News

What does everyone think of this newspaper column?

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:24:56 -0700

So there is this column that has been running a while in Main Line Life, which is a fabulous paper. So you read this column. What do you think about this columnist? Honestly, I keep waiting for author to wow me on some level....it's good writing, don't misunderstand me...anyway read this:

Pigs in a Poke, Indeed?

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:51:18 -0700

Nutter's Nutty Over Tour Guides....

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:06:15 -0700

Totally embarassing...Philadelphia in the news again over dumb stuff...Seriously, Philadelphia has so many problems, and Nutter promised sooo much like the second coming....but while people ask daily when Nutter is gonna get down to it, he takes a side street over to Philadelphia Tour Guides. Mayor Nutter seems to think that it's the City's right to regulate tour guides? Is it the City's right to regulate Freedom of Speech in the birthplace of it? Or is it just another way to grub money? Isn't the visitor's tax...err unregulated parking fees enough? Shouldn't he be worrying about real issues? Murder? Drugs? Crime? Homelessness? Education? The economy? If Nutter thinks a priority is regulating tour guides does that mean he is going to be giving money RIGHT now to all the historic sites in Philadelphia that need money? Landmarks like the Powell House and Hill Pysick Keith House which need help? The Todd House? The Bishop White House? The Shambles at Head House Square? Independence Hall? Grublethorpe? The Fairmount Park Houses? Should Nutter be worried about things like the fact that it's not Philadelphia but Filthadelphia? Shouldn't Nutter leave free speech alone in the birthplace of this country? Is this to be Philadelphia's Fourth of July Message then? That free speech is regulated by government? Is this Moscow?

Racism in Gladwyne?

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:24:37 -0700

Now this is an interesting news tidbit du jour: according to the news, a flyer is circulating about Aaron McKie who is planning to move to Gladwyne. Now it is a crying shame the McMansion he is building is super unattractive, but the rest of this? This flyer basically encourages Gladwyne residents to rally up the townfolk and pitchforks and bar him from entry to Gladwyne...So, is the issue that generated the flyer the fact that he lied when trying to get a gun permit (which in itself involves purported domestic violence issues), or is it race related? Gladwyne might be like 90210 (well, it's 19035), but ummm, the only prerequisite for residence these days is if you can afford to live there...not your skin color, right? That's right, right?

Shoot Out in Haverford Twp at Septa P&W....In Daylight Hours?

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:57:33 -0700

This is unbelievable! A guy was shot at 6:30 p.m. last Friday at the P&W next to the 7 Eleven in the Ardmore/Haverford section of Haverford Township! This is next to a really nice HT neighborhood too...and lots of people use this Septa line to commute. Is Septa safe? Do Septa Police patrol their suburban properties like the P&W stops and R5 train stations? Main Line Life: Posted on Fri, Jun 27, 2008 Haverford shooting By Vickie Thomas

HAVERFORD - A man is in critical condition and two suspects are in custody after a Friday shooting in a SEPTA parking lot. Haverford Township police responded to the scene at the SEPTA P&W R100 line parking lot at 699 Haverford Road at 6:40 p.m. Friday and found a male with a gunshot wound to his right side. Medics rushed him to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where he remained listed in critical condition Saturday morning.

[color=red]Are we safe on Septa?[/color]

D.A. Risa Sez Sokoloff No "Spenser For Hire"?

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:39:56 -0700

Sooooo....remember a while, a long while ago there was this guy going postal on camera on local TV? The guy was a deputy constable in Montgomery County? Well it was this guy named Sokoloff, and his wife Julie ran and was elected constable of Lower Merion around a few years ago, and wasn't he then appointed deputy after she got in or something? ...well here's an update: Ex-Montco constable scrutinized Steven David Sokoloff is seeking a private investigator's license. By Kathleen Brady Shea Inquirer Staff Writer

Despite support from two lawmakers, an ousted Lower Merion Township deputy constable hit a hurdle yesterday in his attempt to obtain a private investigator's license.

SAC in The News for Kelo Day Participation

carla — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:59:28 -0700

it is with great pride that I promote this article on Scott Mahan's and Ken Haskin's participation in the dedication of the Kelo House with Susette, IJ, and others.... many thanks to Main Line Times for the article: Posted on Wed, Jun 25, 2008 SAC marks milestone with Kelo By Richard Ilgenfritz

This weekend, some area residents traveled to Connecticut to remember that "little pink house."It wasn't one of the little pink houses made famous in a John Mellencamp song, but one that became a symbol in the fight over eminent domain for private gain. The property became a national centerpiece in the eminent domain battle when the house's owner, Susette Kelo, lost a 2005 United States Supreme Court decision that gave the City of New London the ability to use eminent domain to take her house and several others in the Fort Trumbull section of New London and turn it over for private development. Essentially, the court said it was up to the individual states to determine eminent domain.

Summer Musings Along The Main Line

carla — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:43:11 -0700

Check out my editorial in today's Main Line Life: Posted on Tue, Jun 24, 2008 It may be summer, but that doesn't mean that it's quiet By Carla J. Zambelli for As I See It

Greetings from the sidelines. There are so many things to follow, even in the dead of the summer, that I am worried about whiplash.

Check Out The Welcome Wagon In Bryn Mawr...

MainLineThoughts — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:16:15 -0700

[color=red]UPDATE![/color][color=green] Well, apparently, you can't smoke on Lower Merion Township owned property, but you CAN take a nap. :jawdrop: Check out this photo from the same day as the "no smoking" photo. Can you imagine just HOW relaxed or oblivious one must be to take a nap on Ludington Library's lawn along Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr? This was definitely a photo op![/color] [color=red]PREVIOUSLY:[/color] All hail the Welcome Wagon! :wink: So check out the paper sign taped to a public bench in Bryn Mawr outside Ludington Library (also nice to know how our taxpayer dollars are being spent and wonder what they have to say about those occasional homeless seemong people that pop up in this location?)...too bad the signmakers can't be as proactive with the Graffiti clean up that is needed next to the Bejing Inn, or even tackling Bejing Inn's gross looking building: Welcome To Bryn Mawr, Please Enjoy Your Stay

Monday's BIG Story: Is LMPD's Daly Leaving?

MainLineThoughts — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:27:26 -0700

It pays to peruse the weeklies online. On www.mainlinelife.com in an article teaser by Rich Ilgenfritz it says Lower Merion Police Department's top cop, Supt. Joe Daly might be leaving? To go to Springfield (Delco) PD? WOW. Joe Daly is the image of LMPD....when you think of Lower Merion's Police Force, you think of him, because he has been part of the fabric of the community for more than 30 years, right? Isn't Supt. Daly sort of synonymous with Lower Merion? Wow. But you know what? It's pretty amazing we have had the continuity with him all of these years, and in the end he has to do what is best for him and his family. Stay tuned, this will be interesting: LM's top cop leaving? By Richard Ilganfritz

Lower Merion Township Police Supt. Joseph Daly has been offered another job and could leave the township within the next several months.

SAC Remembers Kelo Day at Ceremony in New London, CT!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:07:14 -0700

Scott Mahan and Ken Haskin from Save Ardmore Coalition join Susett Kelo for a special dedication a couple days before the 3rd anniversary of Kelo, which is June 23, 2008. Susett Now lives across the river from New London.

UPDATE From SAC

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:12:51 -0700

Here are meeting notes:

Dear SAC members, The June 20th SAC meeting was the first of what will become, once again, a regular monthly meeting. SAC is starting to meet more often to allow membership to more actively engage in the ongoing issues of development, zoning and planning that continue to face our township. Regular meetings will set agendas, action points, and activate our community to deal with these issues. On the table at this meeting, were 6 points of focus for SAC in the next few months. We are organizing committees around these issues and events will be planned to focus our actions in the near future. The issues that are currently important are:

A Stinging Opinion on Ardmore

MainLineThoughts — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:45:51 -0700

Can't say this opinion is off base, can you? Of course it remains to be seem if anyone cares.. Posted on Wed, Jun 18, 2008 One step forward, one step back for Ardmore Natural Selections By Mike Weilbacher

NOW READ THIS: Flim Flamming Going On At Ardmore Restaurant?

MainLineThoughts — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:26:03 -0700

Wow - what establishment is this? What kind of scum sucking pigs would basically perpetuate what sounds like fraud? Whatever restaurant this is, Ardmore doesn't need these kind of bad-for-business problems, huh? Where there is smoke there is fire....bet this letter grows legs, huh? People like this should be OUT of business, not IN. Hmmm....this person signed a slip that was 1/2 the bill? That is fraud if they charged this customer the whole amount, isn't it? Reprinted from Main Line Times: Posted on Wed, Jun 18, 2008 Beware of using card when splitting a check

TO THE EDITOR:Diners beware when splitting checks with credit cards! On May 24, I dined in a well established restaurant in Ardmore with three other ladies. When the check arrived, two of us gave our credit cards and asked for the check to be split in half. The waitress returned with a credit slip to each card holder for half of the bill, and we each added on a nice tip. I only signed a slip that showed half the bill! On or about June 1, I was checking my card account online and discovered that this restaurant charged me for the full bill (of which I never signed a slip for the complete amount) PLUS the correct charge for half plus tip. My bank advised to first work this out with the restaurant. The owner has been difficult and I still have not received a credit for the $60 charge that I never signed for but was charged against my credit card. He refuses to charge the amount back on my card and says he will only give me cash. I went today and no cash.

"NIMFY" is A Nifty New Acronym...Thanks RoundRadnor!

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:05:56 -0700

LOL! Round Radnor gets two thumbs up for new acronym NIMFY, which is "Not In My Front Yard"...this is of course kissin' cousin to NIMBY , or "Not In My Back Yard".

Disappointing Barnes Update

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:52:47 -0700

Saw this over at Writemarsh:

"...it was just a matter of when....How can they fight so hard to keep it and then just "roll over"?"

So yes, The Barnes Friends are abandoning their fight in the court system, which is their right of course, as the legal fees must have been high....How will this impact the Attorney General issue? Ahh well, cheer up, now that Lower Merion will cease to be known for a world famous art collection, it still has the fallback position of being the township of poor development decisions..... A suggestion for the Barnes friends if they are giving up an appeal, but not the fight? An old fashioned protest. Get your marching sneakers on and don't worry about being so polite. Make some noise...try Philly City Hall to start.... Posted on Wed, Jun 18, 2008 ‘Friends’ will not appeal ruling By MARGARET GIBBONS , Times Herald Staff

Another Shame of The Main Line: The Sordid Tale of Rosalind Lavin...

carla — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:23:04 -0700

Jill Porter: Channel your fury over Lavin case to change assisted-living regulations By Jill Porter Philadelphia Daily News

YOU'RE NOT alone if you're still haunted by the fact that Rosalind Lavin got off so easy. You're not alone if you think she should have been criminally prosecuted for the horrific conditions endured by the residents of her personal-care homes. I continue to be contacted by readers appalled that Lavin, who lives lavishly on the Main Line, was able to get away with paying $700,000 and avoid acknowledging wrongdoing to resolve a federal investigation.

Wow. Got a call from someone about this who asked me what I thought about someone named Rosalind Lavin. "Who?" I said. "Just Google" said the other person...."it's horrifying" So I Googled...and am appalled. Appalled that this Villanova resident could do these things she is charged with, and somewhat appalled that her sentance in the end wasn't 100% a punishment to fit the crime, and was more like a pricey slap on the wrist? As a matter of fact, can one disagree with what Jill Porter says on June 11th?

Development: A Matter of Personal Opinion

carla — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:24:53 -0700

If you are hypersensitive, please skip this post. Otherwise understand that I am entitled like everyone else in this country to an opinion. It's called the First Amendment I am sick to death of dancing around the topic of development in our communities. I am tired of being politically correct. I do not think that all this development has ever been solely about community betterment, I think it is often about bottom lines and personal legacies at the expense of ordinary people, o.k.? Do I think all developers are bad or we should have NO development in our communities? No, of course not. Do I feel the need to vent? Yes. Does that make me anti-development? NO, it does not.

The Shame of Montgomery County: Matthews/Hoeffel and The Barnes.

carla — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:30:28 -0700

Rolling in His Grave: Albert C. Barnes

Politics and The Barnes....

MainLineThoughts — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:40:31 -0700

The hot,hot,hot political scene in Montgomery County seems to be fueled by the ongoing saga of the Barnes Museum?

Narberth Says No Thanks To LMPD Bid

MainLineThoughts — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:15:46 -0700

Recently, our local papers and television stations have been chattering about a bid by Lower Merion Township to take over Narberth Borough's Police Department. Well, according to the Main Line Times, Narberth has decided "no". Many questions remain over this takeover bid, namely the politics of origination. Posted on Wed, Jun 11, 2008 Narberth to keep its police force By Richard Ilgenfritz

NARBERTH –The Narberth Borough Council Wednesday night voted to halt its consideration of a plan by Lower Merion Township to take over Narberth's police responsibilities to save money for both municipalities.In a unanimous voice vote, the council approved a motion to inform Lower Merion that the borough was no longer considering the township's offer to take over the borough's policing duties because the township hadn't provided enough detail on cost savings for the borough.

Will Ardmore Survive?

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:39:04 -0700

Will Ardmore Survive "MUST" see t.v..... we have had a full night in Lower Merion of development, development and more development. Apparently 106 Cricket seems to be moving forward? Despite the block house feel? And some commissioners are "excited" by the prospect of this thing? Maybe, Lower Merion, it would be more exciting if plans like this weren't so darn large? Maybe, Lower Merion, it would be more exciting if MUST was not so contradictory as well as existing only to service developer interests? Where is MUST good for the people of Ardmore? So, this marathon meeting this evening trucked along...right to the issue of Suburban Square. Residents of Ardmore on sofas all over town almost fell off their seats when once again when certain commissioners described this project as exciting? (Just curious but does LARGE=EXCITING?) Why did one Commissioner tried to "move" what was supposed to be a presentation to a motion to vote to get a public hearing going in JULY when no one is around?

Beautiful, Problematic Lower Merion Township

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:10:40 -0700

Lower Merion is a very beautiful and dysfunctional township. The marathon list of agenda items for the June 11th meetings is proof in the pudding: Building & Planning Committee REVISED Regular Meeting Date: 6/11/2008 6:30 PM Location: Township Administration Bldg - 2nd Floor Board Room 75 East Lancaster Ave Ardmore, Pennsylvania 19003-2323

More Troops Arrive to Help Commissioner Gordon and Barnes Friends: Commissioner Rogers Takes Montco's Castor on Barnes Tour

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:09:49 -0700

Apparently, Bruce Castor took a tour of the Barnes on Sunday and has this to report courtesy of Writemarsh blog: Monday, June 9, 2008 CASTOR TOURS BARNES FOUNDATION COLLECTION IN PREPARATION FOR MEETING WITH FRIENDS OF BARNES

The Montgomery County Commissioner is “overwhelmed” by the collection. Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr. accepted an invitation extended by Lower Merion Commissioner Lance Rogers to tour the Barnes Foundation collection on Sunday, June 8th.

Hey Radnor! Don't Water Down The Issue of Development at 236 N. Aberdeen in North Wayne

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:00:32 -0700

Undoubtedly there are some in Radnor who wish that the topic of 236 N. Aberdeen would just disappear....but it won't. IF 236 North Aberdeen is developed, it could negatively impact not only the immediate vicinity of North Aberdeen Avenue, but one cannot discount the potential impact on Willow Avenue across the creek, right? Willow Ave is the low side of the creek, right? Of course, will the homes most directly across the property boundaries/lines of 236 N. Aberdeen have the potential for most direct impact? Maybe someone should ask Radnor Township and FEMA? *Oh* If you have an interest in this site not getting supersized, here is the information for contacting the commissioner over there:*

Harry G. Mahoney, Esq. hgmahoney@dmvlawfirm.com 215-587-9400 President, Ward 1

(If you write the commissioner, you might want to let that reporter over at the Suburban who is covering this issue know your thoughts: sstrike@waynesuburban.com ) So...back to the regularly scheduled program in progress: This property was passed along like a loser prom date with a super wimpy rating by the Radnor Township Planning Department on May 5th, 2008. It was discussed in caucus by the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners at the May 12th meeting.

Update From North Ardmore RE: Exxon Issue

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:17:55 -0700

North Ardmore residents have faithfully been attending meetings regarding the ongoing issue of Exxon and the car wash at Woodside and Montgomery. On this website it has been discussed HERE most recently - you can utilize the handy search feature to bring up other posts. Here is an update from a North Ardmore resident on this DUMB plan:

June 5 Zoning Board Hearing Highlights 1. Neighbors Attendance & Involvement

Spotlight on SEPTA: Are We Satisfied With Our Transit Authority?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:58:33 -0700

Do you trust Septa? Do you wonder why Septa can't come on out to Lower Merion and talk to people who need the R5 and supporting bus routes? So SEPTA was granted $6 Million along with Lower Merion for what we thought was a new train station, parking, bus access. The funds came through a Federal "earmark". The earmark expires September 30th. Will this money cover a modest train station? According to some, apparently not. Is it true that it could cost upwards of $20 million? Who knows? What will our money available be spent on? "Transit related improvements"? Ok? Ok, well we need a modest train station and parking and a place for the buses. And we need something ADA compliant (and how is it that many stations including Ardmore have been allowed to NOT be ADA compliant?) But will we see it? And now that SEPTA claims ridership is up, why is it the R5 schdule has so few trains until 4:30 in the afternoon Mon thru Friday? Seriously, look at the March 23, 2008 Septa R5 schedule. Pick Ardmore as your departure. The times trains run are 5:42, 6:17, 6:47,7:12,7:39,7:58,8:14,8:43,9:01,9:54,10:54,11:54. There used to be many more trains. We lost trains a year ago on a temporary basis, so why aren't they back now? Septa claims ridership is up due to increasing fuel costs, and there was even some snippet on KYW news radio yesterday about where they were adding more parking, etc (they did not mention Ardmore), yet all we see slipped in amongst the PR fluffernutter are notices for decreasing services, or increasing fares and why is that? Ardmore Train Station

Montco Politics as Usual With Added Barnes Intrigue

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:16:33 -0700

Many snaps to Writemarsh for this heads up (even if it seems maybe the SAC blog's front page post might have raised awareness as well, perhaps?): Inside Today's Bulletin Castor: I Was Not Consulted About The Barnes Case By: Jeff Cobb, For The Bulletin 06/03/2008

A Website Worth Nibbling on a While: The Antiplanner

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:03:55 -0700

This is a very interesting website: The Antiplanner Some might not like it, and some might complain about it being mentioned on a website with roots on the Main Line, but hey? You know what? Broaden your horizons...they have entire sections devoted to things like why planning fails and transportation. As a matter of fact, one post that features a photo/cartoon with a caption that says "If you think density relieves congestion, try driving around Manhattan." Check out what they have to say HERE:

...It is time for the progressive philosophy to join this list of politically unacceptable beliefs. At the moment, many people view “progressive” in a positive way that is not in keeping with its history or the beliefs of many of its current practitioners. As the Antiplanner noted yesterday, it is ironic that the cities that have promoted policies that make housing unaffordable and push low-income people out like to call themselves progressive. This is only ironic because progressives love to pretend they care about minorities and low-income people. History, however, shows otherwise.

What is News in Philly Today.....

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:50:21 -0700

Ok, first of all, when is Alycia Lane getting the heck out of dodge? And then the incredible news that a son of a former Philadelphia elected official slit the throat of a woman in some fleabag no-tell motel on City Line Ave ("special services district" indeed?)? We live in strange times indeed....