Lawyers (and other reptiles)

Another Country Heard from on Ardmore

MainLineThoughts — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:40:05 -0700

So, I found a new blog talking about Ardmore today. I am going to post an excerpt and open the floor for comments. Conservative Reform Network:Subsidies Suck: Dranoff and Ardmore Development Project September 7th, 2008 | by BGuzzardi |

Welfare to the Kings and Queens of Lower Merion?

"Use of taxpayer money on a public-private project is a key issue"

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:40:13 -0700

I am about to post a story from Lancaster that will resonate locally. It's all about new development and whose money goes where. It seems that no matter where you go in Pennsylvania, these projects are a problem, doesn't it? When it comes to public - private partnerships and politicians, are we ever sure where the line in the sand is? So, I am looking for feedback here. Any takers? Posted on Tue, Sep. 2, 2008 Tower sparks controversy in Lancaster

Kimco in The News.....

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:07:51 -0700

So, Kimco owns Suburban Square. They purchased the mall and didn't pay transfer taxes to Lower Merion Township because of the same itty bitty loophole that deprived Radnor Township taxpayers of transfer taxes on a couple big land sales...it was in the paper...anyway, so Kimco wants to supersize the Ruby's lot and put in like 175 units wrapped in yet MORE retail. Some commissioners in Lower Merion did sabre rattling FOR the project not so many months ago which would require re-zoning, and some did sabre rattling AGAINST the project. I think that in the end, it will be like everything else in Lower Merion, where these commissioners will once again say they have never met a developer they didn't capitualate to and North Ardmore will get saddled with this bit of piggy development. Of course, this bit of piggy development could be the death knell to Lancaster Avenue merchants, especially if Kimco gets approval to build before the redevelopment plans even begin. Why? Simple - saturation point. But of course, here in Never Never Land we can't have too much development, we need more, more, more. It's quite ridiculous, actually. And this Kimco thing is just a bad idea waiting to turn into another bad plan. Kimco purchased a successful shopping center/mall to increase their lot in business life. There is no hardship. They don't have to or need to develop. They just want to. That's piggy. And Suburban Square has not been a great neighbor consistently, and they have issues especially surrounding parking and traffic that will get worse not better if they are allowed to develop further. And they hired former LMT commissioner Jim Ettleson to represent them on this, haven't they? Wasn't Mr. Ettleson was also represnting the wannabe developers of 130 Cricket in Ardmore until that went to court? So the whole point is this: I am going to provide snippets of articles where Kimco is in other parts of the country. Check it out and decide if you think we need more development on Suburban Square, ok? See where your trust level is on this one, ok?

Why Doth Mr. Zajac Protesteth So Much?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:39:53 -0700

Now the Danieal Kelly case is a horrible thing we've had countless media reports on. People, understandably had quite the reaction when Radnor School Board Member Eric Zajac made front page news by taking on a civil suit that smells to high heaven. This week's local papers are showing some damage control. But the basic question which has never been answered is : Why did he take the case, really? As a civil action, Mr. Zajac had the free will to turn it down. And he should have. Is this case really worth all the problems he is going through by deciding to take it?

File Under Rewarding Bad Behavior?

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:31:41 -0700

Hmmm, nothing takes the joy out of my morning coffee and perusal of my local paper than having to look smack dab in the face of the King of Eminent Domain, does it? Image courtesy of the creative folks at http://writemarsh.blogspot.com/

The Danieal Kelly Lawsuit: Should This Guy Stay on Radnor School Board?

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:49:35 -0700

[color=blue]Mr. Zajac: You might not like my opinion, but like any other humble citizen in the U.S.A. I am allowed to have it. You are a lawyer and you chose to take on a very unpopular case (the Danieal Kelly thing) as a matter of free will, correct? You will be compensated for your work on this case, correct? 33.3 percent is what the Daily News is reporting, right? So this is the case of now representing an estate of a minor child who dies without a legal will, correct? So can you say with absolute certainty that those blood-sucking parents would never, ever see a dime as her parents? I don't think you can, can you? As I see it, you had a choice to say no here since this is a civil action. You didn't. So now you and your co-counsel have other lawyers acting as mouthpieces? What is next a publicist? Do any fees accrued for these efforts get added into whatever settlement might hope to be achieved? Therefore, if say money goes to the remaining siblings now on taxpayer dime in the foster care system, don't additional expenses incurred by counsel [i.e. you and your pal] eat into whatever monies you were hoping to gain? And I still don't get it, how can you sleep at night and take a case like this? The people you represent killed their child. No one held a gun to their head and made them do it. They chose to do it. And all the while they were doing that, they kept popping out babies like hampsters - children the taxpayers are now responsible for supporting. Andrea and Daniel Kelly should be spayed and neuteured. Yes, they should be fixed so they can't spawn anymore. Mr. Zajac, you made a tactical career error here, and I almost feel sorry for you...except, I now wonder how does this affect your ability to be what Radnor Township needs in a School Board member? It lends itself to judgement, does it not? Mr. Zajac, do the right thing: drop out of this case. It's worse than a dog with fleas. It's a loser of a case that will haunt you forever, isn't it? Which do you value more: helping the children you were elected to help by getting voted on Radnor's School Board, or hanging onto this case? [/color]

OK, well here are the articles which made me think:

Conshohocken Burning

MainLineThoughts — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:48:37 -0700

Ok, this is the image we should keep in mind as residents of communities planning new development, whenever possible going forward. Whatever ends up being wrong in Conshohocken (even if it was just a horrible accident when all is said and done), shouldn't ever be repeated in a million years! If it means raising the bar with regard to any new construction and construction site safety, we'll all be better off for it.....including developers.

Radnor School District Loses On Reconsideration? Is Sunshine Upheld For Now?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:55:42 -0700

Well, everyone on the Main Line has sure been following Judy Sherry's passionate quest for open records and accountability in Radnor. Her story has been discussed several times on this web site, including this post and this post and over at Round Radnor here and here. There have also been several newspaper accounts which have been very unflattering to Radnor. Today we have news that Judy Sherry's victory has maybe once again upheld and Radnor School District was DENIED? As a matter of fact, read it for yourself HERE. So is this the end of it? Will Judy be able to see what she requested to see or will this municipal tragedy of Shakesperian proportions continue to evolve? Read the Order dated July 29th, 2008...the end of it seems to contain a NEW wrinkle? Something about a June 30, 2008 Order being VACATED? Now what? How much is this all costing taxpayers anyway? Will political pressure come to bear and will Judy EVER get her open records? Thoughts on this are welcomed.

Which Came First The Chicken or the Egg?

Haverford19041 — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:12:23 -0700

When you live with an institution in your neighborhood, life can be irritating at times. Take this morning for example.

Bloomingdale Avenue Issue Not Dead Yet

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:18:17 -0700

Well it seems all residents in Radnor are not throwing in the towel over the proposed demolition of Bloomingdale Ave homes. This developer is finding out the hard way that not all neighbors are willing to say good-bye to their neighborhood the way they like it in the name of progress. One of the problems, however, is that Radnor's HARB while well intended is in truth rather vague in places, which leaves too much pro and con open to interpretation. I do hope however, that the neighbors, in the end prevail. But I like old houses....and detest McManisons or McMansionettes...I think we are destroying too much of our past along the Main Line and will eventually regret it. And it was who, Fisher and Masterson, who did not want the township involved in this litigation? Radnor has some planning issues now, doesn't it? It's apparent who the pro development factions are, which should be a big thought next time elections come up, shouldn't it? Posted on Tue, Jul 22, 2008 Radnor board's decision to demolish houses appealed in court By Sam Strike

ChaChing...That is The Sound of Radnor Twp. Sch. District Spending MORE Taxpayer $$$$

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:53:36 -0700

So, Radnor Township School District continues it's wanton and wasteful ways, eh? Judy Sherry must be proved wrong at ALL COSTS? That Sunshine Laws are for OTHER school districts? That taxpayers are supposed to just keep allowing money to be spent like this? Interesting. Speaking of school districts, rumors abound about the problems with Lower Merion Township School Districts Redistricting project. One thing being bandied about is the fact that some concerned parents have asked to meet with school district representatives over issues they see as important: like the psychological impact redistricting may have on certain kids, because not all children have the same resiliancy? Why haven't Lower Merion School district folks gotten back to parents on these issues? See there's the rub: taxpayers pay for these schools and all the decisions good bad or indifferent yet no one seems to have control. Are we as taxpayers supposed to just swallow whole the pablum local school districts shove at us constantly? And ultimately? Our children pay the price for adult decisions that are often just plain stupid. School districts and school boards should have a higher degree of accountability. Posted on Thu, Jul 24, 2008 Radnor: Right to Know decision rife with errors School district asks Delco judge to reconsider recent ruling By Sam Strike

Radnor Township School District officials are asking the judge who recently ruled against them in a Right to Know case to reconsider his June 30 order that called on the district to release documents it considers legally withholdable.

Busy, Busy Radnor.....Getting Like Lower Merion?

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:55 -0700

Check out the news to the west in Radnor...economy is int he crapper, yet developers and development persist? Amazing. Can citizens ever truly stop the madness or be a part of it so communities can manage what they are forced to accept? Should communities have to accept so much development? But with all these mushrooming plans, Radnor is beginning to sound a lot like Lower Merion, right? "More, more, more. How do you like it, how do you like it?" (Sorry Andrea True Connection or whomever did the 70's disco song) Posted on Tue, Jul 15, 2008 It's a busy time for developers and residents in Radnor By Sam Strike

More Hospital Towns in Montgomery County/Check out East Norriton Residents Organization

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:28:30 -0700

Ahhh yes....it's not just Bryn Mawaa: 1 hurdle cleared By: CARL ROTENBERG, Times Herald Staff

WEST NORRITON - For the second time in four months, the board of supervisors unanimously approved two zoning ordinances Saturday afternoon that rezones a 20-acre section of Wood's Golf Center for a controversial 200-bed, $300 million hospital.

Red Leaf Manor: Will it be Supersized by Ugliness?

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:44:35 -0700

Red Leaf Manor. Another grotesque example of profit margin missile seeking greed? In this case, holding a Frank Furness treasure hostage? And watching the replay now of the Commissioners' meeting last evening July 9th, I have to ask: why the grilling of the neighbors? Brutal grilling in some cases? Why are neighbors always WRONG in Lower Merion? At least some other commissioners like Mr. Rosenzweig took the time to explain a couple things of the neighbors, and I will note did it without making anyone feel badly. He was very nice. But back to Red Leaf Manor. Was that the developer for Red Leaf Manor protesting from the cheap seats when a neighbor recounted under oath a conversation he had with the developer and this neighbor stated the developer said he couldn't make things on a smaller scale because he wouldn't make enough money? Wowee, what a shocker, the developer's lament? More, more, more? And if the applicant has the burden of proof why are the NEIGHBORS from surrounding streets being grilled?

Local Government , This Post is For You

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:18:16 -0700

Local Government, why are you here? In Lower Merion and Radnor Townships, for whom is it exactly are you working? Why do I ask? Because. There are multiple issues in these two townships, yet all that is done is a dance these days. Or is it issue avoidance? Or just plain ignoring citizens? (It's hard to decide)

Treeless In Bryn Mawr?

MainLineThoughts — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:20:09 -0700

The time has come to ask a difficult question: Are non profits in Radnor Township just allowed to take down trees as they see fit? Seriously, please drive by the new home of the Barrack Academy. Where have all the trees gone and does anyone care? Doesn't it seem naked? Just like the neighboring institution, Proclamation Presbyterian Church, one day there were trees and one day they were just gone?

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.

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?

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

"Oh Ardmore, Oh Ardmore, What Ever Will We Do With You?"

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:24:53 -0700

Read the following article for more,more, more on Ardmore. Answer this: Ardmore has NO master plan but they have MUST, a retail merchandising plan, storefront design guidelines, and oh let us not forget the Ardmore Redevelopment Plan. Is any of it working, or should we have a master plan before Ardmore becomes a mess? Do you think the township should build a municipal garage on the Bernicker lot, and in that garage provide dedicated spaces for municipal vehicles and township employees personal cars? Actually, what do you tink about anything Ardmore right now? From development to proposed car washes on Montgomery Ave at Woodside , we want to hear your thoughts...please. If YOU think Ardmore needs a master plan,a garage on the Bernicker lot, or have any other thoughts, register and post them HERE, or e-mail comments@saveardmorecoalition.org Here's the article: Posted on Tue, May 27, 2008 Township gives update on Ardmore's revitalization By Cheryl Allison

Nine weeks into discussions with a new developer to lead Ardmore's revitalization - that's three weeks past the point when Lower Merion's first choice pulled out - the township still does not have a negotiated agreement.But it does have a new plan for redevelopment.

Captain Matthews of The Montco Ship of Fools Sets Sail Without Barnes?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:56:11 -0700

So about now we're asking ourselves if the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners (Matthews, Hoeffel, and Castor) are spending so much time bickering amongst themselves that they just did something not just a little bit wrong but a LOT wrong? As per Jeff Cobb at The Bulletin, Jim Matthews has basically welched on his promise to fight to save the Barnes? So is this a case of "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Do No Job"? So why are these three at the helm of Montgomery County? To shove through continuous river trails through Gladwyne, Lower Merion, and Montgomery County? Are they here to ensure certain Lower Merion figures can warm their fannies in Montgomery County Committee Chairs? Bicker amongst themselves? Show up at political functions? Kiss babies? What? So WRITEMARSH, and Tony Phyrillas? We get it why you always have so much to say about them, okay? Because they just stabbed Lower Merion in the back on the Barnes, didn't they? They went back on their promise to keep the Barnes in Merion, Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County didn't they? It's up to the Attorney General now, eh? Rendell, Ott, Pew Trusts, Annenberg Foundation, Lenfest? They don't care about the art or about Lower Merion - they are all building a legacy to themselves, aren't they? They will go down in history as the people who stole the Barnes Collection, right? Unless of course the Attorney General steps up, right? Actually Nutter should say something. Where is Nutter on this? After all.... a LOT of Lower Merionites helped him get where he is, and a lot of those people want the Barnes to stay in Merion. We gave Nutter Manko, isn't that enough? Inside Today's Bulletin Montco To Drop Barnes Fight By: Jeff Cobb, For The Bulletin 05/29/2008

The Montgomery County Commissioners have decided to let the Barnes Foundation go. The decision not to appeal a May 15 court decision was revealed yesterday afternoon by County Solicitor Carolyn T. Carluccio, who said she was informed by County Commissioner Chairman James R. Matthews.

Hmmm. Philadelphia Magazine is in a Lower Merion/Ardmore State of Mind...

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:11:33 -0700

How utterly fantabulous! Since we can't see "Sex and the City" in Ardmore when the movie opens because we no longer have a movie theater, we can grab our June issue of Philadelphia Magazine and be entertained while we wait in line at the mall to see the movie....yeppers, that's right, Philadelphia Magazine is in an Ardmore state of mind, and well, after you read it, can it be wondered if Lower Merion township looks silly?

Will Spin Keep The Local Real Estate Market off Life Support?

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 22 May 2008 10:25:16 -0700

This week on page 3 of Main Line Life we can all see a story about Tredyffrin Township’s Planning Commission saying “no thanks” to extending boundaries of a proposed “Devon/Strafford Mixed-Use Center”. It would have been a mixed use road clogger like we are seeing proposed elsewhere along the Main Line and there was this one largely debated section, a stretch of Old Eagle School Road that starts at Lancaster Avenue. Like other mixed use plans, as proposed, this stretch would have colored outside the lines and if it had been enacted, gobbled parts of side streets like Meadowood Road, Strafford Avenue, Forrest Lane and Fairfield Lane. Nice, would this have been a potential TRID zone too if it had come to pass? But once again when it comes to Tredyffrin, both residents and a local government who seem to be able to get it together over issues like this said NO. Good for them. (This week we also learned that Tredyffrin passed on a dog park seemingly due to sheer cost of construction as much as anything else.) Why when the economy is in the toilet, do we see a continued rush to develop everywhere? Is it so those who would profit stay off the bread lines that the rest of us in this country seemed headed towards thanks to this economy? And speaking of economy, now we are seeing the new trends in housing running towards rental units. Yep, there was a rise in housing starts, but do you all know in what specific sector? Rental units - as in the economy is bad, people can't afford to own, so now they rent? Market Scan Rentals Are Up And Consumers Are Spent Melinda Peer 05.16.08, 4:55 PM ET

Always Developing: Assorted Main Line Development News Round Up

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:42:43 -0700

If you live on the Main Line, these are some of the articles you should be reading (thanks Main Line life!): File under "bad plan": 'This isn't a neighborhood for big houses' Residents in Radnor's 'Little Chicago' are not happy with development plans By Sam Strike

From the Barnes Friends on The Recent Bad News

MainLineThoughts — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:49:44 -0700

After Judge Ott's decision, the Barnes Friends issued this to their supporters:

Dear Friends, On Thursday, May 15th, Judge Ott issued his decision on the matter of the Petitions filed to reopen the hearings: he ruled that neither of the Petitioners, Montgomery County or the Friends of the Barnes Foundation, had the standing to intervene in the Barnes matter.

Big Barnes Bummer

MainLineThoughts — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:24:52 -0700

There simply are no words left at present....an art collection designed and implemented to be in a specific community, Lower Merion, is being stolen from Lower Merion. Judge Ott either doesn't get it, or chooses not to. It's interesting the way Ott operates, isn't it? He's a real operator isn't he, denying standing? Just curious, but who exactly does have standing?

Ardmore....development...Ardmore....development...

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:47:21 -0700

....Ardmore...development...Ardmore....development....SIGH............. LM board wants developers to meet neighbors By Cheryl Allison

Is Suburban Square a Good Ardmore Neighbor? OR NOT?

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:30:27 -0700

Well, well, well. There are fresh rumors afoot concerning Suburban Square and their new owners Kimco. It is no deep, dark secret they want to redevelop the Ruby's lot. But are they now really going to push for rezoning before the long sought Ardmore redevelopment happens with Carl Dranoff? How neighborly of them! What Suburban Square/Kimco wants to do is NOT by right, and it IS huge. Suburban Square is already a logistical nighmare, and if they start this before "Main Street" Ardmore starts it's renaissance, it could further hurt "Main Street Ardmore".