Opposition to new hotel and convention center in--get ready--Valley Forge Historical Park

[Lobster Martini]

(LM: When you visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, you can ride the bike paths, appreciate the scenery, and marvel at the fact that you are probably standing exactly where George Washington and the Continental Army once stood. Then, inevitably, you think “what this place really needs is a big honking new hotel and a convention center to enhance its historical accuracy!” The Continental Army did have frequent business meetings and room service, didn’t they? Oh, I think I’ve hit my head again…)

Hearing on future of Valley Forge park set for tonight

Hearings resume tonight before the Lower Providence Township Zoning Hearing Board on a challenge to plans by the American Revolution Center to build a museum, hotel, conference center and other commercial development on privately owned land within the boundaries of Valley Forge National Historical Park.

The challenge was filed by several Lower Providence Township residents and the National Parks Conservation Association, a nonprofit advocacy group for the nation's parks. They are appealing a zoning ordinance amendment approved by the supervisors in September that clears the way for the ambitious project.

<snip>

In their appeal, the challengers argue that the development, which is proposed for an area where the commissary was located during the Continental Army's winter encampment of 1777-78, is incompatible with the park's historic character.

<snip>

(LM: The Valley Forge Convention and Visitor’s Bureau lists several nearby conference and convention centers—including the Valley Forge Convention Center—and claims that lodging is plentiful.)

(See link for time and location of hearing: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080115_Hearing_on_future_of_Valley_Forge_park_set_for_tonight.html)

[Eurobabe]

1. My old neighborhood, and no they DON'T need a freaking

hotel near the visitors center. Let the lazy slobs drive a 1/4 mi. down the road to the Valley Forge Convention center, where hotels are in abundance. :wtf:

This park is a desperately needed green-space amidst the urban sprawl between King of Prussia, Devon/Wayne and Phoenixville.

[Lobster Martini]

2. Agreed, and I will try to not use the words "visionless ignorant greedheads"

But I will make no promises.

[bbernardini]

4. My thoughts exactly. There's about 20 zillion (approx.) hotels and convention facilities in the area

They don't need anymore.

[I work for workers]

3. This is a common tactic for people who own land inside state or national parks.

The gov usually offers them a bad deal if they want to sell, so they threaten to build a Wal-Mart inside Yellowstone and all of a sudden the gov tosses money at their feet.