It's Sunday Morning.....Media, PA in two minutes - Recap of the week

Here's a re-cap on some of the more notable happenings in Media this week.  

Media Primary and Welcome Home Vets Parade:

It seems "low turn-out" was the theme of the week for both Tuesday's Primary election and yesterday's parade.  Less than 20 percent of the Media voters turned out on Primary day.  As for what was a great parade on Saturday, I had thought a lot more would have been in attendance.

I did catch up with Lt. Governor, Jim Crawely at Sligos afterwards and thanked him for attending.  In fact, thanks to everyone who put this together.

Daily Times posted a great article and I'm sure Media Patch will have one out later today.

High Probability that Media Elementary uses Nativity BVM for the 2012/13 school year.

Superintendent, James Wigo was on hand at last week's town hall meeting to discuss the options of relocating students while Media Elementary is closed for repairs.  It was discussed that there was a high level of confidence that Nativity would be the temporary location. Not a done deal yet, but things are moving in that direction.

A sincere thanks to the Superintendent and the RTM school board for having a concise, thorough plan and acting on it in a reasonable amount of time.  We don't see this type of leadership in Media often.

Media's Restuarant scene:

I've eaten twice at both Spasso's and Diego's.  There was nothing wrong with my first visits, but the second ones really showed that these places now have the kinks and timing worked out.   I particularly like how un-cluttered Spasso's is.   They could have jammed more tables in there, but with a great lay-out and high, vault like ceilings; they get the importance of ambiance along with great food.

The wait continues for La Porta in Edgmont township.  Based on this week's comments, people are fired up as to why it remains closed.  Based on a interview by CBS Philly with the owner, the opening date was suppose to be April 1st.

Media Borough and the Third St. Bridge Update:

$2 million more incurred bridge costs since 1996

I could go on about this one for hours, but I don't want to change Sunday morning's "Media, Pa in two minutes," to "four hours."  After what could be mistaken for a circus, Media borough will finally meet with the other two stake holder (BLCC, County) on Monday, April 30th at 3pm.  Why this wasn't done before everything else (Survey, CAC, etc.) is still unclear, as it may all be a moot point depending on the outcome of Monday's meeting. 

Is it too late to get the $15,000 back for the www.mediaborough.com website?  C'mon, this is bad.  What was told to the residents as better organization and use, proves to be a lot less.  First off the navigation for a "template" off the shelf website is horrible. If I didn't provide the link to the Emergency Notification page, no one would find it to sign up.  Secondly, the meeting minutes are posted for some committees, but not others.  Lastly, with all the social media available, the borough shouldn't have to use the emergency notification system for non-emergencies.  I hope this service isn't going to used as a marketing tool for meetings/events in the future.

THE SUPER WAWA:

Linn Architects

By now most people know Wawa is eagerly pursuing a store at the location of the now razed Media Inn site.  I got to see the drawings first had this week of the proposed new building.  Now it is a Wawa, but the sketches done by Bob Linn's team really look good.  Brick, nicely done walkways, gabled roofs, etc.  The project is still a long way off, but at least it's going in the right direction and the attention to detail and aesthetics is appreciated.  It's also worth noting that this store will bring 40 new jobs to the area.

This is a by right property, so there are other options that are less than desirable for this location, one of which is a Dollar store.  In a perfect world, it would have been the marque place for a hotel, but even in today's reality, I don't want to see a Dollar store as the gateway to Media.

Media getting ready for today's Welcome Home the Vets Parade!

It's expected to be one of the bigger events Media has had in awhile.  This morning preparations were underway for at the courthouse for today's Welcome Home Vets Parade.  Quite a few volunteers were setting up chairs, tents and booths in order to accommodate outreach programs for the vets.

For up to the minute information and schedules, drop by the official website.

La Porta Restaurant, where are you?

Edgmont doesn't get many spot light events like we do here in Media, especially regarding the restaurant scene, but one big expectation is the opening of La Porta (translation - The Door).  I was surprised to learn it hasn't opened yet, as the podcast below interviews Chef Peter McAnderews stating it was slated to open on April 1st.  April Fools joke perhaps?

Though I never wanted to see the Locust Crest close, the suspense of this place opening up is driving the area crazy.  People stop by this site everyday looking for updates, so it's the least I can do to give you what i know.

Chef Andrews is a quite a big deal owning six popular restaurants in and around Philadelphia.  Bringing something out to Edgmont I'm sure was a challenge, but from what I've seen from the newly remodeled place (aka Old Locust Crest) this place can't miss.  It's the right setting, at the right place with the right food.  They even retained the working fireplace, which really shows the authenticity Chef McAndrews is known for.

The premise is a wine bar and pizzeria. They'll have spuntini (snacks), anti-pizza (before the pizza) and very authentic pizza.  It'll be wood oven setup, so I'm thinking something like Ariano's.  They'll even have pizza called the bizmark, which is a pizza with a fried egg on top.   As for wine, this should be quite special too.  You don't own six restaurants without knowing something about wine, and people sure do love a good wine. They'll also have craft beers and take-out.

 

Audio On Demand « CBS Philly

Mayor announces this week's Welcome Home Parade via phone

Mayor, Bob McMahon announces this weekend's Welcome Home Parade for Vets via Emergency Notification system.  The message was sent around ~4:05pm EST to Media residents and gives details to the community on this upcoming event.  I had not seen a lot of flyers posted or marketing material regarding this event, but glad the word is getting out.  


Note: There will be no parking on State St. Saturday afternoon. If you haven't signed up with the borough's emergency notification system, here's the link.

For more event details and times, please visit. www.welcomehome2012.org.

Transition Town Media: Community Potluck Thursday, April 26th 6-9pm

Community showing displeasure with Media Boro's lack of leadership

$$$ down the drain by the Media Boro. Democratic Majority

A letter to the Editor of the Daily Times this week shows further displeasure of Media Borough's handling of Third St. Bridge.  Lack of leadership from Borough Council at last week's meeting resulted in a request to PennDot to extend the deadline for a decision.  After 16 years, a CAC report, court order, resolutions from surrounding communities......and a request for an extension was needed?

These are the same political games played by the democratic majority that delayed the bridge for 16 years while accumulating costs in legal and engineering fees.  In 16 years the bridge sat closed, at least it didn't have traffic running over it which was almost as good as a greenway in the minds of the democratic majority. While closed, people could still walk across it and ride bikes, which is what the objective is for the petition that, then candidates, Brian Hall, Paul Robinson and Kent Davidson signed for the Friends of Glen Providence Park.   Had it not been for Pete Alyanakian and a bi-paritsan coalition, the media democrats would have happily left this issue tied up in the courts as it did for the last 16 years.



Had the bridge been fixed in 1996, it would have been $2 million less to repair than what it costs today!

The writer goes on to state:

 Do the right thing, Media Borough Council. Replace the dam, open the roadway to vehicular traffic and abide by the legal agreement. The Third Street bridge should never be a bridge to nowhere. 

Primary Elections results for Media, Pa

#delcovotes


Unofficial totals of all four Media Precincts.  


Winners:
President - Romney
US Senate - Welch
State Senate - Pileggi
168th State Rep - Killion

Dem:

161		Kane
212		Murphy

Rep:

21		Gingrich
207		Romney
63		Paul
41		Santorum
27		Christian
10		Scaringi
147		Welch
90		Smith
32		Rohrer
285		Freed
95		Pinto
183		Maher
264		Vaughan
303		Meehan
291		Pileggi
37		Howard
295		Killion
94		Cocco
143		Willard
69		Grande
89		Owens
165		Lewis
66		Sellers
155		Booker
174		Puppio
153		Woods-Jacobs
99		Kocher
143		Salvucci
172		Egan
57		Puracchio
87		Boyle
146		Welsh
52		Moffa

Media, PA Election Results Later Tonight

#delcovotes

As typical on election day, ATMpa will be posting unofficial election results for Media borough tonight after the polls close at 8pm.  Check back after 9:30pm for results.

Thanks to everyone who worked at the polls today, as this couldn't happen without each and everyone of you.

BREAKING NEWS: Middletown Township passes resolution in support of opening 3rd St. Bridge

In addition to Upper Providence, Middletown Township tonight passed a resolution in support of opening Third St. Bridge to traffic.

Based on these actions, it's apparent that the local communities are in favor of having a "bridge" and additional access to Everybody's Home Town.

Superintendant announces that RTM is pursuing use of Nativity BVM for Media Elementary

At tonight's town hall meeting hosted at Media Elementary, Superintendent, Jim Wigo announced that RTM is pursuing a deal with Nativity to temporarily lease the school while repairs are done on Media Elementary.  Talks are in progress between the Arch Diocese and RTM. Mr. Wigo was optimitic a deal could be worked out soon.

He noted that due to possible insurance reimbursements and prudent planning by the current school board; neither higher taxes nor bonds will be needed to finance this effort.  RTM currently an emergency fund that is designated for issues such as these.

In addition, the Media Theatre has graciously offered, when needed, it's facilities to make up for auditorium needs during the time of displacement. 

Here's the breakdown of tonight's meeting:
1913 section of building was found to have issues in January. The work to repair would include replacing wooden trusses with steal trusses, beams and columns.  Construction will include heavy lifting through windows with a welded jack set in place for the repairs. At least 12 - 14 trusses are affected.

Design drawings are still being finalized as further investigation continues.  The displacement is expected to affect 425 children.  It's estimated the work will take a semester, though worst case could be up to a year.  To accommodate the work, the school is planning to be closed for a full year.


Decision:
The criteria for making the decision came down to: 1) Keep the students and teachers together 2) Stay in the borough.

Options Looked at:

Roosevelt School - 1st visit:
First visit was Roosevelt school - deplorable condition, unreliable infrastructure, time & $ to make habitable not worth it.  100% transportation necessary for kids, out of borough.

Kevin's in Springfield - 2nd visit:
Out of district & borough, too small, no gym, expensive upgrades (eg sprinklers & pull stations) no room for modular classrooms. 100% transportation

Split students & move in another district - 3rd visit:
Transportation, splits kids & families. Modular classrooms would be required. Moratorium on sewer capacity in Middletown

Barrall field - 4th visit:
40 trailers needed, disruption to community, media softball relocation, construction cost would be +$2m, $600k of cost was electric alone .

Nativity BVM - Media - 5 visit:
-can add modular classrooms
-no change in trans costs
-lease costs are a fraction of Barrall field costs
-full gym
-flexibility in moving back as soon as possible
-don't believe code issues are major in the facility
- classrooms at nativity 34, need three double classrooms for last 6
-keep all arts & sciences rooms
-facilities for cafeteria (gym)
-crossing guards on Baltimore pike
-8 buses now (nativity) - matches Media Elementary
-teacher parking - considering options including shuttle
-playground will remain available to public (media elementary)
- 07/01/2012 start date
- Nativity's CYO program will not be affected
-PREP program will not be affected
-other renovations at media elementary being considered during repairs, eg air conditioning.

Questions Raised:
-elevators? None at nativity. Either lower level classes or a 'stair chair'
-bathrooms will need to be modified for ADA
-library time will not be lost
-smart boards - trying not to move (fragile)
-some level of smart board technology will be available
-outside space - upper lot & tot lot
-champions (after school program) will move to new site
-financing -board through 'rainy day fund' & insurance reimbursements
-no bonds needed to be funded
-no taxes to be raised

It's Sunday Morning.....Media, PA in two minutes - Recap of the week

It's Sunday Morning.....Media, PA in two minutes 

Recap of the week 4/21/12

Here's a quick rundown of this week's 

more notable news in Media, PA

More news on Media eateries.

I

It's hard to followup on last week's news regarding the openings of Diego's and Spasso's, but the restaurant scene moves on.  I've heard another pizza place may be coming to Media in the coming months, along with a BBQ Ribs joint.  Deals for both are still in the works, but we will see.  One of which would be located on the western end of State St.

I've also learned that Wawa is eager to get into Media and develop a "Super Wawa" at the site of the former Media Inn location.  The drawings and layout I've seen  actually looked a lot better than I thought.

April 24th - Primary Election:
Typically, election Primaries are in May, but this year is a presidential election primary which will be held Tuesday, April 24th.  Here's a link to information about your polling location.  Keep in mind that the county will be conducting a "Soft Rollout" regarding this year's Voter ID requirement.  More information about this process can be found at the Delco Election Board.

Thanks to those who have volunteered to staff the polls.  There is growing possibility that borough polling places in the future may have to be combined due to lack of volunteers.

MEDIA HOSTS "WELCOME HOME PARADE FOR VETS" April, 28th 2012

For such a big event, there hasn't been much publicity or info on the details for the "Welcome Home Parade for Vets"  However, this week I did find their webpage, flyer and event details.

Today there is an article in the delcotimes.com explaining the event and the organization behind it.  It highlights the efforts of Mayor Bob McMahon and Media Tax Collector, Bob Dimond who've worked with many groups to make this happen.

Third St. Bridge Update:

The big news out of last Thursday's council meeting was that council did not make a decision on third street bridge.  They went on to explain that another month will be needed in which a statement will be given to PennDot to proceed on the matter, but in very broad terms.  Meaning, Borough Council hasn't decided on how to handle the bridge, but needs to give Penndot and answer in May in order for the funding to remain in place.  In fact, they had to submit a request to PennDot for a 3 day extension in order to do this.  

How after a CAC report, settled lawsuits, a resolution from Upper Providence, surveys, a court order and 16 years of history can borough council NOT make a decision on this matter?  Something is not adding up.  Council President, Brian Hall's statement of "it's complicated" is wearing thin. The lack of decision leads directly to a lack of leadership.  

There are three scenarios I can think of that may be delaying this decision:

1. Borough Council doesn't feel the matter is important enough to reach deadlines.
2. Council is thinking they can try to cut a deal with either of the two other stakeholders (BLCC, County).  
3. Borough council lacks the leadership and managerial execution to get the job done.  This point being interesting, as one of the democratic council member's called  the Chair of the Delco GOP for advice on the matter. Not the county, as would be formal process, but the Chairman, Andy Reilly. 

MEDIA ELEMENTARY TEMP. CLOSURE, Nativity?:

People in Media seem to prefer the students of Media Elementary go to Nativity, at least from the response people share on this site's poll.  The RTM School Board will have their monthly meeting on 4/26 in which I would expect an update on the matter.  However, from what people are telling me, this may be a done deal regarding the use of Nativity while Media Elementary is closed for repairs.

Media Youth Center Hall of Fame

I was invited to attend last night's inductee ceremony for the Media Youth Center.  What a great event!  I'll write more about this in the coming weeks, but it you really want to understand the fabric which has made Media what it is today,  you need only understand the families who have worked together for the youth of this town.  Success doesn't just happen for children growing up, it takes guidance, discipline, encouragement and the right attitude to make it happen.  This was essentially the theme of each inductee's speech, or those who spoke on their behalf; of what the Youth Center is and what it meant to them.

It's through the dedication of families such as the Adam's, Bak's, Gross', Hadley's, Johnson's, King's, Laughead's, Powell's, Stine's and Worrall's that have shaped and provided thousands of youngsters with the right skills to go on and make something of their lives.  I particularly liked the story of how coaches made their players have their shirts tucked in while on the court.  Teams consisted of the falcons, doves, etc.  I played for the beavers and learned how to dribble, but it didn't take me far in my basketball career.  Football and lacrosse were the sports of my choice.

There were many others in attendance who have also contributed to the Youth Center as presidents, directors, coaches and teachers.  It is great to see the community rally around the this institution which has had, and continues to be a positive impact on so many.

WelcomeHome2012.org Parade and Veterans Outreach 4/28 Media, PA

http://v-nep.org/welcomehome2012-event-day.html

Parade Order	Line Up Place
VN Motorcycles Motorcycle Group2 VFW 3460 Color Guard VFW Float AL Post 93 V V A 67 Color Guard Dom Giordano 1210 AM Penncrest Marching Band	State St. State St. S.Edgemont S.Edgemont S.Edgemont Gayley St. Barrall Field
Outreach/Awareness Fair Tables	Location
VNEP Veterans Administration Senator Casey Senator Toomey	Courthouse Lawn Courthouse Lawn Courthouse Lawn Courthouse Lawn
Restaurants/Establishments	Location
Noody Bar Quotations Iron Hill	State / Monroe State St. State St.

This Blog (ATMpa) ranks 3,237,209 in the world! Whatever that means

As far as the World Wide Web goes, and it goes far...... Allthingsmediapa.com ranks 3,237,209 in the world, as reported by Statscrop.com.  I guess that's a good thing.  Search Engine Optimization has been pretty good to this site too.

In addition, people have been quite fond of Sunday morning's "Media in 2 minutes" recap.  Thanks for reading!

CAC to present 3rd St. Bridge and an interesting report on the history of the Bridge

UPDATE: 8:30 pm EST (4/19/12)  Media Boro. Council tables decision on Third St. Bridge until May 17th meeting and requests a 3 day extension on financing deadline.  In fact, a the only decision to be made next month will be to let PennDot know that the borough is moving forward with the project.  Oddly, Council will not be making a  decision on the type of fix and how to proceed during their May meeting.

Upper Providence residents conducted their own survey showing strong favor for option 1A: Replace Dam/Auto, Bicycle, Pedestrian.


On tonight's Borough Council agenda, the CAC will be presenting their report on the 3rd St. Bridge.  I don't know if any formal decision will be made, but I'll provide an update after tonight's meeting.  The meeting starts at 8pm at the community center.

This week I received a well written report from a reader, which is not only unbiased, but provides a comprehensive history on the issue.  The report is a quick read and may be useful for those not familiar with the bridge's 16 year history.  

Report on the Third St. Bridge

Video of Yesterday's Super Sunday (4/15/12) by Media Town Talk

Here's a  write up and video by the Media Town Talk on yesterday's Super Sunday 

It's Sunday Morning.....Media, PA in two minutes - Recap of the week

Here's a quick rundown of this week's 

more notable news in Media, PA

Super Sunday, April 15th 2012

Super Sunday, also affectionaley known as "Super Sock Sunday" is upon us again.  This event has been a Media tradition for a long time with arts, crafts, and swaps of almost everything you can imagine.  This year should see a big influence from local restaurants too.

Big Week for Media Restaurants: Spasso's and Diego's

I got to go to both last week and what welcomed additions they are.  Media is now a force and first choice in the area when it comes to Italian and Mexican food.  Well done!

April 24th - Primary Election:
Typically, election Primaries are in May, but we will be having one this month, April, 24th.  Here's a link to information about your polling location.

MEDIA HOSTS "WELCOME HOME PARADE FOR VETS" April, 28th 2012

There was an article in the delcotimes today reporting the event will be from noon to 5pm on Saturday, April 28th.  There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, so check back soon for details.

Third St. Bridge Update:

Media Borough Council will be having their monthly meeting this Thursday, April 19th (8pm).  It's expected that council will provide some kind of decision on the outcome of the bridge.  At this time, a formal agenda has not yet been released by the borough.  In addition, former Councilman James Cunningham wrote a letter to the editor in support of moving forward with the repair as instructed by the court order and agreed upon design plans.

The Citizens Advisory Committee released their final report last week.  I do appreciate the time spent by those who were generally objective about this issue, but the process was flawed and misleading to the general public and the other two stake holders.  During this whole time Media Borough council has not even reached out to the county or BLCC to have them even consider a change prompted by research of the CAC.  This effort to placate a special interest group by Media Borough democratic majority may end up becoming a tremendous waste of time and money to Media taxpayers.

Media Democratic Campaign Literature

MEDIA ELEMENTARY TEMP. CLOSURE:

Three weeks ago it was announced that Media Elementary will be closed during the 2012/2013 school year due to needed structural roof repairs.  The big issue here is where will the students be relocated to.  The next school board meeting is April 26th, so there may be further clarification on the issue and possible options.  I understand from people close to the matter that the objective is to keep the students in Media during this transition.  In addition, an insurance claim may be pursued to off set costs to taxpayers.

Though not scientific, people who have taken the ATM poll have again been leaning towards using the soon to be vacant Nativity BVM facility.

10th Annual Media American Roots Ramble - April 21st, 2012

It's hard to believe it's the 10th annual, but the Media Americana Roots Ramble is one, knee slapping good time.  If fact, to make it happen requires talents and skills of all sorts.  If you'd like to be a part of the production, please consider volunteering your time to help setup and work the booth.  Check out their website for further details.