Media Democrats jeopardizing Third St. Bridge funding

Lack of decisions puts funding in Jeopardy

When the democratic party took office with a full majority in January 2012 they were in a position to finally conclude the third st. bridge project that was fully funded and clear of all hindering lawsuits. This resolve was previously packaged by their bi-partisan predecessors who did in 18 months, what they couldn’t do in 15 years.  Aside from minor design and aesthetic modifications, the ‘heavy lifting’ was done and an expected start date was expected by many to be eminent.  Or so we thought.

Media Town Talk reported this week that PENNDOT is urging council to move this project along or risk losing its place for the funding in the state's 2013 Transportation Improvement Program.  This funding in question is to cover the majority of the replacement cost.  A separate grant from State Senator Pileggi is covering the rest.  

After 16 years, a citizens advisory council (CAC), surveys, petitions and town hall discussions; the Media Democrats and Mayor Bob McMahon still can’t lead the project to completion even while their party holds every voting seat on borough council!  Even a resident at last night's council meeting questioned how this matter was being handled.  Shockingly, this late in the project, they are still fighting, even amongst themselves and those whose petitions they signed; over a one lane roadway across the bridge that they were recently told stipulates a road of two lanes.  What’s more concerning is that  Council President, Brian Hall stated in the article that this project was going backwards and not forwards.  He went on to say that this effort wasn’t going anywhere until decisions were made.  If they haven’t and/or can’t make decisions by now, then we've wasted an unprecedented amount of people's time and money for a project that was funded and ready to go.

Third Street bridge is regressing back to the same political games by the same political party that have stifled Media borough of the progress it rightfully deserves. 16 years and counting to fix a bridge that has increased in costs by $2 million is unacceptable.  Brian Hall, Monica Simpson, Paul Robinson and Bob McMahon have all served multiple terms with a council majority.  They've allowed the same exact thing to happen to the $1.9 million Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program that after 15 years still isn't finished.   It's interesting that the former borough engineer who received this no-bid project and wasn't even qualified for doing the work, also was found to be contributing thousands of dollars to the campaigns of the Media Democrats.

As the Media Democrats fight among themselves to protect their special interests(signed their petitions), allegiances and agendas; the town of Media, surrounding communities and RTM school district  are  left wondering if this bridge or any other projects will ever get finished.  

Have we had enough? 

Tedman