Commute times could soon double | Inquirer Lower Merion
Plus, Nike looks to release new Kobe Bryant sneakers and a French fry pop-up is coming soon.
Hi, Lower Merion! 👋
Commute times into Center City could jump for Paoli/Thorndale rush hour riders if Regional Rail service is slashed. Also this week, the community mourns the death of a longtime volunteer firefighter, Nike is reportedly releasing new Lower Merion-themed Kobe Bryant sneakers, and the duo behind the beloved Bala Cynwyd restaurant Lark is hosting a French fry pop-up starting next month.
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Commuting into Center City is already tedious, but if SEPTA’s proposed cuts go through starting this fall and into the winter, the time it takes for Lower Merion residents to make the trek in could get considerably longer.
Facing a $213 million annual structural deficit, SEPTA has proposed service reductions and cuts, including the elimination of the Paoli/Thorndale and Cynwyd Regional Rail lines. If commuters are forced to find alternate transportation, an estimated 275,000 additional cars could swarm roads across the region, adding 70,000 collective hours to drivers’ daily time spent in weekday morning traffic.
For Narberth residents, a 20-minute ride on the Paoli/Thorndale line could become a roughly 47-minute drive via I-76, according to data from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
“Traffic is already ridiculous in our little neck of the woods,” one resident, who lives just a 63-second walk to Narberth Station, said.
Explore how your commute could be impacted by SEPTA service reductions here.
💡 Community News
Nike is reportedly gearing up to release another sneaker that pays homage to Kobe Bryant’s alma mater, Lower Merion High School. The Protro shoe is expected to come out next spring and will have a similar pattern to the original Kobe 5 “Lower Merion Aces” released 15 years ago.
Lifelong Lower Merion resident and longtime volunteer firefighter Warren Daniel Neely died last week at the age of 72. A Wynnewood resident, Neely was chief emeritus of Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills Fire Company, where he began volunteering in 1975. Prior to Penn Wynne, Neely was a firefighter with Narberth Fire Company and Union Fire Association. He spent 50 years in service and responded to some 5,500 calls, the station said.
The township released an updated construction schedule for the Ardmore Avenue Community Center and the Center for Positive Aging in Lower Merion, or PALM Center, which includes an overhaul of the pool. Athletic courts as well as playing fields are expected to be ready or partially ready by October, followed by the PALM Center in December. Updates will continue through the end of 2026.
A 7,300-square-foot Radnor mansion that was once part of the former Christian Schmidt Brewing Co. estate has hit the market for $3.95 million. The nearly century-old home has seven bedrooms and sits on almost two acres.
A Wynnewood couple is among the area residents that installed a water feature in their backyard as a way to unwind and connect with nature. The Inquirer’s Terri Akman looks at the different options and costs to install one in your own backyard.
Township officials are gearing up to release an interactive map showing Lower Merion’s historic inventory. It will include photos, designations, construction dates, the property’s architect, and more. (Main Line Times)
Rosemont College will receive up to $40 million from Villanova University as part of the schools’ merger agreement, announced earlier this year. Rosemont received $5 million in December and $10 million after the agreement was signed.
Wynnewood brothers Peter and Stuart Shapiro recently discussed their Shark Tank appearance and their plans to grow their self-serve smoothie machine business, Bleni Blends. (Main Line Today)
June 2-6 is Narberth’s “spring cleanup week,” when the borough will collect items that can’t normally go in the trash. However, there are some restrictions. See when pickup will take place in your neighborhood and what items are prohibited here.
🏫 Schools Briefing
A new ranking puts Lower Merion among the three best public school districts in the state. Lower Merion is also the top-ranked district in Eastern Pennsylvania, based on PSSA and Keystone Exam results. (Pittsburgh Business Times)
Sacred Heart Academy in Bryn Mawr is expanding its early childhood education program for the 2025-26 school year, adding a co-ed preschool option for 3 and 4 year olds.
🍽️ On our Plate
A wine and French fry pairing pop-up is coming to Bala Cynwyd next month. Chef Nick Elmi and Fia Berisha, the creators also behind Lark, will bring Fifi’s Fry & Co. to The Landing Kitchen starting June 21, where they’ll serve fries topped with elevated ingredients like caviar, cured egg yolk, and yogurt powder. You can also find the house burger and a fried chicken sandwich there, The Inquirer’s Michael Klein reports.
🎳 Things to Do
🔥 Bonfire, Bluegrass, & Blooms: Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy light bites, plus tunes from Midnight Flyer Bluegrass. ⏰ Friday, May 30, 5-7 p.m. 💵 Free for Lower Merion Conservancy members, $5 for non-members 📍 Rolling Hill Park
🍋 Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand: Commemorate the 25th anniversary of Alex Scott’s first lemonade stand at the same school she attended. The event includes food, games, raffles, races, and, of course, lemonade, to benefit the Wynnewood nonprofit created in her name. ⏰ Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 💵 Free to attend 📍 Penn Wynne Elementary School
🎸 Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes: The Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts kick off for the season with a performance from this California-rooted singer-songwriter. ⏰ Saturday, May 31, 7 p.m. 💵 $24.84 📍 Bryn Mawr Gazebo
🚑 Family Day at Ashbridge Park: The Rosemont-Villanova Civic Association is hosting this second annual event that features an ambulance tour, animals, ice cream, and a raffle. ⏰ Sunday, June 1, 3-5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Ashbridge Park
📖 Book Folding Workshop: Learn how to fold pages into works of art. ⏰ Monday, June 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Penn Wynne Library
🏳️🌈 Pride Month Crafternoon: Kids can make their own colorful wand craft. ⏰ Wednesday, June 4, 3-5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Gladwyne Library
🎶 Music in the Park: Narberth’s Wednesday Night Concert Series is also kicking off for the season, with a performance from U2 tribute band, Mysterious Ways. ⏰ Wednesday, June 4, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Chet Tyson Pavilion
🏡 On the Market
Spanning 4,700 square feet, this Villanova home offers modern amenities, a piece of history, and ample privacy thanks to its nearly seven-acre lot. Built in 1965, the house has five bedrooms, including a first-floor primary suite with dual bathrooms. Three additional bedrooms can be found on the second story, while a studio apartment is located above the garage. The latter has its own entrance, making it suitable for use as a guest or in-law suite or as a home office. Renovated in 2014, the home has a bright, sophisticated interior. The property also features a two-story barn that dates back to about 1865. Originally from Canada, it was rebuilt on site and could be converted into additional living space or used for entertaining. There are also ponds, waterfalls, gardens, and a walking trail throughout the property.
Price: $2.995M | Size: 4,700 SF | Acreage: 6.88
Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Lower Merion? Share it with us in an email to lowermerion@inquirer.com.
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