Developers (and other mischief-makers)

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?

Does Radnor Township Care More about Developers or Residents?

MainLineThoughts — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:00:32 -0700

It is beginning to seem like Radnor Township cares more about developers than people, doesn't it? It's all about the ratables baby, only they are a little late to the party, and the market is crashing, not booming. Follow this LINK for the Monday September 8th, 2008 Radnor Board of Commissioners meeting at 7 pm at Radnor Township.

Ardmore Exxon DENIED!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:52:25 -0700

We LOVE sharing good news, no AWESOME news on a Friday!:) :-) :smile: The citizens of North Ardmore have prevailed, and Exxon was told NO to their proposal of a car wash and mini market at Woodside and Montgomery. Way to go Lower Merion! By the way, this Exxon still sports among the higest prices for gasoline.

O R D E R AND NOW, this 4th day of September, 2008, it is hereby ORDERED that the application of 200 West Montgomery Ave. Ardmore, LLC for a special exception to expand the nonconforming gasoline service station at 116 W. Montgomery Avenue to include a convenience store and car wash is DENIED for the reasons set forth in the foregoing opinion. Applicant's alternative request for a use variance and its request for dimensional variances from the front yard and buffer requirements are DENIED. Chairman Aaron and Members Fox and Brier participating, all voting "aye."

You may read the order in it's entirety (and it is an opinion worth reading down to the last bon mot)...check it out HERE! Take THAT franchise of Big Oil!

"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?

Conshohocken Fire: Here Comes The Spin

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:33:45 -0700

Ok, so there is this article in the Inquirer that sounds like a publicist placed it. It talks about two employees of Riverwalk who were displaced by the fire because they were also residents. While I am glad they were o.k. and got their dog out, this profile bothers me. And I have to ask, since when is a guy called a "socialite"? Nevermind, I can answer that, NEVER. And these "heroes", did they think it was ok to live in a building with insufficient sprinklers?

Philly Cresting as Wave of Blight Rises With Every Tide

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:08:23 -0700

You know, alot of these decrepit neighborhoods full of blight border Montgomery and Delaware County communities locally. Read this editorial, and wonder like I do why municipalities are SO wasteful?

Group Student Housing: How Do We Know What's Legal and Approved?

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:34:52 -0700

As the days of summer draw to a close and our part year residents return, maybe it's time to talk about student housing again?

Montgomery County Says Residential Construction is Down....Even in Lower Merion

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:05:09 -0700

Ahhh, things are even slow in "The Kingdom". But of course, it'll probably be found to be bad data and someone will propose a million more new living units somewhere, right? Still wondering how Conshy construction fire will affect development elsewhere? How do these numbers affect a reality check in say, in Ardmore and elsewhere? I guess I'll just click my heels three times and take off with Toto to Never Never Land...might stop for a massage but not at Kobe....

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.

O'Neill's Inferno: Conshohocken Complex Goes Up In Flames, People Homeless

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:07:34 -0700

So around 5:30 or so, I mentioned briefly the breaking news of Brian O'Neill's Millenium Development in Conshy (The Brownfields event that brought George Bush to Conshohocken around 2002). [color=red]Well, it's still not out yet at post time. Why did it go up so fast? Were there sprinklers? Fire walls? Is this the same kind of plan that would have been implemented in Lower Merion in the ROHO/Rockhill Road area as well as that Connelly Container site? It is what? Eight alarms? A couple hundred people are now homeless and some don't have their pets? Will the notoriously and historically interesting Borough of Conshohocken have any culapbility when the dust settles and the fire is but ashes? This sure makes you question the wisdom of local governments that want to approve all these go up fast developments that pack 'em in like sardines, doesn't it?[/color]

BREAKING NEWS!!!! O'Neill's Conshohocken Empire is Up In Flames!!!

MainLineThoughts — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:57:37 -0700

Dante's Inferno is how one reporter is describing the HUGE blaze in Conshohocken that represents Brian O'Neill's Conshy Empire! One building flattened, another apparently on the way. The news reports are frantic - it's 203 Washington St off Elm in Conshy - a huge complex - something like 375 units "upscale" in downtown Conshy - like 5 or 7 alarms right now - $51 Million dollars and black smoke "billowing for miles". Remember a couple of years ago when his brother's building went up in flames on Elm Street?

They Did It! "V" For VICTORY in Long Branch, NJ!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:22:59 -0700

Congratulations to our friends in Long Branch, NJ! Another bad plan bites the dust! Eminent domain defeated by MTOTSA! They did it!!! Thanks to our friends at The Institute For Justice as well!!! Long Branch Homeowners Hail Appeals Court Victory Court Deals Fatal Blow For City & Developer’s Case WEB RELEASE: August 7, 2008 Media Contact: John Kramer (703) 682-9320 [Property Rights]

Arlington, Va.—Today, a three-judge panel of the New Jersey Appellate Division unanimously reversed the June 2006 decision of Superior Court Judge Lawrence Lawson, which allowed the city of Long Branch, N.J., to condemn a charming seaside neighborhood known as MTOTSA for a luxury condominium development. This is the latest in a series of major decisions from New Jersey courts, including the Supreme Court, recognizing that state law and the New Jersey Constitution place real limits on the power of government to condemn property for private development. After explaining how the lower court misapplied the law, the court of appeals found that the city did not provide “substantial evidence” to support its findings of blight.

Lenfest Threatens Valley Forge? Is this "His" Way or the Highway?

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:03:07 -0700

Gerry Lenfest, known for philanthropy HIS way is in the news again...Now, Mr. Lenfest is familiar to those fighting to keep the Barnes in Merion where it belongs because he is one of the big fat checkbooks who is behind the relocation to Philthadelphia. Well, here's some interesting news about that DollyWood-esque thing he wants at Valley Forge: Posted on Tue, Aug. 5, 2008 Revolution Center weighing the costs of battle Stand at Valley Forge? Retreat? By Jeff Gammage Inquirer Staff Writer

If you can't imagine the American Revolution museum and conference center being built on private land inside Valley Forge Park, try picturing it 200 miles away. In, say, Yorktown.

Affordable Housing Program

Ardmore43 — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:53:55 -0700

I have concerns with the affordable housing program that is speared headed by Commissioner Philips. The property at 339 West Spring Ave in Ardmore was recently purchased by Lower Merion Township as part of the affordable housing program. It is priced to sell at $103,000 well below market value. http://everyhome.com/p/mg/le/t5392180.htm

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

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?

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.

More Pork For Ardmore and Related Tales....

MainLineThoughts — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:57:25 -0700

Well here, read it yourselves: Posted on Wed, Jul 9, 2008 $15 million in Pa. budget for Ardmore Transit Center By Cheryl Allison

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.

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

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