'Still The Same Dreary Norristown': Column Berates Locals' Lack Of Prepration

A column published in The Intelligencer on Monday argued that there should be no sympathy for Norristown residents who are taken aback by the crowds and the rush in their hometown during the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia.

Lackluster attendance at public meetings is embarrassing, writes Margaret Gibbons:

Well, don’t waste your sympathy on these residents.

They had their opportunity to learn about these possibilities and alternatives at a public meeting Norristown public safety officials had the other week during which they detailed their plans to handle the papal event.

Just four residents and community leaders attended this event.

Norristown public safety officials busted their butts, spending long hours in meetings and developing plans to help visitors and lessen the impact on residents. The public could have at least showed some interest.

Instead, these officials now will probably get blasted by whiny residents.

These public safety officials deserve better.

By the way, you would think the downtrodden county seat would spruce itself up, even with just a couple of colorful banners, and use the event to make visitors want to come back another time to check out what Norristown has to offer. Nope, still the same dreary Norristown.

To catch up on the latest Pope information, please see the following stories:

• New Map Shows Detailed Norristown Traffic Plan for Pope Visit
• Pope Visit 2015: Patch’s Complete Guide