by June Portnoy
It’s not everyday that you’re invited to a demolition party, but that was the unique situation on Saturday, September 22nd when the Newtown community was invited to witness the former Acme building on North Sycamore Street come crashing down.
Hundreds of children and adults accepted this invitation, and began arriving before 10:00am. The first 300 guests who showed up at the party received commemorative yellow plastic hard hats to wear for the occasion.
The pre-entertainment festivities included remarks and speeches by several business and township leaders who discussed the past, current and future state of the Acme location.
“My father always told me when I was growing up that good things come to those who wait,” said Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. “This community has waited a long time, but the demolition of this building is just the beginning.”
He referred to the Promenade, which will feature 20,000 square feet of retail space and 26 high-end rental apartments, scheduled to be built on this site by next year.
“It’s also a good time to think about the good things that are coming in the future,” said PA State Representative Steve Santarsiero. “Once this is gone and the Promenade is here, it’s going to make a positive difference to the Sycamore Street Corridor, the Borough and the economic health of our community.”
Shawn Ward, President of the Sycamore Street Association, spoke about all the time and effort that has been devoted to determining how to use this space since the Acme was closed in 2001. Some of these ideas included a community center, a public parking garage and even a skate park.
“Today we finally see the blemish on Sycamore Street removed once and for all,” said Shawn.
This is truly a historic moment for Newtown Township and especially for Sycamore Street.”
“Nothing is more exciting to the Board of Supervisors than this building coming down today,” said Mike Gallagher, Newtown Board of Supervisors Chair.
