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Rose Tree Media School District’s proposed early education center is getting pushback from some residents. Here’s why. Also this week, the developer seeking to reverse a Middletown Township decision preventing it from building a warehouse at the former Franklin Mint site has withdrawn its appeal, plus, Swiss Farms is looking to expand in the region.
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Middletown Township residents continue to push back against a Rose Tree Media School District proposal to build a center dedicated to kindergarten and first grade students.
At a planning commission meeting on Tuesday, residents held signs and wore buttons decrying the early education center that, if approved, would be built on open land behind Penncrest High School. Some neighbors who oppose the plan say it will worsen traffic and burden taxpayers.
The district contends that it would alleviate overcrowding, which is expected to get worse as enrollment swells, and allow it to offer full-day kindergarten.
The commission postponed its vote on making a recommendation to council and is expected to take the issue up again in the fall.
💡 Community News
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A year after Middletown Township’s council voted to deny Outrigger Industrial’s proposed 330,000-square-foot warehouse at the old Franklin Mint site, the company this week formally withdrew its appeal challenging the decision. It brings an end to a saga that drew considerable community pushback to keep the site from being developed into a warehouse.
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The state has approved a $10 million fund known as the Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant to help farmers impacted by the unexpected spring cold snap that devastated certain fruit crops, including peaches and apples at Linvilla Orchards.
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Delaware County council has appointed the first members of its human relations commission, which it voted to establish last year. The 12-person commission will adjudicate claims of discrimination in cases like housing, employment, healthcare, education, and public housing.
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Delaware County residents and real estate leaders are at odds over the forthcoming $120 million open space bond referendum that will be on November’s ballot, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. Some residents are in favor of enhancing green space in the county, while others worry about the cost to taxpayers. Some in the real estate industry say it could hinder housing development in an area already short on inventory.
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Arasapha Farms owner Randy Bates died recently at the age of 68 after battling cancer, reports CBS News Philadelphia. The Glen Mills farm is home to beloved Halloween experience the Bates Motel, as well as a Christmas tree farm.
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Elwyn Road will be closed tomorrow through Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Route 352 and Baltimore Pike for base repairs.
🏫 Schools Briefing
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Springton Lake Middle School in the Rose Tree Media School District has a new assistant principal as of this week. Christine Fleming was confirmed by the board to succeed Melissa McGuire. She has spent three decades in education, including most recently as coordinator of gifted education in the Lower Merion School District, according to her LinkedIn profile.
🍽️ On our Plate
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Fast-casual stir-fry chain Honeygrow is opening its newest location at the Promenade at Granite Run tomorrow. It’s located in the same area where wellness concepts HiLo House and Sweathouz, and food hall Wonder opened in the last year.
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Could more Swiss Farms locations be on the way? New owner Arsh Pola is hoping to expand the local brand — which has locations in Swarthmore and Springfield — including eventually adding gas.
🎳 Things to Do
🎶 Rose Tree Summer Concert Festival: The final shows for the season include performances by the U.S. Army Field band and Soldiers’ Chorus tonight, California country rock group Cimarron 615 and fellow country artist Craig Bickhardt tomorrow, nine-piece outfit The Discoteks on Saturday, and Sensational Soul Cruisers on Sunday. ⏰ Thursday, Aug. 13-Sunday, Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media
👚 Mean Girls: See the cult classic performed live. ⏰ Friday, Aug. 14-Sunday, Aug. 23, days and times vary 💵 $21-$27 📍 The Media Theatre
😂 Huge Soup: Improv performers will take the stage. ⏰ Friday, Aug. 14, 8 p.m. 💵 $13.50 📍 Players Club of Swarthmore
🎨 Couples Craft Night: Couples can create a piece of art that represents their relationship. ⏰ Wednesday, Aug. 19, 7-8:30 p.m. 💵 Pay what you wish 📍 Nimble Craft, Media
🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:
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