Civic Groups and Non-Profits

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

UPDATE on PECO Issues in Ardmore

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:35:12 -0700

Now special thanks and double snaps should go to Christine Vilardo of the Ardmore Initiative who has worked like us towards resolution of this latest issue in Ardmore with PECO. We will point out for the record that PECO and other utility companies need to keep pace with development and redevelopment. They can't just talk about it, they need to DO IT. What is below ground is obviously problematic or we wouldn't have problems. Below are some updates:

"When You Lose Your Story, You Lose Your Soul"

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:22:18 -0700

Well, since the Main Line would probably love to be the Hamptons, thought it would be interesting to point out development issues in small towns like Sag Harbor. Now Sag Harbor is quite exclusive, and who woulda thunk they would have "supersize me" issues?

Sunshine Posts (Including Radnor) on CRN

MainLineThoughts — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:22:57 -0700

Check out this hot tip in the heatwave: Look out Radnor Township School Board, you are on everyone's radar it seems as the support for Judy Sherry and open records and fiscal responsibility grows...wait until CRN hears that RTSB is challenging judge's order... Right to Know Law and Sunshine Act July 21st, 2008 | by BGuzzardi |

An Opinion on Gambling in Upper Merion Mailed to SAC

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:48:08 -0700

As you may or may not know, there is gambling proposed for quite nearby in Upper Merion. Quite frankly,we don't know much. We are posting this one letter received as a neighborly courtesy,and if the sender in the future would like his letters posted, we encourage him to register for a free account and post his thoughts. If this is a group, we assume they will eventually have a website? If any of you out there have thoughts on this topic, please weigh in. Please note, we have carried articles about slots in the past in the realm of "current events and regional news". Dunno...just seems there is something seedy and problematic about gambling, eh? Casino Free PA's website seems to have a good handle on the issues... Here is the letter, and directly below this is what we can find on the web that is relatively current:

Please note this copy of our letter filed with the PGCB this week. Please forward to all interested parties and feel free to contact me with any questions. SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA CITIZENS AGAINST GAMING Att: Jim Schneller 500 East Lancaster Avenue #111d Radnor, PA 19087 610-688-9471 noUMgambling@aol.com July 8, 2008 Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board PO Box 69060 Harrisburg, PA 17106 To the Board: We, the above named citizens and all relevant citizens of the Valley Forge region, oppose the application for a license for a gaming facility in the Valley Forge Convention Center in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, and we oppose any further efforts to place gaming facilities of any sort anywhere in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The proposed facility for Upper Merion Township would negatively affect a highly populated region including an inner ring composed of Upper Merion, Conshohocken, Norristown, Audubon, Oaks, Wayne, Bridgeport, Chesterbrook, Paoli, Berwyn, Villanova, Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Malvern, Exton, Lionville, Kimberton, and Phoenixville.

Barnes Friends Stage First Protest!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 07:42:07 -0700

Well, we are pleased to report that the Barnes Friends have been exercising their First Amendment Rights with a dignified and politely done protest the other day in Philthadelphia. One of their members sent an e-mail along to a few of our members, and we are posting that now so everyone can have an update:

Good Morning. The attached photo appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News on July 18, 2008. There is my daughter, Carmelle Yaari with our bud Rocky, and me. The protest took place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a section of which had been closed to traffic for the press event for Governor Rendell, Mayor Nutter, Senator Fumo, representatives from Pew, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and others. The big announcement was that the city, the state, the Pew, the Knight Foundation, and the William Penn Foundation are giving $17 million to spruce up the Parkway in anticipation of the Barnes Foundation coming to the neighborhood.

Graffiti Ordinance and Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:47:02 -0700

So... the other week the Board of Commissioners discussed the proposed amendment(s) to the Graffiti Ordinance at a public meeting.

Inquirer's Sozanski Sticks Up for Barnes's Friends

eyaari — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:56:50 -0700

In contrast to recent disappointments (a hasty retreat by Montco Commissioners Hoeffel and Matthews; getting the boot from Judge Ott), it does feel great to have Inquirer art critic Edward J. Sozanski stick up for Friends of the Barnes. The June 29th article explains the problem clearly and doesn’t shrink from calling the dismantling plan for the art collection by its names: “a cabal of interests that appear not to appreciate (the Barnes’) essential nature,” “the most audacious art heist in American history…,” “hijacking.”

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)

Inquirer art critic speaks up about Barnes Friends

eyaari — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:13:10 -0700

The Philadelphia Inquirer June 29, 2008 Art: Friends of Barnes keep up the good fight By Edward Sozanski, Contributing Art Critic To paraphrase the eminent metaphysician L.P. Berra, an event has not concluded until all activity associated with that event has ceased. By that measure, the 20-year struggle for the body and soul of the Barnes Foundation might still have wobbly legs, even if, legally, la guerre appears to be fini.

Putting Up the Dukes for the Barnes

eyaari — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:36:29 -0700

Friends of the Barnes Foundation is NOT laying down to die, as hoped for by our adversaries. On the contrary -- we are just getting warmed up! Links to a couple of items below: See Culturegrrl blog post, "Sozanski Socks the Barnes Move" about the Inquirer's Art Critic's belated but powerful piece. http://www.artsjournal.com/culturegrrl/2008/06/gloves_off_sozanski_socks_the.html Here is the link to the Inquirer piece by Sozanski: http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/22007209.html

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.

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

Meeting of the Radnor Community Preservation Coalition

JohnN — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:59:41 -0700

On Tuesday night RCPC held a meeting at the Township Building. I believe there were about 60 folks in attendance. The meeting was mostly an update although there was also an update for some of the attendees who had not been at the previous meeting. Included was a brief history of RCPC and how it came to be.

Barnes State of Mind .....

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:56:47 -0700

What can be done about the Barnes Debacle? Maybe the Barnes Friends should take their show on the road and picket Philadelphia City Hall? And Tom Murray? That's a mighty fine editorial you're sporting this week.... Posted on Tue, May 20, 2008 Judge in Barnes case: See no evil, hear no evil By Robert Zaller

Congratulations Pennywise Thrift Shop on HARB Award!

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:50:57 -0700

Well, lookee here! The Pennywise Thrift Shop won a HARB award! How about that? Wonder what those sweet people who wanted eminent domain and to knock down the beloved Pennywise think now? Congratulations Audrey, Bobbi and all the fine folks at the Pennywise! A special note of thanks goes to Ken Haskin of KGH and Associates who devoted endless hours to see that Pennywise got a historically accurate face lift. His plans made this renovation a success. Way to go Ken! Also, Audrey has volunteered for the Pennywise for like 40 some odd years. She deserves a LOT of praise as well. That sweet lady gets the true meaning and spirit of volunteerism!

Can we talk? (A Slightly Rambling Rant)

MainLineThoughts — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:50:27 -0700

Let’s chat, shall we? .......Great, good, Let’s start with the news : You know where the best news on T.V. is? BBC hands down. They even do more comprehensive coverage of our U.S. sports teams. This morning they had terrific coverage of the Flyers. But the BBC is different because it doesn’t dwell on the tabloidesque news our local newscasts can’t seem to avoid. In the world of Tabloidesque - Is Mylie Cyrus news any more than her predecessors Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton, or the ultimate pop tart, Britney Spears? Do we really care that Mylie posed for Vanity Fair? Like who hasn’t and can it be contemplated that she may have been wearing more then some parents let their daughters go to Prom in? And do we care that serial dater John Mayer has moved onto being "Friends" with Jennifer Aniston? Sheesh, you know what I care about? that ever since dude got mixed up with high maintenance women his music has really suffered...

Lower Merion Conservancy/Rolling Hill Park: A Little Slice of Heaven

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:21:07 -0700

Sigh....enjoy....

What's Up With The Crabapple and The Appleford Estate ?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:09:26 -0700

Appleford Estate in Villanova is one of our township's beautiful historic resources. From the gracious home to the utterly fabulous gardens, it's a real gem. Except not according to some crabapple who lives next door. Except does he really live next door or is he just another developer/real estate speculator who happens to own a property next door who is suing Appleford and/or the township? And what gives with this gent? It's not like Appleford appeared overnight. He purchased the property knowing that this property was next door, and purchased this property knowing there were weddings there.

Ardmore Needs Help.

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:24:30 -0700

Last evening the Planning Commission in Ardmore heard a very troublesome plan:

TENTATIVE SKETCH PLAN 106 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore, SD# 3601, Ward 4. Construction of a five-story 73-unit apartment building with 32 affordable units and 38 market-rate units and associated stormwater management system. Also proposed is an underground garage with 72 parking spaces and 2 on-street parking spaces to meet the minimum requirement of 73 parking spaces.

North Wayne Needs Help.

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:16:37 -0700

This evening the reports from Radnor Township regarding the plan for 236 N. Aberdeen Avenue were not promising. Here is what Round Radnor is reporting:

Tonight I attended a Planning Commission Meeting. The item of interest for me was Number 3 S.D. # 2008-S-06 (Final) of David Buckley & Sherrie Burlingham to subdivide property into two (2), raze existing dwelling and

Rugby Road in Bryn Mawr and Allaire in Haverford: Is It Time To Call it a Day on These Plans Yet?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 04 May 2008 10:42:11 -0700

We've had updates from both our pals in Haverford (on North Buck) and our pals in Bryn Mawr (on Rugby Road). Unfortunately, we are forced to report that both plans are still alive. We can't say alive and well, however, given the realities of the real estate market, can we? Are these things on financial life support?

Who Does Local Government Work For? Whose Private Property Rights Are Valued More?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sat, 03 May 2008 07:54:02 -0700

([color=orange]steep slopes in flood plain conservation district?[/color]) We have asked this tiresome to government question before: [color=red]Who does government work for? [/color] (And the First Amendment allows these questions and thoughts, correct?)

SAC Wins Community Action Award from The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:32:20 -0700

Dear Friends, supporters, and fellow members: Today, May 1st, 2008 marks another feather in SAC's cap! Our group this afternoon at a grand luncheon in the Bellevue, was the recipient of a very prestigious award. SAC, as a group, was today named a 2008 recipient of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia's Community Action Award for our ongoing work in our beloved community. We are deeply honored for this award and recognition of our efforts. Not bad, eh?

North Ardmore Civic Wants You To Come Say NO to Exxon at Woodside and Montgomery!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:41:28 -0700

Please support North Ardmore Civic Association on this THURSDAY APRIL 17th and see related post FOUND HERE

To: Neighbors of Fritsch’s Exxon Station, Woodside & Montgomery From: North Ardmore Civic Association On Thursday, April 17 at 7:15pm, the Zoning Hearing Board will hear the Fritsch/Exxon request to convert their service bays to a convenience store and add an automatic car wash. This will be the third hearing on their application, the first two having been continued because Exxon’s

Thoughts on Ardmore and Bryn Mawr

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:55:24 -0700

Two of our members are burning up the editorial pages this week in Main Line Life!

Main Line Animal Rescue...after Oprah

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:35:47 -0700

We hope some of you watched Oprah and saw Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue las Friday. It was an amazing show, and it shined a big ol' light on something that needs attention. See: Oprah,puppy mills,Main Line Animal Rescue

Thanks For a Fun Evening from First Friday Main Line!

FFML — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:35:06 -0700

Here at First Friday Main Line, we love all of you out there in the community for continuing to support us! We had so much fun on Friday and in addition to our photos to share, we have a couple of little YouTube snippets courtesy of Save Ardmore Coalition: First Friday Jazz on The Street Ardmore - in Front of Super Suppers!

Support Maryam's Amendment For Bryn Mawr!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:24:55 -0700

You know, by our township's history, we were established as diverse communities with people from all walk of life, creed, and color. But bit by bit, diversity has disappeared due to multiple factors. One of the things that is disappearing way too fast is affordable housing. Affordable housing is not an evil thing, it is a necessary and welcome community component. In addition, good residential communities on the fringe of our retail district is just common sense, and it is so sad the way those residential neighborhoods in Bryn Mawr just disappeared - Central and Summit Grove Avenues were raped. It's a harsh word, but seriously, look at before and during and after: To that end an amendment proposed by Maryam Phillips (and suported by many commissioners including Jenny Brown) with regard to Bryn Mawr and their new proposed zoning for that community's redevelopment should be supported and embraced by citizens throughout this entire township. We urge EVERY citizen to not only support this effort, but to send Commissioner Scott Zelov and BOC President Bruce Reed a polite note to ask him to give one up to the little guy: ask them to support Maryam's amendment, cc Maryam, and cc SAC. Here are the e-mail addresses you will need: vscottzelov@comcast.net , BReed@berwind.com , maryam@rcn.com , and comments@saveardmorecoalition.org - please remember to cc us if you e-mail, because it is important that nothing gets lost. Community input is critical to any good plan, and all in all parts of this plan are not so bad - it just needs a little tweaking to achieve the best balance, and this one amendment along with a provision that the remaining homeowners on Central Ave not only be protected no matter what, but that they should also be able to remain in their homes as long as they are able, and when they are no longer able, they should be able to pass their most valuable asset to their blood related heirs via estate planning as long as their heirs are going to physically live on Central Avenue. If the homeowners or poetntial legal heirs were interested only is selling their properties on Central Ave, then rights of first refusal should revert to the hospital. No one is saying no to development - it's just about making it the best it can be! What are we talking about? Read this follow-up article by Diane Mastrull (and save the date of May 7 for the hearing at the township): In Bryn Mawr, issues center on Central Avenue The tiny street is in the middle of a just-approved zoning plan. By Diane Mastrull Inquirer Staff Writer

News You Can Use...In ARDMORE!!!!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:37:38 -0700

Here y'all go:

Dear Neighbors, Ardmore Clean Up recently submitted an application to the Lower Merion Parks Department to officially adopt the St. Paul's Tot Lot at the corner of St. Paul's Rd. and Spring Avenue. Our application was approved and the township will soon be posting a sign at the Tot Lot recognizing our adoption of the park. This means we are now responsible for conducting a minimum of four (4) work days during the year at the Tot Lot, with garbage bags provided by the Parks Department. After one year of participation, volunteers will be recognized with T-shirts by the Township. Ardmore Clean UP's adoption of the Tot Lot will also be recognized on the township's cable access channel.