It’s about time someone spoke up about what they read or hear regarding the codes inspection by the City of Williamsport on the Pajama Factory, owned by Mark Winkelman, a professional architect who bought the huge property in 2007. He and his wife Suzanne had goals in mind to develop this 300,000-square-foot complex to its highest and best use. Only a few developers would have the means and skills to make this ld rubber factory in a good location what it is today.

At the time and prior to Mr. Winkelman’s purchase I had a relative who had five rentals bordering the Pajama Factory property. The Pajama Factory complex was always an asset to the neighborhood and to Williamsport. Among the eight buildings, there are 150 tenants with a mix of residential, business, artists, etc. His management has been a blessing to Williamsport right from the beginning.

I personally have some history there. For instance, I’ve dealt with the carpet store, used the bicycle store, the restaurant, etc.

I never thought I’d be writing this letter — I thought I’d stay removed from the subject. However, when I read Mr. Winkelman’s answers and truthful opinion, it stirred up my response.

The fact that the codes are giving him orders and egregious methods such as “orders to vacate,” all attacking his livelihood. Telling him to set up a “fire watch” 24/7 and $1,000 fines until their proposal is complete. All of this is S.O.P. for codes, when really they should be acting like a partner, even though they don’t have a penny invested in the project. He has been kind to them, referring to “the city” when at every turn he should be telling us what their names are. They are getting paid by us — taxpayers — and especially Mr. Winkleman. It sounds like they failed him every year on the annual inspection when they didn’t alert him of revisions in the federal building code. They are paid employees who didn’t know all the information within the laws and neither did the fire department. For that matter they should have been communicating with Mr. Winkelman, who is not a neophyte in any maintenance matters about this building — in fact he’s a professional.

If Mark Winkelman were a Boy Scout he would be an Eagle Scout.

ALAN COHICK

Old Lycoming Township