

Sincerely,

Mike

Michael H. Gossert
Hampden Township Manager
230 S. Sporting Hill Road
Mechanicsburg PA 17050
717 761-0119