The newly formed Concerned Citizens of Cumberland Township returned to the township’s monthly business meeting Tuesday night, seeking details about a legal agreement between casino investors and Cumberland’s five-person board of supervisors.
Additionally, noise and Bike Week complaints resurfaced, during what was a sometimes animated two-hour meeting.
Concerned Citizens of Cumberland Township leader Al Ferranto argued that the board’s specially-advertised April 5 meeting to discuss a “memorandum of understanding” with Mason Dixon Resort & casino was held in “secret,” because township residents were unaware that a meeting was scheduled.
The board voted unanimously at the April 5 meeting to sign a legal agreement with investors behind the proposed gaming facility at the Eisenhower Inn, citing a financial guarantee of at least $1 million in annual revenues. No members of the public attended that 3:30 p.m. session.
“The advertisement made no mention of a vote being taken – the way this MOU was handled was clearly not transparent or democratic,” Ferranto told the board. Ferranto asked board Chairman David P. Waybright to read the minutes from the April 5meeting.
“There’s not going to be discussion on the MOU,” said Waybright, reminding residents to limit their remarks to five minutes during the “public comment” portion of the meeting. Ferranto spoke for at least 20 minutes, without interruption.
“It’s already been voted on and approved,” Waybright said regarding the legal agreement with Mason Dixon Resorts. “It’s a done deal,” he said.
Nearly two dozen citizens attended the meeting, of which, about 10 appeared to be aligned with Ferranto. The group formed last month in response to the gaming plans, as well as other concerns, such as trash collection.
Ferranto, of Knight Road, argued that the legal agreement with Mason Dixon, led by Gettysburg businessman David LeVan, was “not needed” and done solely to “assist Mason Dixon Resorts in achieving their gaming license.”
Township officials have defended the pact, noting that it’s a “written guarantee” of payment, and that the developer is required to submit all land development plans to the township. No new construction is proposed in the Business 15 project, although extensive exterior renovation is envisioned, so the developer must submit detailed plans for building, roadway, sewer, lighting and parking upgrades.
Baltimore Pike resident Speros Marinos, who lives near The Pike Restaurant, located along Route 97 in Cumberland Township, raised concern over noise emanating from the property, with music and outdoor events.
“We’ve seen our quality of life erode over 30 years,” Marinos said regarding The Pike. “We want some peace and quiet.”
The discussion turned into a rant about Bike Week, held each summer in the Gettysburg area. Tens of thousands of motorcyclists attend the multi-day event, and hundreds attend festivities at the Pike Restaurant.
“Bike Week is hell on earth,” said Pike neighbor George Marinos. “Something has to be done about Bike Week, which is utterly terrible,” he added.
Pike operator Cheryl Hankey has asked the township to transfer noise enforcement at her establishment from the state’s Liquor Control Board to local police. A similar arrangement was in place in 2008-09, but the deal expired last year, unbeknownst to the township or Hankey. Many residents opposed the transfer of enforcement power Tuesday night, arguing that the state is well-equipped to handle noise issues.
The board voted 5-0 to ask the state’s Liquor Control Board to host a public hearing on Hankey’s request. A public hearing will be advertised and held, probably at The Pike, and testimony will be taken and recorded.
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