Maybe we could not make this a political D vs. R thing, and start fresh and keep the important things in focus?

MARC needs to be more open, and they seem to be recognizing that. The fact that they find the suggestion of a community meeting to discuss what they will be doing with a big pot of taxpayer money "intriguing" rather than say "axiomatic" is to be honest more than a little bit scary, but it's a start. Even Mayfair's groups had some growing pains.

Tacony's long established and long effective civic groups have every right to be pissed off over what amounts to a dissing but all is not lost, not yet anyway. I know quite well how they feel; when I was on the board of The Knowlton Preservation Committee, we got treated the exact same way. Our goals were accomplished, but we got zero credit and were locked out of the end process, after years of being the only people who were actively involved.

It's not as though there are contradictory visions for the neighborhood, we all have the same goals here. Let's work together.

This is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity, let's not blow it.

__________________
"Things are starting to get interesting right about now"

All comments made by me on his board are given freely and probably worth what you paid for them.

I agree, Scoats. The us-vs-them mentality is going to destroy any future hope for the communities.

I too was a little suprised at the response from the MARC rep about the suggestion of a community meeting about their plans. "Intriguing?" The "possibility" of hosting such a meeting?
I would think that any community nonprofit holding so much of taxpayer money would be obligated to host such a meeting without being asked... but this is a start. I will anxiously await an answer from the MARC representative as to a date and time of the community meeting.

When this meeting takes place, I hope for the sake of all residents of the area that it does not turn into a political free-for-all between the 2 candidates and their supporters. That would be insulting to anyone who takes the time to attend out of interest in their neighborhoods.

__________________
United we stand. Divided we fall.

MARC will host a meeting for the Torresdale Avenue Project in the fall when civic associations are back in session.

We felt that a meeting to bury the "us-vs.-them" mentality was intriguing. However, we are concerned that it could become a "political free-for-all."

Sorry for any misunderstanding,

__________________
Edward J. Vassallo
Director of Media & Public Relations
Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC)
www.marc-cleansweep.com

Thanks Edward! I appreciate the quick response.

Civic Assns are back in session early September. So maybe something shortly after that?

As far as having additional information to present to the community, I've lived here for a year and know nothing about MARC or their plans. I would like to hear more about it. I will say that I love what MARC has done to the train trellises in the area. It's a noticable improvement to the entryways.

When you schedule the community meeting, maybe some ground rules could be laid out so that there is no disruption. Have an agenda ready and stick to it. Maybe a neutral moderator could be asked to host the meeting. Joan Krajewski seems to be well liked and respected..and feisty enough to keep the meeting on track. ?

Don't let political agendas prevent MARC from doing what they should: Inform and communicate with the residents about the future of our neighbhoods. It's important and much needed. Thank you.

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United we stand. Divided we fall.

You responded before I had a chance to clarify my post. But there will be a meeting in the fall. MARC is looking at either September or October.

If you are looking for additional information on MARC be sure to check the web site, www.marc-cleansweep.com. I am in the process of updating the site, so gradually more and more information will be available.

Thanks,

__________________
Edward J. Vassallo
Director of Media & Public Relations
Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC)
www.marc-cleansweep.com

Perhaps a community meeting about public funds wwouldnt be a "political free-for-all" if the Board of Director's were not McGeehan's family members, legislative staffers and life-long friends.

I am still waiting for my answers, Edward.

How can I obtain MARC's finances to see what they have spent? How much money have they gone through already? You talk about 2 millioon dollars for torresdale avenue - Marc has already had millions of dollars to spend.

Please disclose the relationships of the Board of Director's?
Please disclose any compenstation or salary the board receives?

This is public knowledge. Perhaps a link on the website would be effective.

Oh - and don't forget about the F-150. Where does that get stored when not in use by MARC?

The list of MARC's Board of Directors can be found on the web site at www.marc-cleansweep.com.

All of MARC's independently audited financial statements and tax returns are on file with both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the IRS.

And, in an effort to keep MARC's truck unmarked, rest assured it is parked in a safe place.

Thank you for your concern,

__________________
Edward J. Vassallo
Director of Media & Public Relations
Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC)
www.marc-cleansweep.com

please - iwasn;t going to hurt the truck

Thanks Ed I dont know if it is just a coincidence but they came out today and the place is shining! Thank You if you did call the address in!

__________________
This is the world we live in
And these are the hands were given
Use them and lets start trying
To make it a place worth living in.

Wow, they got out there fast!

I'm glad to hear it. I'll have to check it out tonight, after work.

__________________
Edward J. Vassallo
Director of Media & Public Relations
Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC)
www.marc-cleansweep.com