Swarthmore put limits on stores like smoke shops| Inquirer Greater Media
Plus, more sidewalks are on the way for Nether Providence.
Hi, Greater Media! 👋
Swarthmore has just made it more difficult for “sensitive” businesses to open. Here are the restrictions. Also this week, a micro-hospital could be open by summer, Nether Providence has landed a grant for improving sidewalks, plus Media Restaurant Week is almost here.
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It will now be more difficult for some types of businesses to open in Swarthmore.
Smoke shops, firing ranges, and marijuana dispensaries are among the list of businesses that wouldn’t be permitted within 400 feet of community spots like playgrounds, schools, and libraries.
Not everyone was on board with the changes. Limiting medical marijuana storefronts, for instance, would move the borough in “the wrong direction,” Council member David Boonin said.
See what other restrictions are coming to Swarthmore.
💡 Community News
In case you missed it, Swarthmore’s borough council voted unanimously last week to terminate borough manager Sean Halbom, who had been on the job just six months. It was the latest in a string of short stints for Halbom. Here’s what to know.
Both Media and Swarthmore have passed resolutions opposing the construction of a liquefied natural gas export terminal, which would carry gas to a site along the Delaware River. The boroughs mentioned health and environmental concerns in their pushback on the yearslong plan.
A Media garbage truck caught fire on Monday after two lithium battery packs ignited. No one was injured, but officials are reminding residents that batteries shouldn’t be thrown in the trash.
Nether Providence Township has been awarded a $500,000 federal grant to support the ongoing sidewalk project on Providence Road between The Springhaven Club’s driveway and Mother of Providence Regional Catholic School.
Elwyn, the Middletown Township nonprofit that serves people with intellectual disabilities, recently received a $25,000 community project grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation. The funds will allow Elwyn to purchase 71 real-time, two-way translation devices so that bilingual families in its Early Learning Services programs can more easily communicate with teachers, therapists, and other families.
ChristianaCare is targeting a June opening for its new micro-hospital in Aston. Located at 700 Turner Industrial Way, the micro-hospital will have 10 emergency department beds and 10 inpatient beds and is expected to serve about 15,000 patients annually. The smaller format hospital will open after a busy year for local emergency rooms following Crozer-Chester Medical Center shuttering last spring. Main Line Health recently reported that Riddle Hospital in Media saw a 36% increase in patients following the closure. (CBS News)
An Upper Providence Township man who sent an inappropriate photo to a teenager was sentenced to three to six years in state prison last week after pleading guilty to two counts of possessing child sexual abuse material. (Daily Times)
A hikers’ report of human bones in Ridley Scott Park turned out to be from a deer.
Angela Hewett, the president of an organization helping to maintain the Thomas Leiper House, has died at 84. Hewett was actively involved in Nether Providence’s historical society. Services are this weekend.
A funeral was held this past weekend for Media resident Joseph E. McGettigan III, who died late last year at the age of 76. McGettigan held numerous roles at the county and state level, including as the former Delaware County first assistant district attorney and former Pennsylvania senior deputy attorney general. During his career, he litigated in hundreds of trials and won notable convictions in the murder case against philanthropist John E. du Pont and the child sexual abuse case against then-Pennsylvania State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.
Gas prices across the country have been climbing amid the war in Iran. As of Wednesday, the average cost of a gallon in Pennsylvania was $3.66, compared to a national average of $3.58. Delaware County averaged $3.63.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Penncrest boys’ basketball won against York Suburban High School, 36-29, in the opening round of the PIAA 5A championship Friday. The team then took on Upper Moreland High School on Tuesday, losing 58-53. See the full 5A bracket here.
In the Rose Tree Media School District, there’s a school board work session tonight at 6:30. On Wednesday, Indian Lane fifth-graders will take their class picture. See the district’s full calendar here.
In Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, tomorrow is Strath Haven Middle School’s career day, as well as the Jazz Fest. There’s a Finance and Facilities Committee meeting on Tuesday. See the district’s full calendar here.
🍽️ On our Plate
Media Restaurant Week is just 10 days away and more than a dozen local eateries are participating. See where you can score specials here.
The rooftop deck at Azie’s Media location was named by Inquirer reporter Hira Qureshi among the best restaurants and bars for outdoor dining in the area. Reservations are encouraged, especially on weekends, at the popular pan-Asian restaurant.
🎳 Things to Do
🏫 Be More Chill: Based on Ned Vizzini’s novel of the same name, this stage adaptation explores whether being the most popular person in high school is all it’s chalked up to be. ⏰ Friday, March 13-Saturday, March 21, select days and times 💵 $18.50-$30.50 📍Players Club of Swarthmore
🎥 Media Film Festival: The 19th annual festival includes about two dozen screenings, plus Q&As with the filmmakers. ⏰ Saturday, March 14, 3-5 p.m. and 7-9:30 p.m. (Friday night is sold out) 💵 $20 per session 📍The Media Theatre
🇮🇪 Irish Dance Workshop: Older teens and adults can learn some Irish dance moves from a former professional dancer. ⏰ Saturday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 💵 $30 📍Park Avenue Community Center, Swarthmore
🔍 Murder Mystery at the Library: Adults and teens 15 and older will be split into teams to solve this whodunit. Registration is required. ⏰ Saturday, March 14, 2:30-4:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Helen Kate Furness Free Library, Wallingford
🕺🏻 Dirt-y Dancing: Practice your line dancing skills at this Transition Town Greater Media adults-only fundraiser. ⏰ Saturday, March 14, 7-9 p.m. 💵 $25 📍Media Community Center
🍽️ Spice it Up: Bring a favorite multicultural dish to share with other attendees and sample theirs at this potluck. Registration is required. ⏰ Tuesday, March 17, 6:30-8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Swarthmore Public Library
🏡 On the Market
Built in 1950, this contemporary mid-century style home has four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. The open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen includes a two-sided fireplace and wraparound views of the backyard and deck. The bedrooms are upstairs, including a primary suite with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The home also has a mudroom, a finished basement, and an attached two-car garage. There are open houses from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $1,250,000 | Size: 3,699 SF | Acreage: 0.54
📈 Greater Media market report
Median listing price: $719,500 (down $29,500 from December) 📉
Median sold price: $690,000 (up $162,000 from December) 📈
Median days on the market: 28 (down 29 days from December) 📉
Median listing price: $469,000 (down $130,900 from December) 📉
Median sold price: $320,000 (down $55,000 from December) 📉
Median days on the market: 114 (up four days from December) 📈
Median listing price: $352,000 (up $73,000 from December) 📈
Median sold price: $442,500 (up $62,500 from December) 📈
Median days on the market: 76 (up 11 days from December) 📈
This Greater Media market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for January from realtor.com.
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