Air Conditioning a Problem at the Media Court House (VIDEO)

Interesting report by ABC News (6abc.com) on the air conditioning problems at the Media Courthouse.

Solar Power at Work in Media, Pa

Banner on State St.

Media has not only been on the forefront of reusable energy, but is a regional leader when it comes to solar power.  You may have seen the banner recently on the front of Trader Joe's.  So how much of this solar power is at work?


Media has more solar panel installations on its buildings than many of the surrounding municipalities/counties.  To date, Media has nine functioning, solar generating sites: Media Youth Center, Media Borough Hall, Sweney Bldg./Courthouse, Highway Dept. Garage, Media Upper Providence Library, Media Firehouse, Media Elementary,Veteran's Museum/Trader Joe's and Media Theatre.


As reported by www.mediaborough.com:

Since 2004, when the first array was mounted on the Armory building (now the site of Trader Joe's and the PA Veterans Museum), Media solar arrays have produced over 130,000 kWh of clean, renewable energy. Now, with a capacity of 41 kW, the Media Borough solar arrays can generate nearly 45,000 kWh per year, saving about $5,500 annually as well as CO2 emissions equivalent to 3,635 gallons of gas consumed.

The solar  initiative is an ongoing process to create a micro solar grid which would be capable of providing emergency electricity during a time of crisis.  It's just the beginning of what could be not only a great source of renewable energy, but also a show case for other towns looking to make a difference towards their own energy needs.

Environmental Awards presented to Media, Pa:

• 2002- Municipal Buyer of the Year-wind purchases
• 2004-Greenest Borough Award-Armory Solar Project
• 2007-EAC Award-Solar Energy Projects
• 2008-Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence- Highest environmental award in
• Commonwealth.

Check out Media's Environmental Advisory Council for more information.

3rd Street Bridge Public Hearing Agenda - August 3rd, 2011 - 7pm

You can find next week's agenda for the public hearing on the 3rd Street Bridge at the borough's website.  We've also have provided it here.  In addition, representatives from the DEP and PennDot will be on hand to explain issues and concerns important to residents.

Meeting starts at 7pm at Borough Hall.

Pinocchio's Beer Garden Wins Best Of Philly 2011

Congratulations to Pinocchio's Beer Garden for winning this year's 2011 "Best of Philly," Best Beer Store.  

Are Media Boro Residents Better Off Now Than a Year ago? YES!

Facts are facts, Media's year old bipartisan cooperation delivers on commitments to borough residents, businesses and visitors.  A year ago there were baseless and FALSE allegations from the Media Democratic Party that the change in Media Borough's leadership was through some back room politics orchestrated by the county.

I still have yet to see proof of that.  However, what proof I do have shows that the back room politics were alive and well here in Media.  The former democratic majority apparently didn't see any problem giving $250k "no bid" awards to former Borough Engineer, Sande Walton.  In return, Sande, who was also the Chair of the Brookhaven Democrats, returned the favor with $1,250 political contributions to the Media Democrats on a yearly basis.

Now that the engineer and the democratic majority has been replaced, we're now on the verge of getting the 3rd St. Bridge fixed and the completion of the CMAQ project.   Both had been  unexplainably stalled for the last 10 years, so residents have to wonder, were the generous engineering bids and political contributions, at the expense of Media Taxpayers,  really behind this lengthy delay?

Character, Integrity and honest Judgement Matters, 

regardless of party politics!

 tedmanformedia.com

Seven Major Achievements in the Last Year:

1. Bipartisanship: After 28 years of one party majority rule, borough council voted to make changes to better position council to deal with issues that have been neglected for years. Despite early criticism by opponents questioning the new leadership and change, the results have been impressive.
2. 3rd St. Bridge Lawsuit:  Over a decade had passed before a council president could resolve the lawsuits that prevented Media Borough from addressing the repair of the bridge.   The bipartisan cooperation, led by Council President, Pete Alyanakian (R) and Vice President Monika Rehoric (D) resolved this issue within 9 months!!!!!!!!
   
3. 3rd St. Bridge Finance:  
   Closed by the PA DEP in 1996 this project has cost over $330,000 tax dollars through legal and engineering fees.  The bipartisan council has applied for and received a grant for $75,000 from the county to help offset the design cost. In addition, President, Pete Alyanakian authorized council to apply for a state grant for the remaining balance of $650,000 for the dam repair.  

   He is the only council president who has applied for any additional funds since 1996. 
   
4. Defeating Political Cronyism: Bipartisanship put an end to the political cronyism that was going on between the former Borough Engineer (aka Chair of the Brookhaven Democrats) and the Media Democratic Party who was receiving a yearly campaign contribution of $1,250 for the last three years.    This could not have been addressed without a bipartisanship change.
5. Sale of 1 West State St.:  $670,000 for 1 West State Street (Brodeur's) is far from the bid of $1,000,000 that was rejected back in 2005, but the bid was approved this month for the sale of the building.  
6. Funding for Media Events: Brandywine CVB, a primary sponsor for MBA events added $20,000 in new funds this year to help make our street fairs bigger and better in 2011.
7. CMAQ: (Congestion Mitigation Air Quality) Project awarded in 1999, is now on schedule to be completed in 2011.   This project allowed for installation of a computerized closed loop traffic signal system on Baltimore Pike and Providence Road.  The fiber optic system will enhance travel and reduce congestion for the thousands of motorists who travel on both roads each day. 

(Note:  PennDot provides a list of approved contractors for this type of CMAQ design work,  but the former council gave it to the largest donor to the Media Democratic Party.......a NO Bid contract to the former borough engineer for the design work. The firm had no experience in this type of design and took over 11 years and spent close to $300,000 of your tax dollars to complete the design!)

Renderings of proposed 3rd St. Bridge Design - Design Meeting August 3rd

Media Borough this week posted documents related to the design, cost and project schedules of the 3rd Street Bridge.  The bridge is long overdue, but with participation from the community on August 3rd, Media can make this an attractive, functional bridge for all residents, businesses and visitors.

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE - Media Borough Council will conduct a Special Meeting on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Media Borough Municipal Center, 301 N. Jackson Street, Media, PA for the purpose of discussing the status of the design of the Third Street Bridge/Dam. The public is welcome to attend.

Third Street Bridge Information
 Schedule
 Cost Estimate
 Color Plans and Simulations
 Drainage Report
 Safety Review Plans
 Design Alternative #1
 Design Alternative #2
 Design Alternative #3

click to enlarge

renderings per www.mediaborough.com

renderings per www.mediaborough.com

renderings per www.mediaborough.com

Owner of Fellini's and Ariano's Welcomes New Restaurant at 1 West State St

Ariano's Restaurant

At least week's Borough Council Meeting, the owner of Fellini's and Ariano's restaurants, Anthony Bellapigna gave a ringing endorsement of the upcoming restaurant that is slated for 1 West State Street.  Earlier this month, borough council accepted the bid from Claudio Sandolo, owner of Spasso's in Old City, Philadelphia.


Anthony went on to say it's one of his top three favorite Italian restaurants, which coming from Anthony, is quite a compliment.  Mr. Bellapigna was also the driving force for initially bringing Dining Under the Stars to Media, which over the last four year, has been a huge success.

Brandywine CVB makes BIG impact for Media, PA

One of the improvements that happened over the last year at the direction of  borough council's new leadership, is the inclusion of the county's Brandywine Convention and Visitors Bureau with hositng events in town.  Since July 2010, Council President, Pete Alyanakian was able to secure the Brandywine CVB as a primary sponsor for MBA events adding $20,000 in new funds that will help make our street fairs bigger and better in 2011.

Not only has this helped with marketing and logistical support with hosting the events, but it has helped to make Media a showcase of Delaware County.  Last weekend's Classic Car show was a testament to how well the cooperation between Media and CVB has been.  I attended the event and was quite impressed with not only how well it was run, but the increase in visitors and participation from last year's show.

The events that are held in Media are an important part of the local economy and to receive backing from the CVB is a win-win for all of Media.


Brandywine CVB on Facebook

Tonight at Rose Tree Park's Summer Festival: The Cat's Pajamas

The Cat's Pajamas
Cool kids’ rock with a musical comedy twist. Dance, puppets, props and costumes and a great band backing their signature 3-part harmony.

Performances begin at 7:30

3rd Street Bridge Design Discussion August 3rd

One of the biggest stories this year for Media regards the positive developments towards the Third Street bridge.  Through the leadership of Council President, Pete Alyanakian (R), and Monika Rehoric (D) the bridge has made more progress towards being repaired in the last year, than all of the combined leadership of the prior decade.  This is yet another example of a how bipartisan cooperation is providing solutions to real problems that Media faces.


A year ago, no one was talking about the design of Third Street bridge; as it is now apparent we didn't have the leadership in place to effectively deal with the issues.  Today we are not only discussing it's repair, but have also received this year funds for the design.  Essentially, Media went from spending $240k over the course of a decade, to now receiving grants for the design and construction.  As recently as last week's borough council meeting, time frames have been announced as soon as 2012 for repair work to begin. Results not only matter, but saving tax payer money is equally important.


PennDot will be on hand for a special meeting with residents August 3rd to discuss the design of the bridge/dam and what changes will be proposed.  As a candidate for Media Borough Council, and supporter of repairing the bridge, I would encourage residents to attend this meeting.


SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE - Media Borough Council will conduct a Special Meeting on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Media Borough Municipal Center, 301 N. Jackson Street, Media, PA for the purpose of discussing the status of the design of the Third Street Bridge/Dam. The public is welcome to attend.www.mediaborough.com  


Tedman O'Hara

Blistering heat reprieve.....video of last year's winter in Media, PA

From one extreme to another, the weather this week has proved to be the hottest in recent memory here in Media, PA.  For a reprieve, at least visually, check out the video of this year's winter.

107 degrees in Media....Hot enough to Fry an Egg.......Almost

Plum Mall next to the Plumstead Inn

You like it hot?  How about a side of eggs and bacon with that?  Well, the Plumstead Inn on State Street conducted an experiment today to see if it really was hot enough to fry an egg (sunny side up), bacon and a hot dog.  It was called the Solar Special, price not listed, but the Plumstead is always known for their reasonably priced food.

It's reading 107

Well, based on the pictures, there weren't a lot of takers for the Solar Special, but people did see some simmering going on, so for the hottest day of the year, we'll take it.  After a few hours and with the sun setting, it looks like the eggs never got passed the runny stage.  For that matter, probably only cooked a few degrees passed raw.  The bacon looked okay and the hotdog, well, that was probably the most edible, but far from well done.

Neat experiment!

Blogging live for Dining Under the Stars

Check out allthingsmediapa.com with delcotimes.com broadcasting live from State St for dining under the stars. 6:30 to 7:30pm.

Here's a recap of the broadcast.

Video streaming by Ustream

Media's 2011 Classic Car Show w/ Video

With over 260 cars participating, this was the best Classic Car Show Media has had to date.  It was extremely well organized and a lot of fun for everyone.  The cars were amazing spanning from the 1910's all they way up to 2011 hot rods you can buy off the show room floor.


There were bands, DJs and a lot of neat discussion on the history of the cars.  Young or old, there was something here for everyone to enjoy.  

Media's Fourth Annual Antique Car Show - Sunday July 17th

Media will be hosting its 4th annual antique car show tomorrow on State St.  Over 200 cars will be on display.


Sponsors: Delco Cruisers Car Club, Brandywine CVB and Otto's BMW.


Please note: There will be no parking on State St. from 6am to 6pm, Sunday 7/16/11.

Best of Media, PA 2011

Ariano's Brick Oven Pizza

Okay, so here it is. The 2011 review of what's best in Media from a local's point of view. We've had a few changes since last year. Most notable is the "Pizza" category which Ariano's has run away with by replacing Apollo's.  

ATM doesn't currently accept advertising, so we compiled this list as objectively as possible. But, of course, we will always entertain recommendations for other selections.

Enjoy.

• Best Burger: Picasso's, no one's even close on that one. (two years in a row)
• Sushi: I prefer Margret Quo's, but this is a toss up.  Azie is equally as good and provides a stellar, sophisticated atmosphere.  Temaki is decent, but is among fierce competition.
• Wings: Sligo (I hope this doesn’t change with a rumored new menu)
• Cheesesteak:  This may come as a surprise, but it's the Plumstead Inn. Maybe it’s the toasted roll, but still a 2011 favorite.
• Ice Cream: O'Malley's, no surprise there.
• Beer selection: Pinochio’s beer garden and take-out and  Quotations
• Wine Bar and ambiance: Picasso/La Belle Epoque, Azie
• Mexican: Dos Gringos (try the huevos rancheros, shrimp Burrito is excellent)
• Breakfast: You'll see me most often at Koffee Korner, but I like Courthouse Diner, Mrs. Marty and Fast and Fancy
• Hoagie: Planet Hoagie (Rocco w/ sweet peppers)
• Chicken Cheesesteak: On a Roll
• Entertaining a group: Azie ,Townhouse, Picasso’s
• Coffee: 7 Stones Cafe
• Live Music: With a new stage, Picasso’s.
• Karaoke: I hear John's Grille or Joclyn's
• Sports Bar: Plumstead, Quotations, Joclyn's (in that order)
• Salad: Lotus and Salad Stop
• Night Life and dancing: Stephen's
• Cigars: Rose's
• Pizza: Ariano’s
• Brew Pub: Iron Hill
• Best old place that’s new again: Old State Tavern
• Brunch: Azie and Generations
• Bars that allow smoking: Jack’s on State Rd, Joclyn’s

New to the list this year:

• Hosting Small Parties: Upstairs Sligo
• Hosting Small Parites for Kids: Front Street Fountain
• Place most likely to know someone: Plumstead
• Best Bar Food: Quotations (grouper sandwich)
• Best Shot and Beer place: Johns Grill.  Plumstead, second.
• Cafe atmosphere: 7 Stones on Plum Mall
• Best Caterer: By our reader response: Joseph's Catering in Media
• Reasonable auto repair: Otto’s on State Rd.

Why So Many Banks in Media?

If you've driven down State Street recently you may have seen the construction going on at the corner of State and Monroe St. (former Benari jewelry store) for the new WSFS bank branch.  If you haven't, Wall Street Journal's, Market Watch covered the press release of the announcement.

"Media is an ideal community for WSFS Bank to expand its services in southeastern Pennsylvania," said Rick Wright, Executive Vice President of Retail Banking & Marketing for WSFS Bank. "We are happy to provide our Customers a prime location on East State Street and fulfill our promise of exceeding all service expectations for personal and business banking in Delaware County."  (As reported by Market Watch)

Bryn Mawr Trust in Media, PA

I can think of at least 12 banks in the borough and many within the shadows of another.  So why is Media saturated with bank branches? That still remains a good question.  I once heard that if a bank is to open in Delaware County, it also opens one in Media to compete in a market that's central to the county seat and supporting businesses.  I've yet to substantiate that, but it does make some sense.  


So among the many choices of banks in Media, I've always been fond of First Keystone Bank, which is now Bryn Mawr Trust.  They truly do capture the "community" bank feel and have been tremendously supportive towards Media and other communities through their sponsorships and contributions to local events.  

Media Family Night - Outdoor Movie on Barrall Field - Saturday, July 16th 2011

Get ready Media, this weekend is Family Movie Night at Barrall Field.  The movie, which will be shown outside on a jumbo, blow up screen will captivate an audience young and old.  Remember the days of drive in movie theaters?  (Eddystone, Rt. 202, Exton).  Well if you don't, you'll definitely get a taste of nostalgia with this event.

It'll be hosted at Barrall field, so be sure to bring snacks, blankets and chairs.

For more information, check out the Media Borough website.

Tonight's Movie: How to Train your Dragon

Five Things that Changed Media, PA for the Better in the last year

The last year has been an extremely important one for Media, Pa and the residents.  It's been almost a year since we've had a bipartisan borough council in place who not only leads by example, but continues to show major results.  It was a collective effort that everyone should be proud of, Democrat or Republican.

Five Major Achievements in the Last Year:

1. Bipartisanship: After 28 years of one party majority rule, borough council voted to make changes to better position council to deal with issues that have lingered for years. Despite early criticism by opponents questioning the new leadership and change, the results have been impressive.
   
2. 3rd St. Bridge Lawsuit:  Over a decade had passed before a council president could resolve the lawsuits that prevented Media Borough from addressing the repair of the bridge.   The bipartisan cooperation, led by Council President, Pete Alyanakian (R) and Vice President Monika Rehoric (D) resolved this issue within 9 months!!!!!!!!
   
   
3. 3rd St. Bridge Finance:  
   Closed by the PA DEP in 1996 this project has cost over $330,000 tax dollars through legal and engineering fees.  The bipartisan council has applied for and received a grant for $75,000 from the county to help offset the design cost. In addition, President, Pete Alyanakian authorized council to apply for a state grant for the remaining balance of $650,000 for the dam repair.  

   He is the only council president who has applied for any additional funds since 1996. 
4. Defeating Political Cronyism: Bipartisanship put an end to the political cronyism that was going on between the former Borough Engineer (aka Chair of the Brookhaven Democrats) and the Media Democratic Party who was receiving a yearly campaign contribution of $1,250 for the last three years.    This could not have been addressed without a bipartisanship change.
   
5. Sale of 1 West State St.:  $670,000 for 1 West State Street (Brodeur's) is far from the bid of $1,000,000 that was rejected back in 2005, but the bid was approved last week for the sale of the building.  

Make no mistake, there is still a lot of work to do but actions are speaking louder than words.  Nice job, Media Borough Council!

Bastille Day in Media - WELL DONE!

If you didn't make last night's Bastille Day in Media, you missed a really good time.  I was quite impressed with how well this was done and a lot of that goes to the great coordination of the Media Arts Council.  If you've been to dining under the stars on Wednesday's you'd get a good feel for last night.  But better yet, which really created a nice vibe, were the many music acts, events and re-enactments going on all evening long......people loved it.  


Not having been to Stephen's on State in awhile, we decided to check it out and sat outside.  There's no other better way to say this than: the food and service were awesome.  It's almost hard to imagine what Media was like before outdoor dining and town events like this.


With any event there are always a few observations people make and are never shy to share with me.  One of which regarded people walking their dogs in close proximity to the tables were people were dining.  I have a dog and dogs don't bother me, but this is good point.  Technically, I don't think you're allowed to bring dogs to these events, but this is lightly, if at all enforced.  Perhaps what's needed is better signage and emphasized announcements prior to events.  The other concern popular last night was biking down the sidewalks on State St. during the event.  Perhaps an isolate occurrence, but something that planners will want to keep in mind.


Again, great job Media!  Along with excellent weather, there wasn't a better place to be in all the land. 

Cafe scene to be filmed at Koffee Korner for upcoming film called Inside Out

Koffee Korner

Media in the movies?..... at least short films.  This Tuesday the Koffee Korner will be the set for the filming of a cafe scene that will be used in an upcoming movie, INSIDE OUT.  The movie is being produced by Shiny Studio


The upcoming film is about Conn, a shy kid who “prefers the company of books” finds himself in a dilemma when a girl named Attie threatens to turn his world upside 
down.


Check it out!  Not sure if they need extras, but if not, you'll get great food from great people.

Koffee Korner: Koffee Korner provides much more than just good food and laughs. It's a place to call your own spot!

Media's La Belle Epoque Restaurant getting an outside deck!

La Belle Epoque already has outside dining, but with a soon to be built deck along Olive St., the additional space will make a great restaurant even better.  This place has not only the best wine bar in the area, but is equally complimented by the fine food they server.  If you're hungry for something more americana, they have the best burger in town.  Period!

Deck currently under construction (Olive St.)

Media's Art Council has new Website. Don't Forget Media's Bastille Day Event

Media's Art Council does a lot of great events for Media.  To better show case their events and get people involved, they recently released a new website.


The can also be found on Facebook too.

Bastille Day Celebration will take place from 6pm to 10:30pm this evening.