Covaleski's statement:

Though Ed Sieger wrote a good article and all of my quotes are accurate, I just had to write him and admonish him over the definitive tone of his misleading headline. There was no "one way or another" quote from me. All quotes are otherwise accurate. We WANT to be there. We require an appropriate building and the one that we first ventured into Easton over looks like it has no future. Therefore, we are investigating others.

Original Story (27 Sep 08):
For the first time, Victory Brewing Company, in the person of co-founder Bill Covaleski, has spoken on the record about the various stories which have appeared over the last year and a half about its intentions of opening a pub in Easton.

They're coming. [EDIT to remove "one way or the other."].

From today's Express-Times and reporter Edward Sieger:

Victory Brewing plans to move to Easton regardless of Ashley Development's plans to renovate the Pomeroy's building
EASTON | As Ashley Development Corp.'s plan to rehab the former Pomeroy's department store languishes in financial uncertainty, a co-owner with Victory Brewing Co. said the company remains interested in moving to Easton.

"We were very enthused by the building, the space, the opportunity," Bill Covaleski said. "We really wanted to be part of the project and situation."

The Chester County-based brewery was to anchor revitalization efforts of the long-vacant Pomeroy's building in the 300 block of Northampton Street. Arthur Schmidt, co-owner of the Farmhouse restaurant in Emmaus, planned on partnering with Victory to open the Victory Square Brewing Co. on the building's first floor.

But the housing market tanked and Ashley Development shelved plans to build for-sale 30 condos on the upper floors. The project languishes as Ashley searches for a way to finish it.

Covaleski said last week that he and founding partner Ron Barchet were excited about situating themselves below 30 condominiums. He also affirmed Victory's remaining interest in two area locations, including one in Downtown Easton.

"We're kind of without a home," Covaleski said, acknowledging Ashley is at the mercy of a bad economy. "We're not in the driver's seat."...

[ ... ]

Mayor Sal Panto confirmed Thursday that Victory has considered at least one other Easton property. "Art Schmidt and Victory Brewing are committed 150 percent to the project," he said.