March 2013
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter President’s Message: Cedar Park — A Great Place to Raise a Toddler n an unusually mild Saturday in O March 2009, I took my daughter Zora to Gojjos. We sat out in the backyard and ate a delicious dinner. It was Zora’s first visit to a restaurant in West Philly. It was also her first visit to a restaurant ever. She was 10 days old. Like me, Zora’s a big fan of Cedar Park. I can’t imagine a better place to raise a three year old. For the past two summers, we’ve planted sunflowers in front of our house, and she’s excitedly tracked their growth as they grew taller — much taller! — than her. When it’s warm enough, we go for a walk around the neighborhood, and I tell her the names of the flowers and trees that we walk past. She loves hydrangeas and lilies and pansies. So far, she can tell the difference between a London plane tree and a Norway maple, but that’s about it for her tree knowledge. We go to Desi Village for a mango lassi. We buy a book at Bindlestiffs. We watch the cats sleeping in the window of the Baltimore Pet Shoppe. I let her choose a cookie at the Gold Standard. She’s just begun to climb the steep, steep stairs at Studio 34 on her own, when we go up to listen to music or to see an art show.
Elementary School and Malcolm X Park and Clark Park and Barkan Park and Wilson Elementary School and Kingsessing Rec Center and the new Walnut Hill Community Playground. Zora’s a bit of a playground connoisseur, so take her recommendations seriously. (For more on her playground visits, check out zoraplays.com.) She rides her bike in the protected alley behind our house. Her two closest friends live within three blocks of our house. And every Sunday night for the past two years, we have dinner, with three other families with young children, in a rotating Dinner Co-op. All of our families live close by — the furthest, in fact, is at 51st and Osage. I worry, of course, about the usual dangers of raising a child in a city. But for now, I feel lucky to live here with Zora, surrounded by great friends and neighbors and fun things to share with her... because there is always something
good happening in Cedar Park! . GROUNDBREAKING NEWS!
She knows that we take the 42 bus to her daycare when it’s raining and the 64 to the Please Touch Museum. She thinks that the 34 is her own personal trolley and can’t wait to put the token in the box all by herself as we get on. She’s a big fan of the free kids’ concerts sponsored by Crossroads Music in the chapel at Calvary. She grooves to the jazz on Friday nights at Cedar Park. She’s taken a few ballet classes at The Studio at Take the Lead on 47th Street. And when she was younger, she laughed and danced at All Around this World music classes held in Jay’s living room over on Pine Street. Don’t get us started on playgrounds. She’s a big fan of Cedar Park playground and the two playgrounds at Lea
Left to right: Darin Edwards, Architect; Cassie Glinckowsky, Right-Sized Homes staff person; J. Fred Kauffman, TBI Board Chair; Ms. Sheila Rider and grandson Saadiq Tuggles; and JoAnn Jones, Deputy Director of the Office of Housing and Community Development. See story on page 3.
CPN President Michael Froehlich
SAVE TH E D AT E Monday, April
22
The Cedar Park Neighbors annual meeting and Board of Directions election will take place on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 7p.m. at the Calvary Community Center. All members whose memberships are current may vote in the election. All memberships must be renewed at the beginning of the year, so make sure your membership was renewed. More information on nominees and meeting agenda will be sent in a special communication before the meeting. Stay tuned!
CPN has a new phone number: 267-BALT-AVE (267-225-8283)
Thanks to All who Helped with the Holiday Food Baskets Victoria Iannotta, Holiday Basket Co-Chair e were so W gratified this year to see the number of volunteers that met the Holiday Basket Committee at Renewal Presbyterian Church to help pack holiday food baskets for distribution to the needy of our community. The annual event, which took place on December 22, is the culmination of an effort that has become a yearly tradition in Cedar Park. Each year CPN works with organizations in our community to identify those who would welcome the gift of a holiday meal. Thanks to donations from so many local residents and businesses, we were able to provide food baskets to 142 families, a total of 660 people. We would like to thank all of the Cedar Park residents who
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contributed to the project, and to particularly acknowledge several area organizations that supported us this year. The Renewal Presbyterian Church very graciously opened their church to us. For the seventh year, Brown’s ShopRite on Oregon Avenue donated a $100 gift certificate which was used to help purchase turkeys for the baskets. Fresh Grocer and Trader Joe’s supplied us with all of the bags that we needed to pack the food. We would like to express our appreciation to each of these organizations and to each individual whose gift of time or treasure made the outreach possible.
Volunteers packed Holiday Baskets that fed 660 needy neighbors.
Two New Accessible Homes are Under Construction in Cedar Park J. Fred Kauffman, Board Chair of The Beaumont Initiative he Beaumont Initiative (TBI) is T poised to begin construction of two new accessible homes at 5015 and 5019 Beaumont Street. Each home is approximately 1,250 square feet with an entirely wheelchair livable first floor plus two bedrooms and bath on the second floor. With a subsidy from the city’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), the homes are selling for $171,000 each, with an additional State subsidy of $10,000 available. One home has been pre-purchased for ten-year-old Raymond Franklin, confined to a wheelchair, by a trust fund set up for his care. His great-grandmother and caregiver, Ms. Sheila Rider, originally from West Philadelphia, is eager to move back to this familiar neighborhood from the suburbs. At the December 13 groundbreaking, neighbors, funders, and public officials joined TBI along with Ms. Rider, to mark the imminent beginning of construction. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell said, “This development may only be two units, but these are two very important units. It is imperative that we provide safe, quality homes for all of our residents, and we are proud today to break ground on Sheila and Raymond’s new home.” Design for the new homes includes environmentally friendly features — increased insulation levels and high-efficiency heating/cooling and appliances. Glazing on the southern exposure windows will provide solar gain in the heating season, while blinds will shade the windows in the summer. TBI, a local non-profit organization, was launched in 2005 when members of West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship and Calvary United Methodist Church began planning with neighbors from the 5000 block of Beaumont Street to acquire and rehabilitate some of the block’s 11 then-vacant properties. Another local congregation, Renewal Presbyterian, soon joined the effort and Wayne Presbyterian also provided support. By December 2007, TBI had invested about $20,000 in pre-development for rehabbing three adjacent row homes. TBI’s four core congregations turned out 50 volunteers to clean out one of the properties.
5015, 5017 and 5019 Beaumont Street in 2005, slated for rehab.
L&I demolition in December 2007.
But then, through a “perfect storm” of miscommunication, on December 18, 2007, L&I ordered demolition of the properties. It was a kick in the gut. Now, five years later, with TBI’s capable partner, Right-Sized Homes, LLC, and the OHCD subsidy, the three lots have been re-surveyed to make two larger lots in order to create space for livable first floors for wheelchair-bound residents. Anyone interested in purchasing the remaining home at 5019 Beaumont may contact J. Fred Kauffman at 215-316-8419 or jfk@mcc.org. Partners with TBI in this effort are: Consultant/Co-developer: David Feldman of Right-Sized Homes, LLC Architect: Daryn Edwards of Interface Studio Architects General Contractor: Joe Levin of JBL Construction Financing: $158,625 subsidy from Philadelphia’s OHCD Financing: Comerica Bank’s Special Trust Fund for Raymond Franklin, for 5015 Beaumont Financing: Valley Green Bank, for 5019 Beaumont City management: Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Legal services: Dina Schlossberg, Ess., of Regional Housing Legal Services Accounting services: Rebecca Weber of Canopy Consulting, Inc. March 2013
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GO WEST Craft Fest: Music and Tacos and Juggling — and Crafts! his will be the biggest and best GO WEST T yet! Local crafts, food, music and fun can be found on April 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Woodlands, 40th Street & Woodland Avenue in West Philadelphia. More than 80 of the area’s finest makers of unique gifts will show their wares, like jewelry, art prints & originals, paper goods, clothing, bath & body products, candles, home wares, childrens’ items and more. We are proud to welcome back Tinycircus by Tangle Movement Arts, to present a dazzling display of artful acrobatics. For your auditory entertainment, enjoy live music of the acoustic sort, bands TBA. All shows are free and open to the public. Children will enjoy Jay Sand of All Around this World Music performing at 2 p.m., as well as Ann from the Green Tambourine sharing instruments and demos. Arts and crafts activities will be provided as random acts of juggling throughout the day and FREE face painting. A variety of food options will also be provided by local eateries, including the world debut of Taco Angeleno, Cedar Park’s new mobile taqueria, serving LA-style Mexican cuisine. Savor a picnic lunch among the flowering azaleas and historic monuments. When you’re done, take a tour of the site’s 54 wooded acres, including Hamilton Mansion, an 18th-century neoclassical villa, once home to botanist William Hamilton. Proudly presented by VIX Emporium and As The Crow Flies & Co.
Introducing Taco Angeleno! Taco Angeleno, coming soon to GO WEST! Craft Fest and Baltimore Avenue e’re thrilled to welcome Taco Angeleno W to Go West! Taco Angeleno is a new mobile tacqueria by our friend and neighbor, Vanessa Jerolmack. When Jerolmack (née Hernandez) came to live in West Philly, she missed the unique Mexican-American flavors that abounded in her native Los Angeles. She now owns the empty lot behind her home that extends onto the main commercial corridor of Baltimore Avenue, a few steps away from VIX at 5019 Baltimore. When she’s not doing special events like Go West, Page 4
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she plans to open Taco Angeleno there, in her mobile food trailer, once a pretzel vendor’s cart. Catering to the tastes of vegetarians and omnivores alike, it will feature take-out Mexican food similar to the food she grew up eating in the kitchens of her grandmothers and on the streets of L.A. Complete with large plants, bright flowers and the aroma of tacos cooking in the background, the intimate setting will feel like the quintessential Mexican backyard garden atop a hill in the Los Angeles Valley. Come and check out Taco Angeleno’s debut at Go West, and look for a new full-time taco spot on the 4900 block of Baltimore Avenue!
Wanted: Students in Pursuit of Higher Education Laurie Friedman, CPN Scholarship Committee ince 1989, Cedar Park Neighbors Sscholarships has raised money and given modest to support students from the neighborhood in their pursuit of higher education. Unlike many restricted scholarships, Cedar Park’s scholarship offers students funds to pay for any and all school-related expenses, which could be anything from tuition and books, to something as simple as transportation to and from school. As spring nears, please help us spread the word and recruit students to apply. We have found that word of mouth is usually the way students find out about the scholarships. While applications are not due until June 1, 2013, we want
to remind everyone to please spread the word to neighbors who are attending a postsecondary school. To be eligible, applicants must live in Cedar Park’s boundaries and be accepted to college or a vocational school. Applications are available on the CPN website. Questions can be sent to scholarships@cedarparkneighbors.org or you can call us at 267-balt-ave (267-225-8283). Mark April 7, 2013 on your calendars for our annual scholarship fundraiser at Dock Street.
Make a scholarship donation through the CPN website or send a check to CPN marked “Scholarship.”
SAVE THE DATE! Dock Street Fundraiser
7
Sunday, April
It promises to be a good time, with live music by local band Big Tusk. If you have any items you would be willing to donate for our silent auction, please let us know. Tickets are available online or at the door. As always, we appreciate your support!
THANKS FROM A SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
From the Desk of... Hanh Nguyen ear Cedar Park Neighbors, D I am not quite sure how to even begin this letter expressing my gratitude towards you for all the wonderful things you’ve done to support me in my college education for the past two years. Not only have you been a tremendous benefactor to me financially, but you have also given such wonderful moral support and guidance. The care packages that I received during the winter and spring semesters definitely gave me a boost of morale and much-needed school supplies. I have now completed my sophomore year in the BSN nursing program at Temple University, and this year has definitely been demanding and stressful for me. This past spring semester was my first clinical semester and it was no doubt hard for me mentally and physically. There were plenty of times where I have doubted myself and even felt like I wanted to give up. At my lowest point, I felt that I was not meant to be a nurse. I worried that even though I always felt that nursing was the right profession for me, maybe I
was not the right person for the profession. In other words, I felt I did not have the abilities and capacity to be a nurse. I thought about all my weaknesses that made me a poor nurse. I was timid, fragile, and had low confidence in myself. But after continually persevering through the semester and forcing myself not to give up, I remembered why I wanted to be a nurse in the first place. I realized that you only truly endure through hardships for things that are the most important to you. Even if I had many weaknesses, they were all things that I could gradually change in myself, over time, with practice, experience, and will power. I started to think not only of my weaknesses, but also of my strengths that would help me become a wonderful nurse someday. For example, I am compassionate, caring, and resilient. I’ve always had a strong desire to help others, alleviate suffering, and do good for all those I meet. Also, I’m the type of person who bounces back
from being down, and I work hard to turn my failures into successes. I realized that all these strengths and qualities were not something you could easily teach someone. I remembered all the qualities within me that made me a good nurse, and all these things overshadowed my weaknesses. I am now preparing for my junior year. I know this will be the most challenging year of nursing for me, but I’m predicting it also to be my favorite, because we will be focusing on maternal care and childcare. I have always wanted to work with children, and my goal is to become a neonatal nurse someday, so I am very much ready for all the challenges that I will be facing in the upcoming year! I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for continually providing me with this wonderful scholarship, and I will do my best to live up to it and not let all of you nor myself down. Sincerely, Hanh Nguyen March 2013
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Cedar Park Mourns Loss of Elena’s Soul PN was dismayed to experience C the loss of one of our primo anchor Baltimore Avenue businesses, Elena’s Soul, due to a devastating fire that took place on December 24, 2012. Our hearts go out to owner and CPN friend, Algernong Allen, and his family, as well as Elena’s employees, in this time of loss. We further deeply regret the subsequent damage to two other wonderful businesses adjoining
Elena’s Soul, Gary’s Nails and the Cedar Park Cafe, which were seriously damaged during the process of demolition of Elena’s. Upon receiving many expressions of support and offers of help, Algernong Allen posted the following open letter to the community on West Philly Local. Below is the letter, which was also posted by Cedar Park Neighbors on its Facebook page.
Open Letter to the Community December 30, 2012 y thoughts, prayers, and deepest M sympathies are with the employees, residents and owners of business and property in the Cedar Park community detrimentally impacted by the fire at Elena’s Soul on Monday, December 24, at about 1 p.m. My greatest consolation is that there was no loss of life or injury. The initial determination of the City’s Fire Marshal and my independent fire inspector indicates the fire originated in the kitchen somewhere above the refrigerators, most likely in the ceiling. Due to the temperature of the blaze, hot enough to melt metal, and the total decimation, the exact cause is not determinable. There were no fire violations at Elena’s Soul, and all City required inspections and maintenance of cooking equipment, fire alarm system, fire suppression, hood cleaning and fire extinguishers were current. Foul play is not suspected or indicated by any reports at this time. The Department of Licenses and Inspections declared Elena’s 3-story brick structure unsafe and scheduled demolition. The neighboring businesses, Gary’s Nails and the Cedar Park Café, had suffered limited physical and structural damages as a result of the conflagration. However, during demolition, the towering brick walls were felled into the neighboring businesses, causing severe and extensive damages. Gary’s Nails may have been structurally compromised and may face condemnation. I am more sorry for the misfortune caused to the wonderful women, who operate
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Gary’s Nails and their employees, than words can express. For our customers, our friends, who have become our ever-growing and changing family… Thank you! I know many felt Elena’s Soul (and LeRoy’s) was as much their place as it was mine. Community was built there. No matter the difference of culture, hue, orientation or outlook, our common desire to share fellowship though food, music and drink contributed to understanding and acceptance of our differences. I have great sadness that your special place is gone and our special place is lost. For this, not only do I feel your pain, but I share it and understand it. It is too early to say what the next step is from here. The process of recovery is extremely complex. The realities of liability, insurance, litigation, and debt make simple answers to simple questions difficult. In terms of fundraising, I understand that many wish to find ways to help. I would respectfully ask those who wish to help, not to press the issue. I appreciate the sentiment, but do not wish to be the object of charity. I am thankful to be a part of your community. I am thankful for the outpouring of support and sympathy. We have all lost a special place. May we all hold on to our good memories. Best Regards, Algernong Allen III
Algernong Allen standing in the remains of the Elena’s Soul building. Photo by Danophonic Dan
CPN/BABA Fire Response Fundraiser for Baltimore Avenue Businesses By Monica Allison, CPN Vice-President
Vientiane Cafe, and Dock Street Brewery. Special thanks to our host, The Cedar Works. Thank you to The Marvelous for the DJ, Gretchen Elise, Shakey and Sean, and Dr. Ketchup. You all never disappoint. Most importantly, we would like to thank the community members who came out in great numbers to support this event. We will keep you up to date on how the event will assist the businesses and employees. Thank you all for being true community members.
n December 24, 2012, a tragedy O struck in our community. A fire that started at Elena’s Soul on the 4900 block of Baltimore Ave destroyed the beloved community hangout and also damaged the Cedar Park Cafe and Gary’s Nails. To add to the destruction, the contractors that were demolishing Elena’s also damaged the structure of the adjacent buildings. The community was devastated and wanted to know how to assist the businesses that were affected. The Baltimore Ave Business Association (BABA) got together with CPN to see what could be done. From that meeting was born the idea of a community event in response to Baltimore Avenue fire, which was held on January 25 at The Cedar Works, 4925 Pentridge Street. What a great event this turned out to be! We had great people, great music, amazing food and, of course, beer. Thank you to all the businesses that contributed: Aksum, The Gold Standard, Queen of Sheba II,
Vincent Whittacre, BABA president; Michael Froehlich, CPN President; and Algernong Allen at the fire-response fundraising event.
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Block Leaders Conference Addresses Community Concerns By Meg Ferigno, Block Organizing Committee he CPN Block Leaders Conference T was held on January 12 in Calvary Community Center. We were thrilled to have more than fifty block leaders attend. Invitations and flyers had been sent out to all interested community members, after a neighborhood survey informed us that a block leaders’ gathering was requested. The Gold Standard provided delicious breakfast items for leaders to sample while they listened to presenters from around the community. CPN President Michael Froehlich welcomed everyone and offered a complementary CPN membership to all attendees. Monica Allison, CPN Vice-President, followed up by informing the group about all the projects that CPN is involved with. Patty Bulack shared information regarding Town Watch and important safety tips. When surveyed, community members expressed interest in learning about vacant land use and management. Amy Cahn from the Garden Justice Legal Movement
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and Ryan Spak from University City District Project Rehab both spoke about using underutilized spaces, and gave us tips on how to transform vacant property into vibrant neighborhood space. A current issue regarding our school closures brought Catherine Brinkley from Philly Communities United and Amara Rocker from the West Philadelphia Coalition for Neighborhood Schools to speak about how we can help our neighborhood schools. All of the speakers were encouraging, and the group had much to talk about beyond the three-hour meeting. Having received positive feedback regarding the meeting, our Block Organizing Committee will begin working on a late spring gathering! If you are interested in being on the block leaders Google group or call list, or if you are inspired to be even more involved and want to be on the Block Organizing Committee to help make these meetings happen, please write to Meg Ferrigno at skyflowers0@gmail.com.
50 Block Leaders learned about CPN projects, vacant land use, schools and safety tips.
Zoning Update: Strong Support for an Ice Cream Business By Maureen Tate, Zoning Committee Chair n recent months, Zoning Committee ICPN members completed a revision of the Zoning Policy, which was submitted to the CPN Board of Directors for their review and approved at their meeting on January 28, 2013. The revision was necessary to bring our policy into conformity with requirements of the new zoning code and our status as a Registered Community Organization (RCO) with the Philadelphia Planning Commission. The new policy is now available on the CPN website. The Zoning Committee also addressed the following applications. 4812 Baltimore Avenue The applicant, Diversified Reality Ventures, proposed the erection of a new building on a currently vacant parcel. The building is planned to be four stories and includes a first-floor retail space and a handicapped-accessible apartment in the rear, two one-bedroom apartments on the second floor, and two bi-level three-bedroom units on the third and fourth floors. Each bi-level unit will have access to rooftop decks. A presentation was made to the community on January 17. The applicant was seeking community support for variances to allow the building to exceed code dimensions on height, rear yard area and open space as well as required parking spaces. Although neighbors appreciated that a new building would be built, there were strong concerns voiced about the sleek, modern design, which seemed out of character with the surrounding neighborhood. Others voiced concern that the size of the retail space was too small to attract a credible, stable, commercial tenant that would contribute to the vitality of our commercial corridor. Those in attendance submitted comment cards, indicating further questions or opinions on the application, which were reviewed by the Zoning Committee and shared with the applicant.
January 30. CPN submitted a letter of No Objection to the open area, minimum number of parking spaces, and minimum lot area variances. On the matter of height variance, CPN did not take a position and deferred to the judgment of the ZBA, in light of opposition to the height variance that was submitted to CPN and the ZBA by nearby neighbors. The ZBA heard comment at the hearing by CPN representatives and neighbors opposing the height variance, but did not make a determination at the hearing. We are awaiting the outcome as we go to print. 4903 Catharine Street An application has been submitted by Little Baby’s Ice Cream for a certificate to operate an ice cream take-out business. Little Baby’s is known for its small-batch, handmade ice cream and non-dairy frozen desserts. It currently operates a scoop shop on Frankford Avenue, which specialize in unusual flavor combinations. The business will be exclusively retail; there will be no manufacturing or significant food preparation at the Catharine Street location. The applicant made a presentation to interested community residents on February 21. The meeting was very well-attended, and strong support was voiced for an ice cream store. Others familiar with Little Baby’s expressed their support for the business and the character of the business owners. A hearing before the ZBA was to be held on March 13. CPN submitted a letter of support. The hearing and decision are in process as we go to print.
Support CPN Business Members! A-1 Floor Refinishing African Cultural Center of PA Aksum Curio Theatre Company Dock Street Beer East Smithfield Healthcare Elena’s Soul Showcase Lounge Fresh Deli The Gables B&B The Gold Standard Cafe Mariposa Food Coop O’Donnell Real Estate Parallel Design Phila Federal Credit Union Prudential Fox & Roach Safdan Partners LLC Salt and Pepper Deli St. Francis de Sales Satellite Cafe Sims Giles and Associates Talking Heads Urban & Bye Realtors VIX Emporium Wake Up Yoga West Westside Community Day Care Wine and Spirit Store
In response to community concerns, the applicant made significant design concessions and enlarged the retail space. These changes were reviewed and positively received by the Zoning Committee. A hearing before the ZBA took place on March 2013
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Neighborhood Foods: A Homegrown West Philly Urban Farm By Dylan Baird, Neighborhood Foods eighborhood Foods, a West N Philadelphia urban farm, will return to Four Worlds Bakery with its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Customers pay the farmer at the beginning of the season and receive a box of local produce every week. Neighborhood Foods also cooperates with other urban producers to pool resources and promote each other’s products, which include Philadelphia homemade jam, honey, bread and coffee, all of which are available through CSA. The Neighborhood Foods CSA runs May 24 through October 25. Sign up now at neighborhoodfoods.org or email neighborhoodfoods@gmail.com. Neighborhood Foods unifies communities through urban farming and civic action. They use farms to stabilize vacant lots and generate a financially sustainable business. In partnership with Urban Tree Connection, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, they run educational programs for people of all ages, bring neighbors together through events, and make fresh,
local produce accessible in low-income neighborhoods. Neighborhood Foods has chosen to confront urban health issues head-on, because living a positive life starts with living a healthy life. Living healthy includes mental health, personal safety, and happiness.
Living a positive life starts with living a healthy life.
Neighborhood Foods Urban Farm
March 2013
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Mission to Influence Development in Cedar Park By David Hincher, Development Impact Task Force Chair uring 2012, Cedar Park Neighbors’ D Property/Housing Task Force (PHTF) changed its name, as well as its mission, to the Development Impact Task Force (DITF). This has been a natural evolution based upon the changing needs of the neighborhood. PHTF was originally established to focus on issues of vacant and blighted property and land within the Cedar Park boundary. Since its founding, the group developed a database of vacant and blighted properties that has been instrumental in targeting problematic areas. The group recognizes that blighted properties still exist within the neighborhood, but some of these are now being addressed by market forces. The mission of the group evolved more rapidly when CPN and PHTF received a grant from the Community Design Collaborative in late 2009 to start a community conversation about blight west of 50th Street. Throughout 2010, the Baltimore Avenue Conversation engaged over 200 community residents and various stakeholders in a dialogue about revitalization of the commercial corridor from 49th to 52nd Street. Out of this effort, the PHTF continued to proactively engage political leaders and potential collaborators on how to move this effort forward. However, CPN is not a community development corporation (aka non-profit developer) and thus needs partners to achieve various community desires. As we were re-evaluating our mission last year, the Philadelphia City Planning
Commission was also beginning a Phila2035 community plan for University/Southwest district, which encompasses the Cedar Park Neighbors boundary. This community plan affects zoning and future development of the neighborhood. In preparation for this effort, CPN began the “Future of the Neighborhood” development impact survey, which builds upon the community dialogue from the Baltimore Avenue Conversation. The results of this survey, which received comments from approximately 500 community residents, and the Baltimore Conversation assist us in representing New committee the community concerns and needs to name: Development the Planning Commission. This feedback Impact Task Force is also crucial to guiding our new focus. The Development Impact Task Force’s re-envisioned mission is: to monitor, evaluate, and influence commercial and residential development in the community. Our specific goals are the following: 1) listen to the community and actively elicit feedback on development from the community, 2) facilitate building relationships and partnerships with developers and community, 3) advocate for community interests, 4) research and seek resources and information, 5) speak credibly on developer issues. We look forward to guiding and influencing investments and development in the community that meet our collective needs and desires. If you are interested in joining this task force, please contact me directly at david.hincher@gmail.com. We meet on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the CPN office at the Calvary Center.
Neighbors Hone Maintenance Skills
Call To Order
PN was proud to co-sponsor C a four-week series of classes on basic home repair with The West Philly
Look up Pray up Get up Stand up Think up Stir up Step up Do up Be up Keep up!
Tool Library and The Other Carpenter (a project of Habitat for Humanity). The classes started on January 24 and were held in the basement of the Calvary Center. Participants learned about power tools and basic carpentry, plumbing and electricity. More than 110 people asked to take the free classes, but enrollment was capped at 40 people per class. Stay tuned for another series of classes later this year. Page 11 CPN Newsletter
New mission: to monitor, evaluate, and influence commercial and residential development in the community.
How to Antique Paper Brew strong tea; let cool. Dip sponge brush in tea, squeeze out, then brush on a thin wash; let dry. If needed, press lightly with a dry iron.
Submitted by CPN member Dorothy Crowder, 700 block of S. 50th Street
SNEAK PEEK: Future of the Neighborhood Survey Results by Ray Murphy, CPN Board Member ver the summer, more than 500 Cedar O Park residents shared their thoughts on the future of the neighborhood. A full report will be available on the CPN website later this month, but preliminary analysis suggests that neighbors value the character of Cedar Park and want to build on its strengths, while also addressing some of the challenges our community faces. The survey was largely completed online, however, paper versions were handed out at community meetings, by block captains and through door-to-door canvassing visits. Two areas of improvement topped the list of most survey respondents: 1) crime/safety, and 2) the perception that Cedar Park is becoming a less affordable place to live. In almost equal measure, Cedar Park residents said that affordability, a sense of community, convenience, diversity, and beauty/architecture/green space are what keep them in the neighborhood. Diving deeper into the data, transportation and parks/green space were tied for the firstplace reason that Cedar Park residents live here. Diversity and affordability were tied for a close second. In response to specific questions about zoning, neighbors were asked to rank a series of zoning characteristics. The most important were zoning which favors locally-owned and operated businesses, new construction that fits the design and scale of existing buildings in the neighborhood; main streets which meet the service and shopping needs of residents and enhance walkability. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission has asked Cedar Park Neighbors and other community organizations to give input on its new 2035 plan for Southwest Philadelphia and University City. These survey results will be an invaluable tool in communicating the needs of Cedar Park residents to the city. The final analysis of the data and the raw data itself will also be made publicly available. At a time when so many residents are contemplating the future of the neighborhood, information about one another’s viewpoints and opinions is valuable.
I love this neighborhood! It is the first place I have lived that feels like home. The architecture, the trees, the folks Survey respondents made many suggestions who live here, it is a wonderful of how CPN can play a role in building on the neighborhood’s strengths and neighborhood full addressing some of its challenges. This of beauty and life. Lastly, the Cedar Park Neighbors board will use the survey analysis to evaluate CPN’s committee structure, as well as the organization’s program and annual budget. The survey findings are an invaluable tool to help elected board members best serve you — their constituents, and keep CPN a responsive, membership-based organization.
includes CPN doing more to build a sense of community through the planning of events and forums, especially those that celebrate community and promote interaction amongst diverse populations.
—CPN Future of the Neighborhood survey respondent
Respondents also suggested that residents do more to organize or advocate for policy changes to address some of the challenges the neighborhood faces. If you took the survey, thank you for your participation! Remember that all of us have a role to play in creating a better future for our neighborhood.
Why Residents Chose to Live in Cedar Park Survey respondents gave five primary reasons for living in Cedar Park: affordability, sense of community, convenience, diversity, and beauty of architecture and green space. The majority cited a combination of at least three of these reasons as influencing their decision to live here.
What Residents Would Like to See in Cedar Park The most important matters of zoning are related to our main streets: Locally owned and operated businesses, all necessary shopping needs and services, and new construction and new businesses. The top four business or services respondents Other wish were offered in the Nightlife neighborhood are: Fitness clothing and accessories, hardware/garden/home Public Service goods, dine in/take out restaurants, and grocery Grocery Stores stores. The wish for public services, fitness, recreation and entertainment followed.
Dine-in/take-out restaurants Clothing/ Accessories Hardware/ Garden/ Home goods
March 2013
Page 12
Importance of Matters of Zoning
What affected your decision to live here?
Tree Philly: Sink some Roots on Your Block! reePhilly is a tree planting initiative, T led by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, that directly engages Philadelphia block captains, community organizations, property owners, businesses and others in improving their communities by planting and maintaining trees. TreePhilly wants to partner with you to plant trees along your street and in the yards of you and neighbors. By working together to plant trees, we can increase the tree canopy in the city, block by block. Tree canopy is the covering of leaves and branches that you
see as you look up while walking down a tree-lined street. Tree canopy is an important part of the green infrastructure of our city. Increasing tree canopy will help us reduce storm water runoff and flooding, lower summer temperatures, and clean our air and water. Planting a street tree at your property will help you lower your heating and cooling costs and increase your property value. For more information about TreePhilly, contact Erica Smith Fichman, TreePhilly Manager, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, at 215-683-0217, Erica.smith@phila.gov or www.treephilly.org
2-1-1 COMES TO PHILADELPHIA! very hour of every day, hundreds of E people need essential human services. Free and confidential information and
affordable housing options, support groups or ways of becoming part of your community. 2-1-1 allows people to give and to get help.
referrals are now provided by 2-1-1. Call if you are looking for training, employment, food pantries, help for an aging parent, addiction prevention programs for your teenage children,
Note: Call 3-1-1 for questions and issues related to city government administration and services. Call 9-1-1 for police and emergencies.
Page 13 CPN Newsletter
Page 14 CPN Newsletter
Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal ● New Member
Name
Name
Address
Address
● Renewal ● Multi-year (max. 3 years) ● ● ● ● ●
# of years_____ $10 Individual $15 Household (2 persons or more) $ 7 Senior/Student/Unemployed $30 Business $40 Sponsor (one free CPN t-shirt!)
City, State, Zip Phone
Phone
Additional contribution: (Write $ amount)
_____ Holiday baskets _____ Scholarships _____ Jazz Series _____ Park _____ Other, specify _________________________ CPN t-shirt: (Write $ amount if not Sponsor and circle size)
_____ Short Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL,4XL, 5XL, 6XL ($15) _____ Short Sleeve Kids S, M, L, XL ($15) _____ Long Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL ($20)
● Yes, I would like to receive an email notice with
a link to the current newsletter on the CPN website (and do not deliver a paper copy to my home). Email Website Phone
membership@cedarparkneighbors.org www.cedarparkneighbors.org 267-531-4147
Return form with check to: Cedar Park Neighbors Calvary Community Center 4740 Baltimore Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19143
_________TOTAL ENCLOSED
Check your areas of interest for potential participation: ● Block Organizing: Maintain list of Block Leaders, organize forums, ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Review block grant applications and help awardees implement projects etc. Board of Directors: CPN leadership and decision-making body. Cedar Park Garden Tenders: Plant and maintain gardens at Cedar Park. Education Committee: Interaction with local schools and parents on issues. Fundraising: Special events, grant writing. Holiday Baskets: Coordinate and assist distribution to needy Cedar Park families. Membership/Newsletter Committee: Promote membership to residents and businesses, Writing, publishing, photography and distribution of newsletter. Development Impact Task Force: Monitor, evaluate, and influence commercial and residential development. Scholarship Committee: Raise funds, promote program, and select awardees. Website: Technical support, maintenance, updating info/pictures etc. Zoning Committee: Monitor & communicate issues to residents; represent Cedar Park before Zoning Board of Adjustment. Cedar Park Neighbors is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All contributions are fully tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
March 2013
Page 15
parallel
design
Find our designs
Drexel
online.
c/o Calvary Community Center 4740 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143
BeyondTheLibertyBell.org Parallel-Design.com 215-476-4040
CPN Mission Statement: Cedar Park Neighbors is an association of diverse households and businesses based in the Cedar Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the association shall be to foster collaboration among all persons living and working in the Cedar Park neighborhood, to promote community development, to provide a forum for communication and community education, to respond to neighborhood concerns and to advocate for and promote the general welfare of the Cedar Park community. Newsletter Editors Maureen Tate & Judy Lamirand
Logos Websites
This issue sponsored by:
Banners
Newsletter Design Judy Lamirand, Parallel Design To Contact Cedar Park Neighbors or submit Newsletter items: contact@cedarparkneighbors.org www.cedarparkneighbors.org 267-BALT-AVE (267-225-8283)
Brochures This Newsletter!
CPN Board
Take Me Out to Cedar Park
President
he CPN Park Committee resumed meetings to prepare for the coming outdoor season. Here’s a preview of some of the proposed activities and ways you can help keep our community green space clean, beautiful and welcoming to all. In addition to these specific dates, neighbors can look forward to another season of Cedar Park Jazz Fridays, beginning May 24 on Memorial Day weekend.
contact@cedarparkneighbors.org or 267-balt-ave (267-225-8283).
Committee members will continue a monthly schedule of garden workdays and will begin to address some minor maintenance issues. We need and welcome volunteers and gardeners to work in the Park. If you are interested, please contact the Park Committee at
Picnic in the Park on May 17 or 18
T
April 13, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
1st Vice-President Monica Allison
Mayor’s citywide clean-up day will be our first workday of the season.
2nd Vice-President David Hincher
May 11, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Treasurer Karen Allen Secretary Dorothy Welch Berlind Directors
Love Your Park Week begins! We’ll launch the week by cleaning and planting our Cedar Park garden beds. We’ll close out the week with a community Picnic In The Park. BYOPB (Bring your own picnic basket). We plan to reach out to nearby businesses to join us in the park as well. Stay tuned for final date and further details.
2013 COMMUNITY CLEAN-UPS – MARK YOUR CALENDAR Saturday, April 13 Saturday, November 2 Saturday, December 7
Saturday, April 5 Saturday, May 25 Saturday, July 20
Clean-ups sponsored by University City District. Contact UCD at 215-243-0555 or cleanandsafe@universitycity.org.
Clean-ups sponsored by Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee. To register, contact Clean Block Officer Sandra Miranda at 215-685-3985.
Page 16 CPN Newsletter
Michael Froehlich
Algernong Allen Mahari Bailey Sean Dorn Margaret Ferrigno Laurie Friedman Lisa Johaningsmeier Theresa McCole Manzi Shawn Markovich Ray Murphy Sara Nissley Marcus Presley Beverly Rouse Mavil Spence Saba Tedla Courtney Walton Ana Lisa Yoder
906 South 48th Street
Conveniently located between the 13 and the 34 tlolley 1ines, porch swing and pillars. Enter the formal vestibule through windows, escort your guests to the format living room with window and intact chair rai1. A sensitively updated li dining on the rear deck. Tasteful plantings are the with another ornamental mantle, bay window
islTr of yore. The open porch beckons witlr atay window complete with 3 stained glass up
famil
At
is a
antle. The larger dining room features another bay to full bath), laundry roorn and al fresco here On the second floor is a grand family room
Grace O'Donnell 2L5-?22-9500
x
5
grace@odonnellre.com
Chris O'Donnell 2L5-222-9500 x 6 chris@odonnellre.com
with full bath, dressing room intact permitting semi private owner's unit.
master bedroom suite
yard. The backstairs are
Rae-LynneTuzzo, MBA 215-222-9500 x 7 rae-lynne@odonnellre. com
Penn Alexander Catchment Area 4623 Baltimore
This well loved 1,897 home is located in the Penn Alexander School Catchment area. It has Baltimore Avenue frontage and a Cedar Avenue garden entrance. Random plank Pine floors, Pocket doors and moldings have never been painted. The kitchen was replaced in 2000 and views the larger rear garden. The 3'd floor Balcony overlooking Baltimore Avenue green space, Vietnam caf6 and Aksum caf6 characterizes University city. The 34 trolley offers front door delivery to this 6 bedroom,, 3 bath beauty. Also noteworthy is a deeper basement beckoning use as a rec room, workshop or hobby room.
Virtual Tours and Market Reports available on our website at www.odonnelke.corn