Local District Judge candidate, Toni Cavanagh Dimonte shoots commercial in Everybody's Home Town!

Recently, Media, PA has provided a backdrop for a couple of commercials over the last few months.  This week, another one was shot by local resident and candidate for District Judge, Toni Cavanagh Dimonte.  The commercial below is expected to run in local area tv markets.

Media in Two Minutes

Big News This Week!  Kick-off of Dining Under the Stars
This upcoming Wednesday evening in Media will be packed with the season kick-off Dining Under the Stars.  Get your chalk ready kids, bring an appetite and come enjoy the best Media has to offer in the world of culinary excellence.  Outdoor dining on State Street is back!

Now longer grouchy, Ocsar is back home.

Welcome Home Oscar the Cat!
I was contacted about a missing cat last week and immediately got the word out.  I'm happy to report that after 11 days, Oscar returned home.  Someone saw a flyer at the post office and was able to reunite Oscar with his family.  Nice Job! 

Bevan's Candy for Mother's Day
Get your order in for Mother's Day at Bevan's Candy.  You can find them on Facebook doing their thing.

SUPER MONTH OF JUNE IN MEDIA:

June will be an action packed month for Media, PA.  We have an International Opera production "JAGO" starting up May 30st and going through June 1st.  It's also Golf Month in Media with the US Open being held at Merion Golf Club.  Then we have the Blues Strolls and what's become Media's Mardi Gras, the world famous Media 5 Miler Race.

Media gets left behind - NO VACANCY
If you have guest coming in from out of town you'll have to send them to Springfield as they'll have a hotel way before Media will.  In fact, it's shaping up to look like a resort with a golf course, banquet facilities and large conference rooms. With a record number expected in the area for the US Open this June, Media takes a back seat to other towns who can accommodate them.

Springfield Hotel

Media Borough Council likes to talk economic vibrancy and its importance to the community, but the results show an enitrely different story.  If  I haven't been actively  following the developments related to this hotel, we'd still be wondering why projects like this haven't started.  Borough Council has been wrong on virtually everything they've said about this hotel and other local development projects.  Why, because they have no idea what's going on.

President Hall mentioned that the Hampton Inn and Suites project has been ongoing forsix (6) years, but the shovel date is scheduled for the end of 2012.

President Hall mentioned that the Overlook condo units, that will be located on Edgmont and Jefferson streets, will begin construction this fall.
Borough Council Meeting Minutes August 2012

Political Signs........here they come
The tulips have barely bloomed and we still await the May flowers, however, it's bumper crop for this year's political signs.  They literally pop up over night and this weekend looks to be the kick-off.  Looks like Upper Providence Councilman Tom McFadden took the award for first sign sighting.   They are all over the place.  Here in Media for District Judge, Haley signs went up first with Martini signs going up hours later.  Toni Cavanagh Dimonte chose a bigger option and bought BIG billboard space at 5 points in Media.

Some Council Candidates don't want you to know the issues affecting Media!

What's the deal candidates? Why aren't you talking about issues?

As shocking as that sounds, there are four candidates running for Borough Council who AGAIN don't list any issues important to this community!!!  

How could anyone including Mayor Bob McMahon run and not know and have positions on the Third Street Bridge, a proposed Wawa, the hotel, Nativity building vacancy or even the traffic on Jefferson Street!

 What they're not telling you is that they OPPOSE any kind of Wawa and opening the Third Street Bridge because their bosses told them so.

How about Dining Under the Stars Every Night?

Curbside Dining 7 Days a Week

If you've been to Europe, especially along the coast of the Mediterranean,  you'll find that outdoor dining is more the norm than indoor dining.  Here in Media, especially on Wednesdays during Dining Under the Stars, that's also true but only one day out of the week.  This isn't because of the weather, it's not because of lack of popularity, and it's certainly not because eateries don't do well.  It comes down to space needed to dine on State Street that requires shutting down the trolley and closing the road to setup tables.

Obviously Media's not going to make State Street into a promenade for outdoor dining, but what might be considered, which is done in other towns; is using parking spaces in front of restaurants/bars for an extension of curbside dining.  The rental price point is important and could be something like $7,000 a parking spot from May to September or $12,000 for two.  Those are arbitrary prices, but provide some context of cost.  What's unique to this equation is that Media has a trolley running down the middle of the road, but if the spaces were slightly less than the width of the average car, traffic could still flow normally. These would be temporary platforms which would be removed after the season. 

Temporary Seasonal Platforms.

Media's businesses and the economic viability of the town rely on the draw it has on the surrounding communities.  There is no better adveristiment for Media than people having a good time, along with a memorable experience.  If these restaurants and retail stores don't do well, Media doesn't do well. 

Forward thinking and a vision for Media are crucial for our quality of life.  Share your ideas and let's see what can be done to improve our town.

Fabulous Shoe Night May 21st in Memory of Walter J. Pileggi

If you ever walked a mile in Walter Pileggi's shoes, you'd clearly understand character, integrity and a compassion for Media that has never been replaced.  His leadership and love for the community made an important impact on many, me included.  We Miss You Walter!

I can't think of a better Girls Night Out for the ladies than one hosted by Fabulous Shoe Night in honor of Walter.

Nice job here, everyone!

Tedman

Bodybuilding Contest coming to Media Theatre - Saturday June 29, 2013

I can't remember in recent times, if ever, Media had a bodybuilding contest; however, that's about to change!  Coming in June, the Philadelphia Championships and Tracey Greenwood Classic will be hosted at the Media Theatre.  This will be a big event with many contestants coming from out of town to compete in this all day championship.  Prejudging will start at noon, with the finals starting at 6pm.

MEDIA Businesses and Restaurants, get ready!  The attendees should bring a good amount of commerce to the town that day.

A special THANKS to Trish who is not only a contestant, but Media local who worked hard to have Media Theatre sponsor this event.

The Third Street Bridge and Your Family's Safety

Ask anyone making this left hand turn off of Ridley Creek Road on to Baltimore Pike and they'll all agree, it's dangerous.  It's bad enough in an automobile, but in a school bus full of kids it has to be terrifying.  This was a photo sent to me by a concerned mother who like many are angry that Media Borough has chosen politics over the safety of the community. What you don't see is that these buses have to wait an unusually long time to make sure the timing is optimal. It could take many minutes to sit behind one of these buses as it negotiates this turn.

Both Media and Upper Providence Police sit at the bottom of this hill to enforce speed restrictions.  It's a dangerous enough intersection, that they are there almost everyday.  School buses with kids going to Media Elementary are exposed to this risk day-after-day, yet wouldn't have to be if the Third Street Bridge was open.  

The Police, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services and the RTM School District are all in favor of opening Third Street for the sake of safety, but Mayor Bob McMahon and Media Borough Council still can't get the job done after 18 years.  What was once $1.4 million to fix this bridge, has now increased by millions due to lack of leadership.

Media's most dangerous intersection because Third St. Bridge remains closed.

John's Grille in Media Goes Hi Tech!

John's has WIFI

You won't be ordering drinks and food from an Ipad menu anytime soon at John's Bar and Grille, especially tofu and humus.  However, technology is making a debut here, which I don't think I'll ever be able to say about tofu.   I don't know how long they've had it, but people wanted me to know that they are excited to use the internet access at this well known watering hole. 

Whether you're Facebooking on Taco Tuesday, or reading your favorite ATM post on Wings Wednesday, you can now do it faster.....everyday.  You can even use a smartphone app to run the jukebox.  Fear not, the added benefits haven't increased the prices on some of the best food and drink around.

Kidding aside, when the snow is deep and storms strong like what we encountered last October with Hurricane Sandy, John's Grille was one of the only places open to the community when a lot of the town lost electricity.  When residents get anxious over these kinds of weather events, it's nice to know you can go to John's to find out what's going on and get updates from the internet.

Race for District Judge Heats Up!

With a month to go before the May Primary, things are heating up in the District Judge race.  Local candidate, Toni Cavanagh Dimonte shows Media she's ready with a billboard at Providence and State Roads.

Media in Two Minutes

Good Morning!  Before we start, I'd like to recognize the the people I met last week at an event who told me they really like reading this blog.  For a guy who never liked writing and had the grades to prove it, I appreciate the in-person comments tremendously. Thanks for reading!  This is actually the 1,200th post to this blog with about 115 drafts I've yet to publish and probably won't (old news).  Thanks for the comments too!  There are 3,787 of them with a healthy amount NOT being shots at me.  I'm sure as time goes on that ratio will not be in my favor, Ha!  I do have fans, but I also enjoy the critics too. 

MUST TRY - Spasso's Crab Ravioli
I suppose anyone can be a restaurant critic, but I don't have the culinary knowledge to really deconstruct the finer details of exquisite cuisine, nor do i pretend to.  Like anyone, I know what I like and that's pretty much my gauge for food comments. So, here's one I think you should try.

The Best Crab Ravioli I've Ever Had!

Last week I was heading over to Spasso's for dinner with Kim when someone told me to try the Crab Ravioli.   If it wasn't for my indecisiveness towards the menu, I would have gotten any of the many others dishes.  I'm glad I didn't.  Truthfully, the Crab Ravioli is one of the best dishes I've had in a LONG time, ANYWHERE!  Very nice job, Spasso's

Rails to Trails - Aston to Middletown
This is a really cool project that I give a lot of credit to Mike Fusco and his group for their fortitude and endurance over the last 10 years to make this happen.  In this week's Town Talk, the Rails to Trails project is moving forward with bids for initial construction going out soon.  I wonder what they'll do with the trestle that goes over Pennell Road.  That's the only segment of those rails I haven't traveled.

Cats on Franklin Street
I've read a few comments and heard complaints about stray/feral cats on West Jefferson Street.  I took a ride down there last week to see what it was all about and didn't come across anything unusual.  I don't know what I was expecting, but I didn't see cats strutting around all over the place.  That's not to say they aren't there, but if this is a problem, please leave comments that describe the situation.  I'll try to get some awareness towards this issue.

Penncrest Football Fundraiser
Congratulation to Penncrest Football for putting on a great fundraiser last night at the Middletown Firehouse.  I got to meet Coach Stroup who is a great guy and quite excited about this upcoming year.  I had always thought the football field was in great shape and much better than when I played, but like anything that may be outdated too.  With many schools going to turf fields(think what the Eagles play on), Penncrest is also hoping to someday have one also.  A about a million dollars, we'll need a lot more fundraisers.

Media's Wawa Project

If I said it once, I've said it a 100 times:  If anyone has a better idea of what should be built at the site of where the proposed Wawa should be, let's hear it.  It's not going to be a hotel and it's not going to be a park, but it will be something.  If anyone wants to deal a big box pharmacy over Bob Linn designed Wawa done exclusively for this town, let me know now and perhaps I can save everyone a lot of time and hassle.  People on borough council were elected to SOLVE problems and if that includes anticipated traffic issues, then stand-up show LEADERSHIP!

Mayor Bob McMahon, WE WANT OUR MONEY BACK!

Mayor McMahon - Mis-managing Taxpayers Money

Seriously, how long does it take to make a $20,000 five minute infomercial?  We'd like to know as Mayor Bob McMahon told us the following:

July 5, 2012
“McMahon mentioned that the filming will start in August and will be broadcast in the fall.”

We're going on ten months and still nothing.  If you remember, this was the same company McMahon was told was investigated and fined by the Florida State Attorney, but he and Council President, Brian Hall proceeded with them anyway.  This job never went out to bid to local producers who could have done it for less and would have had it DONE by now.

Assult on Cancer Fundraiser - Frog Holler at Picasso's on May 4th 2013 9pm

A special THANKS to Drew and Heather Arata of Earth and State for putting together what will surely be a huge event to help fight cancer.  If you haven't heard of Frog Holler, they're BIG......like "Sell Out The Venue Big!"

Check out Earth and State for more information and ticket purchases.

Media Knows the Issues, But Some Candidates Don't

Are issues like the  Third Street Bridge and the possibility of a new Wawa in Media important to you? To varying degrees I think they would be, along with what will happen to Media's hotel, future use of the Nativity school property, a new library, community/economic/business development and the empty lots throughout town.

Where do Media Candidates Stand?

When candidates walk around town and hand out literature purposely excluding issues that are important, it should be a concern for voters.  One set of candidates have defined the issues to the community and have presented their positions, while others have not and have literature so vague, it could be used by anybody in any town in the county.  It's not about their political party, all 8 candidates are running on the democratic ticket for four seats.  So this election will come down to the issues, not the party they are affiliated with.  With everything going on in this town, people have even complained that they are insulted to have received these handouts.  THERE ARE NO ISSUES LISTED!

Literature handed out by one group of candidates with no issues listed -  What about Wawa? Third St Brdg? Library? Hotel?.

The candidate handing out this literature, who I caught up with, was against Wawa and had no real plan to resolve Third Street Bridge.  He stated it was obstructed by former councilpeople and that the community needed to further discuss what to do with the project.  No wonder why he didn't have this on his literature, he couldn't explain it.

If candidates are unprepared to discuss or purposely omitting the issues vital to this town, than how can we expect them to show leadership towards these challenges if elected?  Being against something and blaming others is not what this town needs. That's not leadership. Media has been a victim of that mind-set for far too long. 

Residents have a right to know.   If you're concerned about Media and plan to vote for these candidates on May 21st, please ask them where they stand on the issues.

Local resident, Arthur Leahy to present his murder mystery at the Media Theatre

Rose Tree Media School District Ranked 13th out of 533 Districts in PA

One thing that makes a great community is the strength of its schools.  Congratulations to the members of the school board and Rose Tree Media School District for being ranked 13th out of 533 school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The report was compiled by www.schooldigger.com who ranks school districts from around the country.

BlackGold - A great book on African American Athletes who played at Media High School

I can't think of anything that makes a town prouder, than a well known resident who writes a book about the experience and achievements they've had here in Media.  Author,  John "Jack" Lemon's book, Black Gold - The African American Athlete at Media High School 1915 - 1966, does just that!

Congratulations to Jack Lemon for the vast amount of research and effort he put forth to make this book possible.  I had a chance last November to attend the Media Oldtimers Hall of Fame Dinner where Jack spoke and presented the awards to the inductees.  His family has called Media home since the 1800's!

Check out the excellent website for historical photos and more information on this effort and story.

click to enlarge

Media in Two Minutes

Thanks for reading this week.  I'm going to try to keep today's post on the sort side.  It's early, but I'm still getting a late start to writing this.

I want to thank the lady I met on Thursday evening at the Towne House while I was leaving an event.  She took the time to tell me how much she enjoys this blog and likes what it is all about.  No matter how busy, I always make time to talk to people and appreciate the kind words. Thank You!

OK, Let's GO!

Super Sunday and Media's 100 year Old Trolley
If you haven't seen the pictures of the retro decorated trolley rolling around town, you will. It'll be parked in front of the Media Theatre today for display.  It'll also keep the decorative graphics on for the next year to celebrated its birthday.  People are really impressed at how well the trolley looks.  Here's more information on today's event for the trolley.

Penncrest Football Fundraiser
When I played football at Penncrest, we had to go out each and every year and sell cheese products from Wisconsin to raise money for our team.  I didn't like it and wasn't good at door-to-door sales.  Where I lived, it seemed like it took half the day just to get to 5 houses in the neighborhood. 

These days, we have a fundraisers!  Please consider helping out the Penncrest Football team by contributing to their upcoming event.

Penncrest Football

BEEF & BEER FUNDRAISER

Saturday April 20, 2013

8PM– 12 Midnight    Tickets: $35.00

Middletown Fire House

425 South New Middletown Rd

Media, PA 19063

Food ~ Beef ~ Music (DJ) Basket Raffles

FOR TICKETS CONTACT: Ruthmoat@hotmail.com,

Penncrestfootball.org or Call: 610-566-6382

All Proceeds Benefit Penncrest Football

Granite Run Mall Update:
As is typical with the announcement of the sale of a large complex like GRM, there is at least one company checking out the goods.  I'm sure there are a few others browsing too, but I don't expect any movement on this for awhile.  Technically, this is a Real Estate Owned sale which by definition means its been taking back by the lender (bank/s).  Depending who you ask, this property is appraised at about $50 million, but will go for less than that.

From what I understand, day-to-day operations are still being handled by Madison Marquette who took over approximately two years ago. I visited the mall this weekend and despite the recently landscaped grounds, the situation inside is dire with almost half the stores vacant and boarded up with advertising. 

Don't think for a minute that local and state officials aren't watching what happens with this property.  In fact, I'm sure they'll play a part in determining what eventually goes here. 

Third Street Bridge

He says one thing and is found doing the opposite

As with many in the community, this town has lost faith in Media Borough Council and it's ability to effectively lead.  Councilman Kent Davidson is quick to point fingers and place blame on everyone but himself regarding the Third Street Bridge matter.  He's been on council for 14 months with a full majority and has done nothing but take this project backwards.  Davidson was also found to be supplying a website and services to a group who used it to launch marketing campaigns that supported their own private interests which included a greenway.  Millions of dollars on the line for this bridge and as a councilman he was  assisting a group through a company he owns who specifically organized and eventually held this project up.  He never admitted the services until he was caught.
 
Where's the accountability to this community and taxpayers by party co-chairs Debbie Krull and Bob Dimond for this type of poor leadership they've elected? It's no wonder why neighbors in this town have organized a group called Media First to run in this May's primary. 

Here's all you really need to know: 18 years and the bridge is back in court with no clear direction. Period.

Media Trolley Gets All Decked-Out for it's Big Birthday Party Tomorrow

When the trolley rolled up this afternoon on State Street there was a line of photographers looking to get the perfect picture.  Wow, does the Media Trolley look great with it's retro wrapping on to celebrate it's 100th birthday.

Come by tomorrow at 9am to see the trolley parked out front of the Media Theatre for a showcase event of this historic mode of transportation.

Come out tomorrow during Super Sunday to help celebrate the 100 year birthday of Media's Trolley. Here are the details.

Here's Septa's official press release on the 100 year celebration of the Media Trolley to take place at tomorrow's Super Sunday.  You can't think of Media without also recognizing the iconic trolley that has made this town unique.  Septa will be providing a specially wrapped trolley replicating a historical trolley-car of the era.

A special "Thanks" to Councilwoman, Monika Rehoric who was contacted by Septa to help make this event possible. 

Celebrating SEPTA’s Centenarian

Route 101 Media Trolley Marks 100th Year in Service

PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 12, 2013) — A milestone birthday deserves a special
celebration and SEPTA will commemorate the 100th birthday of the Route 101 Media
Trolley Line with festivities throughout the year.

The Route 101 centennial celebration includes the wrapping of one current Media Line
car to look like the trolley did when it was first rolled out on the tracks by the
Philadelphia and West Chester Traction Company on April 1, 1913. This unique trolley
will be in service over the next year, making its in-service debut from 69th Street
Transportation Center to Media on Saturday, April 13. The birthday edition of the Route
101 will also take part in Media’s Super Sunday festivities on Sunday, April 14, when the
vehicle is stationed by the Media Theater (104 E. State Street) for photo opportunities
and the chance for history buffs, transportation enthusiasts and the public to get an up
close view of the special car.

“We’re excited to have SEPTA partner with us and support our Super Sunday activities
by bringing the Route 101 birthday trolley to Media,” said Media Borough Council
member Monika Rehoric. “This is a great opportunity for our residents to learn about our
past while celebrating the Borough’s future.”

“The Route 101 has been a fixture in Media and the surrounding community since its
service commenced,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “We knew that we
needed to recognize the impact the trolley has had on transportation in the borough for a
century.”

What is now SEPTA’s Route 101 was the last trolley line built by the Philadelphia and
West Chester Traction Company. Construction on the Media Line began in May 1912;
less than one year later, operations were up and running, with service scheduled for every
30 minutes. Over the years, the line was expanded to run on a more frequent schedule,
with more vehicles to accommodate passengers at more stations.

SEPTA Celebrates Route 101’s 100th
Page 2

In April 1936, the Philadelphia and West Chester Traction Company was reorganized
into the Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company. The new company utilized a
marketing firm and created a red and cream symbol with the words “Red Arrow Lines”
outfitted on the company’s buses and trolleys. The term “Red Arrow” became
synonymous with bus and trolley service operating in Philadelphia’s western suburbs.

Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company maintained the Red Arrow lines until
February 1970, when SEPTA assumed their operation. Since that time, SEPTA has
conducted numerous improvements projects to the line, the largest of which was a result
of the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2008. From
September 2009 - August 2010, an extensive program was undertaken to rehabilitate
track, ties, signals, power systems, station renewal and other elements necessary to
upgrade service, safety and comfort on the Route 101 Media and the Route 102 Sharon
Hill Lines.

“Our investment in the Route 101 not only demonstrated SEPTA’s commitment to the
customers we serve, but it was also an acknowledgement of the region’s transportation
history,” said Casey. “We invite the community to help us celebrate the Media Line and
100 years of service to Delaware County by riding the trolley and catching our
historically wrapped ‘birthday’ vehicle at events and on the line over the next year.”

Media's Springtime Super Sunday - This Sunday April 14, 2013

Sometimes if you not paying attention you don't realize what events are coming up in Media, like me. I must admit, the event banners they put up on each end of town across Baltimore Ave and Providence road really do get the message out.  And when they don't, these events seem to come out of no where.

Springtime Super Sunday April 14, 2013

Two great events this weekend: On Saturday you have Second Saturday in Media where businesses stay open late and showcase free art events.  And on Sunday, it's the world famous Springtime Super Sunday!  With a 150 vendors, there's everything from appliances, books, antiques, paintings art, handmade crafts and plenty of socks.  Locals like to affectionately refer to this event as Super SOCK Sunday.  

Due to safety, borough ordinances do no allow pets, bikes or skateboards

PENNCREST FOOTBALL BEEF & BEER FUNDRAISER - Saturday April 20, 2013

Penncrest Football

BEEF & BEER FUNDRAISER

Saturday April 20, 2013

8PM– 12 Midnight    Tickets: $35.00

Middletown Fire House

425 South New Middletown Rd

Media, PA 19063

Food ~ Beef ~ Music (DJ) Basket Raffles

FOR TICKETS CONTACT: Ruthmoat@hotmail.com,

Penncrestfootball.org or Call: 610-566-6382

All Proceeds Benefit Penncrest Football

Even Media Borough Council questions their own leadership!

A letter in today's Delcotimes by a Media Borough Counicwoman questioning the antics and motives by her colleagues over the Third Street bridge just goes to show how dysfunctional and poorly managed this group is.  Atleast Monika Rehoric and Dawn Roe bring light to this situation and present it to the public.  Poor leadership is a bad reflection on Media and has already begun to take a toll on this town.  As embarrassing as this has gotten, it's only getting worse and not just for the bridge.

Because they've already threatened BLCC, Borough Council's latest move is to talk to the county to see if something could be negotiated.  14 months and their now talking to the county?  Trouble is not even Media Borough Council knows how to handle this issue illustrated by a total lack of direction.  Their hands are tied to special interest that don't want any bridge. One person close to the matter told me two weeks ago, "This group couldn't decided on what day it is."  This is now the perception people have of Media.  And this community honestly thinks they can get a library built?

Here's a quote from Council President Brian Hall back from 2012

delcotimes.com Oct 2012

Being against something and hoping it goes away is NOT leadership, but yet the ongoing strategy of Media Borough Council. If fact, what's been displayed is a text book example of poor leadership.

• WAWA - where's the direction by borough council?
• Media Hotel - what's the situation and who's discussing it with the community?
• Empty Lots - for years they've sat empty with no cooperation from borough council.
• Nativity BVM - Failed to even mention a school in the community for 100 years
• Third Street Bridge - This slides backwards by the year.  18 years and still no results
• Business Community - The council liaison failed to show up 13 out of 24 months!
• Traffic Lights - 15 years to install traffic lights?!?!

Penncrest Presents - Disney's Beauty and the Beast - April 12, 13, 14

D'Ignazio's Towne House Restaurant and Bar - IS NOT FOR SALE

Over the last couple weeks I heard some rumblings that the Towne House Restaurant and Bar was for sale.  That not only concerned me but made me think how lucky we are to have this iconic family owned restaurant in town for all these years.  With out being able to confirm it, I didn't bring it up.   I've written about the bygone days of the Long Horn Ranch and the Log Cabin Inn and how fondly remembered they were, especially by me.  I wasn't prepared to potentially do the same thing for the Towne House.  Thankfully, I'm not.

Tonight I got word from a very reliable source that the Towne House is NOT for sale and it's business as usual, as it always has been since the 1951.  This is the best news, that never really was news; I've heard in a long time.

Keep up the great work D'Ignazio's!  Media and Delaware County wouldn't be the same with out your restaurant and the countless lunches, dinners and events you've hosted over the years for our friends and families!

Tedman

Healthy Kids Running Series! This is a great event for the Community!

click to enlarge

Is Granite Run Mall in Foreclosure? - Third Party actively seeking sale of 57 acre property

A company from New York has been retained by Granite Run Mall ownership to solicit qualified investors to acquire the 57 acre property free and clear.  That means this whole complex will be sold together in one lump sum.  That's interesting news as it was thought for some time that this property was mired with multiple owners, therefore requiring complicating agreements.  With this not being the case, a new owner has a lot more flexibility over the repositioning strategy of the property.  National retailers, box stores, offices, medical or multifamily homes all could be considerations.  Hannum's, Riddle Ale House, McDonalds and the bank next to the Ale House would not be included in the sale.

The mall was built in 1974 and renovated in 1993.  It is classified as a Super Regional Mall.  Lease-able square footage of the mall and surrounding properties (Kohls, Acme, Sears Auto, AMC Theatre) comes in at just over 1,000,000 sqf. There are 135 individual suites that make up a little less than 300,000 sqf.  Based on general sales data, the anchor stores (Sears, JCP, Boscovs) do anywhere from $10 to $25 million in annual sales. The Acme is thought to be a big selling point for the property due to it's consistent sales and popularity. 

For a complete overview of the sale and details of the property, here is a video of the listing.

Media in Two Minutes

Good morning, and thanks for reading this week's Media in Two Minutes.  I'll have a big announcement on ATM today around 4pm.  The news deals with some interesting conversations and decisions this week that will surely have an impact on the area.  It'll be picked up the local and region press too, but you'll read it here first.

Tedman

Media in Two Minutes!  Let's go! 

A Skate Park in Media 
Two things that came out of this week's post regarding a skate park in Media: 1) There is a good amount of interest for such a facility.  2) Citations have been given to kids for breaking the local skateboarding ordinance.  I wasn't aware of this ordinance, but I'll see if I can get a copy.  From what people have commented, the fines seem pretty extensive.

For those interested in a skate park and would like to see how Philadelphia got one, check out the site Franklin's Paine Skatepark Fund.

A Dog Park in Media
You can't talk about a skatepark in Media without also addressing a dog park.  I'll write something up about that this week.  The "dogwalkers' of Media are a pretty viable and organized group, so I'm sure there will be some interesting insight towards ideas on a dog park in Media.

Dining Under the Stars:
Yes, this is big news and the kick off of the season in Wednesday, May 1st.  This is the sixth season since former restaurant owner, Dan Broduer came up with the idea for this event.

Media Trolly is 100 years old! 
Kudos to councilwoman, Monika Rehoric who was contacted by local officials regarding an upcoming celebration for the Media Trolley.  If anyone can help make this a great event, it's Monika and the experience she brings with community get togethers.   Septa is also involved and has a few ideas of their own.  It would be neat to see an old trolley brought into Media to recapture the spirit of this historical transit line.

Rose Tree Park Music Series 2013
I know, Spring fever is running high and people are anxious to get outdoors.  I can tell, because a lot of people have been dropping by to find out this year's announcement and lineup for the Rose Tree Park Summer Music Series.  It's not out yet, but should be released around mid-may.

Media's Train Trestle
Pennsylvania is known for its world famous train trestles and we have one right here in Media, PA.  It doesn't get much exposure and sure isn't talked about a lot, but day in and day out it sits above Ridley Creek and does its job of getting people to where they need to go.   I've always admired this structure and the strength it represents.  It's stood there for over a hundred years and to this very day shows no sign of weakening.  

As a kid I walked across this trestle with my good friend Paul. We were quite adventurous for 15 year olds.  Back then there was a small board walk on the right side  of the tracks going towards Media that spanned the length of the trestle.  Problem was there were missing blanks and the rotten ones didn't instill a lot of confidence in our decision to attempt the crossing.  I think there was a railing, but not sure. I'm not fond of height, so one trip across was good enough for me.  I think at one time the planks were fully replaced and the trestle was passable by foot, but looking at it this weekend, it does't look like there are any walkways. SO DON'T TRY IT!

Local legend has it that two people were killed when they fell off the trestle during it's construction.  I don't know if that's true, but falling off would certainly be fatal.

With POOR LEADERSHIP everyone pays! $20,000 5 minute video!
We have a lot of really passionate people when it comes to ideas to improve the community.  A dog park an skate area are two things that come to mind just this week. And maybe a $1,000 towards either for a feasibility study could be helpful. It's unfortunate, though that we have a Mayor that only participates in parades and more specifically, pet projects he refuses to explain.

Poor leadership costs everyone in Media.

It's been almost 10 months and we still haven't heard anything, let alone seen the $20,000 infomercial that Council President Brian Hall and Mayor McMahon entered into with a telemarketing company that essentially just one day cold called the borough.  Even after being brought to the attention of McMahon and Hall that the company was investigate and fined by the Florida Attornery General, they still proceeded to hire this group.  Where's the Video?

Daily Times - July 2012

 

How Bad does Media want a Skate Park? You tell me!

Does the area need a skate park?

I know there are a lot of kids in Media and the surrounding area that would love to have a skate park in Media.  Truth be told, I was one of those kids about 30 years ago who would have devoted his life for such an opportunity.  Back then, we knew the challenges and setbacks associated with proposing a skate park but we were prepared to defend our position and explain the benefits to the community.  What we weren't prepared for was the time and organization needed to see it through.  When you're 14 years old, 2 years is an eternity for a project like this which requires vision and fortitude.  We also understood these things take money and organizational abilities, but we had little of either.  To this day, were no closer to a skate park than when we were back then.  I get it, it's not easy.

Fast forward to today and the same challenges are facing the same youth groups and even parents.  One even approached me this week stating that Media needs a skate park and an outlet for the kids in the area. It's not the first time I've heard this and the frequency of the question seems to be increasing.  I realize that and support the need, but it's not just going to happen.  If the community is serious about a skate park whether in Media, Middleton or Upper Providence, they'll get an organization together.  If they organize they can raise money, create a presence and develop a plan to see where things might go while understanding the feasibility of such a project.  There may be a group out there already that has already done this that I may not know about. 

So here's your chance.  Let's see what the community has to say about a skate park.  Perhaps shedding a little light on the matter may give us a better understanding of where things are and what may be needed to make something like this happen in the future. 

Mexican Dinner Night is Back at The Korner! TONIGHT!

Koffee Korner Restaurant bring back Mexican Night!

Before Mexican cuisine became big in Media, it all started with a little, but well known restaurant that served Mexican food exclusively on Thursday nights.  They haven't done it in awhile, but it's BACK and that's great news!  I've always liked this place and really enjoyed every Mexican dishes they hand.  Has a nice ambiance too with the low light and candles.  Out of the way, easy in/out and BYOB.  I haven't been back since the big news, but I'm sure the Koffee Korner and owner Rainy Culbertson haven't forgotten the recipe that made this such a great success.

The Koffee Korner is located on N. Jackson St. Tonight's special: Mexican Shrimp with Grilled Mango and Fresh Salsa!  5:30 to 9:30pm BYOB

Volunteers Needed for Media's Root's Ramble

It you want to dance, you gotta pay.....or at least help setup.  The great folks who put this event together can always use a helping hand and this year is no different. C'mon out and help setup stages, signs or work the booth and ticket sales.  There is always something to do.

2013 Americana Roots Ramble Volunteers Wanted Media, PA - Saturday, April 20th - 6pm to 1 am A WXPN 88.5 Welcomes Event INFORMATION Music Series Website 2013 Roots Tickets 2013 Roots Poster Music Series Facebook VisitMediaPa Website VisitMediaPa Twitter Calling All Music Festival Volunteers: It's Time to Ramble! Spring has sprung and that means we will be kicking off our 2013 Americana Music Festival Series with the 11th Annual Americana Roots Ramble Music Festival. We are excited about the line-up and looking forward to filling up the streets of downtown Media on Saturday, April 20th for the Roots Ramble. We wouldn't be able to do it without the help of our great volunteers. Please let us know if you will be able to join us in volunteering on the day or night of this fun event by replying to this email. Check out the website this year here. With many thanks- Deborah Sponsored by the Media Business Authority