[Editor’s note: This letter to the Lackawaxen Township, PA supervisors was offered to The River Reporter as a letter to the editor by the owners of Vanderbeek Farm. It concerns their request to open a dog sled and snowmobiling business on part of their property. We are happy to print the letter.]

To: Lackawaxen Township Supervisors

I first want to apologize to the supervisors, township staff and the community for any inconvenience I may have caused as a result of my failure to meet with you as planned during this process. Your time is valuable and I regret that my actions failed to honor that. I assure you my absence and tardiness was nothing more than a regretful oversight or simple misunderstanding. Having shared that, I would like to withdraw my request to use portions of my property for a dog sledding and snowmobiling operation. Frankly, I didn’t consider all the matters that you justifiably raised, nor did I expect the reaction from my neighbors, whose concerns were so eloquently expressed. Rather, I was looking at this as another community activity that would be enthusiastically embraced by visitors to the area as well as my neighbors, in a safe and secure setting. I believe my zeal clouded some of the other factors that you as supervisors have to consider, and rightly so. Needless to say, I thank you for giving me an opportunity to present my idea and I appreciate your thoughtful response.

Allison and Michael Mancino

Vanderbeek Farm

Hawley, PA