July 5, 2007 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

From our readers

Major changes for Jenks

In response to your editorial “School Choice,” June 28], like many families, Pete Mazzaccaro and his family have chosen to move to the Philly suburbs in search of “good” schools. It is so sad that his perception is that in order to have a positive city public school experience, you need to be an active parent. Because you don’t. I think, however, that the public school system does attract activists — an amazing assortment of incredibly creative and inspiring parents committed to change for the benefit of all city kids. The good news is that a lot of that activism has paid off. Unfortunately, however, it rarely seems to be reported in the press. 

For example, there is major change afoot at Jenks. This 2007-08 academic year welcomes a significant change in leadership at the school. We have recruited a new principal, Steve Brandt. He was a highly sought after candidate in the district — many schools wanted him and we got him! The Jenks community is thrilled. We are also thrilled that one of our finest teachers, Christina Moore, has been appointed Dean of Students. I am a parent at Jenks and in my opinion, the school has some challenges including communication and PR. However, I have never been more optimistic about the school’s future. For those of you who shudder at the thought of giving up Chestnut Hill for the ‘burbs, but worry about “good” schools, check out Jenks before you put in a call to the movers. I think you may be surprised. 

Karen Aves

Parent, J. S. Jenks

Chestnut Hill

Stone wall’s

location

In reference to Toni Ann Flanigan’s delightful letter [June 28] about the beauty of Chestnut Hill landscapes, may I correct her location of the home with the tall stone wall — it is on the corner of Chestnut Hill Avenue and Seminole Avenue (not Shawnee Street). Readers may be interested to know that the wall was built during the Depression (1929-1939) by local Italian/American stonemasons. The homeowner specified to the contractor that different crews must be used every few weeks so that the work would be spread out to as many families as possible.

Meredith Sonderskov
Chestnut Hill
Historical Society

Great bridge in our backyard

I read with interest Jimmy J. Pack Jr.’s article on traveling in San Francisco. Pack’s appreciation of the Golden Gate Bridge prompted a newfound sense of respect for any one “who has ever worked on a bridge … connecting every part of America to each other.” I agree that we should thank the bridge builders, and next year there will be a wonderful chance to do it.

The Walnut Lane Bridge, the link between Germantown/Mt. Airy and Roxborough that spans the Wissahickon Creek, will be 100 years old in 2008. Cliveden and the other historic sites of Germantown are planning an exhibition, events and programs to celebrate the centennial of — what was in 1908 — the largest concrete arch bridge in the world. We have been contacting descendants of the bridge builders with the hope of drawing attention to this engineering marvel in our midst — to “thank the bridge builders.”

Among the amazing finds of our research into the history of the Walnut Lane Bridge has been that its engineer was George Webster, who as director of the bridges department for the City of Philadelphia, had a hand in dozens of other area bridges (including the Ben Franklin Bridge). His last job was as a consultant on, what else, the Golden Gate Bridge, drawing a direct line from our neighborhood’s most famous bridge with America’s. Let us know if you know any of the Walnut Lane Bridge builders in our midst!

David W. Young
Cliveden of the National Trust
Germantown

Congrats to Ms. Robinson

I picked up the local Chestnut Hill paper and I was so impressed with Ms. Robinson’s accomplishments [“81-year-old Mt. Airyite a graduate of Chestnut Hill College,” June 28].

You know, I am 58 years old and raised a family of four, three which went to college and are successful and my youngest completed a certificate course in massage. So I am a very proud mother. I also am a proud grandmother with a grandson who will complete his four years in college next year.

I have always wanted to go to college and get at least an associate degree. What has stopped me? Money. I can’t imagine at my age having a financial problem with a school loan.

Again, I want to congratulate Ms. Robinson.

Sheila Olivo
Manayunk

Public money and transportation

First let’s dispel a few myths about transportation funding. Public money has supported transportation of all types for 200 years. Tax breaks and land grants accompanied railroad development, federal and state money built the interstate highway system, and tax dollars have built major airports and marine terminals for years.

When it comes to commuter transportation, those services never recovered their long- and short-term costs from the fare box, even in peak usage times. Private ownership made their money on the real estate developed along the line in which they most often had full ownership or controlling interests.

It makes all the sense in the world in 2007 to use highway tolls to fund mass transit, just as it pays for the roads and bridges. Better transit systems that serve more destinations more frequently will ultimately reduce highway travel, and lower highway use means lower highway maintenance. It just makes sense to see them as parallel development projects. In the same manner every long-distance trailer that leaves the highway and is carried by rail takes wear and tear off major highways. Tractor-trailers should be reserved for only local delivery from key terminals.

The by-products are the environmental considerations of controlled and more efficient use of internal combustion vehicles.  Electric transit systems do the same.   

Where SEPTA is concerned, however, there is another aspect that must be incorporated into any Harrisburg decision, and that is its management and oversight. A legal tax-funded monopoly has responsibility to deliver efficient use of dollars and provide maximum service to the riding public. The inept management of this organization currently, and the lackluster and politically charged oversight from the current board of directors must be changed immediately and before they get another dime.

Jim Foster
Mt. Airy