Sunday, January 29, 2012

La Porta Restaurant (aka Old Locust Crest) slowly but surely

La Porta - Possible Take-out?
One thing people can't seem to get enough of is news on local Media restaurants.  We have four that have been hot lately and generating a lot of interest.

First off, we have Desert Rose in Media that recently announced they were coming to town and will go in where the former Selene's Co-op was.  This is relatively recent news with no time frame for an opening.

We also have Diego's which will occupy the old Coffee Club on State St.  I believe just last week there was an announcement that they would be open sometime in March.  With interesting decor and a lot of work being done at this location, this will no doubt be another great restaurant by Loic who also owns La Belle Epoque and Picasso's.

La Porta's Bar
Perhaps the biggest news on the Media restaurant scene will be the opening of Spasso's at 1 West State St.   No updates on this but I suspect sometime in the Spring we will see the grand opening.  I'll see if I get a firmer time frame on this, as people Google this place all the time and typically land at this site.  Having looked inside the building the layout will definitely be different, at least in the front room were the main bar was.   

Handicap Access
Lastly, I may never get over the closing of the Locust Crest that was a well liked landmark for half a century, but I am warming  up to the new restaurant that will be taking over.  La Porta is slowly making progress from the last time I visited a few months ago.  I don't know the actual opening date, but the inside looks beautiful.  The modifications for handicap access also appear to be an entrance for take-out, which would be a nice option. 
Outside grounds to the left of the building
 I'm impressed with what they're doing with the bar, and I think others will be too.   The fireplace from what I can tell will be kept, though the former bathrooms look to be undergoing renovations....they had to!  Looks like the notorious septic and well issues ave been addressed also.  In fact, the outside is coming a long so nicely that it could at some point cater to outside dining.


Where's Media's Hampton Inn Hotel?!? West Side Land Purchase

When the original proposal was devised for bringing a hotel to Media back in 2006, it certainly was a different ecnomic landscape than what we have today.   Funds and fianancing back then were easy to come by for these types of projects and I'm sure that played a big part on a decision to bring a hotel to Media.  When the markets crashed, so did the lending.  This also gave way to stricter regulations that are no easy feat to navigate for borrowers.

After years of legislation and a settled lawsuit, the hotel has most of the approvals it needs to continue on with initial construction, at least maybe demolition.  What isn't so certain is if the owners still have the enthusiasm or even the financing options they once had to continue on.  No doubt cost projections for this hotel have got to be much less attractive than what they were six years ago.  That's strictly my opinion, but I would have thought by now a demolition permit would have been submitted to at least prepare the site or alleviate taxes by razing the property.  

Recently purchased property
In fact, I haven't heard much at all about the project other than the vandalism that occurred last year where thieves broke in an stole the copper piping from the premises.   I'm not sure if a fine was served by Media Borough, but the owners were asked to erect temporary fencing to better secure the site. You may have noticed this fencing in the parking lot as you drive by.

What I do know is that the property on the west side of town across the street from Dean Keys Towing was recently purchased.  This site has a few garages and a small vacant dive shop on the property.  I don' know yet of any plans for the use of the property, though I am somewhat familiar with the purchaser.  I suspect it's zoned commercially, but don't know that for sure.  The property does pose some challenging scenarios with traffic, which seems to be the biggest drawback.

Interesting to see what will be developed here......stay tuned!

Baltimore Pike - West Side of Media

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Media loses a great friend.....a great man!

Michael Reilly
It was with a heavy heart to learn the passing today of well known Media resident and friend, Michael Reilly.  Michael lived and walked these streets for decades having lived on W. Second St. and being employed by the courthouse since the 70's.  He was a guy that kept to himself but would always share a smile and laugh with anyone he met a long the way.  He was often seen at the Plumstead Inn - a place he loved.

Media was more than just a town to him, it was part of his extended family. 
Funeral Arrangements: Michael Reilly
Viewing Sunday night 1/29/12 - 6pm-8pm Rigby funeral home. Friends welcome to the Plumstead for remembrance and spirits to Michael.
Monday 10am Nativity church. Burial St. Peter and Paul.


Sunday, January 22, 2012

Another Restaurant/Market coming to Media: Desert Rose - Mediterranean Cuisine

The latest addition to the Media State Street restaurant scene will be an eatery/market by the name of Desert Rose.  The business will occupy the former site of Selene's Co-op on the west side of State St.

Not much to report other than what's been posted in the windows, but it looks to feature some kind of market with perhaps a sit-down section.  

With a Mediterranean flair, this ought to add nicely to an excellent selection of great restaurants.
Welcome to Media!




Media Boro Council Rewards Poor Performance: reappoints MBA Liason Eric Stein who missed half the meetings in 2011

Many people in town aren't very familiar with the Media Business Authority and what its purpose is. They know it's involved with the local businesses and events in town, but may not realize how vital it is to the vibrancy and economic well being of Media.

Media Business Authority Mission Statement:
"The mission of the Media Business Authority is to encourage economic growth, improve positive visual impact, sustain and nurture business development, and help increase Media business patronage through activities and programs that enhance the community quality of life, while maintaining an open line of communication with business owners, citizens, and local government."
Unfortunately, the MBA has had a revolving door of appointed volunteers who have diligently given a lot to this effort, and still do;  but continue to move on or resign.  Both observers and former members have been quite outspoken about the problems claiming the dysfunction and lack of cooperation have been the main reasons for their departures.

Media Borough Councilman, Eric Stein
Their issues seem to be substantiated.  Based on the 2011 meeting minutes,  Borough council liaison, Eric Stein only attended half of the meetings in 2011.  In addition, he was absent a quarter of the year by missing meetings in October, November and December.  Oddly, Council President Brian Hall and Borough Council thought this was acceptable and recently (Jan 2012) re-appointed Councilman Stein as liaison. With borough council made up of all democrats, these types of decisions will be made with impunity.

Last week Councilman, Kent Davidson stated he would not consider re-appointments to this committee based on prior poor attendance.   He was right and followed through by voting against a few reappointments, but what about Eric Stein who has an attendance record of 50%?

Under section 8 of the the committee's bylaws, missing 3 consecutive meetings would prompt the board to remove Board members. How is the Board held to a standard when the liaison is not?  Councilman Stein even stated last week that the MBA is not a trivial group and that attendance needs to be addressed?  Did he mean his?


As liaison, Eric Stein should help set the tone, expectation and direction for the MBA.  As an elected official, showing up half the time shows a total disregard for the people who are appointed to this committee.  If the dysfunction stems from the lack of commitment and leadership from the liaison, then it's not too hard to understand why there's such a high Board turnover.


Saturday, January 21, 2012

Roads snow covered this morning

Media Boro streets and sidewalks are still snow covered.  Providence Rd and Baltimore pike are slowly being cleared.



Providence Rd.



State St. looking West


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Council President, Brian Hall and Borough make no mention of Nativity BVM appeal

Despite a formal appeal last week to move Media's Nativity BVM to Wallingford; no items regarding this issue were included on tonight's council agenda.  In addition, not one word was mentioned of the situation at all.

By this time next month, a final decision is expected from the Archdioceses that will either keep Nativity in Media, or move it to Wallingford.  Had this been a similar situation with Media Elementary, I'm sure it would have made tonight's council agenda and a whole lot more.  It's unclear why President Hall and the rest of borough council haven't given a position, statement, explanation or even an acknowledgment of this pending situation.

It's a total lack of leadership when an entity is making an appeal against Media to have Nativity move to Wallingford and our own Borough Council makes no attempt to defend it, explain it, or even acknowledge it.  The message is simple: If borough council isn't interested in Nativity, then why shouldn't an appeal go through to move it out of Media?  The students, faculty, staff and community deserve a lot more from the borough.

Don't believe the TYPE! No newsletter for ATMpa

Despite the rumors going around, Allthingsmediapa.com will not be going into print or newsletter form.  It's actually not a bad supplemental idea for a blog and the technology would make it quite easy to produce, but I have no plans to do such. 

Someone looking to generate advertising revenue from a print version of their blog may be interested in that model, but that would add another level of complexity to an otherwise simplistic medium.  If you couldn't overcome the printing and distribution costs from ad revenue, it wouldn't be worth the effort.

My first and only foray into advertising on this blog made a gasping $0.44 over a one month period. I could run ads now for a monthly charge, but that's something I'm not looking to do either.

What I may do is post the top 5  or so searches about Media and how they hit this site each week.  With over 730 post about media pa and having an online presence for many years, there's not much that is searched about "Media, PA" that doesn't somehow hit this site. Google did recently implement a "secure" search that masks searches, but there is still a lot of useful information.

For instance, here are today's top searches that landed on this site. What's interesting here is the popularity of restaurant and food delivery.  Not sure how many eateries deliver, but there is a tremendous market for it. I read this week that even Burger King is rolling out a delivery service.

These types of metrics are almost endless, so I'm sure someone will find them useful.  When you start to analyze the patterns you wonder why someone hasn't started a Media Valet service (Hint!)

As you can also see, people are also eager to know when Spasso and La Porta (Old Locust Crest Tavern) will open.  Come to think of it, I am too.

Top six searches today1/19/2012

Why were the borough council meetings moved to 8pm?

I've yet to hear a good explanation as to why the Media Borough Council meetings were moved back to 8:00pm from the previous time of 7:30pm.  For a lot of people I know, it's a lot easier to get things done, or at least started before 8pm, than on, or after. Especially on a week night.

It was originally moved to 7:30pm in order bring out better community participation while allowing for better hours for those that needed to attend.

The meeting can still be viewed on Cable (Comcast) channel 10.  For Verizon, I believe it's on channel 44.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Media Eats Local - Jan 24th 2012 6pm Media Community Center


Transiiton Town Media Update:
Transition Town Media will host our 2nd annual Community Potluck Celebration on Tuesday, January 24 at 6:00 PM at the Media Borough Community Center, 301 N. Jackson Street, Media, PA. Everyone is invited to participate in this family-friendly, community-wide potluck celebrating native, local foods. Enjoy a fabulous feast, live Native American music, talks on local Leni-Lenape traditions and medicinal uses of native plants, and local nurseries that specialize in native plants and permaculture principles! The evening is in collaboration with the Eastern PA Permaculture Guild and Media's 7 Stones.  
 
Bring a dish to share if you can or a small donation to help us cover costs. This is a family-friendly event so bring the kids! For more information, go to www.TransitionMedia.memberlodge.com or contact TransitionMedia@yahoo.com

Monday, January 16, 2012

Appeal submitted to move Nativity BVM to Wallingford

When I read that the Arch Dioceses spared Nativity BVM from closure, I thought the news was not only great, but lasting.  However, having spoken to a group last week I was concerned to hear that this might not be over just yet.

The original decision by the AD was for Nativity to remain open while St. John Chrysostom in Wallingford closed and merged with the school here.  During my discussion I was told there would be an appeal by St. John's to have the transition reversed with Nativity shutting down and going to Wallingford. 

Yesterday the delcotimes reported that this is indeed the case and a appeal has been formally  presented by St. John Chrysostom.  What transpires between now and mid-February is unclear, but it'll have to happen soon as the AD is expected to give a final ruling by mid-February.  Transitional plans, regardless of the location, are to be set by mid-March.
I have yet to find out what community involvement has taken place on these discussions, but it's something Media Borough should be aware of.  Based on what's been reported, I don't necessarily agree with St. John's position that their location is is the most preferable. In fact, one of the theories presented is that Nativity would have an easier time selling their assets (builiding), than St. John's would, and therefore making it a more logical choice to move out of Media.  To me, there's a lot more to this discussion than just sale of assets.  This is about a community and a well liked school will a very long history in this borough. 

As a resident, I'd like to see more information on this, as closing Nativity would create a potentially big issue for the school, community and residents in the south. Whether Nativity would remain vacant or somehow be developed for corporate use are two very big issues borough council would have to deal with. It's also a possibility the school could be knocked down to allow for housing development.  These are all real scenarios.

Nativity has been part of the Media fabric for the last 100 years and this is not something that should be decided quietly.  Nor should Media's elected officials stand on the sidelines and wait for a decision, when they can actively participate in a possible outcome.   I, for one, support Media Nativity remaining in Media and will do what I can help.  It would be a shame to loose a school like this under an appeal of these circumstances.  

I'd be interested in hearing from the community.

Update: 1/26/12 - Though not scientific, here is the poll conducted on this site related to this article.






Tedman

Media's Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the United Methodist Church of Media

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan Serbin of the Daily Times did a great article on yesterday's event held by the Media Fellowship House.  The event took place at the First United Methodist Church of Media.

Yesterday's celebration marks the 23rd year this event has taken place. 

Saturday, January 14, 2012

It's 2nd Saturday in Media TONIGHT and the ROBOTS are ready!

Blueberry Bog showing great Media enthusiasm with this cleverly produced video.  You can check out the robots and additional wares tonight at Blueberry Bog from 6 to 9pm.

These robots like to dance and drink boilermakers, 
so watch out!



Media's Second Annual Community Blood Drive 2/12 - Get Involved!


Bed and Breakfast....Winery....next to Media?

I've always been surprised that Media doesn't have a bed and breakfast in the borough.  That's baffled other people too, as where a better place to have one, but here in Media. With a vibrant main street, surrounding colleges and attractive, historical destinations, it seems odd.

We don't have a winery either, but at least we have a micro brewer in town by the name of Iron Hill.  However, what we do have just on the outskirts of town, is a bed and breakfast nestled on the grounds of of a very good winery.

Located in Glen Mills, Sweetwater Farm B&B/Grace Winery is a full functioning vineyard producing many varieties of white and red wines.  The newly restored barn creates unique experience for not only their wine tasting events, but is also an excellent location for receptions, fundraisers, events and performances.

Delaware County SPCA: Gimme Shelter Fundraiser w/ Media's R3 Band


Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Media/Elwyn (R3) trains are running again 1-11-2012

UPDATE: 1/11/12  Delcotimes.com reports a women was struck and killed by train, thus causing today's delays.

There were lengthy delays this morning, but the Media/Elwyn line has resumed service.


Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Calling all Bloggers - ATM Blog: Behind the scenes FAQ's

This Thursday the Delcotimes will be hosting a blogging event at their office in Primos.  The idea is to share like minded stories with area bloggers and discuss where we think local/hyper news is going.  If you'd like to find out more about this, please join us.  It starts at 6pm 1/12.

In preparation for Thursday's event, I got to thinking that I've never really explained this blog, why I do it and things I've observed.  So, here's a couple FAQ's of the typical questions I get, along with my thoughts and answers.

  1. How'd this blog start?

    I've been blogging on and off since 2004, so I was always familiar with it.  When I ran for office a few years ago I started a blog to voice my campaign.  Back then nobody really understood blogs, at least not the mainstream.  It quickly generated a following after the campaign and evolved from there.  I soon kicked around a few names, one of which was "Media PA News,"but finally came to "All Things Media."  That's why my twitter @mediapanews and youtube channels are named mediapanews.....I never changed them.

  2. So, if you won the election what would happen to ATM?

    It's not a matter of wanting to discontinue, I'd have to as an elected official.  I think it's misleading to do otherwise and to have comments as an elected official on top of posts that were done prior...It  wouldn't make sense.  I would, however, blog under a something like www.councilmanwhatever.com.  I posted my displeasure about this with mediapanews.com.  Truthfully, Kent is a outstanding writer and he should continue, just under different format.

  3.  How much money does this blog make?

    ZERO, in fact I spend a few hundred dollars for hosting, URL, equipment, and even t-shirts.  This whole thing is driven by pure enthusiasm.  If you start a blog, make sure you have the passion to sustain it.

  4.  Where do you get your content?

    There's no shortage.  It may come from emails, texts, daily observations or people I talk to on the street.  Everyone wants to share something, sometimes it's more than I want to know.  If I had more time I could do a lot more posts.  Some posts I've had queued up for months, but just haven't published.
  5. What's your policy on posts and comments?

    Believe it or not, writing is not one of my favorite things to do so you won't find many posts more than 2 or 3 paragraphs long.   Secondly, I don't think people would read much more than  a few paragraphs no matter how interesting.  Attention span is hard to keep on the internet.  As for comments, I very rarely reply to "Anonymous" comments.  If i do, it is to generally communicate a time or place. 


  6. How do you and the readers deal with controversial posts?

    I've been called racist, Nazi, stupid, ignorant, uneducated and every other expletive you can think of.  I've been cussed out in public, blogged about, trashed in papers, grabbed, poked in the chest and egged.  On the other hand, I've received some of the nicest compliments you can imagine.  I'm not writing about arts and crafts here, so I know what I'm in for.  I don't take it personal. 

    The two most controversial posts, perhaps in all of Media blogging history, were my posts on  Media Theatre and when Pete Alyanakian became Council President.

  7. What posts receive the most hits?

    Tragically, it's tragedy.  The Houtman park suicide had people freaked out before we knew the reason of death.  I was the one who asked for a statement from council via this blog, but I should have handled that differently.  Local politics, severe weather and state st. events get a lot of attention too.

  8.  What do you like to write most about?

    I like reporting on severe weather (snow storms, power outages) but I really enjoy recognizing people and events that make Media a better place.
     
  9. Would you be open to guest writers?

    Nah, not really.  It's easy enough to start your own blog, which I would encourage someone to do before posting here.  

  10. Where do you spend online time when not on ATM?

    I like local news sites.  I wish someone did a blog about Marcus Hook as there's a developing story there.  In fact, I visited the town and interviewed a few people to do a article, but didn't get time to finish it.  I like the delcotimes.com too.  Editor, Phil Heron has done a lot to get the community involved in blogging.
  11. Stats?

    This blog is almost 2.5 years old with well over 200,000 visitors, 733 posts and hundreds of comments. On popular stories, I've gotten over 1,000 visitors in a day.

  12. Do you read other blogs?

    I can't say that I do, but I like C-City Blogger.  A blog about Chester, PA.


  13. What's next for this Blog?

    I'd like to do more video and try to cover live events.  With help, ATM was the first blog to cover a Media election live.  We used a program call "Cover It" which worked very well.  I also tried to cover this year's Media Ball Drop with live video, but it didn't turn out too well.
  14.  Where will this blog and blogging be in 5 years?

    Whether this blog is here, replaced by another or made into something else; I'm not sure.  I am sure that this type of reporting (aka hypernews) is here to stay and will only expand.  It's partly due to the technology, but mostly due to the content a town like Media has and the audience that's interested in learning more about it.

Thanks


Tedman




Sunday, January 8, 2012

“Every student has a right to succeed at something.” Michael "Coach" Ludwig.

Michael "Coach" Ludwig

Congratualtions to Penncrest teacher, Michael Ludwig for his 36 years of service and being recognized as one of the top teacher in the area by Mainlinetoday.com

Main Line Education: Top Teachers 2011 - Main Line Today - October 2011 - Philadelphia, PA

I played football at Penncrest for Coach Ludwig and can tell you that the required discipline and expectations he had for his students and players was legendary. Hard work, resilience and fortitude aren't something you learn from books, but are traits taught by teachers like Michael Ludwig.




Olive Street Parking Garage.....S H A K E S!

How big of a problem are these deteriorating seams?
Should a concrete parking garage shake?  Olive St. parking garage does.  Over the last year I've been meaning to investigate this odd occurance further.  You may know what I'm talking about if you've been to the top level of this garage during an event.

Last Fall I attended the Gibbons Rock and Roll Auto show and couldn't get over the very noticeable flexing of the concrete floor during the event.  You can feel it through your shoes, but I also observed a motorcycle parked on it's kickstand ever so slightly swaying a bit back and forth.  That was enough for me to wonder how structurally sound this building was.
 
The garage has been there for at least 40 years and I have no idea what the life expectancy of these designs are, but for the record, someone should know about this and do a formal evaluation.  Concrete is a very brittle, rigid material; it's not meant to flex.  And if it does, that's a serious issue.


Saturday, January 7, 2012

Local Icon Larry Weathers Jr has passed

As reported by the Delcotimes.com today, I was sorry to hear the passing of a truly great citizen, Larry Weathers Jr.  He was a well know icon in the Middletown Township area and owner of Weathers Dodge, now known as Weathers Motors on Baltimore Pike.

My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Weathers Family.  Middletown and the surrounding communities loses a great person that worked tirelessly to makes this area a better place.

MEDIAproPAgandaNEWS.com - Borough Council Misleading Residents?

Newly elected  Councilman, Kent Davidson(D) who runs a website that proclaims to be news "Media, PA News," is creating a growing conflict of interest in this community.  Not only is it inappropriate for a government official to have a "news" website, but it's tremendously misleading.  In fact, it's a serious issue, as it will remain unclear what his or the council's intentions are and how his view will differentiate from borough business (i.e. Thrid Street Bridge)  For a campaign that was supposedly run on transparency, this seems opaque.

As a public servant, Kent should understand it's his job to listen and act on behalf of the people who elected him and that would entail discontinuing a politically motivated site that, regardless of his "posts," is a  direct reflection on Borough Council and Media.
MEDIA proPAganda NEWS: 
Brought to you by your local government:
Media Boro Council


Thursday, January 5, 2012

Media Police - State St. Theft 12/23/11 *** Update ***

On December 23rd, a few hours after it was confirmed,  I reported on this site that a theft  took place at the Golden Impulse Jeweler on State Street.  The investigation is ongoing, but the The Media Police Department is asking for any information that can solve this crime.

Media Borough Police: 610-565-6655







Monday, January 2, 2012

Media Courthouse Stands Out!

I've been by it countless times, but for some reason the recently completed exterior work that was done on the courthouse caught my eye today.  The building looks beautiful and is mentioned to be one of the nicest courthouses on the east coast.  

Back in August 2011, the work was started to clean up the outside of the building.

Take a look for yourself.












This is a good before/after shot.  This was taken when the renovations were being done.

Curbside Christmas Tree Pick-up in the Borough

I've not yet found any formal notification, but typically at this time of year the borough begins curbside pick up of discarded Christmas trees.  I've seen a few already this weekend in the streets. 

Once I find a schedule, if there is one, I'll post an update.  In the meantime, you may want to call or visit the Borough's website.



Sunday, January 1, 2012

Media keeps it CLEAN, FUN and SAFE on New Year's Eve

Thanks to our Police and Highway Departments:

It's hard to tell how many people came out last night for Media's 11th annual New Year's Eve extravaganza.  I heard as many as three to four thousand, which by the looks of it wouldn't surprise me.

This morning State Street was a mess with the celebration and aftermath of last night's event.  However, in mere hours, the Media Highway department had everything cleaned up to the point that you would've been hard pressed to believe there were that many people on the street 12 hours ago.  Great Job Media Highway Dept!

I'd also like to thank the Media Police for the great work they did last night too.  People were drinking in the streets, but I didn't hear of any major incidents or problems. I'm not sure Media could pull these event off with out the professionalism, dedication and community oriented support we have in our Police and Highway Departments. 

What's Trending this Morning: 

Interestingly enough, there was a tremendous spike this morning for online searches for "Media taxis, cabs and such."  Luckily, we had that covered at: 

Taxi Cab Service in Media? Here's your best bet


Happy New Year!