Pressed is a firsthand examination of the use and misuse of power and money often found in public/private partnerships.
The comprehensive review of the Lancaster County Hotel and Convention Project in Pressed takes apart the legal, political and civic fixings found in many of such undertakings. Pressed cautions others to take great care and be aware of the diversions, distractions and
deceptions dispersed in these endeavors.
A former Lancaster County Commissioner, Dr. Henderson’s book tells the story of the development, building, and financing of the Lancaster County Convention Center and Marriott Hotel in downtown Lancaster. The highly controversial “convention center project,” as it was known to those in Lancaster County was originally proposed in 1999 as a $75 million “public-private” partnership. By the time the convention center and hotel opened in 2009, the project’s cost had ballooned to more than $170 million.
The story is told from the vantage of someone, Commissioner Molly Henderson, who was there, as a sitting commissioner, who tried to stop the ill-conceived, risk-heavy, taxpayer-funded project before it was built.Henderson paid a price for her opposition.
In this video, Molly explains why she decided to document her story in ‘Pressed’.
“A well written story that is a captivating page turner”
Midlantic Boomer“Whether you know Lancaster County or not, Henderson puts details of this long and complicated story into a tale of intrigue that will keep you turning pages. Fantastic illustrations let you see the characters in this Shakespearean tinged story replete with quotes that fit the mood. This is a book for the scholar too, for the endnotes are there for you to learn even more about events and characters.”
L. Herr“As a resident of Lancaster City and a Convention Center opponent I recommend that every resident of Lancaster County read this book and learn from it. We must never allow a debacle like the Convention Center to ever happen again. The behavior of our elected officials, moguls and the local newspaper is appalling. Thank you Dr. Henderson for the enlightenment.”
Stunned“This book was a real eye opener.”
Roger McCallister“Pressed is like Parks and Recreation meets House of Cards“.
Christopher D. Brown, Esq.“This is the real deal – if you have ever wondered how the rich keep getting richer – this captivating book reveals a blueprint for one of the shrewd schemes used by powerful and wealthy, and typically revered “community leaders” to scam Americans. This is a page-turning historical text that would also more than appropriate as a college course resource.”
Diana Prince“No matter which side of the political plate you swing from, this book should be required reading by everyone in Lancaster County. Eye opening, affirming, and rather disturbing in its revelations, Dr. Henderson details what so many of us thought, yet had no focused resource by which to research and confirm. So much of this goes on right under our noses, and the lies of ‘true transparency’ smokescreen most to look the other way. This book should be read by any person interested in municipal planning, political science or true crime. Thank you, Dr. Henderson, for your outstanding efforts!”
Mike Johnson
Here are some examples of the kinds of resources
you can find in the Documents library
[2006] “The Apology”: Board of Commissioners’ Statement of Process Leading to Sale of Conestoga View
Lancaster County commissioners issue a statement, later known as ‘The Apology’ regarding the process leading to the sale of Conestoga View
[2006] Audit of Lancaster County Convention Center Authority
One of several annual audits conducted regarding Lancaster County Convention Center Authority.
[1999] Ernst & Young Market Study for hotel and convention center
Many feasibility studies were performed over the duration of the convention center project.
[2016] Indemnity Agreement
Indemnity agreement between Lancaster County Convention Center Authority, Penn Square Partners, and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster.