Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Owner of La Belle Epoque and Picasso restaurants to open third in Media

Details are still forth coming, but Loic Barnieu, owner of Picasso and La Belle Epoque has announced he's signed another lease for a third restaurant in Media.

Former Councilman Barry Sherwin has passed

It is with much regret to have learned that former councilman Barry Sherwin has died. Barry was an exceptional person who not only contributed to making Media what it is today, but was a tremendously liked man who led by example.

His gentle demeanor and friendly way will be missed.



Monday, August 29, 2011

Investigation of body being handled by Upper Prov. Police Dept. and CID

Media Residents,

I received an update tonight from Councilman, Jim Cunningham who chairs the Media Borough Public Safety committee.  Based on the location of the remains, this investigation is being conducted by the Upper Providence Police Dept. and Delco's Criminal Investigation Division.

No further information has been released by Upper Providence at this time, but hopefully more information will be announced tomorrow.  The initial speculation is that this may have been a suicide, though that has yet to be confirmed.

I'll provide updates as I receive them.

Thanks



Tedman

I've requested a statement from Media Boro. on discovery of a body in Houtman Park

Media Residents,

For those who have reached out to me to express your concerns about the body found today at Houtman Park, I have formally made a request for a statement from Media Borough Council on the matter.

Today's developments were not only traumatic and core-shaking for residents in the immediate vicinity, but for Media as a whole.

As details develop, I will do what I can to post these from the various news reporting outlets.  In the meantime, delcotimes.com have posted articles and updates.

I hope to have a statement shortly.



Tedman

Update: Body found in Media's Houtman Park on Lincoln St. was set ablaze


Delcotimes.com reports the body found in Media's Houtman park had been set ablaze when discovered.

Body found in Media's Houtman Park on Lincoln St.

This story is developing, but a  body has apparently been found at Houtman Park on Lincoln St.  Police are on the scene and investigating.


Delco Times Reports: http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2011/08/29/news/doc4e5be78fe7cd8742818960.txt

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Electricity returning to Media....

Over the last few hours power has been restored to almost all of Media.   This has included 6th St. and the Northern areas, 5 points by 252 (Media), 3rd and Edgmont (East Media) and most recently (7:30 pm EST) South Media by S. Orange and Lincoln.  


There are still outages reported on Beatty Rd, but if you are still experiencing an outage, please let us know.

mediaborough.com is offline

I've been notified that www.mediaborough.com is offline.  No update provided or estimated time to resolve.


I'll attempt to provide any pertinent updates as they become available.


Thanks

Tedman



PECO Power Restoration

I've received word that PECO is being hampered by the high winds which have delayed restoration of power in Media, PA and Delaware County.  Apparently, they believe the wind will subside sometime after 2pm EST in which they will continue to bring power back to those affected.  It was also noted that it could still take days to restore everyone's power.


Tedman

Stunning Video of Ridley Creek after Hurricane Irene

Video today of Ridley Creek State Park by the entrance on Barren Rd. and Sycamore Mills Rd.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Media Borough Makes Emergency Notification Announcement

#mediapa

Minutes ago, Media Borough utilized their emergency announcement notification system to let people know that there is an Emergency Preparedness checklist on their site at www.mediaborough.com.  If you are signed up through this notification process, you would have received a call from 555-555-5555.

County officials issue disaster emergency declaration ahead of Irene

Per Daily Times article:
As part of the declaration, which will be in effect for seven days, council authorizes resources to assist municipalities in the response and recovery efforts.
The declaration activates the emergency plans of each municipality and allows them to waive certain formal requirements so they can secure necessary emergency contractors and personnel.
As part of its emergency plan, each municipality has one facility designated as an emergency facility.
The declaration also enables municipal leaders to coordinate their emergency response efforts.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Media Borough's Emergency Notification System

With potentially damaging weather expected over the weekend, Media residents are encouraged to sign-up for the borough's emergency notification system.
GLOBAL CONNECT EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMMedia Borough Council recently entered into an agreement with Global Connect, which is an emergency notification system. The system will allow the Borough to share information with residents/liaison in case of emergencies. Click here to sign up.
You can also follow allthingsmediapa.com via twitter for updates.  Depending on the severity of the storm, we'll setup a twitter aggregator hash tag so people can share tweet updates (i.e. power outages)


Sunday, August 21, 2011

Missing White Jack Russell dog in Media

If anyone in media has found a white jack Russell terrier please  610 639 7429.  The owners are quite concerned.

What's with the new traffic signals in Media?

Baltimore Pike
CMAQ: (Congestion Mitigation Air Quality) Project awarded in 1999, is now on schedule to be completed in 2011.   This project allowed for installation of a computerized closed loop traffic signal system on Baltimore Pike and Providence Road.  The fiber optic system will enhance travel and reduce congestion for the thousands of motorists who travel on both roads each day. 


Media residents and visitors may have noticed the new traffic light booms on State St.,Orange and along Baltimore Pike.  To me, the existing traffic light placement wasn't bad and seemed to function well. It'll be interesting to see if there is a notable difference in traffic congestion that is meant to be alleviated by the new system.


Baltimore Pike

Media Signage to get Lighting and Sponsorship

Earlier in the month I reported on the new signage that was displayed on the corner of Baltimore Pike and Olive St.  There were concerns over the lighting of the sign.  I've come to learn there will be lighting setup soon, as well, as a smaller sign below that will allow for sponsorship and announcement of special events.

Current Sign at corner of Balt. Pike and Olive St.

Rendering of sponsorship sign

example of how the sign would look driving South on Baltimore Pike

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Media Approves Hampton Inn - 109 room hotel coming to Media, PA

Last week borough council approved the final plans for the Hampton Inn. There are still items to be resolved with Nether Providence, and traffic/lighting/sidewalk modifications with PennDot, but overall the plans are  moving forward for a 109 room hotel. 


Additional articles on the recent hotel developments can be found at Media.patch.com and delctotimes.com 

Media's Family Movie Night - Tonight at Barrall Field



 Media's Family Movie Night
The Media Recreation Board will host another free Family Movie Night 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20. The film, (Yet to be announced) will be projected on a giant movie screen in Barrall Community Park, State and Edgmont Sts.  The audience is encouraged to bring blankets or low back beach chairs for seating. For further information, contact the Media Recreation Board atrecreation@mediaborough.com or call 610-566-5210, ext. 255.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

ATMpa reader wins $20 gift certificate to Media Pizza and Grill

Congrats to Scott from Media, PA who won last week's "Guess the Date" contest.  Scott correctly guessed 1900 as the year the picture was taken and will receive a $20 gift certificate from Media PIzza and Grill and a ATM t-shirt.  


Picture taken: 1900
A tremendous thanks to Media Pizza and Grill who sponsored the prize.  We'll be doing another gift from them shortly along with other sponsors.


Thanks for reading. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Media's Planning Commission approves Hampton Inn

The hits just keep coming.  Third St. bridge, 1. West State St., and now recent news that Media's Planning Commission has approved the the final and last plans for the Hampton Inn.  Borough Council still needs to cast the last vote on this effort, but after five years, Media is one step closer to getting a 109 room hotel.


Media Town Talk reports on the full story

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Guess the Date - Sponsored by Media Pizza and Grill

Media Pizza and Grill
A BIG thanks to this week's sponsor, Media Pizza and Grill who has donated a few gift certificates for this week's "Guess the Date" contest.  If you haven't been, Media Pizza and Grill is located on State St. and has the best shrimp/garlic pizza in town.  Yes, I said it.  That's a pretty big statement for the pizza competition we have within in a mere few blocks, but it's quite unique.  That's not all, I heard stellar compliments about their other food too.  So support the businesses that support Media and swing over to their Facebook page and hit "like."


Ok, so let's get down to it.  For our second contest, we will be giving away a $20 dollar gift certificate to Media Pizza and Grill along with a t-shirt from ATM.


Here's the picture, what year was it taken in?


  1. First one to correctly identify the year this picture was taken AND leaves contact information for us to send the prize to will be the winner.
  2. You have to use the "comments" to enter your answer.  You can enter anonymously, but if we can't contact you, we can't send you the prize.
  3. You can also submit your answer via Facebook too.
  4. One pick per person.
  5. We'll announce the winner shortly after the correct year is posted.
  6. After a winner is identified, comments will be deleted (i.e. contact info., email addresses)
  7. This is based on the honor system, so no sneaks.

The Broozers w/guests - Media Theatre this Friday 8/12 7pm

click to enlarge

Monday, August 8, 2011

Richie Ashburn: Why The Hall Not? Proceeds Benefit Media's Youth Center

One evening while wandering through the TV channels, I happened upon Comcast's Sportsnet.  Truthfully, I don't pay much attention to sports outside of football season, but I recognized the person being interviewed discussing in detail his motivation for his book about Richie Ashburn.  I knew of him, but didn't personally know him.  What I did know was that he worked at Bryn Mawr Trust Bank on State St.  As a great community bank, I've dealt with him many times.


Last weekend I stopped in for some routine banking and asked, "Hey, I saw you on Comcast Sportsnet."  "Yes, indeed you did," Jim Donahue said.  In fact, he went on to say he was there to promote his  new book "Richie Ashburn....Why the Hall Not?"


For a local guy here in Media trying to do great things, how could I not buy one.  For $20 I got Jim's book autographed, the history of his inspiration and as an added kicker, a indirect contribution to Media's youth.

So as Jim says, "Buy a Book, Help Some Kids......"  He'll be doing a book signing this Wednesday (8/10) 5pm during Media's Dining Under the Star.  A portion of the proceeds that evening will go towards the Media Youth Center.


So if you're a sports fan, or even if you're not, pick up the book.  You can get it on Amazon.com or check out Jim this Wednesday for a signed copy.


Nice work Jim!  And thanks for thinking about Media!












Media Courthouse Gets Exterior Cleaning

A couple of weeks ago I saw the scaffolding going up outside the courthouse.  To me, it looked like the setup of a big event or platform for a major speaker.  Well, it turns out that the county recently received funding to allow for cleaning of the building.


Not sure how much longer the work will continue, but the cleaning is making a noticeable difference.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Facebook Group Remembers What is Was Like to Grow Up in Media, PA

This Facebook group is quite fun.  Be careful, you might get addicted to this.  A lot of people sharing endless memories of what is was like to grow up in Media and go to school here.  


I knew the places, experiences and the teachers all first hand.  It's great to see people who had the same fond memories as I did.  


Old Media Firehouse

Media Borough Republicans Providing Solutions for Media


Pete Alyanakian, Toni Cavanagh Dimonte, Tedman O’Hara
The Home Team that grew up in the Media area and went to RTM Schools


The Media Borough Republican Committee (MBRC) announces their candidates for Media Borough Council. Council President, Pete Alyanakian, currently serving his 12th year on Borough Council, will be running for re-election, along with candidates Toni Lee Cavanagh Dimonte, and Tedman O’Hara.

Our candidates represent a diverse cross section of the community.

Pete Alyanakian has been a Media Borough councilman since 2000. One of Pete’s biggest accomplishments since elected to council  has been leading Media’s solar energy initiative positioning Media as one of the largest municipal producers of solar energy in Pennsylvania. Pete has served on boards and commissions including the  Media Youth Center, Public Safety, Finance, Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), Personnel, Recreation, library, health, historic archives and  Public Properties Committees.  

Toni Cavanagh Dimonte is an attorney with 16 years experience who has represented clients in zoning and municipal matters in various Boroughs and Townships throughout Delaware County.  In addition to her private law practice, Toni has served Delaware County as a public defender for the past seven years. Toni has served as a member of the Upper Providence Recreation Board and as well as the Chester Heights Borough Council. She is also a licensed real estate broker and the owner of Cavanagh Real Estate.

Tedman L. O'Hara is a long-time area resident with deep roots in the community.  A Penncrest High School graduate and long-time affiliate of the Rose Tree Media School District, Tedman understands deeply the hometown community and the people and values it encompasses.  Tedman’s work in the community has not gone unnoticed.  He has actively advocated Media through articles on www.allthingsmediapa.com. Tedman is an experienced coalition builder and is exactly the kind of leader that will work in a bi-partisan way to deliver results. Having worked with Congressional and White House committees on economic development, Tedman has real world experience leading regions and small towns on infrastructure, technology, safety and operational/management challenges. www.tedmanformedia.com

We are strongly committed to:

  • Managing borough taxes and revenues in a responsible way that maximizes value for every dollar spent.
  • Increasing borough government participation by opening up   positions and boards to all residents who may want to participate.
  • Eliminate wasteful spending by replacing over paid political cronies with responsible professionals increasing the effectiveness of how your tax dollars are spent!  
  • Protect residential districts from commercial intrusion and over development through update of the Comprehensive plan that has not been updated since the late 90’s.
  • Attack problems of traffic congestion, speeding cars and pedestrian safety by continuing our police patrols in all areas of the borough.
  • Open council meetings to all who want a voice in how government works.  Return accountability, responsiveness and responsibility to Borough Council.
  • Our bi-partisan platform is not just talk. We have continued to embrace all members of council and value their input in representing what’s best for Media.

Please visit us at: www.mediarepublicans.com
And on Facebook: Media Borough Republicans

3rd St. Bridge FAQ's

The issues and questions swirling around the 3rd St. Bridge  have been confusing for a lot of people.  To lessen the confusion, here's what's known.

How much will this cost taxpayers?As it is now, zero $.  The bridge has received 100% of it's financing through (PennDot, Delaware County, State of Pa.)
Will there be a bike path/sidewalk?No, per PennDot, either one requires a pre-existing bike path/sidewalk on either side of the bridge that would allow one on the bridge to connect to.
When's Construction Start/End?Construction could start as soon as 2013 and complete in the same year.
When can I drive over it?Earliest, late 2013.
Can it be breached or just left as is?No, based on settled lawsuits and funds already spend, it wouldn't feasible.
How much will it cost PennDot?It'll cost $3.3 million.  Had it been fixed at the onset (12 years ago), it would have been $1.4 million.
Is there flexibility towards the final design?Yes, but limited.
Can I participate in the future design decisions?Yes, Borough Council is in the process to create a committee to address concerns,
Can it be a one-way bridge?Possible, but not likely.
What about  future traffic on 3rd St.?A formal traffic study has not been done.  Once it's understood how new traffic will affect 3rd. Street, traffic modification may be needed (i.e. speed bumps, stop signs, etc.)
Why'd it take over a decade to fix?There are many reason, but what's important is that it was resolved in 12 months by Council President, Pete Alyanakian
Why was it closed in the first place?It's rumored that the borough used the bridge to offload snow accumulated throughout Media.  In 1996, a truck backed up and cracked the wall leaving is structurally unsound.  In addition, the heavy volume of snow dumped over the wall, may have eroded the substructure.









Saturday, August 6, 2011

Broken Window on State St. due to Rowdy Behavior

Jackson and State St.
For those who have driven down State St. in the last week and noticed a sheet of plywood in place of a glass window pane at the B. Gross/Per Lei store.......well, wonder no longer.  Apparently, a week and a half ago, there was a fight between two men, which, in turn led to one being thrown through the window.  Media Police were on the scene and reported the incident to the shop owners sometime around 9:30pm at the time it occurred.



Media's "Guess the Date" Contest....expands

Media Pizza and Grill - State St.
Thanks to everyone who participated in last week's "Guess the Date" contest.  I didn't think it would get that popular that fast, but it did.  In fact a few local businesses want to be featured as contributors for gift certificates   A special thanks to Media Pizza and Grill, who will provide our next gift certificate.  That's great and much appreciated. Besides, with many choices in Media for pizza, they still have the best shrimp pizza I've ever had.  Check out their Facebook site, they offer great coupon deals.


Another great business who not only does a lot for the community, but also has some very cool stuff you want find just anywhere, is Blueberry Bog.  Check out their store on 18 N. Orange St.  They'll be providing a gift certificate to their store too.


Next "Guess the Date" contest will be later this week.....

Friday, August 5, 2011

3rd Street Bridge Moving Forward

Despite talk in the last few days that there may be alternatives to repairing the bridge by breaching it, or just not doing anything to it at all, Council President, Pete Alayankian again reiterated last night at council workshop that the bridge repair "is going to happen." In fact it was mentioned that breaching the dam/bridge and draining Broomall lake would be far costlier to the borough than the current situation of fixing it.  


There's still work to do, but residents are working hard to ensure that the new structure is eco-friendly, appealing and safe.  I think that's great and would encourage residents to take part in that too.  There will be a boro. committee setup to address such concerns, as well as further research conducted by the borough engineer on what flexibility Media has with the design. 


It was unclear last night what immediate traffic modifications would be needed, but this is a situation where an increase in traffic on this street will need to be addressed.  Another stop sign at 3rd and Lemon?  Speed bumps?  Traffic study? Bike lanes?   One item brought up entailed a sidewalk.  For those who weren't in attendance, PennDot stated that without a sidewalk on either side of the bridge, it wouldn't be possible to have a sidewalk to only span the length of the bridge.  Their explaination basically stated ".....a side walk has to connect something and can't dead end."  A bike lane also fell into this category.

Thankfully, Media is now having constructive discussion on Third St. Bridge.  A year ago, very few people thought the bridge repair would have moved this quickly, if at all.  Without a change in leadership, it wouldn't have.  To receive money for this project from the county and state, didn't just happen by luck.  Confidence in Media's NEW leadership and performance proven ability is what made the difference.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Media Council Approves $7,000 to Support Media's non-profits and arts

At tonight's borough workshop meeting, council voted to approve the release of $7,000 in the form of a grant to support non-profits and the arts.  The funds will go to promoting/hosting a festival that will take place in early November at the Media Theatre and go for the course of 3 days.  Irish rock band, Blackthorn will be the featured event.

It's been a great year for Media and with the recent benefit of receiving a grant for $650,000 last night, it's nice to see the borough giving back to the community.  Even though it was for a good cause, and supported by everyone in the attendance, Paul Williamson, Eric Stein and Monica Simpson voted against it unsuccessfully.
 

Either way, it's expected to be a great event and a nice compliment to the volunteers and community arts who've worked so hard to put this together.








Wednesday, August 3, 2011

BREAKING NEWS: 3rd St. Bridge is 100% financed at no cost to Media Taxpayers

At tonight's public hearing regarding design plans for the 3rd Street Bridge, a major announcement was made by State Senator, Dominic Pileggi who was on hand to present a grant that will fund the remaining costs associated with the 3rd St. Bridge.

C
ongratulations to Council President, Pete Alyanakian, Vice President, Monika Rehoric and to Media residents and businesses.  The 3rd St. Bridge is now positioned to be 100% financed without Media taxpayer support!

There are still concerns regarding the design and aesthetics, but overall this is a great achievement for Media!

More information to come.......



Media Resident wins $25 Gift Certificate from Allthingsmediapa.com

Congratulations to Aileen from Media, PA for winning our "Guess the Date" contest.  Aileen will receive a $25 gift certificate to Sligo's.  Thanks to all the readers and keep the suggestions coming.

"Guess the Date?" taken: 1966
We had a lot of fun with this contest and will do another one soon.  Maybe we'll even raise the stakes to a $50 gift certificate?  We'll see, so check back often.   


You can't get these at Kohl's, but we may have a few left........

(note: comments from the contest/post will be removed to protect contestants who left their email addresses as contact info.)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Guess the Date of this Media Trolly picture......Win a $25 Gift Certificate to Media

A reader contacted me this week about doing a "Guess the Date" post.  Essentially, the request was to post a picture of Media and see who could guess the correct date.  It's a great idea, but we have to have some skin in the game here at ATM.  We're not here to waste people's time.....


So here's the deal: first person to correctly identify the date of the picture will receive a $25 gift certificate from a local business in Media.  If we get more ATM T-shirts in, I throw one of those in too.


Could be $25 towards one of many things here in Media....coffee, food, drinks, produce, gifts, clothes, hair care.......that's part of the surprise.  My goal with this site is to get people involved while giving back to the community; to have fun while doing it is even better. 

What year was this picture taken?
Rules:

  1. First one to correctly identify the year this picture was taken AND leaves contact information for us to send the prize to will be the winner.
  2. You have to use the "comments" to enter your year of the picture.  You can enter anonymously, but if we can't contact you, we can't send you the prize.
  3. This is based on the honor system, so no sneaks.
  4. One pick per person.
  5. We'll announce the winner later on.
  6. After winner is identified, comments will be deleted (i.e. email addresses)

Media gets new signage promoting downtown businesses

Media gets new signage to promote downtown retail and dining.

The sign not only looks great, but if functional too.  Many residents have been quite happy with this effort.  One idea that was presented was to have the sign lit during evening hours. Good Idea!

Corner of Balt. Pike and Olive St.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Media Republicans Preserving Media's Neighborhoods

Preserving Media's neighborhoods is  what truly distinguishes this town from all the others.  



We have taken the initiative in enacting legislation to preserve and protect our residential base by requiring a 50 foot landscaped green buffer between residential and non-residential zoning districts, eliminating multi-family home conversions in the R-1 and R-2 Districts, enabling residents to add and expand porches and decks on their homes without going through the expensive zoning hearing board process, and created an historical resources overlay district to help protect historic structures not already in historic districts.
We fought to make the proposed Hampton Inn motel on Providence Road and the office-retail complex at Baltimore Pike and Franklin Street more compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods, established special police intersection patrols in residential areas, upgraded street crosswalks and repaved long neglected residential streets, added more shade trees and greatly increased tree trimming, assisted residents in repairing street tree damaged sidewalks, installed more efficient and effective sodium vapor street lights across town and appointed pro-resident members to both the planning commission and the out of touch zoning hearing board.
As a candidate for Media Borough Council, I'm committed to maintaining Media's preservation, while working to ensure residents come first, not development.

Tedman


1 West State St. New Italian Restaurant Spasso's to Open January 2012

WIth the recent sale of 1 West State Street to restaurant owner, Claudio Sandolo's; the question of late has been when will the restaurant be open and what will it be like?  Well, based on a report by media.patch.com, the restaurant will open in January 2012 and be very similar to Sandolo's restaurant, Spasso's in Old City, Philadelphia.

You can read more about the opening at media.patch.com.