Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1998 11:00:13 -0400
To: rsnyder@phmc.state.pa.us
From: "Gary J. English" <voice29@sgi.net>
Subject: Historic Landmarks Application

12th of October, 1998

To whom it may concern:

On August 6, 1998, I had filed an application with the Pennsylvania Historic Landmarks & Museum Commission. The application was filed with the intent of preserving Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Stadium while placing it on the National Registry.

The application process states that all applications will receive a response within 30 days of filing. To date, sixty-seven (67) days have elapsed since the application was filed without a response. This is over twice the time period that Commission regulations have in responding to applications.

On or about October 1, 1998, I had telephoned the PHMC Commission and spoke to staff person, Mr. Doug Reynolds regarding this application. I had advised him of the over-due response and expressed my concerns. Because of the elapsed time, I had questioned Mr. Reynolds about the process and further asked about how the Chairwoman & Director obtained their positions. Mr. Reynolds had informed me that these positions are appointments made by Governor Tom Ridge, and further stated that the appointees serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

Appointments made by the Governor will have a profound impact on preserving historic landmarks in the Commonwealth. This is especially true when it comes to an application that involves Three Rivers Stadium. Governor Ridge's public policy on stadiums is well known. The Governor has pledged to fund up to one-third the cost for new stadiums in Allegheny County.

Due to the fact that the Chairwoman and Director serve at the pleasure of the Governor, approving ane application that involves Three Rivers Stadium will contradict the Governor's public policy on stadiums. Therefore, I can only surmise that the delay and the final outcome is a foregone conclusion that politics will get in the way, and the application will be denied on this basis.

I am awaiting your over-due response.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary J. English