June 2003
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter Baltimore Avenue: If we come, they will build it. by Eli Massar, Baltimore Avenue Corridor Manager
For the past nine months, we at UCD have been working to broaden Baltimore Avenue’s appeal as a place for University City and other residents to find daily necessities and entertainment. We’ve promoted and assisted new merchants. We’ve intensified our cleaning, installed trash cans, removed graffiti, and planted trees. We’ve motivated the removal of abandoned cars, coordinated a Philadelphia Police/Parking Authority effort to eliminate sidewalk parking, partnered with neighbors and Police to close an illegal nightclub, and attracted some much needed enforcement regarding property maintenance and appearance. However challenging this has been, the hardest part lies ahead — recruiting businesses who will offer the flowers, shoes, food, clothing, hardware, books, and music that the neighborhood unequivocally requested in the Baltimore Avenue Planning Group survey that led
to this project. So, we’re asking the neighborhood to do what it does best — participate in shaping its own future. Simply shop on Baltimore Avenue! Right now, the best businesses on the Avenue are run by neighborhood residents. Undoubtedly, we should celebrate, promote, and encourage local investment, but we shouldn’t forget that, ultimately, a merchant’s impact on our lifestyle is defined by the products and services he or she offers. Therefore, we need to be able to convince potential merchants that quality will be rewarded. The neighborhood-run places like Gojjo, Vientiane, Dahlak, O’Donnell Realty, Green Line Café, Marigold, Abbraccio, Mariposa, R/X, and Calvary took the risks and led the way with quality products. Now we need to make them conspicuously successful so that other merchants, regardless of home address, will recognize the desirability of being west of 40th Street in University City. More simply put… if we come, they will build it.
Baltimore Avenue Corridor Manager Eli Massar and Firehouse Farmer’s Market owner Bill Coleman admire one of the corridor’s 20 new trash cans.
Every Tuesday from May to November, 11 am-7 pm, check out the new Farm Market featuring local vegetables, plants, flowers, Amish baked goods, and BBQ chicken and ribs.
Save the Date: Thursday June 5 Celebrate Cedar Park All Cedar Park Neighbors are invited to the dedication of a new multi-media mural by artist Karl Yoder Thursday June 5, 10 a.m. 4926-28 Baltimore Avenue Light refreshments will be served following the dedication. In partnership with the Mural Arts Program, a new mural featuring jazz and the community garden is currently being painted by artist Karl Yoder next to the Firehouse Farmer's Market.
For more information, please contact Amy Johnston at the Mural Arts Program 215-685-0739 or visit www.muralarts.org