Hi, Greater Media! đ
Last night, Delaware County Council approved a tax hike for 2026. We share more details below. Also this week, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is looking at ways to stem its budget deficit, plus Ridley Creek remediation to clean up a September oil spill is nearing completion.
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Facing a $2.6 million budget deficit for the 2027-28 school year, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is considering any idea to trim that figure.
That was the takeaway from a Monday listening session, where Superintendent Russell Johnston said the district is âturning over every stoneâ in its quest and took suggestions from the public.
Unlike neighboring districts, WSSD is predominately supported by homeownersâ tax dollars, many of whom already feel stretched thin, The Inquirerâs Denali Sagner reports.
While some attendees left the meeting feeling better about the schoolâs objectives, others still wonder how it got in this hole in the first place.
Read more about Wallingford-Swarthmoreâs plans to address its budget woes here.
Work to clean up oil that spilled into Ridley Creek when a tanker crashed on the Route 1 Bypass in September is nearly finished. Officials expect to wrap up next week, with road closures on Ridley Creek Road continuing until then.
Crews have been remediating the area, where an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 gallons of oil spilled, including removing contaminated soil and refilling the site, The Inquirerâs Torin Sweeney reports.
Read more about how crews have tackled the cleanup here.
đĄ Community News
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Last night, Delaware County Council voted to approve a 19% property tax hike for 2026. Despite pushback from residents, the council enacted a double-digit increase for the second consecutive year. For the average assessed home, taxes will go up an additional $188 annually.
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Delaware County Council voted unanimously last week to enact a policy protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. It is one of at least 79 local governments in Pennsylvania to adopt similar nondiscrimination ordinances.
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SEPTA missed Fridayâs federally imposed deadline to finish repairs to the heat-detection system on its Regional Rail cars. The agency said the lapse was due to a shortage of the thermal wire required to make the repairs. Installation of the backordered wire for 30 of SEPTAâs remaining trains is expected to be completed next week.
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Now in its 50th year, the Festival of Lights officially got underway last week at Rose Tree County Park in Media, and will be lit nightly through Jan. 3. We take a look back at highlights from the opening night.
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An Inquirer analysis of a yearâs worth of Riddle Hospital inspections found that the Media hospital was cited once between last November and this October for failing to properly monitor a patientâs vital signs while waiting for care in the emergency department.
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Residential parking permits for 2026 are now available for Media borough residents. Fees are $5 each for a householdâs first two cars and $15 each thereafter. New for 2026, the borough will not distribute a physical sticker, but will instead track registration through the Passport Parking app.
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Newlin Grist Mill has named a new executive director to lead the historic Concord Township site. Amy Ricci, who most recently held that same role at former Philadelphia paper mill Historic Rittenhouse Town, will assume the position in January, becoming the organizationâs fourth executive director.
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Wawa is opening its 1,000th fuel store today at 675 Baltimore Pike in Springfield. The first 250 guests will get a free T-shirt and coffee. (Daily Times)
đ« Schools Briefing
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Notre Dame de Lourdes School in Swarthmore took home first place in the kindergarten through eighth grade category of B101âs annual Christmas Choir Competition for its rendition of Like Itâs Christmas. The school will receive $5,000 for its music program and will perform the winning song at the Philly Popsâ A Philly Holiday Spectacular on Sunday.
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Thereâs a school board meeting tonight at Penncrest High School. On Monday and Tuesday, Rose Tree Elementary will host its fifth grade band concert. Penncrest High Schoolâs winter choral concert is on Wednesday. See RTMSDâs full calendar here.
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Tonight is Swarthmore-Rutledge Schoolâs winter concert, Strath Haven Highâs orchestra concert is Monday, and its choral concert is Tuesday. Wallingford Elementary is hosting winter concerts on Wednesday and Thursday. See WSSDâs full calendar here.
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WSSD is also hosting a community artificial intelligence forum tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Strath Haven Middle Schoolâs library, where attendees can provide feedback about policies.
đœïž On our Plate
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Wonder is opening next week at the Promenade at Granite Run. The food hall at 1145 W. Baltimore Pike will host a âfriends and familyâ preview Monday through Wednesday ahead of its grand opening next Thursday.
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The Towne House in Media has been transformed for the five-week run of âHolly Jolly.â The holiday dĂ©cor will be on display through Jan. 4, during which time festive drinks can also be ordered. Options include the Mistletoe Kiss, made with vodka, rosemary simple syrup, lemon, and club soda, or Hollyâs Hot Chocolate, which gives hot cocoa a kick thanks to vanilla vodka and Irish cream.
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Santa will be making a stop in Glen Mills this weekend alongside Mrs. Claus when the duo visit Harvest Seasonal Grill Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Kids can also decorate cookies during the holiday brunch buffet. Tickets are $25 for children and $35 for adults. Reservations are required.
đł Things to Do
đ Night Market: Swarthmore merchants will stay open later on Friday, and there will also be pop-up vendors, food, drinks, and an ugly sweater competition. â° Friday, Dec. 12, 5-8 p.m. đ” Pay as you go đ Swarthmore town center
đïž The Newspaper Taxis: Hear tunes from this Beatles tribute band. â° Friday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. đ” Free đ Shere-E-Punjab, Media
đȘ Cookie Walk: Love holiday cookies but donât love baking? Or just want to get a larger array? This annual event lets attendees pick and pay for the homemade sweets they want. â° Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. đ” Pay as you go đ Middletown Church, Media
â Cocoa and Photos with the Clauses and Friends: Write a letter to Santa, decorate cookies, and pose for festive photos with Olaf, Jolly Bear, and the big man himself. â° Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon đ” Free đ Media Community Center
đ Chanukah Village: A number of stores throughout Media will host crafts and other activities in celebration of the first night of the holiday. A 4:30 p.m. menorah lighting will be held at the Delaware County Courthouse. â° Sunday, Dec. 14, 3-5 p.m. đ” Free đ Various locations
đĄ On the Market
Built in 2022, this spacious townhouseâs first floor features an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, which has access to a deck overlooking the woods. There are four bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with double vanities and a walk-in closet. It also has a finished walk-out basement with a full bathroom, and access to the community clubhouse and a tot lot. Thereâs an open house this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.
See more photos of the townhouse here.
Price: $815,000 | Size: 3,640 SF
đïž What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:
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