Delaware County Daily Times from Chester, Pennsylvania • Page 17

I 0 2 Delaware County INSIDE SPORTS 24-26 CLASSIFIED 27-31 COMICS 32-33 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1970 costs may force redesigning $19-million price leaves new Chester High in doubt ANDREW ,1. REYNOLDS Times Stiiff Writer CHESTER Plagued by setbacks since moment of conception, this city's proposed multi-million-dollar high school- community facility teeters today on the brink'of abortion. In fact, the project is in such a precarious position that a source close to the school district ventured Tuesday thai 'odds are 50 to .1 Building the current version of 'the proposed school. "Here's why: The school district asked for and received permission from the' State Board of Education to build a $12-million school. However, bids received last week for the facility, earmarked for construction at the site of ihe former Chester Hospital, 9th and Barclay came in with an unofficial low of $16.4 million.

And, as if. a $4y4-million or 25 per cent increase over estimates isn't enough, the school district must tack an additional sum of about $2.3. million to the total cover costs of furnishings architectural fees million) and a contingency fund ($1 million). The district is therefore talking in terms of floating a $19-millpn-plus bond issue. And this price tag reflects almost a 50 per cent increase over the a e-sanctioned $12-million figure.

One district official explained Ihal the stale board is usually flexible when costs are within 10 per cent of earlier estimates. However, 20 per, cent increases are said to be viewed i a questionable light, and in some cases turned down. Harrisburg, conceivably, can lake at least two routes. It can sanction the package because of the obvious need for a new high school facility here, or it can ask the board to go back to its architects and come with a new less expensive design package. In the event the former holds true, taxpayers can look forward to about a $2-miliion annual tab for the duration of the bond issue.

According to one informed source, Die district's chances' arc "fair" for floating a 15-year issue at 7 per or under in a bond market that is currently fluctuating between 6.42 and 7.25 per cent. However, if the state board were.to approve the $19-inillion package, it then be up to the local board to consider the impact of such an outlay on taxpayers. The school board would then forward its recommendation to the district's School Building Authority, which would in the end either vole to move ahead or reconsider the high school package. As a rule the building a i follows the recommendation of the slate school board; however, it is not bound to do so. If the state rejects the $19- million package and asks the Chester board to reconsider its proposal, a redesigning would i another delay in the project.

In any event, the Chester board must arrive at some decision on the proposed facility by June 30 to have enough time to float a bond issue and award contracts within the designated 60-day period dating from the receipt of bids. If the proposed project is approved or. all fronts and the district succeeds in floating a bond issue, the $19-million price tag will plunge the city into bonded indebtedness of about $36 million. That's equal to almost half the $73-million a valuation of the city. me I FELT out oi place in the begliining but now I'm right at home" aroui MEDIA; "COURTHOUSE 1 me around: with everyone," Judge John V.

Diggins said Tuesday during a hearing Involving an alleged stickup of a bread cornpany deliveryman in Chester tin Feb. 2. Before the hearing ended, the judge sent the stickup man to prison, continued the case of a codei'endant and rebuked Asst. Dist. Atty.

William J. Davies and defense attorneys John G.J McDougall and Arthur F. Earley. During one of the mSh shut" rley: After Springfield eviction McDougail represented cis (Rabbit) Church, -'35, ofj the 100 block Penn "Street, Chester, the 'alleged stickup man, while Earley represented the codei'endant, Leroy Wallace, 19, of the 1700 block W. 2nd Street, Chester.

'Church was accused of having taken $70 from Avon Wilson, the deliveryman for Wonder Bread Co. after boarding his There a certain indefinable delivery truck Feb. 2. quality about a guy. the Money was found by police comeback trail.

Maybe it's that knowing twinkle eyes, the set of his jaw or the air of measured confidence in his SURE I've made friends. 1 love to talk to the girls" WHEN my legs get better. I think I'd like to get a job here" -thef same- clay in trousers'. pockets. The trousers were confiscated in a home on W.

3rd Street, Chester. Finch oti at nursing home Darby official Confession read cleared at murder trial MEDIA COURTHOUSE MEDIA COURTHOUSE Hoagland was expected Darby Councilman William JThe commonwealth introduced I testify today. to, Covington met him at his car. Chimohowsky showed Covington Gibson was acquitted-by a jury Tuesday on a charge of violating the Pennsylvania election code in his bid for a council seat last year. The jury, which began hearing the case Monday before Judge James H.

Gorbey, deliberated about 30 minutes before into evidence Tuesday a confession in which an Upper Chichester man robbery attempt in the Jan. 17, County that 1969, a i driver, resultcdiprovided the revolver admitted a Hoagland, a detectives truck shooting death of an 18-year-old Chester i youth; The man, Covington. 21, of the 1100 block of albr aith Avenue, Upper Chichester, took used not Wilson teslified that Church words. jumped on hands in his his truck with his pockets "and' proceeded to tell me this wasj a slickup." He said Church on the truck at 2nd and Franklin Sts. and jumped off on Dock Street.

Wilson said he did not see The judge told Earley he would not grant a directed verdict of not guilty for Wallace, and said he believed Earley was not going along with a "bargain pica" under which robbery, larceny and other charges would he no) prossed (not prosecuted), with Barley's agreement. When Earley, a Chester attorney! disagreed with the judge's position in the case, Judge Diggins said, "I knew you'd go off the deep end. 1 The the judge sentenced Church to one to two years in prison and fined him $10 on the larceny charge, saying he "didn't believe a word" of! Church's testimony. "Wallace's case is not' before me in any way, shape or regain the Judge Diggins told Earley. i independence Moments later the judge said! sustained i to Earley: "Nobody pushes me around fairwitlr everyone." "Nobody is trying to push you around, your honor," Earley replied.

No matter whatever it is, il'-s beautiful, and James H. Finch has lalched on lo a bushel of it. Finch, you may recall, is the former Springfield resident who was evicted from his ramshackle Maple Avenue home Feb. 5. Township officials capped off almost 10 years of off-again, on-again demnalion proceedings with an eviction notice and a bulldozer.

When, the dust cleared, Finch his home and personal possessions gone -moved next door and took up residence with an aunt, Mrs. Maude Johnson. At age 83, however, she was ill-equipped physically and financially to care for the one- armed, former.trash collector, crippled with arthritis since last fall. SINCE THE Finch has been degree EVICTION trying to a a most of his lifetime to get back his health and his ability lo support himself. Pre.senlly, Finch is concentrating on the first part' of that two-part goal while Falcone challenger lists running mates he leaves the latter aim to his attorneys and friends.

His lawyer, attorney Robert A. Detweiler, said he will-file suit Tor Finch against various township officials involved in the- eviction. A month ago, Finch, 58, couldn't walk. Today, with the help of a wheelchair propelled by leg power rather than arYn power, he "does his damndest lo keep up with the pretty girls," as he puts it in this, case, nurses at the Rest Haven Convalescent Home in Marplc. Realizing his aunt could not take care of him.

Finch last month sought help from the State Department of Public Assistance. The organization responded by i quarters for Finch at the Broomall convalescent home. "1 FELT out of place in flic beginning," i volunteered to visitor at Rest Haven-. "Now I feel right at home. The people here treat you fine, real fine." Finch said he's "never felt better." He is slowly regaining the use of his legs, he said, and hopes, after another three weeks of physical therapy, lo "be able to walk some on my own." Finch, who has been on the stale welfare rolls since his February eviction, said also, "I'd really like to get a job here at the home as soon as I'm able." Finch said his friend and companion of 25 years, Howard Barleab visits, him "at least twice a week." Barleab lived with Finch both prior to and after the eviction.

An April spat with Finch's aunt separated the two friends. his i 3 the Robert L. a Middlelown, candidate Delaware County Democratic Party chairman. a announced his siatc of officers who will seek election at the party's convention at 8 tonight at the Marplc Mewiown High School. Rapp is attempting to unseat.

of and A former Radnor Democratic ch-iJrnuiu. Mrs. is a in i 11 omaii and incumbent Ernani Falcone of secretary; and an Upper Dai Robert Palm. Chester. DURING THE PERIOD since Finch's eviction, a number of Springfield area residents have rallied to his support.

Rev. Peter Young, pastor of St. Paul's Uniled Church of Christ in Springfield, and chairman of the recently started James H. Finch Fund, said some $1,500 has been donated in an effort to secure housing for Finch. He explained, however, that fund-raising effort has W.

-llli i tapered off somewhat in light a I. i 1c iu; group has not Haverford Township's 2nd Ward leader. Others on. Rapp's slate are Anne Marcliessc'mi, 314 Bcrbro Darby. Darby Democratic chairman, a ci i a for I i i Keller lawyer, a Marplc who is seeking his fourth two-year term.

No other county Democratic i a is! ommilteeman, for the county; 3ren 0 0 rind for Finch believed to have three executive commutce. a louse or icrms. Scou wi i Lapp's i Young said the local group Running with for the i nominating I 1 Tnei sought, adequate housing in the two vice chairman posts will he seconded byj Springfield, Morton a Lawrence Scott, Radnor, Windsor) the Rev. John Purdy.j Mary i 1 i Road. Tunstall, 67 Up'jind Road.

Democratic ch.iirm.ii. and John. Haverford iJ. I.oguc of Swarlhmore, Scott is a commiiiteman in) member of UK. Democratic Radnor's 1st Ward, 1st Executive C.n-.nnittee.

Chester areas, but lo no avail. "The funds," Mr. Young explained, "are lo be used on Finch's behalf rather (hnn by Finch. Disposition of the funds now will rest on Ihe outcome of litigation in behalf. Since Finch currently on welfare, funds might possibly be used to pay back that organization, again depending on the outcome Of the suit.

Mr. Young said $1,000, of the contributed funds has been placed in 'a savings account. FINCH SAID his stay at the convalescent home a marked May 29 by a surprise visit from U.S. Rep. Lawrence.

G. Williams (R-7lh Dislrict), of Springfield. Williams, who was president of the township commissioners a i proceedings were initiated against Finch, had been asked by a number of residents, including Mr. Young, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the eviction. Finch said Williams told him during his 15-minutc visit that he wanted to make a settlement.

"He asked me what I wanted," Finch said. "1 told him I didn't know and that he'd have to see my lawyer." Williams, however, denies having asked for a settlement. Williams said Tuesday Mrs. Mary Ann Arty, township health officer, and Dr. Joseph Armeo accompanied him on his visit.

"Both of these people can verify, the fact that settle- ment'was never mentioned or discussed," the congressman said. Williams said he will meet at 3 p.m. Friday at his Springfield office with five Finch supporters who two months ago petitioned him "to investigate the circumstances surrounding the eviction and consult with the Springfield commissioners in respect to compensating Finch for his losses-." "At that time," i i a said, "I will give a complete report of i i in this matter." Mr. Young today, however, denied flint Williams would meet with Finch supporters Friday. "I know for a fact that at least three of our group, including myself, tol Williams' aide that we would be unable to attend the Friday session." Mr.

Young declared. Mr. Young said Finch backers would be "mere than happy l.o meet, with William.s at. a time that is convenient lo all of us." Meanwhile, the Springfield mmissioncrs Wednesday night said "no further action will be taken regarding the Fine!) situation." Mr. Young petitioned the board last a l.h compcnsalc Finch.

handing down its verdict for the 25-year-old i 11 a a University graduate. Gibson, a 1st a Democratic councilman i Darby, was accused of violating the election code by living in Yeadon with his wife in 1969 and voting in Darby. He elected to the council last year. Gibson, who was represented I by attorney Peter A. Dunn, said he continued using his parents' home in Darby as his legal residence until the end of last December when he and his wifi, moved into their own home at 12 S.

14th Darby. He told the jury of three mei in Ihe with slaying, but Covington was Cimohowsky when Rudnycky was shot to death. In a Feb. 25 to the car, the statement said. Covington told Rudnycky that he lived in an apartment nearby that was raided by police for narcotics.

Covington said asked Rudnycky for a ride'to his car which he parked earlieit in Tinicum marshland off Island statemenk Road. Covington admitted his part in the witness stand' Tuesday nigiit.j the shooting His testimony compared with! Covington said he had been he signed statement which he police in February. Covington is "charged with murder, robbery, larceny and receiving stolen conspiracy 'and a violation of the Uniforms Firearms Act. Judge Paul R. Sa.nd is hearing the trial which began Tuesday.

told by Cimohowsky that! Rudnycky would be carrying a lot of money, according to the signed statement read by Asst. Dist. Atty. John R. Graham.

The statement said Covington admitted taking heroin. He said he was not paying for it. After the slaying he stopped taking narcotics, Covington, a part- time rock roll musician, said. Covington, in the statement which look Graham almost VA Both i and hours to read to the Covington Cimohowsky, and i. 24, of the 1000 and nine women that his apartment in Yea'don 'was only his temporary residence.

Dunn said the charges against Gibson were i i a motivated, emphasizing that his client had not voted twice in last. year's elections and. that' he was being prosecuted i because he was a Democrat. I Sewer rift settled MIDDLETOWN The Rose Tree Media School District has agreed to comply with the township sewer connection ordinance in respect to the Glenwood Elementary School, township Supervisor Clair Kephart said Tuesday. Kephart said tile school district lias agreed to lie die school oil Pennell Road into township sewer lines by July 1, barring any engineering problems.

According to Kepharl, the matter which appeared destined for a legal settlement last wecki "has been completely i Kephart chalked up the rift a communications breakdown a problem he said Tuesday had! been resolved. i sewer, connection ordinance requires all residents and businesses lie in with sewer lines wilh'iij GO days of Ihe completion tfi sewer lines to a property. i block of Elsinore Place, Chester, are accused in the Jan, 17, 1969, shooting death of George C. Rudnycky, 713 Cakiwell Chester. Cimohowsky is being held under the 'same charges as Covington and is to go on trial June 22.

A third defendant, Donald Hoagland, 24, of the 400 block E. 9th Street, Chester, will stand trial later on several charges, including murder and accessory after the fact. Cimohowsky worked with Rudnycky at Westinghouse Corporation's Steam Divisions in Tinicum. However, Covington claimed, he did not know the victim. Rudnycky was "supposed to have been taking book," the statement said, and "stulf like that." He also was supposed to have won a large sum of money in a belting.

pool: Chimohowsky told Covington that Rudnycky was "like a punk, a real loser. He said I even' need bullets in the gun. Just pull it," the statement said. seven men and five women, said' ie offered Rudnycky $10 for the ride. Cimohowsky followed them the desolate marsh area and Covinglon said he ordered Rudnycky to over his wallet.

Rudnycky told Covington he no money but offered his ring. Covington refused it, After work about midnight Jan. left 17, Children's To God jury of Rains hamper sewage plant, Swarthmore council is warned A Borough sanitary sewer connections. and needed the additional council learned Tuesday night In another matter that the flow the sanitary threatening was of rain water inlolaiimnmced that, settlement, sewer system is'inacle with Francis Cannon for the a 1 the Rumble portion of the Titus council funds to match the county's $7,000. Approved an ordinance Rumble tract being acquired for enabling the borough to collect Delaware County i treatment plant.

park and recreation use. josti mated Borough Secretary Charles' Cannon, a builder, had carings Topping road a letter indicating option to purchase the property (lin in( that storm water is causing before the borough decided iflow of 7 to 19-million gallons wanted the a He aichitectural, iper ctav. The hcavv flow causes: $57,500 plus $3,000 for 'sowase to escape adequate was reached through i report Eventually the Delaware County Court. Displayed a untreated sewage flows info tnoiCouncil also confirmed Delaware River. jsettlemenl was reached according to the confession.

Covington -that lie ordered Rudnycky out of. the automobile at gun.point, walked around the car to Rudnycky and was about to take the keys from the ignition when Rudnycky jumped him. In the struggJe, Rudnycky was shot in the back and either fell or jumped into the car and began sounding the horn, the statement said. Covington then said he ran to Cimohowsky, who was waiting in a car, and the two drove to a friend's apartment. Covington said he did not know whether he fired the revolver or if it discharged accidentally.

The confession was given voluntarily, according to Rocco P. Urella, Chief of the county's Criminal Investigation Division (CID). There was testimony that Covington and Cimohowsky planned the robbery to suppoi-t their drug habit. Police Hoagland was supplying Covington a Cimohowsky with drugs. Both i a Cimohowsky, who also testified Tuesday night, said they did not plan lc kill Rudnycky.

Covington said one shot was fired accidentally from the revolver but Cimohowsky said in his testimony he heard three shots fired as he was hiding in bushes near the scene. This appeared to be the fundamental conflict in the testimony of Covington and Cimohowsky, a prosecution witness. CID Detective Charles E. Bryant, Covinglon's uncle, said lie has known Covington for 20 and was aware Covington 'had taken drugs. When he arrested him earlier this year, Bryant said Covington appeared normal.

Tinicum Police Chief Thomas Revello testified he was led to Rudnycky's body by Edward Jones, a retiree of Ridley Park. Revello said he immediately notified the CID. Jones said he was driving in the area about a.m. Jan. 17.

1969 when he saw the car and i noticed two feet hanging out the lt; driver's door. The' costs of in advance. me 1 lK ycky died of a gunshot covers advertising, wound of the heart and lung. 1 a 1 and'according to testimony, fee "and court! Covington is being represented court-appointed attorney memorial plaqucjSamuel M. Tollon.

will be hung pcnnanciv.Iy! i i council meeting room in! The authority is Augustus and Pearl loeal municipalities to cheek for $18,300 for Ihe Tilnn possible leakage into the system, (he properly. Tilns portion The iiufhorily said Ihe flow. involve illegal connect ions Agreed to month requesting storm lines, roof drains, sump i he reserve commissioners ipumps, floor drains, low veni.vcoutily funds and manholes and streets. In other business, lake fund for Council honor of former borough on. secretary Mrs.

A. T. jTownsend. The room was emme.il: jrenamed the Mrs. Ruth A.

B. $2,000 fronijTownsend meeting room in ostponed to of the secretary resurfacing of served the borough from had allocated to 1060. A The. borough school board meeting scheduled who i for Thursday has 1930'postponed to 8 p.m. June IS at the Main Street School..