Bob McMahon is retiring in January as Media Borough’s mayor after a 33-year tenure, writes Denali Sagner for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Under his watch, Media was a changing landscape, evolving into a regional destination, according to friends and colleagues.
The 82-year-old has pushed economic development and public safety since 1992, turning it from a town with vacant storefronts into a vibrant community..
McMahon served a decade on borough council before being appointed mayor in 1992. He’s been there ever since.
McMahon inherited a borough with an empty downtown.
He sought out grants, supported redevelopment projects like the Media Theatre, and convinced business owners to relocate, like the owner of Fellini Cafe in Springfield, a restaurant he visited every Tuesday.
“I got tired of driving, so I talked them into coming here,” McMahon said.
He helped bring Trader Joe’s and the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum to the vacant 120-year-old armory building.
The mayor also tackled crime, revamping the police department.
“Bob was never afraid to open a door,” said former borough president Joan Hagan. “All you had to do was give Bob a blueprint, a road map, and Bob was off and running.”
Read more about Media Mayor Bob McMahon and about Media’s growth in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
