Saturday, May 14, 2011

It's Not Easy Being Green

I promised you a surprise, and it WAS delivered yesterday (before the rain we're supposed to get, thankfully). This particular one came in a plain brown wrapper, which ordinarily isn't all that festive a package, but in this case, I think it's a welcome color. Check out the 'before' and 'after photos:

Before


Well on the way to 'after'

As I knocked on doors while campaigning, many residents (particularly those in Audubon) told me their biggest gripe was the chartreause green and polka-dot paint job on the former 'Bud's Bar'. They felt it was an eyesore and gave Lower Providence Township a negative image, as it is the first thing you see when you come into the Township via Audubon.

Well, Audubon, I heard you. Trying to be proactive, I reached out to the property owner and asked, how about if we spruce up the building/property a little? Can I get in there to repaint for the good of the community? He said he had no problem with that, and that had anyone only asked him, this could have been done long before now. Being a person of action, I decided to get it done before he changed his mind (and before rain in the forecast arrived). 

I donated the paint and organized friends (and friends of friends) to come do the work. I think you can agree, it looks fantastic. Hopefully, our neighbors in Audubon are a little happier today, and our Township is a tad bit easier to market to those businesses interested in locating here as we begin our new marketing and branding campaign to attract such interests to Lower Providence. 

Long term, we need to come up with a solution that both preserves this 300+ year old building, (one of the original historical structures in Lower Providence), and does not inhibit the flow of ever-increasing traffic through our Township from other places. Until that day arrives, at least this is a little easier on the eyes.

UPDATE: To hear more about this story, listen live to WYFL 1180AM on Monday morning, May 16 at 8 am (to be rebroadcast again at approximately the same time on Election Day, May 17).







7 comments:

Paul said...

Wow, that is a great surprise. Thanks! I really hope a use for this building can be found.
- An Audubon resident.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to see this improvement, but let's face it, the building is falling apart and it remains an eyesore, only less so. Maybe it's even dangerous.

The Times Herald quoted the owner as saying that he painted it ugly on purpose, to express his displeasure that he was refused a rezoning -- a giant fu to the community.

Why the change of heart? Is there a new owner?

Candy said...

Way to go Janice! You have my vote, but then again, you already had it. As a resident of Lower Providence, thank Joe for me for giving you permission to paint his building. Again, way to go!!!

Wolfingers27 said...

Mike Seigel you're a dreamer, you take credit for all the improvements at this intersection and Kearny takes all the credit for all the improvemnts, who is to blame, you or her? If Kearney gets elected you will see Bud's Bar torn down and a new drive in bank on this corner. I would rather see the birds live in it that another stinking drive in bank in Audubon.

Roberta said...

"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness", says an old proverb. Janice Kearney has done just that, with a reasonable approach to people and some brown paint. The whole community benefits.

Love LP said...

This was a desperate attempt to get votes. The people of Lower Providence will regret May 17, 2011 for years to come. Dirty politics, negative campaigning,and scare tactics do not belong in Lower Providence. Our township deserves more and should have seen through these ploys.

Janice Kearney said...

Um...the endorsed candidates put out the only negative piece...and I'm not sure what's so 'dirty' about cleaning up a delapidated lot. Some people in this township have to have something or someone to hate, and it would appear you are one of them.