The proposals are in and people are marching to the Lower Merion Township Building like ants to a picnic. But are they leaving wanting more or feeling queasy?

Let's hop right in, shall we?

Dranoff/JK Roller So where is George Jeston and his boy Elroy? Hanging with Spacely on this proposal that is too boxy, too urban, and would make Ardmore look like University City? Come on Dranoff, you have the talent, show us something we can sink our teeth into. How about starting with dropping the preposterous "E" in "Ardmore Towne Center"? Ardmorites are already townies ad if they wanted ye olde shoppes they would have names the historic business district ""Ye Olde Historic-e Business-e District"....

But speaking of teeth, what is up with Mariner?

Mariner This is a "limited proposal" response and others perusing at the counter agreed that the cover letter immediately inside was distinctly unfriendly and what is up with the Angela Murtray-$200,000 grant mention for Schauffele Plaza due to Mariner mention? But really, what is this proposal other then some sort of placecard holder? It looks like a restatement once again of Cricket Club Condos, and why is that exactly? Why isn't Cricket Club under way? Who's fault is that and if they haven't broken ground yet on that, how does this all work in conjunction with the RFP? Why are they here?

EBL&S/Lipkin et al Their interpretation of Schauffele Plaza is very welcoming, as in the community at large would want to be there. A community theater is a terrific idea, and would fill a void. This is the only plan that is inclusive as far as types of housing. They see the need for affordable, moderate, over 55 AND luxury housing. This proposal is the most comprehensive (it's HUGE like a family bible), spreads the development out proportionately throughout the town of Ardmore and doesn't suffer from clumping like kitty litter. However, more detail is needed and is the literal bridge over the tracks with buildings, etc. too ambitious and too urban?

Strategic Realty Investments Nice ideas, but not enough detail yet - looks like a RFP in progress. BUT that being said, the serious positives are that although the examples of architecture are lacking in interesting detail on completed projects (they are too stark some of them), if people look at this plan, you can see the intent to capture the small town, Main Street flavor of Ardmore....it would be better to see better examples of small yet important details of things like street lighting. What they show is like a frisbee on a pole. This people say is another plan from a lifetime local of Lower Merion, but with this plan, people see a different, more positive atttitude....

Finally...

BET Investments (Bruce Toll) Once people get past the derogatory comments about Cricket Terrace (so what does the developer really wish to do? Nuke it?), and the feeling that he thinks those folks aren't good enough? What is up with the thinly veiled comments regarding "future" development of Cricket Terrace, which is home to many fine folks? Why does BET wish to move affordable housing out of Ardmore? Why is it they capture a wonderful Cricket Ave streetscape and create an imaginative walkway treatment to a Cricket Ave garage, why is it the rest of the plan falls a little flat and is reminiscent of strip malls And what is up with the giant buildings on either side of the township like a huge unforgivable wall?

Ok, well these plans are open to the public and what is amusing is that all have different visions for Schauffele Plaza - and every citizen in Lower Merion should go look at these plans. Don't think for a minute that the development stops in Ardmore....is Bryn Mawr ready to be seriously and dangerously supersized? So many refer to Ardmore as a village. With any of these plans, we'll see if the actual village feel survives.

Speaking of Villages, if you live in Bryn Mawr or own a business there, Wednesday,
September 26th at 7 p.m. is a crucially important meeting at Lower Merion Township about proposed zoning changes - make sure to ask questions about TRID which allows a railroad to exercise eminent domain within a 1/2 mile radius of a station area....AND Monday
October 1 at 6:00 PM - The comprehensive plan update will supposedly be centered around institutions and this is a meeting that will be recorded. Live next to an institution? It can be interesting - especially when it comes to whose property rights are valued more, can't it?

The times, they are interesting around Lower Merion. Don't blink or you might miss something...

As people view the RFP, it might be helpful if people posted opinions and feedback.