Matamoras PA. firefighters to learn fate of flea market

[JetPhoto 626]

I simply don't understand some people! That's it raise the taxes then!

From the Times Herald-Record

Matamoras firefighters to learn fate of flea market

Times Herald-Record

July 03, 2007

Matamoras, Pa. — A judge will decide today if the Matamoras Fire Department flea market will come to a halt.

The borough's attorney, Robert Bernathy, said the fire department is operating the flea market in a residential zone without a permit, instead of in a commercial/retail zone. The borough is seeking a preliminary injunction against the department.

The flea market has been closed since June 22. Both parties agreed to halt the flea market pending a decision today in the Pike County Court of Common Pleas.

For close to two years, the flea market, located in a lot next to the firehouse at Airport Park, has opened on Saturday and Sunday. The money from the flea market pays for a ladder truck they recently purchased.

"All we're trying to do is raise funds," said Scott Gillette, vice president of the department. "The town can't afford anymore taxes. We thought it was a good way to keep taxes down."

The flea market usually draws 25 to 30 vendors and brings in about $800 to $1,000 a weekend, Gillette said. The ladder truck cost $700,000. The department's yearly payment is $60,000.

Councilwoman Lynn Homer said the borough told the department to stop the flea market almost two months ago. "This was the last resort," said Homer, whose husband and son are both members of the department.

Homer said the board has received numerous complaints from residents about traffic, noise and trash.

"The council is very supportive of their fundraising efforts, but it's all about the law," said Homer, who doesn't want to open up the borough to lawsuits. Homer suggested having the flea market on a commercial lot along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Deputy Chief Gary Babb is hoping the judge will grant the department a temporary permit until zoning changes are made.

"They give the fire company a hard time," said Babb, a member for 33 years. "They're making it tough for us to buy things to protect the people of Matamoras."

Chris Banghart of Port Jervis, N.Y., sells sports cards at the flea market.

"You don't pick on the fire department or the police department, that's just something you don't do," Banghart said. "What does this council want them to do, take the money out their pockets?"

[RescueKujo 130]

I have never understood why the politicos don't understand that emergency fire and medical services are basic things the government must provide for their citizens. And in doing so, they must provide the proper equipment to do so. So why is this and any department having to do fundraisers to pay for this equipment?

[AndyC3J 190]

The vehicle in question is a 2003 Pierce Dash 85-foot rear mount platform, which they purchased as a demo from Tyler Fire Equipment in 2005. That having been said, does that price tag ($700,000) sound reasonable?

Hopefully, it works out for them. Sucks that so many people think it's "fun" to crack down on emergency services, even when they're trying to do something that will benefit the people they serve in the end.

[AFS1970 504]

In a perfect world all apparatus would be bought by the government of the jurisdiction it serves. However this is not a perfect world, and fundraising to by apparatus has for better or worse become a tradition in the volunteer fire service. I too wish the politicians would wake up and realize that apparatus is not cheap. It seems that there are only two options, either municipal funding or private funding. If the politicians want to stop this flea market, then they are going to have to help come up with the money some other way.