The CCCP Needs Your Support!

What is the CCCP?

The Carbon County Cultural Project is an emerging visual arts and performance center located in the historic district of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The CCCP was founded in 2004 by artist Victor Stabin and his wife Joan Morykin. They converted a large former factory into studios, a performance center for visual arts, and an art gallery. The CCCP also offers mentoring programs for aspiring young artists and internship opportunities for those seeking real world experience in the art field.

What is the relationship between the CCCP and 14 Acre Farm?

Victor and Joan have been proud supporters of the farm since it's conception. When the idea came about to transform a section of the CCCP building into a restaurant and bar, they turned to Kevin and Albert from the farm. The goal is to create the greenest restaurant possible, with all ingredients coming from local sustainable sources. The target open date is April 2007.

Is There Some Kind Of Problem?

Unfortunately, yes. Since the building is a former factory, it is zoned Industrial. It requires a "change of use" variance to allow a commercial enterprise such as a restaurant. Victor and Joan have gone before the zoning board several times hoping to clear the matter up to no avail. They have addressed every issue put to them concerning noise, use and parking connected with this venture (an amount of parking that would be far less than the parking that would be taken up by factory employees if the building was following it's current zoning allowances). The zoning board seems unwilling to budge on the matter, providing no justification for denying the variance, yet not allowing it to come to a vote.

With the refusal to budge on the matter, Victor and Joan have requested an audience with the Jim Thorpe Borough Council.

We are seeking your presence at Memorial Hall monthly meeting on February 8 at 6:30 pm.

Please bring a friend and show your support for the continued rebirth of Jim Thorpe! If for some reason you cannot make it, a letter to Borough Council or to one of the local papers would also be great:

Jim Thorpe Borough Council:
421 North Street
Jim Thorpe PA 18229

The Morning Call:
Letters to the editor
Box 1260,
Allentown, Pa. 18105
FAX: 610-820-6693
or on the web at WWW.MCALL.COM click on "opinion/submit form"


The Times News:
Letters to the editor
Attn: Bob Urban
rurban@tnonline.com

Here is a fine example of a letter written in support of the restaurant; if you can help us by writing a letter, please do it today so maybe it'll get in the paper before Feb 8th:

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I recently had occasion to attend a meeting of the Jim Thorpe Zoning Board.
I've always thought zoning boards or committees were meant to serve as a
venue for progressive change, to guide the growth of a community. This was
not the manner in which the JTZB was functioning that evening. Quite the
contrary, it seemed evident that despite overwhelming community support, a
well detailed plan showing more than the required amount of off street
parking for the proposed business, Mr. Mace and his comrades seemed adamant
on blocking the venture. Despite the fact that this proposal depicts a
virtual rebirth of an otherwise dilapidated behemoth from a bygone era, this
board, acting for reasons beyond my comprehension, dogged the applicant for
what seemed hours with questions, some both menial and farfetched.
At the beginning of the proceeding, Mr. Mace was asked by
applicant's counsel to recuse himself for valid reason. He scoffed at the
idea he could be seen as biased. I'd say more likely than not from what I
saw & heard. Judging from the reactions of many of the attendees, I'm not
alone in my thinking.
So what is to become of 2
68 W. Broadway? It has to be something. The building has had many purposes,
all of which have involved road usage in varying degrees. It can be argued
the mere presence of this once proud pillar of the industrial revolution,
its size and manner of construction, 268 W. Broadway could never be
residential. Regardless of what this building could be, it seems no one in
its 180+ year history has ever tried to make it something less invasive than
the current owner. The proposed usage, which couples a small restaurant with
an existing art gallery is likely the "greenest" or most community friendly
purpose the building could ever have. So why the staunch opposition?
Some critics of the proposal cite the occasional hardships caused by
too many vehicles parked on the street, as they depend on Broadway for on
street parking. Others spoke of the many years they've lived there and
sounded apprehensive of the change. The proposal addresses such concerns.
Progressive change. Whether you're upgrading the wiring or plumbing
in your house, or resurrecting an old, once great structure to a new and
fresh dynamic; adding diversity to a growing community- you increase the
value. Could this not be a good thing for W. Broadway, and Jim Thorpe as a
whole?


Norm Gosselin
Jim Thorpe Resident


Thank You For Your Support!