Making Montgomery Avenue safer | Inquirer Lower Merion
Plus, a vigilante “pedophile hunter” group is charged with kidnapping and racketeering.
Hi, Lower Merion!
A lengthy study points to dozens of ways of improving safety along Montgomery Avenue. Here’s a look at possible interventions. Also this week, several vigilante “pedophile hunters” have been arrested and charged with kidnapping and racketeering, Narberth’s new general store is opening, plus a popular Main Line restaurant is expanding to Ardmore.
— Lisa Dukart (lowermerion@inquirer.com)
Inquirer Lower Merion
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After a monthslong study on ways to improve safety along a seven-mile stretch of Montgomery Avenue, Lower Merion and Narberth have identified a number of potential improvements, which they’ll present to the communities at a meeting later this month.
Among the possible interventions, targeted at making the roadway safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike, are adding and updating speed limit markings, stoplights, street lights, crosswalks, and even some lane configurations.
💡 Community news
Members of the vigilante “pedophile hunters” group “Always Running Plays” have been charged with racketeering, robbery, kidnapping, and gun violations related to a June kidnapping and robbery case at the LongHorn Steakhouse in Bala Cynwyd. The individuals are believed to have been involved with similar events, and allegedly used stolen funds to purchase guns, designer goods, and trips.
Alessandro “Alex” Fiorello — the restaurateur behind Alessandro’s Wood Fired Italian & Bar in Wayne, who’s also planning a new eatery in Bryn Mawr — has been charged with unlawfully sharing intimate photos of his ex-girlfriend.
Bala Cynwyd resident, lawyer, and former Philadelphia solicitor and assistant district attorney Marty Weinberg died last week at the age of 89. Weinberg was retired chair of law firm Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel, a confidant to former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo, and a political strategist.
As the state begins enforcing the use of unlicensed “skill games” in corner stores, bars, and other spots this week, The Inquirer took a look at their rise. In 1942, Lower Merion students testified that they gambled on a pinball machine, a game once considered a magnet for crime before their modern counterparts came about.
Narberth’s new general store is opening its doors tomorrow and celebrating with a grand opening weekend. Located at 104 Forrest Ave., Jeneral Store is the brainchild of Jen Kurland and will offer an array of home goods, fresh flowers, art supplies, and penny candy.
More automated red light enforcement cameras are slated to come to the township in the coming months, Superintendent of Police Andrew Block said at a committee meeting last week. The new cameras are planned to be installed at the intersection of Haverford Station Road and Lancaster Avenue in the next month or so, followed by the intersection of Montgomery Avenue and Airdale Road by the end of January, weather permitting. Block noted that the first location, at Remington Road and Lancaster Avenue, has resulted in more than 1,200 citations being issued so far.
At the same meeting last week, Lower Merion commissioners agreed to a five-year memorandum of understanding with Narberth borough for interagency police services, a continuation of an ongoing partnership in which they provide backup and support, as needed.
Monday is the last day to register to vote if you want to cast your ballot in the November election. Check out The Inquirer’s guide to the 2026 midterms.
There is a No Kings rally planned at the corner of Meeting House Lane and East Montgomery Avenue in Narberth on Saturday as part of the nationwide movement.
SEPTA’s new Regional Rail schedule goes into effect Sunday. The only change to the Paoli/Thorndale line is the 5300 train, which currently departs at 4:29 a.m. It will operate as the 9500 train and depart about 20 minutes later. There are no changes planned on the Cynwyd line.
🗺️ Other nearby news
Guangtian Ha, a Haverford College professor accused of cyberstalking and issuing antisemitic threats to a colleague, will be held in custody until his trial, a judge ruled this week. Ha pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Valley Forge Military College is contemplating a move from Radnor Township to Oklahoma. Here’s why.
Merion Golf Club has been named the fourth U.S. Open anchor site by the United States Golf Association, meaning it will host the championships roughly every five years through 2050.
🍽️ On our plate
Popular Asian fusion eatery the Blue Elephant is expanding to Ardmore, with plans to open a BYOB outpost at 64 Lancaster Ave. The restaurant, which has locations in Wayne and Pottstown, will take over a portion of the Mikado Thai Pepper space.
Ardmore steakhouse DePaul’s Table is expanding to Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, where it will operate a takeout-and-delivery outfit known as DePaul’s Pronto.
Koren’s Kitchen has expanded its footprint with a new breakfast and lunch spot at 11 Louella Court in Wayne.
🎳 Things to do
🐕 Ardmore Day: The community event includes a dog parade and contest, a vintage car show, and a scavenger hunt. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Schauffele Plaza
🎃 Halloween Funky Brunch and Market: The family-friendly market will include beer, brunch, and live music, and plenty of Halloween vibes. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 18, noon 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Ardmore Music Hall
🏡 On the market
This four-bedroom Penn Valley Colonial is classic 1930s on the outside and contemporary on the inside. The updated home has a living room with built-in cabinets, a dining room with a fireplace, an office with a skylight, and an eat-in kitchen with high-end appliances and its own fireplace. There’s also a butler’s pantry with a beverage bar. Rounding out the home, which has a pending sales agreement, is a finished basement and a covered porch.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $1.8M | Size: 4,416 SF | Acreage: 0.72
🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:
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