Town of Chili
FIRM APOLOGIZES FOR AD IN CHILI:
North American Properties regrets placing a one-page paid advertisement in the form of a letter that criticized the Chili Town Board for failing to act promptly.Jeff Pape, director of development for North American Properties in Georgia, said it was the wrong decision.
"If we had to do it again, we wouldn't do it," said Pape, whose signature was on the letter.
The company placed an advertisement in the Gates-Chili Post on Aug. 30 hoping to gather support for its shopping center project but instead ended up angering town officials. Pape spoke in person to the board Wednesday night for the first time since the advertisement ran.
The advertisement states: "In July 2006, the Planning Board declared its intention to act as lead agency on the Paul Road project. More than eight weeks later, no action has been taken by the Town to start this process. Our patience is thinning. If the Paul Road project does not move forward immediately, Chili will lose its opportunity with Target, now and in the future."
North American Properties, which made its initial proposal last year, wants to build a 53-acre shopping complex with two big-box stores on Paul Road. The board must wait for the completion of an environmental study before acting.
"I don't think it helped that you are putting out an impression that we are not doing our jobs," said Dennis Schulmerich, a Town Board member who also saw North American Properties' proposal at the Planning Board level. "I am going to vote on this project based on its merit, but if you paid a public relations firm for this, then you should fire them."
Comments
"FIRM APOLOGIZES FOR AD IN CHILI"...
I had visions of a law firm putting advertisements inside bowls of chili, revealing itself as a restaurant patron finished his or her meal. "Don't give yourself heartburn worrying - hire Cayenne & Jalapeno, LLP to fight for your legal rights!"
Posted by: Damin J. Toell, Esq. | October 13, 2006 10:56 AM
LOL, Damin. Just so Rochesterians don't take offense, we are aware that "Chili" is pronounced "chai-lie". Oh, and "Charlotte" is pronounced "shar-LOT". And that you think those who pronounce the words correctly are strange.
Posted by: Joel Seachrist | October 13, 2006 11:41 AM
I lived in Broome County for a few years, and also dated a girl from Chili's neighbor to the southeast, Historic East Bloomfield, but I must confess I had never previously heard of the peppery town before. Then again, these days, if it wasn't an exit on Rt. 17 between I-87 and Rt. 201, any possible memory of it has likely been lost, anyway (Horseheads notwithstanding).
I should disclose that I also drink 'soda' rather than 'pop,' so it might be me that's at fault here.
Posted by: Damin J. Toell, Esq. | October 14, 2006 03:55 AM