Brentwood "First Night" Celebration
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With the success of Brentwood "light-up" night I understand that a possible "Brentwood First Night" New Years Eve celebration is being discussed, possibly beginning next year.
It would be held in the Brentwood Town Square and would be a family centered event, with outdoor entertainment and activities for children, with the restaurants open for business.
The event would run from 9:00pm (?) and possibly may even end with a small fireworks display at midnight. Brownsville Rd will be closed through the center. This sounds like an event that Brentwood could wrap itself around. Hope it moves forward.
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Who's paying for these things?
Ron:
Who would benefit the most from having several hundred folks up in the center for 2-3 hours? I would think that either the BBA or council could fill in some details for us.
I recall when Mellon Bank put on a Jazz concert in the shopping center for Brentwood's 75th birthday celebration (for free) - I coordinated it and it was wonderful. I can envision a stage up in the center with performers as well - I would think that Giant Eagle would be very interested as well as a number of other businesses.
Private funding is fine. I'm strictly opposed to Government paying for this.
With the Pittsburgh Regatta public money is used to a "limited" extent in getting it up and running. But the event brings several hundred thousand peolple to the city for three days, - and they all spend money. Pittsburgh First Night and the Arts Festaval are the same.
But then with this event I wouldn't see all that much involvement from Brentwood borough other than public safety, EMS requirements, and leadership from the Mayor. (Similar to Mayor Jim Joyce and the Forth of July race which bears his name.)
The Pittsburgh Regatta consistently loses money. The little bit that is made by hot-dog sales people certainly doesn't justify the public expense. The cost to the city is enormous (police, fire, ems, and clean-up). Do a cost-benefit analysis please.
I ran several locations during 4th and Regatta events and found that nearly all of those paid to park, and the rest they brought with them, mainly beer and goodies. Then at the end they went home.
When you balance out all the pro's and con's, it is obvious that the Regatta is a loser. Otherwise, the privately-run Regatta wouldn't have been foisted on the City by the Connleys.
In terms of Brentwood, our local government is a mess, and they continue to raise taxes. Brentwood government should be limited to providing basic services, NOT entertainment. Brentwood government would be wiser if it REFUNDED our tax dollars, or lowered taxes. That way, more people of means, as well as businesses, would locate in Brentwood.
Wesley,
I agree that Brentwood needs to showcase their town and the attributes such as the town square area and the homes along Brownsville Road. This will bring in revenue through new and younger residents as well as the surrounding communities shoppers.
As far as leadership from the Mayor, I think we all understand that void. Brentwood Borough has obtained a non-elected leader in the BBOA (Dr. Lese). The BBOA has appropriated grants and other funds to obtain a few advancements for our community. The Light up Night was "lead" not by elected officials, but by Dr. Lese and Company.
On a seperate note: I read the recent blog about the new police car (July 2007). I saw it on the road and it blooks great. I have heard that only two police officers are permitted to drive the car though. In my line of work, this tells me that something is wrong. I am not availiable to attend week day council meetings, can someone ask the Mayor about this new (July 2007) police car and answer back in a blog for an update?
It seems to me that it will take another election cycle before this borough can get its collective act together. The mayor has really become a lightning rod and a source of negative controversy. Until this ends unfortunately I see no real progress for the borough. I personally don't have any issues with him but then I am not a "political insider", nor do I attend Council meetings, - or have any interest to with this "charged" political climate.
Maybe Dr. Lese should run for Mayor. Does he live in Brentwood?
To answer your question about the police car. It was just brought up last Tuesday night at the council meeting. Jay Lieb asked the mayor where the new car was. The mayor said that it is used for the bike patrol officer. Then Jay asked him if it could be used on the beat and the mayor responded by saying it could be used during the day, but not at night because the Brentwood residents would'nt recognize the paint job at night. People need to get on him about this. He is still pouting about the paint job. These games have got to stop. That is why things don't run as smoothly as they should. This is the taxpayers police car and it should be used. Maybe people should start calling up the borough building and asking the mayor where it is.
So, according to Hizzoner, the Mayor, we people of Brentwood are too stupid to recognize a police cruiser when we see one. That's a good one. I have no trouble recognizing a police car when I'm in Whitehall, West Mifflin, Pleasant Hills, etc. even though they aren't the same paint scheme as Hizzoner's vehicles. I think he is the one with the problem.
I think that the BBOA has the right and duty to do what it does. It is following it's mission admirably. Whereas, Brentwood government has consistently mismanaged OUR money for foolish pet projects.
Kudos BBOA!!!!