For those that have contacted me, here's more information (pg 42 of Comprehensive Plan) on Media Borough's plan to include sidewalks in parts of the borough that currently doesn't have them. If you live along one of the listed streets and would like to speak for or against the matter, there will be an open discussion about the plan starting at 7pm on Thursday at borough hall. As I reported earlier, at least one neighborhood has been allowed an exemption after speaking out against the plan.I'll be reviewing this in detail and sharing highlights, but I'd also encourage Media residents, businesses and adjacent communities to review the proposed comprehensive plan for 2014. There was an online survey released at some point requesting input to this plan, but less than 4% of Media residents participated.
I'm all for more sidewalks. If Media wants to be known as a "walkable" community, this is the way to go. Used to walk down the Orange hill all the time, was a pain. Having sidewalks along all of Edgmont would also be convenient. Annoying to have to walk in the street. Now if only people would stop unnecessarily cutting down trees...
ReplyDeletethats right... government forcing more of itself on private homeowners, thats how its done!
ReplyDeleteGrow up. A sidewalk law isn't government forcing itself onto private homeowners; it's a matter of public safety to keep foot traffic on the roads.
DeleteSpoken like a renter, media mike. Not surprising your retort can't go much further than 'grow up' when it comes to land grabbing
DeleteRecognize that the link is to a draft of the proposed comp plan update. And that the comprehensive plan is a guide that outlines goals for borough development. Although it can guide policy development, such as refinement of existing and creation of new ordinances, it does not "force" anyone into anything by itself. That said, I encourage everyone who reads this blog to read thru the document (not just page 42), attend Thursday's meeting, and give council your constructive feedback on the comp plan (not just the part on sidewalks). I'm especially interested in hearing more of what Tedman has to offer directly to council and not just here on his blog.
ReplyDeleteTake advantage of this opportunity for real dialogue, folks! Get involved in how you want to see your community developed over the next 10 to 15 years! As an architect and a member of the Planning Commission I, personally, always value hearing what my fellow citizens think about development in Media, whether at our monthly PC meetings, walking down State Street, or at a council meeting. See you Thursday!
Mike Kinsley
Vice-Chair, Media Planning Commission
Volunteering to serve on the PC is a thankless job. So thank you.
DeleteIf this plan update is promoting more property taking enforcement by our local government, it's better adopted as toilet paper.
ReplyDeleteIs it safe to assume this abortion of an update came from a committee loaded with FROGS?
Strong words, Roddy. Hope to see you back them up with some actually constructive criticism at Thursday's meeting! :-)
DeleteWith more developments near Media with more Manyunk/West Chester type events we need a cleaner downtown. Gum Spots, cracked sidewalks, full trash cans, pizza smears on windows. I don't mean to grouse but sustainable development is a must for preserving what keeps all the property values and uniqueness up!
ReplyDeleteState Street could use a good power washing before and after big events. The trash that remained after the Bastille Day celebration was disgusting.
DeleteI was out on State Street for the car show after Bastille Day and I didn't notice any trash problems. Can you please describe the problem in detail and also what time you encountered them?
DeleteSay no to sidewalks! If you don't have one you don't want one. There is absolutely no pro and many cons as a homeowner in having all the liability and responsibility for them. Don't believe me, then you haven't been sued by an alcoholic who allegedly tripped on your shared sidewalk block while carrying a cellphone in one hand and a burrito in the other. The icing on top, the neighbor has no homeowner's insurance or assets, so, they only go after the one who does.
ReplyDeleteI am for the sidewalks. As a mother of two young children that I walk to school down Edgemont Street, we often have to step out into the street and around parked cars. And when i was pushing a baby stroller i felt especially vulnerable.
ReplyDeleteThen how about living in a bubble where no harm will ever occur. Oh my you felt vulnerable.....what is the world coming to.
DeleteHow about taking another route???
DeleteIt's unreasonable to go out of your way to find sidewalks in a supposedly-walkable town. When they can, a lot of people in Media walk as opposed to drive. I really don't grasp why this 1950s mentality is still so prevalent around here. If you want no sidewalks and no responsibility, move to Middletown.
DeleteThis has been in borough code for 34 years! Inspections and enforcement may be new, but it's not a new requirement.
ReplyDelete253-20 Every owner of real property in the Borough of Media shall keep and maintain the curbs and sidewalks in good repair within any public right-of-way upon which the property abuts or wherein the property is located.
253-21 In any location where there is presently no curbing or sidewalk constructed in or upon the right-of-way of any street in the Borough of Media, the installations of curbing and sidewalk shall be undertaken upon direction of the Borough of Media upon reasonable notice.
That doesn't read that it is mandatory to have sidewalks. Sorry.
DeleteWell, Well, Well! Having read the "The Plan" is appears the socialist party comprising of Transition Town Media, Timebank and Fair Trade are busy at work influencing the make up of Media with their appointments on all 3 phases of this report.
ReplyDeleteThere may as well be a resolution made that makes Media PA an sanctuary city so we can take illegal aliens of the hands of border states. Why not? They'll love Media's free store and the great schools we have. Hell, maybe transition town will buy them a home on Edgemont.
Wise up 'Merica!
Fortunately enough voters in this town that disagree with you. Have a nice day!
DeleteThe "plan" reflects your neighbors' willingness to show up and participate. It also included an effort to include everyone's voice - what did you do?
DeleteAs someone who attended a planning meeting I have to say that it did seem as though the majority of people invited and involved were from the various non-profit groups around town. So, it is hard to have a voice when you aren't sent an invite or survey. Just sayin'.
DeleteMy point 7:57 is that I was invited and I did attend because of that invite as did many others who were also asked by an insider and therefore the attendance was largely a party of friends. If the goal was to have diversity then that did not seem to have been achieved. Yes, of course anyone can follow along on their own but the invites help in more ways than one.
ReplyDeleteThe Draft Comp Plan was largely prepared by a consultant who did their best to reflect what they heard during the various meetings and in the online survey. I completed the survey and, regretfully, was unable to submit it due to a technological glitch. I also note that the questions were largely multiple choice, preventing the user from answering anything other than the leftward leaning choices that were provided.
ReplyDeleteTransition Town Media is nothing more than socialist experiment on Media, PA.
ReplyDeleteTransition’s economic goals are multifaceted. We plan a strong “buy local” campaign alongside innovative approaches such as peer-to-peer lending, alternative currencies, gift economies, public banking, cooperative start-ups, and collaborative work-spaces.