Media’s State is a ‘Great Street’ in eyes of Pennsylvania

MEDIA » The borough has followed a 2015 Great Places in Pennsylvania award with a new recognition. Rebecca Ross of the Delaware County Planning Department presented council with a Great Streets award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association.

State Street has viewed as desirable.

“This award meant it is a model that others want to emulate. Judges cited it as a quintessential ‘main street.’ Some of the factors were the 101 trolley down the center of the street; the walk qualities ability; bike racks in several locations; and many events taking place on the street throughout the year,” said Ross, a principal planner in the county’s Community and Regional Planning department.

State Street is seen as healthy main street in healthy town,” said Ross.

Coincidentally, the award came on the heels of a business report. The team of professional consultants from Econsult Solutions produced Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan which outlined a number of recommendations such as increase business diversity and “polish” the basic look of State a “very a very Street and adjacent streets. The presentation slides of that report are available on the borough’s website.

Ross had one other report to council concerning a new healthy resource for the borough. Walk Works PA does just what the name implies — establishing paths for urban and suburban jaunts.

The organization is a division of the state’s Health Department, and is working with Intercommunity Health Coordination, a department of Delaware County government.

The combined mission is to promote wellness, protect safety and prevent disease, thereby advancing the public health and safety of all county residents. Intercommunity Health Coordination acts as a referral and resource center for public health issues for those residents. Intercommunity Health Coordination is working with the three Delaware County health systems (Crozer Keystone, Main Line Health/Riddle Memorial and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospitals), Delaware County human service organizations and the District Attorney’s office.

The borough’s walking route is 1.8 miles with outer boundaries of Orange, Fourth and State streets and Providence Road. The map can be seen at www. health.pa.gov/walkworks/locations. Ross said the program encourages organization of walking groups. Information can be found at the same web address.

In other community news, council members reminded residents the Halloween Extravaganza put on by the Recreation Commission. It takes place 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28, in the Community Center, Fourth and Monroe streets. The 53rd Annual Halloween Parade on State Street, sponsored by the Delco News Network, starts at 2 p.m. on State Street. Floats, mascots, bands and almost everyone in costume make this a highpoint of the parade season.