Lloyd Price Asks FROG, "Where Were You On My Wedding Day?"

We all remember the great 50's Rock and Roll Singer Lloyd Price and his marvelous hit song, "Where were you on my wedding day?" In that title Mr. Price was asking of his intended, why she did not appear at a major event defining and affecting his life. Well, Mr. Price could well direct the same question to the Friends of Glen Providence Park about their strident opposition to restoring the historic two-way automotive use of the 3rd Street Bridge in Media.

Supposedly, we are told, it is because of their defense of the natural environment of this unfortunately long neglected park and their opposition to "additional traffic" in the area of the bridge thus downgrading the surrounding neighborhood. Well, as Walter Cronkite used to say, "let's look at the record" of this group's members history about critical Borough wide situations affecting our natural and residential environments.

First, back in the mid-1970's when the county wanted to build a large monument smack dab in the middle of the beloved sledding hill in the park, why did this now concerned group's members not show up to oppose and fight this proposal?

Second, when a development of homes now called Park Ridge Ave. was constructed right next door to the park, pushed by a local developer, who lived in the area, who was a prominent supporter of the then Council President who lives across the street, why did this now concerned group's members not show up to fight and oppose this development?

Third, when the Hampton Hotel project which will downgrade and congest the residential environment of Allen Lane, Pennock Place and West Jefferson Street was proposed, and which virtually all of the neighbors in that area opposed, why did this now concerned group's members not show up to oppose and fight it?

Fourth, when an over development of twin homes was proposed at Vernon and Lincoln streets that wiped out one of Media's last natural woodlands and open spaces and congested that neighborhood, why did not this now concerned group's members not show up to fight and oppose this matter?

Fifth, when Aqua Water company proceeded with the OK of Borough Council to demolish the 250-year-old historic Superintendent's Home at the Media Waterworks, why did this group not show up to fight and oppose this action?

Where were they when the residents of Media whose neighborhoods were threatened with downgrading and disruption needed their support? The answer is nowhere to be found, just like Mr. Price's wife.

Could it possibly be because much of the concern about Glen Providence Park is just a deflection? A slight of hand action to cover the personal interests of a small group of circle the wagon activists who live in the vicinity of the park and appear to exercise undue influence and power over four members of Media Borough Council at the expense of the majority of the Borough's residents and the public interest.

To paraphrase Mr. Price's song, "Where were you all, on the days when our community and it's residents needed you and your help when their interests were threatened and in danger?" The answer, Mr. Price, is sadly like the answer you received from your intended on the most important day of your life, nowhere to be found!

Decisions on matters of public safety and development and preservation of our precious natural environment should be made on the basis of the public interest, not what is "good" for our personal friends and political associates. And a small and unelected group which has no right or legal authority to speak or act for the residents of Delaware County regarding Glen Providence Park yet has undue influence with Media elected officials, brings the entire legitimacy of this group into serious question.

Yes, Mr. Price, where were the FROG members on your wedding day? Sadly,nowhere to be found!