Background:
A few months ago, I posted some screenshots and information about the Monroe County Courthouse expansion. This is a follow up article about the PNC bank property that is part of the project.
I filed a "right to know" request after learning that a "deal had been struck" for Monroe County to purchase the bank / property from PNC.
Frustrated, I reached out to an attorney for help. This is what they told me:
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The person you spoke with is technically correct, in that the right extends to “recorded” information. So when the deal is finalized and recorded, in the recorder of deeds, I would imagine, you will have the right to the information. They did say you have the right to appeal, not sure how that works, or if its worth the trouble, since you will soon have access once it is recorded. Hope that helps.
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As you can see, they are hiding behind the very "sunshine law" that was written to promote transparency openness in government.
Working deals behind closed doors?
My issue here is they have an agreed-upon-amount, a deal is in place, but they won't disclose the amount until AFTER the deal has closed. This means that the $50 million courthouse expansion project will be "in motion" before we have a clear picture over how much the FIRST MAJOR STEP is going to cost.
How can we give them feedback, tell them to proceed or hold off?
Who are these elected officials working for?
"We the People" or the construction companies?
See email transcript below.
-----Original Message-----
From: Nate Covington natecovington@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2020 2:36 PM
To: openrecords openrecords@monroecountypa.gov
Subject: RTK Request: PNC Property
Please see attached RTK request.
Thanks, -Nate
On 7/14/2020 6:11 AM, Christine, Greg wrote:
You need to be more specific. My records show the property has not been sold since the 70's.
From: Nate Covington natecovington@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 8:10 AM
To: Christine, Greg GChristine@monroecountypa.gov
Subject: Re: RTK Request: PNC Property
Didn't Monroe county just acquire the property from PNC? For the new courthouse expansion project? Last I saw in the paper it was for an "undisclosed amount"
Thanks,
-Nate
On 7/14/2020 8:12 AM, Christine, Greg wrote:
There has been no transfer of this property to the County. We are in the beginning stages of negotiating.
From: Nate Covington natecovington@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 8:14 AM
To: Christine, Greg GChristine@monroecountypa.gov
Subject: Re: RTK Request: PNC Property
It says a deal has already been struck:
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200603/monroe-county-strikes-deal-with-pnc-for-courthouse-expansionPlease advise?
Thanks,
-Nate
On 7/14/2020 9:25 AM, Christine, Greg wrote:
We've agreed to a price, but the terms are still being decided.
From: Nate Covington natecovington@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 9:49 AM
To: Christine, Greg GChristine@monroecountypa.gov
Subject: Re: RTK Request: PNC Property
Right. What is the price?
Thanks,
-Nate
From: Nate Covington natecovington@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 10:52 AM
To: Christine, Greg GChristine@monroecountypa.gov
Subject: Re: RTK Request: PNC Property
Please explain...?
Not trying to be rude, I was under the impression that this was public information already and the RTK request would have been more straightforward.
Thanks!
-Nate
On 7/14/2020 10:56 AM, Christine, Greg wrote:
It is general knowledge we plan on purchasing the bank, however, we are still in the negotiation phase, which is not subject to an Open Records Request. I'd like to help, but I cannot release the information you seek at this time.
From: Nate Covington natecovington@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 11:00 AM
To: Christine, Greg GChristine@monroecountypa.gov
Subject: Re: RTK Request: PNC Property
I hear you, but it says a deal has already been struck: https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200603/monroe-county-strikes-deal-with-pnc-for-courthouse-expansion
How can a deal have "been struck" but it's "still in negotiation phase"?
The math isn't adding up to me...
Thanks,
-Nate
On 7/14/2020 11:02 AM, Christine, Greg wrote:
The price has been agreed to but could change based on negotiations, which are in progress.
