Readers Respond to Our July 2015 Issue

Our “Towns on the Brink” series and our “Best of the Main Line” party were among the many stories that caught readers’ attention.

VIA EMAIL …

Setting the Record Straight

Thank you for including the story, “Steel Rules,” in your July 2015 issue. The effort, dedication and sheer work that many have been investing in Coatesville for the past 25 years is indeed coming close to fruition. We celebrate those efforts.

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Kindly note, however, that the article makes mistaken insinuations and draws erroneous conclusions regarding Lukens Steel and the 1911 lynching of Zachariah Walker. The Lukens mill was not involved at all with this tragic incident. To clarify, the persons involved were employed by the Worth Brothers Company. The incident didn’t happen in Coatesville, but rather in Valley Township. 

 Part of the mission of the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum is to tell the story of all of those who worked in the mills in Coatesville, not only that of those who worked at Lukens. To that end, we marked the 100th anniversary of the Walker lynching, a deplorable act, with a lecture examining the events of that dreadful night. 

 As we grow as a museum, our goal is to make certain we report history correctly and completely. Industrial development—though not always perfect—has moved this country forward and made it strong. We look forward to continuing to expand the ways in which we tell the story of steel, with all of its characters and nuances, as Coatesville continues on its upward path. 

Scott G. Huston, President, National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum, Coatesville​

Untapped Potential

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The Chester County Airport and its surrounding acreage are just the assets that could attract industry, create jobs, and be the impetus for turning around Coatesville. No other Main Line town has these. 

Yes, West Chester has Brandywine Airport. But the facility is not suitable for larger aircraft and doesn’t have the surrounding property. 

Chester County Airport is in an ideal location. Sikorsky Aircraft is the only example of what could be a tremendous economic stimulus to Coatesville. Located adjacent to the airport, Sikorsky now has over 1,000 employees. The opportunity, however, is tenfold. 

Chester County Airport is overseen by the Chester County Commissioners and the Chester County Airport Authority. Prior suggestions to both
entities have gone largely ignored. I’ve flown out of Chester County Airport for over 30 years. Other than Sikorsky, nothing has been done to leverage this asset. 

They’ve claimed for years to have a “long-range plan.” Stop planning, start executing, and see Coatesville thrive. 

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“Steel Rules” also discusses the success of Phoenixville. I relocated my company to the intersection of Routes 29 and 422 (which is immediately adjacent to Phoenixville) in 1989, when no one else was considering that area for development. Now, there are four or more major companies at that location and a major shopping center. Thousands of jobs were created.

Coatesville can do the same—and potentially more. Phoenixville was in a bad situation in 1990. Twenty-five years later, it is an economic role model. 

Where will Coatesville be in 20 years? The Chester County Airport could be the epicenter of a major turnaround. But, apparently, no one is listening.

Randy Thurman, Malvern

Posted to …

2015 Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs

Great pics! I spy lots of Femfessionals. Sad our big group photo didn’t make it into the mix. Next time!

Cheyenne Palma Dominguez 

Thanks for awarding Ketmala’s Kitchen as Best Cooking Class. I’m so honored.

Ketmala Phoumalavong

The Big Summer Read

Loved this feature. I also loved “River of Dreams,” the last of your remarkable and insightful series of “Towns on the Brink.” Great job by everyone!

Carole Felton Shore

Is Tiger Woods Done?

When Tiger Woods blew away the field at the Masters, they said they had to Tiger-proof the course and planted more trees down the fairways. Give Tiger the respect he deserves. None of these one-or-two-and-done guys captured the imagination of the public.

Roz Ferrell 

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!