January 17, 2008 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

From our readers

Don’t leave valuables in cars

Seems like every week I read about wallets, credit cars, valuables, etc., etc., being stolen from locked or unlocked vehicles. These vehicles are parked on the streets, driveways, etc. in Chestnut Hill.

What does it take for you people to realize it doesn’t matter whether you are going to leave your vehicle for 30 minutes, or all day or all night … take with you anything of value. Set the alarm (if you have one) and lock your vehicle!

Most likely … then… the thieves will say, “Hmm, the people in Chestnut Hill are finally getting smart… They’re not leaving anything for us thieves to steal… If we’re gonna make our living stealing, we have to go somewhere else.”

Tom Woodruff
Oreland

It’s time to step up!

PennDot and the contractors performing the extensive reconstruction improvements along Germantown Avenue have worked closely with area neighbors and businesses since construction commenced in Mt. Airy early last fall.  While there have been unforeseen and negative impacts resulting from the replacement of century-old utilities — including serious service disruptions — they have shown a commitment to develop effective strategies with the community to respond to problems as they arise.  I know that representatives from West Mt. Airy Neighbors agree that the sincere efforts PennDot, C. Abbonizio and Urban Engineers have made to engage our community should serve as a model for government to community relations.

However, while improvements to the fragile and aged infrastructure are clearly needed, the most extensive and disruptive work is just now beginning.  As access between Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy is being re-routed, creating a major inconvenience for residents, emergency vehicles and anyone who makes use of our area roads, it is the effect upon local businesses that could have the longest and most troubling implications for the Northwest community. The commercial renaissance in Mt. Airy is an exceptional story of recovery, but as traffic once again is permitted to pass this November, we could be left with a newly improved road revealing many shuttered businesses.

As a representative for the Mt. Airy community and a sincerely concerned neighbor, I urge that you consider the local business community first during this difficult period. Consumers have choices. If we all consider Germantown Avenue restaurants and retailers before traveling to other areas during this period, we can make a huge difference toward supporting and sustaining the tremendous growth seen along this vital commercial corridor. So please help, and see this as a call to action to consider first the local retailers and restaurants that are committed to our community. If we band together and buy local, we can help ensure that our business community continues to grow and thrive.

Dan Muroff
President, East Mt. Airy Neighbors

Parking Authority predators on Hill

I am joining the chorus of disgruntled shoppers who have fallen prey to the Parking Authority predators  who constantly troll  Chestnut Hill ready to pounce eagerly  on their next unwitting victims. They are casting a pall. Direct your complaints to Mr. Vince Fenerty, the Executive Director of the Parking Authority, at 215-683-9614, or if your meter is defective and the time runs out before it should, call 215-683-9753. Or maybe just yell out to one of them, “Get a job”— which might give you supreme satisfaction!

Sabina Clarke
Roxborough

Stagecrafters a delight

A gift subscription from my sister, a Stagecrafters member, brought me back to this wonderful venue after an absence of many years. The physical changes alone wrought by this organization amazed and delighted me.  The current production, Intimate Apparel, goes right to the top of a “must see” list. Every aspect of this production hums with professionalism, talent and plain old entertainment. Congratulations to the cast and crew!

At $15 a ticket, (two for $20 on Thursdays!), this is a doable night/afternoon out.  To have such a gem in our midst should make us proud. Do support this worthy group; you will not regret it!

Joanne M. Forrest
Wyndmoor

Lovely Hillers adopt the “dumpster kitten”

Thank you for running the photo of the little black “dumpster kitten.” I did get a call from some lovely folks from Chestnut Hill, who said they will take her next week. My heart always hurts when I say good-bye, but there is always a next kitten/cat that needs help.

Just wanted to let you know and to say thank you on behalf of so many of the animals that the Local helps. Happy New Year.

Brenda Malinics
(Cat Rescuer)
Flourtown

Thanks for the pastries

Thanks once again to Bredenbeck’s Bakery for donating 10 boxes of pastries on Christmas Eve to the nurses and doctors working the evening shift at Chestnut Hill Hospital. Such a gesture helped to spread the holiday cheer that night. Kindnesses like yours are not soon forgotten!

D. Bond
Front desk (evening shift)