Yadda, yadda, yadda...cluck, cluck, cluck...there are two editorials in the paper that bear comparing and contrasting. Both are from women with similar current or previous business association related experience. The difference is one makes a whole lot of sense, and the other seems all about that individual's wants and needs. One is an efficient summation, one is another Main Line-doesn't-need-poor-folks-regurgitation. Downtown Wayne is looking quite delightful, even if it has too many restaurants of a particular genre. Let the games begin:

Exhibit 1:

As the past president of the Ardmore Business Association and a retired officer of the Ardmore Initiative, I attended the zoning hearing on Thursday, June 28, to gather more information about the proposed variance and/or special exception that could allow the Cricket Avenue condo project to move forward.I noted that while some in attendance want more affordable housing, others want less subsidized projects near the project's neighbor, The Ardmore House. Others brought up the "density" issue, and ultimately the hearing was set to continue at a later date in August.

I live on Athens Avenue, just off Cricket Avenue, and therefore the final decision is one that affects me personally. Additionally, while I am speaking up as a resident, I am also the owner of the King's Collar Shirtmakers in Ardmore, and Ardmore's revitalization issues directly impact my business.

I'm speaking out because moving this town forward has not been an easy task. I moved here in 2000 and immediately aligned myself with groups that were working toward Ardmore's commercial vitality. After 7 years, I've since dropped off most of my volunteer positions because I'm getting weary of watching project after project hit a wall and then stop.

As the owner of a commercial building within the MUST footprint, I have studied and been part of the revitalization issue for many years. The zoning board has much to weigh and discuss, but the key piece that will be surfacing in this and any new project is the "density" conversation. I've heard the same arguments about the perils of "density" over and over again, and it continues to surprise me. I must be missing something here.

.....The construction of both apartments and condominiums was encouraged, especially because market demand greatly exceeds the land available for such use. As a fully built out community, why are we now surprised that developers are looking for creative uses for existing properties? Indeed, Midge McCauley, a consultant who was also hired by the township, stated that market-rate residential is critical for retail revival...Taking positions that question every new project and beat it to death have already put our train station funding at risk, stopped the Cricket Club Project, and now seem to be stopping the Cricket Condo project as well.

.....I moved to the Main Line because of the affluence of its area. Businesses such as mine need a base of support from those with discretionary money to spend. This is not an evil concept....The Main Line has always been an area of affluence ...

Exhibit 2:

..."What will drivers and walkers have to complain about?" from the May 30 issue of Main Line Life has been brought to my attention by the merchants of Wayne.

.....please accept this invitation to visit downtown Wayne. There are over 50 unique shops and more than 20 fine dining establishments that will make your visit well worthwhile. Apart from shopping and dining, the Wayne Business Association fills the year with an array of community events: the WBA Radnor Fall Festival on Sun. Sept 16, the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Fri. Nov. 30, the Santa Parade on Sat. Dec. 1, the Mad Anthony Days of Wayne in May '08 and the Main Line Jazz and Food Festival in June '08, to name a few.

The statement that Wayne is "one big car clog" is inaccurate and misleading. It is true to say that any wait at a traffic light can seem like an eternity in our busy lives, but PennDOT regulates Route 30's traffic lights specifically so that traffic will flow through our beautiful town efficiently. Also, the Wayne Business Association is working with the township commissioners to make our town more pedestrian friendly.

Currently there are parking issues primarily between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Wayne, and our commissioners are addressing these in the master plan. The township commissioners, in the master plan, will address how to enhance parking availability to meet the need created by our town's ever increasing popularity.

Meanwhile, the high volume of pedestrian traffic and number of patrons of our shops and restaurants attest to the fact that parking and traffic are not a deterrent to visiting the friendly village of Wayne.

So please accept our invitation to enjoy the experience offered by a thriving and energetic Main Line town. When one considers the alternative empty parking spots and no traffic, if Wayne has a problem, it's a good one!

Please note another issue to compare and contrast....one community has a master plan and seems more inclusive by design...