A video announcement a Mayor SHOULD do.

I'd like to recognize Mayor Linder of Chester for what I thought was a great service announcement to businesses in his town. This is exactly what I'm talking about when I mention enthusiasm, passion and interacting with the community.  This is also reflects a good knowledge of business opportunity, which is crucial in advocating economic development.   Kudos to Google too, who I'm sure produced the video and probably picked up the tab for a service they are obviously trying to market.  Either way, it looks to be a win-win for both groups.

This is what a mayor should do, not get caught up in a telemarketing informercial that happened here in Media and ended up costing taxpayers $20,000.  Mayor McMahon and borough council sold us on this deal that their infomercial would be shown nationally.  They boasted it would be seen on the Discovery Channel.   A year later and has anyone seen it.....anywhere on TV?  Let's back up! Has anyone ever seen "Today in America" by Terry Bradshaw where the clip was supposedly to air? You get the point, but what many don't understand is that the company Mayor McMahon and borough council dealt with to make this informercial (non-bid) had been investigated and fined for fraud by the Florida State Attorney General.  For all we know the video could have been a one-time take in a studio?  Who's to know and how can anyone tell from a Youtube clip?!?

Mayor McMahon and Council President, Brian Hall should have known better than to get into a deal with a company that had been under this type of investigation.  It was even brought to their attention in the press.  There were prior complaints all over the internet about how this organization operates and the sales pitch they use. What proves the point further was how poor the final product was.  It's hard to even sit through the clip, let alone understand its point.  Maybe that's why borough council fails to utilize it in any meaningful way.  In my opinion, Media's local officials perpetuated a knowingly shady project because they didn't have the courage to speak up and stop it, or were too arrogant to think they had to.

It's Rose Tree Colts Football time!!! Early Equipment Pick-Up Tonight and Friday 6pm

It's that time! Rose Tree Colts Football time!! 

*Early equipment distribution will be on Tuesday, July 30th & Friday July 31st at 6 pm.

ROSE TREE COLTS FOOTBALL WILL BEGIN ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 1ST AT 6:00 P.M.

... 

Rose Tree Colts cheer will begin on Monday, August 5th at 6:00 p.m.

PRACTICES WILL BE MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY FROM 

6:00 P.M. - 7:30/8:00 P.M. THROUGH LABOR DAY.

Media in Two Minutes

 It's Media in Two Minutes!

Aside from this blog, If you want to see what else I'm bringing to the table, almost literally, swing down to today's Media VFW breakfast buffet.  I've been asked to work the made-to-order omelet station, but don't panic, my culinary skills are much better than my poor attempts at humor.

Great things happen when the community pitches in to help one another, and this event is one of them.

Media's Biggest Dip!
If you like roller coaster rides, or even it you don't; you'll certainly get the experience when driving down N. Orange Street towards Upper Providence.  It's not easy to see and comes up on drivers quick, but if you been over this way you've certainly felt the notorious "Dip" in the road.  

It not only seems to have gotten worse over the last few months, but I'd even consider it a danger for those who aren't  familiar with it.  Even at the legal speed limit, it provides a very noticeable jolt that feels like it swallows up your whole vehicle.  

Best of Luck To Team Sligo - Tour de Shore
If you're out representing Media, you get spot light status on ATM.  Best of Luck to Media locals,  Team Sligo who will be biking to AC tomorrow for the Tour de Shore event.  We hope they'll provide updates a long the way. 

Worlds' Richest Man Lives in Media....sort of.
Media, PA doesn't make the world news much, but when you had the richest man living here, word travels fast.  Even if it was only for a few hours and more of an accounting mistake than personal fortune, Media was the home of a quadrillionare.  Here's the whole story.

Farewell to the Lima Wawa
This turned out to be a bigger story than I thought, but I knew the history of this store meant a lot to the people in the community.  Thanks for the comments that were posted in memory of this store.  This location was more than just a Wawa, it was a store that was part of the Middletown community fabric.

The Motel Providence

People overlook this motel as NOT being a true hotel/motel in Media.  That could be debatable, but one thing is for sure it that this business certainly doesn't get a lot of love from Media.  I've never stayed here, so I can't speak from experience, but I will say they deserve credit for keeping the place presentable.  With a recent paint makeover and a cleaned up parking lot, they are trying which is appreciated.

I can't say that about the proposed Hampton Inn site that is directly across the street.  The place looks like nobody cares.  Perhaps nobody does, including borough council.

Peroni Movie Night at Ariano and Dos Gringos
I'm not sure how this turned out last Thursday evening on Olive St., but I have to give a lot a credit for the group that attempted this concept.  It not only sounded like a good idea, but showed some real ambition in attempting to make the Media scene better.  I hope it went well and they consider trying it again.

Media gets Trashy
Nothing trashes up Media more than abandoned shopping carts on State Street.  Here's a prime example I saw yesterday that was even being used as a trash can.  This isn't an isolated incident as I've seen many shopping carts just left wherever.  There's no need for an ordinance or a committee created to address this, just don't be lazy and return you CARTS!

MEDIA VFW Sunday Buffet Breakfast - Tomorrow (7/28) 8:30 till 11:30am

Come by tomorrow to check out one of the best breakfast buffets in town....or anywhere.  The great folks at the Media VFW put together this community event on the last Sunday of each month.

VFW Post 3460 ReminderJuly 26, 2013 Sunday Buffet Breakfast this Sunday from 8:30 till 11:30am. A variety of breakfast foods available. Support your post and enjoy a good breakfast. Bring your family and friends.
 Post 3460 Web Site  www.mediavfw.com continues to attract people looking to rent halls. Our hall is the best choice in Delaware County for the price for any occasion for up to 80 people. The site also attracts many viewers. We just added a video clip of the 2011 Media Welcome Home Parade for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan at the bottom of our Home Page. Take a look.

Check this out! Ariano Restaurant to show outside movie on Olive Street Thursday evening!

If you like dining under the stars here in Media, you may even like it more with a movie. This Thursday night, Ariano's restaurant will be featuring Cinema Peroni outside on Olive Street. The street will be blocked off with a movie screen setup. With a natural slope, this could be Media's newest ampitheatre dining experience.

The featured show for the evening is Oceans 11.  

Riddlewood Swim Club 5K Run - Sunday, August 04, 2013 10:30 AM

Here's a great 5K race coming up!  Lace'm up and come out and support a GREAT community Swim Club!

Join Us for the third annual 5K race to benefit the Riddlewood Swim Club! There will be a 5K race and a 1.5 mile walk starting and ending at the pool. It's a beautiful course in Delaware County and will be a lot of really challenging fun! The course is hilly, but is mostly shaded, and on lightly traveled residential streets. Spectators will be out to cheer you all on and will add to the party atmosphere. Race-day registration will begin at 9 am. The race will begin at 10:30 am and starts and ends at the Pool! Party Afterward - Join us for the day! Jump in for a swim after the race. There are 2 pool passes for the day of the race, included with each registration, so bring a friend and stay the day. (one day pass for race day per person for each person on team registration) Additional day passes will be available for purchase that day as well. It will be a great way to run and splash and play the afternoon away. Please join us! See the course : http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/32572730

Questions? Contact the Administrator

Contact:	Andrew Poole
Phone:	610-500-1548
Email:	Click here to email the Administrator
Website:	http://riddlewoodswimclub.com/

Additional Location Information
56 War Trophy Lane, Media PA 19063

Wawa Store in Lima Pa to close for Good.

click to enlarge

Not since the close of their world famous diner has Lima, Pa received this bad of news.  The Wawa Store on Baltimore Pike and Rt. 452 will be closing its doors for good tomorrow after 32 years of appreciated service.  If you're around, they'll be serving free coffee to mark this historical event.  You can read the formal statement below, but it seems the store has decided to go in a different direction.  Truthfully, I have been quite  fond of this this store, as I grew up with this Wawa for most of the years it was open.  When I was old enough to drive, my Father would happily send me out to this store when my Mother realized we were out of milk and eggs.   With a new drivers license back then, I never minded getting out of the house for what seemed like a nightly trip.

One thing people don't know about this store was that it was the last Wawa to have a grill.  I'm not a Wawa historian, but this was always pointed out to me when I was younger and I have no idea why I remembered that. The cheesesteaks were one thing, but the breakfast sandwiches made-to-order had to be a good reason why people liked this store so much.   The grill has long since been gone, but one thing that always remained was that you were almost always guaranteed to bump into someone you knew here– at any hour.  It was just that kind of store and I can tell it'll be greatly missed.

Media in Two Minutes

Pretzel Crisps Follows ATM?
I'm intrigued by companies that follow this blog.  This week Pretzel Crisps jumped onboard and is now a follower of ATM on Twitter.  Why would company like this follow a local blog about community related items; I have no idea.  However they do have over 250,000 likes on Facebook, so what do I know.

Welcome Pretzel Crisps!

New Development on Baltimore Ave.

400 Block of E. Balt Ave.

Work is quickly progressing at the 400 block of Baltimore Avenue with what I hear will be condo/apt housing.  Judging from the initial construction, this structure will sit a lot closer to the road than did the previous outlay.  Media's lack of affordable housing is a complaint I often hear. Hopefully, future developers start taking that into consideration for "Everybody's Home" town.


Media Rotary Makes It Happen
I was unable to attend last week's Media Rotary event hosted at Generations Restaurant, but I hear it was a great success.  The effort was put together to raise money for a bike rack in Media.  Great to see the community come together to support and help make Media a bike friendly town!


Congratulations to the Media Girls Softball Team!
Ladies, Great Job at becoming Media's latest CHAMPIONS!


Media's Pool Hall
I never get tired of hearing about the history of Media.  Recently I spoke to a life long resident who told me Media had a very popular pool hall called Louie's located at the corner of Baltimore Ave. and Orange Street.  Not only could you play pool and arcade games, but they also had a hat cleaning service. Hard to imagine in these days with the nano second attention span most of us have.  He went on to tell me they would put match books underneath the legs of the pinball machines to slow the game down in order to rack up free plays.  

The Challenge of a Hotel in Media!
It's not clear what will happen with Media's proposed Hampton Inn.  Financing has been the biggest hold-up, but a Wall Street Journal article pointed out that often times local government assistance is needed to make these developments successful.   The help usually comes in the form of tax abatements.  One person in the article even said, "These things are largely uneconomical without significant public incentive."  This is my point: After seven years, what has Media Borough Council done to understand what it will, or won't take to have a hotel built in town? With a brand new hotel that's opening up in Springfield, having one in Media may not be as feasible as initially thought seven years ago.

Springfield's new hotel and restaurant area.

Closure of N. Orange raises questions,
With this week's closure of N. Orange Street, people felt the vulnerability of not having access to and from Media.  Even thought the road closure was only a few days, there was a lot of anxiety towards the inconvenience and safety issues this created. This again, illustrates the point of how important it is to fix the Third Street bridge and open the roadway to two-way traffic.  Had N. Orange Street been closed for any extended length of time, it really would have caused a noticeable disruption on other streets due to increased traffic.

A lot of organizations could use $20,000

$20k for a video, but ZILCH for Fire Dept.

Two weeks ago the Media Fire Department held a fundraiser at Rita's Water Ice.  I attended and was happy to contribute, but I have to say it's just not right to see people putting money in a fireman's boot on the counter of a water ice stand, when Mayor Bob McMcahon frivolously spent $20,000 on a poorly made, infomerical for Youtube.  We were told it would be shown nationally, but what were the metrics of ROI for such a project?  Not only was is it not clear what audience the video was trying to appeal to, the company that produced it was fined for fraudulent practices.  Both the mayor and borough council knew this, but proceeded anyway.

I've asked the Mayor about this a few times, even wrote a letter on behalf of taxpayers who contacted me about this spending.  Bob McMahon never replied to my letter and has told me in person he had other issues to deal with. For a Mayor, that's not right either!

Media Hoists Up Another Championship Trophy! Congrats to the Media Area Girls Softball Team.

Congratulations to the Media Area Girls Softball Team on their win last night!  Media is becoming well know for its championship teams with these ladies now joining that circle as the Midget C North Delaware Valley CHAMPIONS!

Ladies, we couldn't be prouder of your hard 

work and achievements!  

Media Youth Rugby Plays Scotland at Rose Tree School July 26th 6pm!

Media Youth Rugby Club goes international.  Here's an update on their upcoming event.  

Westhill Academy of Aberdeen Scotland will be playing the Media youth rugby club at Rose Tree School. Kickoff At 600PM free admission.....post game gathering $5.00.

Media Youth Rugby - State Champs!

BREAKING: N. Orange Street Between Media and Upper Prov Closed Due to Sink Hole

N. Orange Closed Due to Sink Hole

UPDATE: 5:00pm EST - Penndot expects to have sink hole fixed and road opened, as soon as this Friday 7/19 barring any major damage or weather delays.

The Media Police have confirmed that  N. Orange Street between Media and Upper Providence has been closed due to a sink hole.   A steel plate has been placed over the small bridge by the Hickory Valley development, but the thoroughfare has been deemed impassable.  No information yet on the extent of the damage, next steps or time to repair. 

It would have been great to have had Third Street Bridge repaired in order to alleviate congestion and inconvenience, but after 18 years and money to repair the bridge, Media Borough Council fails to do so.

Upper Providence moving forward with widening of Rt. 252

Sketch of 252 Widening Project in Upper Providence

This seems to have been in planning for years, but an article in this week's Town Talk by Susan Serbin explains the widening of Rt. 252 is about to begin.  Penndot is set to release RFPs in the next few weeks, with a decision determining contractor/s in mid-October.

Preliminary work is expected to begin by the end of 2013 and will continue through 2014. For further information, drawings and phases of this project, please check out Upper Providence's website.

New Development: Reserve at Rose Tree begins lot clearing for Townhomes

Baltimore Pike by Elwyn

Back in February of this year I took a look at the proposed Reserve at Rose Tree site slated for development on Baltimore Pike.  You may have seen the sign posted on your way to the Granite Run Mall from Media.  At that time, there wasn't much going on other than a fancy sign indicating the future development.

This week, things are beginning to move forward on this project with noticeable work going on towards clearing the lot of trees. You can actually see the this from the road, but the picture shows the lot clearing has begun in earnest.  (Note: the dirt road leading back to the property is rutted, washed out and not meant for travel).

Lot clearing has begun for Reserver at Rose Tree

Cornell Homes, the developer, is looking to put 112 townhomes on the lot.  You can view their website for more information.

Isolated Power Outage in Media due faulty transformer on Monroe and 5th St.

Faulty Transformer at 5th and Monroe St.

If you live in the vicinity of 5th Street and Monroe, you may be experiencing a decrease in electricity or no electricity at all. Peco has identified the issue and has assistance in route to fix the problem, which involves replacing a faulty transformer. They believe the time to fix will be a couple of hours.  I've asked for an update should the outage exceed 10pm EST.

With temperatures approaching 90 degrees, where's the involvement of Media Mayor Bob McMahon and elected officials on Borough Council?  Power outages in the borough have been a common occurrence lately.

Media in Two Minutes

A Special THANKS this week to avid ATM reader, Michael Jordan for the kind letter he submitted to the delcotimes.com on why he likes this blog and what it's done for the community.  Much appreciated.

Don't forget today's Car Show being held on State Street 10am to 3pm.

Ok, Let's Go!

Black Hawk Spring - Fondly Remembered
I had a great time writing this week about the old Black Hawk Spring and it looks like a lot of people enjoyed it too.  One commenter even posted an old "Save the Black Hawk Spring" patch, which I've never seen before.  There's not much I wouldn't do to have the opportunity again to have that spring back.

WAWA - The End Game
We've known for some time that the Planning Commission favored this project by their recent vote to approve the preliminary proposal.  The problem is Media Borough council is showing every indication they won't proceed with it.  Whether it's Hall dismissing the Planning Commission's recommendations as "advisory," Stein downplaying the project at an MBA meeting,  Robinson eluding to unfounded competitive concerns or democratic primary candidates who intentionally failed to even address the issue; they clearly are making a case against the project.

I don't expect anything to happen until September, but I'll be the first to say, "It won't be approved by council."  The anti-business climate in this town and the lack of effective leadership on ANYTHING by borough council, makes the determination of the outcome easy.  How long have we had a bridge out for?  One that was financed two years ago?

Media FIre Company Raises Money on Thursday Night

Fire Co. Fundraiser

I got a chance last Thursday to swing down and see the fundraiser being held at Rita's Water Ice. Great Job by the Media Fire Company who had quite a good turnout!  

Media's Food Bank
In the Summer months when everyone's having a good time, me included; don't forget to consider Media's Food Bank on Baker Street behind.  Sadly, even on the 4th of July, there were people lining up to get food for their families.

What are the Three Things People Want to See in Media?
Think about that for next week.  I haven't generally asked that question, but that's not to say people don't tell me what three things they wish Media had.  I'll do a little more research but this is a very interesting topic.  The feedback I've gotten thus far, hasn't shocked me, but does show what's on peoples minds.

Bastille Day Celebration
Great turnout for last nights Bastille Day Celebration.  Thanks to all the volunteers and staff that put the event together, a lot of fun was had by all.  There was even a replica Eiffel Tower erected on Veteran's Square.

Family Movie Night
There's no doubt Family Movie Night is popular.  So popular that when there's a chance of rain that threatens the event, they contact me.  That's fine, but what I don't get is why there aren't announcements via social media to, 1) Give updates on possible cancellations. 2) At least let people know what movie is being shown.  No one knew what the movie was until 30 minutes before the show. Yes, It's a very small issue, but has even a easier solution.

 

Best Creamsicle Milkshake in the WORLD is made in Media, Pa!

The Venerable Creamsicle
Made in Media, PA

Here's a nice write-up on Media by the Brandwine CVB who recently promoted Everybody's Hometown as a great day-trip experience. There's a host of good segments describing the vibe and feel of Media, but one that jumped out at me was the proud display of a milkshake, but not just any milkshake concoction.

There's no need to go into detailed explanation of how good the Front Street Fountain's Creamsicle Milkshake is, if you look at the picture and think about it, it'll sell its self.  Yeah, it's that good!

So, here's the deal: Unless there is a formal challenge presented to prove me wrong, I going to say that this decadent creamsickle milkshake is the BEST Creamsicle IN THE WORLD. 

With gratitude, a big thanks to the folks at Front St. Fountain for creating a great family oriented restaurant that understands the culinary craftsmanship and dedication needed for a world class beverage.

Vandalism Report Filed with the Media Police for incident at Fourth and Lemon Streets

I was informed today that Broomall Lake Swim Club filed a vandalism report recently with the Media Police for an incident that included defacement of their property at the location of Fourth and Lemon Streets.   

  Should you see any suspicious activity, 

please contact the Media Police by dialing 911.

Brandywine CVB - Your Official Guide to County Events - Online Magazine for Spring/Summer 2013

Here's a great online magazine by the Brandywine CVB featuring 

notable events going on in the county this Summer.

Downtown Media Cars Show - 6th Annual! Sunday, July 14, 2013 10am - 3pm

Historically this is one of my favorite events Media has.  It gets better each time and this year 300 classic car are expected consisting of all makes and models.  Keep your Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf home, this is all about high torque, high horsepower American made muscle cars.  They usually have a foreign section too, which I find just as interesting.  Was there a more dominating car then the Porsche 917 (1,500bhp @ full boost)? Maybe we will see one.

It's good to see the organizational efforts by the Brandywine CVB behind this.  They've done some great shows for Media in the past.  Looking forward to seeing and hearing all the great cars!

Here's a video of the 2011 event!

Media Family Movie Night is BACK! This Saturday July 13th, at Barrall Field

If you and your family like the outdoors and watching movies, well you're in luck.  Media Family Movie night is back at Barrall this Saturday.  The featured movie is shown on a two-story movie screen that brings back the look and feel of a drive in movie theater.

This is a well liked event by Media residents, so make plans to get there early.  For whatever reason, the movie title that will be playing has yet to be released, so you'll have to wait for that announcement or call the recreation office at 610-566-5210 x255.  Movie starts at dusk.

SEPTA fare increases for Media Trolley, Buses and Media/Elwyn (R3) Line

Like anything else, as of July 1st, 2013, you'll be paying a bit more to take public

transportation in and out of Media, PA.  Rate hikes went into effect earlier this month.  If you get a weekly train pass to center city, that'll now cost you $44, which is two dollars more than what it was before.  For a complete listing of rates check out SEPTA's site.

Also different is the discontinuation of the male/female sticker that accompanied passes.  I suppose the original reason why this was implemented was no longer needed.  It was also found to be a bit insensitive to the LGBT groups who applauded the move.

Something to look forward to includes the future NPT (New Payment Technology) system that Septa hopes to have implemented by early 2014.  Here's a basic run-down of how that'll work.   They'll also include payments by smartphone once a technology called NFC (Near Field Communication) is implemented by cell phone makers.  Essentially, it's an embedded chip in a smartphone that allows payments by swiping your phone in close proximity to a receiving scanner.

What I didn't know was that SEPTA is the last transit authority in the country that still uses tokens for payments. However, when NPT begins, it'll be the first transit authority to give riders the ability to pay by methods other than Septa issued cards.  Here's some more interesting information on SEPTA's plans.

Also check out the invaluable SEPTA Media/Elwyn Twitter Site and their smartphone train schedule app, Baldwin.

Can We Make Media a More Bike Friendly Town? Heck, Yeah We Can!

It's awesome to see people get involved in the community and when inspiration takes hold great things WILL happen.  The Media Rotary club will be hosting a Quizzo's event on July 17th at Generations Restaurant to raise funds for a community bike rack here in Media.  

I hear a lot of people talk about bike friendless, so here's your chance to get involved.  Imagine the difference we can make by having more people ditch the car and take their trusty bike to town. That's something we can agree would be good for everyone.  Stop by, make an appearance and discover the possibilities this town can achieve when we work together. 

A BIG THANKS to the great folks at the Media Rotary for taking the initiative and interest in our town!

Tedman

 

The Best Water You Could Get: Black Hawk Spring

If you haven't lived in the area for longer then 20 years, you may have no idea what I'm talking about.  However, if you have, you'll remember at one time you could drive just outside of Media to get pure spring water flowing out of open public spigots over by Tyler Arboretum.  If you drive down Barren Road in Middlletown, you can still see the remnants of this location about halfway between where Penncrest High School is and the entrance to the park by the Ridley Creek.

People came from all over on a routine basis to collect this water.  In fact, it was so popular that in 1987 they relocated the spigots at a cost of $87,000 from the west side of Barren Road to across the street where they also included a parking lot.  At the time, Wawa contributed $40,000 and Middletown Township kicked in $15,000 with a stipulation that the water would always be free. Others contributed too to preserve this well liked natural resource.  

original location of the spring

It was reported that as many as 200 people a day could show up with plastic and glass jugs to take home what many thought was the best water around.  If you drove by during the warmer months, it was a regular site to see people waiting in line.  Even Wawa was interested at one point in selling it as a bottled product within their stores.  They went so far as to have a Black Hawk Spring label made up in anticipation, but found the economic feasibility lacking.   During the early nineties, selling water in a bottle wasn't as generally accepted by consumers as it is today.  Some even thought the idea buying water as ridiculous. Times have changed.

spring was moved across the street to this location

How good was the water?  Apparently it was some of the purest around and had been relied on by the Lenni Lenape Indians since the 1600s.  Some claimed it had therapeutic properties and cherished it enough to leave monetary contributions to help keep the free water flowing.  I don't know if you really notice GOOD water, but you definitely can taste sub-par water.  However, the whole presentation of water coming out of a spring deep in the woods definitely had an impact on the experience and taste.  This water was good and cold.

Suk said the water was so pure that often the monthly tests come back from the laboratory with hardly any reading of pollutants. "In the three years that I have been here, the spring was shut down only once, and that was due to natural contamination, rotted leaves and the like," he said (Philly.com 1987)

parking lot blocked

I had always heard the reason for the closure of the spring was due to development of a large home above the spring that eventually contaminated the water.  There's never been any direct correlation with that theory and the spring, but Tyler did eventually close it in 1992 due to an increase in frequency of bacteria levels found in the water.  

The former site still exists but has since grown over with heavy brush.  The outline of the former parking lot is still there, but has also grown over and now has a guard rail blocking the entrance.  What's interesting is that the area where the taps were is very damp, so I imagine the spring still provides water to this very day.

The Latest on Proposed Wawa Site for Media, Pa

Proposed Wawa for Media, Pa

Tomorrow evening an important Planning commission meeting will take place that may decide the fate of the proposed Wawa at the location of Baltimore Avenue and Providence Road.  You may remember the custom designed concept Wawa presented back in May that was truly unique for this company.  People were so interested in it, the story went viral for a local town.

During the last 18 months I've heard nothing from either Mayor Bob McMahon or Media Borough council regarding a formal position or an alternative proposal for this site - the gateway to Media.  All they are able to give are nebulous theories on why it may not be desirable; supported by actions of dismissal towards recommendations favoring this development by both the Planning commission and the MBA. Council likes to claim they go by the process, only until the process counters their personal agendas.  Then they diminish it as only advisory (i.e. Planning Commission). Look how they handled the 3rd Street Bridge compared to this project.  I've also heard this council refused to even grant Wawa a meeting.   If true, that's not only an embarrassment to this town, but a total lack of appreciation towards one of the most admired and well liked companies in the region.  

Whether it's too many gas pumps, traffic or what borough council perceives as un-welcomed competition; the Media community, businesses and Wawa deserve a straight answer from Media Borough Council regarding their intentions and reasons for, or against this project.  Media Borough Council may not care for this company, but here's a great article that shows many people do.

Media Fire Company Night. July 11th, 6 - 9pm

This Thursday, July 11th will be Media Fire Company Night at Rita's Water Ice. Media has a great history of people who have servered their community.  Since 1891 the Media Fire Department has been a volunteer company.  If you have the time to volunteer or know someone who'd like to, please check out their site that has a listing of what the positions entail, associated training and FAQs.

Media in Two Minutes

Penncrest's Scoreboard?

Penncrest Scoreboard?

In the grand sceme of things, this may not rate high, but the Penncrest scoreboard is gone.  Are they putting up a fanavision?  In passing, someone told me something about this, but I can't remember the reason for the change.

Robertson's Barbershop
I wrote about the opening of a new barbershop on N. Olive street a few weeks ago, but can report back that this place is the straight-up, real deal.  I stopped in on Friday and Mark the owner got me in and out very quickly with one of the nicer cuts I've had in awhile. 

The lounge atmosphere is nice and something I appreciated too.  Check it out, at $16 a cut, it's one of the best places around.

Double Decker Pizza will be opening SOON!
Not being familiar with what or who Double Decker Pizza was, I took it for granted as being just another pizza place that was coming to Media.  Well, I admit, I was wrong.  Apparently, people drive from Media to their other locations (Ridley Park) because this pizza is that good.  In fact, someone the other night did this very thing to prove it's worthiness.  I didn't have time to stick around to try it out, but this place now has my interest.  

I hear it'll be open in the next month or so.  They are located on 400 block of Baltimore Avenue.

Media Fire Company NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Thankfully, I've never had to deal with the Media Fire Company, but I know they are there if needed.  If you have time, please considering volunteering with this group.  They have openings for all kinds of work whether it assisting with fire emergencies or helping in the office.  

Media really needs to think how this service will be provided in the future.  If there are dwindling volunteers, will there someday be a need for a paid staff?  A tremendous expense, but one that could be a reality in the coming years.

Fourth of July IS BIG, just not in Media

4th of July Parade

With Media not having a fourth of July parade, I wanted to see what other towns did for this celebration.  While traveling on Thursday, I stopped into Rock Hall, Maryland breifly to check out what they had for this day.  Well, if you get behind Main Street where the parade happens, you're not leaving until it's over, which was my situation.  Anyway, this parade is not just a 10 minute ordeal, it went on for a full hour.

They really take this parade serious with float after float after float.  Any civic or personal achievement worthy of a float, well, gets a float.  This parade draws out everyone and I would imagine one of their biggest events of the year for them.  Heck, you can even drink beer while watching if that's your thing.

Bastille Day in Media
If you're not sitting on a beach in Greece sipping Ouzo, you may want to check out what Media has to offer next week for the town's celebration of Bastille Day.  I wasn't there last year, but this is a well liked, popular event that people really get excited for.  

I think the international flair this event provides is a welcomed summer treat for Media.  Definitely check it out, I think people will really like what that have in store for this year.

Media's Farmers Market (Thursday vs Saturday)
In concept and on many other levels, the Media Farmers Market is a great idea; but is it on the wrong day(Thursday)?  I was recently out to see some people in West Chester who showed me what they were doing with their Farmers Market. Theirs is from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays an is located in a municipal parking lot a block back from Market Street.   People come from all over to attend for what I found was a great selection of produce.  Soaps, cheeses, cured meats, breads, flowers/plants, pasta and a great assortment of baked goods.  

West Chester's Farmers Market on Saturday

Thursday afternoons may be good for some in Media, but I'd have to guess Saturday's would be better for most.  I still think this the parking lot at N. Olive and Front Street would be better accommodating and centrally located for the town.  This location would be in close proximity to the Plum Street Mall which is always bustling with people on Saturday.


Media's Hotel, Wawa and Bridge = Same Story
Is there any coincidence regarding the confusion and lack of communication by Media Borough council over these three projects?  As for leadership, forget it.  Much like conflict of interest, they don't understand the meaning   When you have a mayor and borough council who can't even come out and give positions or updates on these matters, that's what we as a town get.  Three major issues that will have a big impact on the town, and readers have to come to this blog to get updates that their local eleceted officials fail to provide on a regular basis.  Oh, and you can throw in the issues with the Olive Street parking garage too. If Media Borough claims they are business friendly, they are doing nothing to prove it.

Eitherway, here's what Springfield has been up to with their hotel.  Looks like it might be ready before the end of summer. Also, I've included a shot of what West Chester did with their hotel.

As for Media, there's been some talk, but from what I'm hearing the owners are not as motivated as before.  What's different between Media, as opposed to West Chester and Springfield, is that their elected officials didn't just sit around and wonder what would happen.  They actually engaged the situation.

Springfield Hotel - Exp completion Summer 2013

West Chester Hotel - Completed

Media's proposed hotel site - 7 years and no clear direction