Last Saturday’s “Home for the Holidays” event was one of the most enjoyable days we have had here in town. It was wonderful to have our streets filled with adults and kids from Swarthmore and our neighboring communities.
‘Swarthmore Has History’
My grandfather built the Celia Building in the early 1920s. He had even imported marble from Italy for the foyer. After a long struggle with the town, he was finally able to build this apartment building with two businesses, one of which was his shoe store. Please remember what the town represents. Please remember what Swarthmore is. A condo building is not part of that representation.
‘A Stacked Gated Community’
If this project goes forward, we will regret all that we have lost, and how we have been changed for a long time to come. I urge the development team to re-envision this project so that it is in keeping with the aspirations that we share for ourselves and our community.
Historical Maps Can Tell a Story
It was interesting to read Guy Smith’s anecdote about the origin of the borough’s streets, specifically Swarthmore and Haverford avenues, in the article “New Community Center,” December 3 issue. The story posits that the town was originally laid out by Swarthmore College students. Because of the students’ hatred of Haverford, that street is one of the shortest in town and Swarthmore Avenue is one of the longest. Amusing, but surely apocryphal, as research of historic maps of Swarthmore will show.
It is important that we engage positively with developers so we can improve the built environment in ways that benefit Swarthmore. However, we also need to think deeply about what makes Swarthmore such a great place and how the borough can preserve that historical value.
I appreciate W.S. Cumby “going back to the drawing board” on their proposed condos. I now ask them to go back not to the drawing board but to the map. As others have pointed out, a project of this outlandish size seems better suited outside town center.
Against PECO’s Plans
We would like to express our opposition to PECO’s plans to place high voltage lines along a number of streets in Swarthmore.
I strongly urge Swarthmore Borough Council to keep the values and physical beauty that makes Swarthmore what it is. I look forward to a fair, and positive decision—without Swarthmore becoming the Main Line of Delco. And I believe this is possible.
The Lions Club’s Holiday Basket Drive Could Use a Little Help
Could you please consider making a small donation to support this year’s Holiday Basket Drive? Any contribution would be appreciated.
Looking Toward 2024
The approval rating for Vice President Kamala Harris, which shows that barely one in four (28%) approve of her performance, is abysmally low. This spells trouble for Ms. Harris and for the overall Democratic party. It is incumbent upon President Biden to give Ms. Harris more opportunities to break through the sexist and racist stereotypes some associate with being a woman of color.
What’s Happening With PECO?
As residents of Hillborn Avenue (a street which straddles Springfield Township and Swarthmore Borough), we learned only this morning that PECO is planning to install new equipment on a route that includes our street. We have requested that PECO place this project on hold so that a full assessment of the project’s environmental impact can be completed and communicated to local residents.
Safety Concerns with High Voltage Lines
PECO has announced—through a letter sent to some Swarthmore neighbors—that plans are in place to run high voltage lines across our town. The proposed lines may stand directly above garages with gas-filled cars or sheds holding gasoline storage for lawn equipment or, in some cases, above homes within the 20-foot clearance span. I think we need to ask PECO to hit pause and consider alternatives.
‘But only God can make a tree.*’
This is a thank you note, or maybe more accurately a love letter, to all the folks in Swarthmore who care for the trees—folks who plant and trim, and notice where we need more; those who select trees for perfect loveliness, and trees so tall they arch over the street; and those who safely take them away when their work is done.
The Terrifying Darkness of Technology
I have always felt an antipathy to technology, and was clearly born in the wrong century. Seldom a day goes by when I do not feel the violence of the technical world, an almost visceral terrifying darkness.
Concerns Regarding PECO High Voltage Lines
Like many of our neighbors, we are shocked and deeply concerned about the extreme removal of trees, as well as our health and the financial hazards that will be caused by PECO’s high voltage lines set to go through our yards and residential streets this month.
Time to Order Luminarias
The Luminaria Committee would like to remind our neighbors that the annual Luminaria Sale has begun! Every year on New Year’s Day, we light up the town with beautiful luminaries as a way to give thanks, celebrate community, and light the pathway for students in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District.
Historic Buildings
The response by the Condo Development Team published in the October 29 issue failed to say how they will obtain a demolition permit for the historic properties located at 102-104 Park Ave and 110-112 Park Ave that is required to clear the site to make way for the proposed 110 Park Ave building. Demolition of these properties is in violation of the Swarthmore zoning code because they were determined to have historic value.
Thanks Charlie
More praises sung for Charlie and Swarthmore Hardware, this time from Hugh MacMullan.
Trinity Norwood to Speak on Indigenous People
Trinity Norwood, a member of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation in New Jersey, will speak to Swarthmore Friends Meeting and the wider community on Tuesday, November 9, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., via Zoom. As an advocate for indigenous peoples, Trinity works to promote understanding of indigenous issues and to teach about them through multiple mediums, including art, film, and literature.
Ville’s new vape shop sparks questions about targeting kids & teens
We are writing to express our deep concern with the window display at the new shop, Brooklyn Smokes & Exotics on South Chester Road in Swarthmore.