"Mom and Pop" shops at www.LMtruth.com and vote for Cary Bevan McClain for Commissioner in November.

3. What is your position on the proposed Ardmore Redevelopment Plan and what will you do regarding its implementation if elected?

A. First, as commissioner, I will impose a moratorium on the section of the Option "B" plan which calls for destruction through eminent domain. This will save the historic "Mom and Pop" shops from destruction. I will work with the newly elected candidates and present commissioners as a team. Unlike, my opponent, Maryam Phillips, I will not buckle to pressure or cut behind the scenes political deals that benefit one neighbor over another. This is not a matter of Democrats versus Republicans......it is a matter of right and wrong.

Second, I have supported a "Request for Proposal-RFP" idea wherein developers can submit plans for redevelopment. Unfortunately, the present commissioner has turned off many professional, ethical developers who might otherwise be interested in tackling a true comprehensive plan. There are many places for opportunity and redevelopment in Ardmore. I will not support an "RFP" that looks to tear down vibrant "Mom and Pop" shops. I support building a parking garage with retail and residential above, however, it must be placed in an area where it will succeed. Certainly, throwing such a building on top of thriving stores is not the right choice.

Third, I will push for the establishment of a Redevelopment Comprehensive Plan Committee. This committee will analyze and propose development plans in Ardmore and the entire Lower Merion Township. We need to organize our development plans together as elected officials, residents and businesses to ensure that the dilemma facing the "Mom and Pop" shops will never happen again. This will promote trust and communication between the government and citizens. Communicating with the public is something my opponent does not do well.

Fourth, I will secure an Ardmore Movie Theatre in our town. Further, I will push for a plan that connects Suburban Square with both the North and Southside of Lancaster Avenue. We have so many great opportunities for growth that it is wasteful to allow a small, thoughtless "Option B" plan to keep the entire downtown of Ardmore from benefiting in this revitalization project. The people want easy access to our great shops (pedestrian bridges), they want well lit sidewalks at night for shopping and eating at our great restaurants, they want to be able to find a parking spot easily without getting their car towed and they want less car dealerships and more "Mom and Pop" shops! My opponent and her predecessor watched as our movie theater left town and car dealerships piled up. the people want a movie theater back in town and they want a commissioner who is going to fight for it! Please vote to save the historic "Mom and Pop" shops at www.LMtruth.com and vote for Cary Bevan McClain in November.

Original Responses