June 2013
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter President’s Message: Many Reasons to Love Cedar Park By Michael Froehlich here are 23 homes on my block T of South 48th Street. My neighbors include folks who have lived here for 25 years and are now retired, at least five families with young children who have moved here within the past 10 years, single people, renters, owners, people of different races and different backgrounds. It’s a stable block and a social block. And it’s one of the many reasons I love living in Cedar Park. This is why I worry about the Actual Value Initiative (AVI) and the coming tax changes that are now being debated in City Hall. Will I still feel this way about my block in three years? For years, the City’s approach to property tax assessments was lackadaisical at best.
Then, in an attempt to address this, the City’s Office of Property Assessment (OPA) reassessed 450,000 homes across the City all at once. Based on the new assessments, City Council will now adopt a new property tax rate and methodology by the end of June. While some will see their taxes increase, many others will see their taxes go down. In fact, with the right mix of gentrification relief, a report prepared for City Council found that 80% of residents in our third Councilmanic district will actually see their property taxes go down. Unfortunately, according to a map prepared by Cedar Park resident Casey Thomas (available at axisphilly.com), most in Cedar Park will likely see their property taxes go up — some by a very significant continued on page 6
ve o l I t W ha edar C about ... Park
CPN President Michael Froehlich
CPN has a new phone number: 267-BALT-AVE (267-225-8283)
I like how much better the park looks after Clean Up Day, which I helped out with! And the seesaw is really cool, too. — Stephanie
The atmosphere, the socializing, the nature...what’s not to love? — Debbie
Cedar Park Neighbors Love Their Park By Maureen Tate, Park Committee ommunities around the city rallied in C support of their local parks, as they participated in this year’s Love Your Park Week, coordinated by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy. What began as an annual one-day park appreciation day has now grown to a week-long event of park-related clean ups, programs and celebrations. Cedar Park residents love their park and that was made clear from neighbor support for three events sponsored by the CPN Park Committee. This year our intrepid Park Committee introduced another new event —a May Day Garden Intensive, followed by beer at Dock Street Brewery. We had a good crowd of May Day celebrants who came out in the early evening of May 1st. Jessica Baumart of the Park Committee gave a brief introduction to our efforts to revive Cedar Park and an orientation to the garden beds. Then we dove right in to taming our sitting wall rose bushes. Then it was on to Dock Street to cool down over beer and pizza. Spring had officially sprung! Many thanks to Ashby Leavell, Jessica Baumart, Erica Smith Fichman, Ling Yang, Daniel Bono, Deborah Clarke, Olivia Chuang, Mike Novak, Teri Franklin and Peggy and Todd Kovich.
Volunteers sweeping, pruning and weeding.
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CPN Newsletter
Love Your Park week opened in Cedar Park with our annual spring clean-up. Twenty two volunteers, from the very young to the more seasoned, labored to weed and mulch all of the tree pits surrounding Cedar Park as well as some of the interior trees. Others weeded the garden beds and raced to get all of the flats of annuals planted before the rain began. It was a very gratifying morning as the improvements made an immediate impact. We encourage all to take some strolls in and around the park this summer and enjoy the results.
Tree pits were weeded and mulched.
We would like to give a special shout out and thank you to our volunteers from Presbyterian Renewal Church of 47th & Cedar who came out in numbers and made a big difference in helping us accomplish our workday goals. Thanks to all our volunteers for your hard work and love of Cedar Park: Angela Lye, Cherlyn Lim, Melissa Tang, Arlene Kwon, Shamar Carlisle, Daniel Mambu, Julia Coombs, Chris Tadeo, Erica Smith, Sue Yi, Ling Yang, Katie Flaumer, Sung Park, Emily Kovich, Peggy Kovich, Elliot Stern, Maureen Tate, Pat Warner, Stephanie Fahringer, Jeremy Fahringer and Monica Allison.
Friday Night Jazz Season Begins In Cedar Park By Algernong Allen ach summer a wonderful tradition E of community and music occurs in Cedar Park at 49th and Baltimore, Fridays between 6 and 8 p.m. Our park, in which we plant, in which we watch our children play, in which we take moments to reconnect with the reticent beauty of nature, transforms into a place where we gather to listen to jazz. Denise King began this wonderful tradition of transporting music with the feeling of an urban jazz club to that of an urban park streetscape. A few years ago, Cedar Park Neighbors continued the tradition. Passersby in cars, bikes, and trolleys gaze curiously at the synthesis of harmony of our special area of Cedar Park. Our special area where, on these Friday Nights in June and July, our physical, cultural, ethnic, and age differences melt away, as the rhythms of strange characters on keyboards, curled over saxaphones, and crunched up guitarist grappling fervently at strings, intrigue the casual onlooker. In reality, the experience is a labor of love brought to life by our CPN contributors, and our generous sponsors. Also, our top notch talent often provides discounts to the wonderful service they provide. To keep the shows alive, we pass a donation bucket around to build funds for this and next season. We are always open to contributions.
Jazz is said to be a truly American form of music. West Philly is truly American. Like the music, we do not conform. Like the music, we do our own thing. But like the music, the jazz, the freedom to be, and to be included, is indomitably expressed in our spirit. And yes, sometimes the music is not jazz at all. But it is always entertaining. We look forward to you becoming a part of the show. The Jazz concerts begin Friday, June 7, and run until Friday, July 26th.
WHO’LL BE GROOVIN’ June 7 June 14 June 21 June 28 July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26
Side by Soul Dr. Ketchup Rich Tucker Elena’s Jam Session feat. Eboni Joi Glenn Bryan & Reference Point Perseverance Jazz Band The Jazz Doctors Lucky Thompson and The Crew
This project is supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency, through the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA), its regional arts funding partnership. State government funding for the arts depends upon an annual appropriation by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. PPA is administered in this region by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
W hat I about C love edar Park...
I like the simplicity of this park. You don’t need a whole lot going on, it’s just people hanging out. — Brandon
June 2013
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Little Baby’s is the New(est) Kid on the Block By Emily Kovach The Cedar Park Neighbors would like to officially welcome Little Baby’s Ice Cream “Cedar Park Embassy” to 4903 Catharine Street! This whimsical scoop shop, decorated in a dizzying 1990’s-inspired style, offers super-premium Philadelphiastyle ice cream, in both dairy and vegan varieties. Their hand-crafted, small-batch offerings come in a range of rotating flavors: from the relatively familiar (Bourbon Bourbon Vanilla) to the adventurous (Balsamic Banana) to the irreverent (Earl Grey Sriracha) to the downright bizarre (Pizza?!). Milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, and soda pop are also available for sweet tooth satisfaction. The shop is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The addition of Little Baby’s rounds out the small commercial corridor on that block of Catharine Street, which in the past year has also become home to Penn Café & Pizzeria and Hibiscus Café. Penn Café & Pizzeria (4909 Catharine), is one of the few options for true late-night grub on Baltimore Avenue. Their affordable, no-nonsense menu includes pizza pies, stromboli, wings, steaks, burgers, hot
It’s really nice to live near a place where there’s green grass and trees and kids can play. — Karen
and cold sandwiches, pastas and seafood options. Breakfast items are also served all day. The Café is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Delivery and online ordering are available for those lazier days, too.
Welcome to Little Baby’s Ice Cream, Penn Café & Pizzeria, and Hibiscus Café on the 4900 block of Catharine Street
Hibiscus Café (4807 Catharine) opened its doors in August 2012, and has been serving up fresh, healthy fare ever since. Vegetarian and vegan options, like a curried kale and chickpea wrap, seitan fajita quesadilla, and baked marinated tofu sandwich, abound. The beverages are the real house specialties, though, with copious fresh juices, smoothies, and natural iced drinks to choose from. Try the “Activate” juice (celery, apple, cantaloupe, coconut water, watermelon) or the “Reboost” smoothie (strawberry, banana, bee pollen, protein powder, rice milk) to put a little pep in your step!
W hat I about C love edar Park...
My favorite part of Cedar Park is the spinny things on the playground. — Kara (shown with her dad, Michael) Page 4
CPN Newsletter
The Scoop on CPN’s Annual Scholarship Fundraiser By Laura McHugh, Scholarship Committee his year’s annual scholarship fundraisT er on Sunday, April 7 at Dock Street Brewery was once again a rousing success! With nearly 75 people in attendance and thousands of dollars raised, CPN would like to offer a special thanks to Rosemarie Certo and her team at Dock Street, as well as all of the businesses and neighbors that continue to support this annual event through ticket sales and/or auction donations year after year. We would also like to extend a special thanks to this year’s band — Big Tusk — for their enthusiastic participation. Please check out our full list of supporters. Supporting CPN Scholarship Committee events, like our annual Dock Street fundraiser above, is critical to helping raise scholarship funds for students who reside
in our neighborhood and have shown a commitment to improving Cedar Park, but who are unable to afford the rising cost of college tuition. CPN’s program is unique in that recipients are eligible to reapply for the scholarship each school year and committee members maintain contact with the students during the school year, offering support and encouragement as needed. If you have not already, it is not too late to support scholarships in 2013-2014! You can make a general donation to the Scholarship Fund through our annual appeal (letters were mailed to members earlier this spring). More information about the Scholarship Program can be found at www.cedarparkneighbors.org. Email scholarships@cedarparkneighbors.org with any questions.
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER SUPPORTERS Individual Donors Diane Bezella* Angie Coghlan Robert Henry of sedgie h. DESIGN Hillary Kane George Karpyn Rich Kirk Todd & Peggy Kovich Dr. Alice Moyer Rich Naugle Representative James Roebuck Alesa Rubendall Maureen Tate & Gerald McHugh Mary Wallman Juanita Watson Band Big Tusk *Those in Bold Indicate ongoing support
Advertising Rates
April, June, Sept issues, 400 copies each: Half Page: $95 Quarter Page: $50
Business Donors Abby’s Desert Lounge Atiya Ola’s Atlas Pizza Baltimore Pet Shoppe Bartram’s Garden Bindlestiff Books Dahlak Desi Village Dock Street Brewery Eastern State Penitentiary Firehouse Bicycles Green Coffee Green Line Café Hibiscus Cafe House of Our Own Bookstore Local 44 Longwood Gardens Mariposa Food Co-op Marvelous Records
Monarch Hardware National Coffee Landmark Plus National Constitution Center New Deal Lumber and Millwork Co. One Stop Fresh Deli Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Queen of Sheba Satellite Café Studio 34 Talking Headz Urban and Bye Realtor Vientiane Café Vietnam Café Vix Emporium Yards Brewery Wake Up Yoga Wayne’s Garage Weinstein Plumbing Supply West Philadelphia Locksmith Co. UC Green
Visit www.cedarparkneighbors and find out how to reserve ad space for the next issue.
November blanket issue, 3,500 copies: Half Page: $190 Quarter Page: $100
1 Year (4 issues), includes 10% discount: Half Page: $425 Quarter Page: $225
Full Newsletter Sponsorship: $200 Includes single page 8.5” x 11” insert (supplied by advertiser) a sponsorship call out and a post on the blog.
June 2013
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President’s Message continued from page 1 amount. And while we don’t yet know what the City’s final tax rate or methodology will look like, here are three things that Cedar Park residents can do now to ease the anticipated bite. Do you disagree with your AVI assessment? Appeal to the BRT by October 7. The deadline (for most people) to request that OPA re-evaluate their assessment of your home has passed. But even if you missed that deadline, everyone who believes that your AVI assessment is wrong can appeal to the BRT. Do you own the house in which you live? Make sure you have applied for the Homestead Exemption. The City is currently considering a proposal to exempt from taxation the first $15,000 or $30,000 of value for those people who own the homes in which they live (and it’s their primary residence). This could mean an annual savings of up to $400. The deadline to file for a Homestead Exemption is July 31.
Are you a low-income senior? Apply for the Low-Income Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze. If your total annual income is $23,500 or less for a single person or $31,500 or less for a married couple AND you or your spouse is 65 years of age or older, the City will not increase your real estate tax bill. (You may also be eligible if you are at least 50 years old and your spouse died at age 65 years old or over). The deadline to apply is October 15. For more information about these programs, please visit cedarparkneighbors.org or call Councilwoman Blackwell’s office at 215-686-3418. Cedar Park Neighbors is working to keep our community informed about proposed changes to our property taxes. Our taxes should raise enough money for our schools, libraries, and parks. But as City Council considers the new tax structure, it should also ensure that residents are not forced to leave the neighborhood that we love.
Because there is always something good happening in Cedar Park! .
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the Café
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CPN Newsletter
CPN Hosts Property Tax Town Hall Meeting By Michael Froehlich n March 13, Cedar Park Neighbors O co-sponsored a neighborhood meeting on the Actual Value Initiative (AVI) with Spruce Hill Community Association (SPCA), Garden Court Community Association, Walnut Hill Community Association and the Woodland Terrace Homeowners Association. It was a standing-room-only affair, as over 200 neighbors crammed into a lecture hall at the University of the Sciences. CPN President Michael Froehlich and SPCA President Andy Lochrie played hosts for the evening. Panelists included Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell; Dr. Kevin Gillen, an economist from the University of Pennsylvania; and Richie N. McKeithen, the Chief Assessment Officer at Philadelphia’s Office of Property Assessment. Patrick Kerkstra, a freelance journalist and Garden Court resident, moderated the panel. For two hours, the panelists fielded questions about how their homes were assessed, why AVI was undertaken by the
City, and what this would mean for residents’ property taxes and rent. Councilwoman Blackwell spoke about Council’s responsibility to set the tax rates Mr. McKeithen spoke on the nuts and bolts of how the assessments were performed. Dr. Gillen spoke on the economics of how property taxes fit into the City’s revenue picture, and which neighborhoods would likely see increases and decreases in their taxes. For more information on how AVI will affect Cedar Park, please see the President’s letter in this issue.
More than 200 neighbors gathered for a meeting about the AVI.
June 2013
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The Halls Are Alive With Music at Henry C. Lea Elementary By Molly McGlone, West Philadelphia Coalition for Neighborhood Schools
school’s flagship song “We Are FamiLEA.”
n the 2012-2013 academic year, IElementary music filled the halls of Henry C. Lea for the first time in many
The Lea students were particularly excited to learn that Sister Sledge, a female vocal group from Philadelphia, wrote the world famous “We Are Family.” The West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools (www.westphillyschools.org) also logistically and financially support the after school music program. Community members are encouraged to donate instruments, money or time to the program by visiting the WPCSN website or writing to Molly McGlone at mcglone.molly@gmail.com.
years. Lea students welcomed Lauren Schregel as a general music teacher, and a new music program was added to the after school offerings of the Netter Center’s Community School run by the University of Pennsylvania. The afterschool music program was run entirely by UPenn students who lived together in the Music and Social Change residential program and commited to at least four hours of service each week. Twenty students performed in four concerts, with a finale on the UPenn campus in Houston Hall. Students learned violin, recorder, bucket drums, choir and general musicianship in rotating classes of large ensemble, small group and individual instruction. UPenn music major Nick Hailey arranged popular and classical songs for the mixed ensemble to hits such as “Call Me Maybe,” “We’re All In This Together,” Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy,” and the
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CPN Newsletter
Lea Students perform on violin, recorder and bucket drums.
CPN Election and Membership Meeting Held April 22 As recorded by Dorothy Berlind, Outgoing CPN Secretary ur president Michael Froehlich was out of town due to a death in the family, so Board member Algernong Allen opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m., and introduced the candidates for our Board of Directors, as well as those standing Board members present.
O
Monica Allison, Vice President, updated members on the AVI Town Hall in March, co-sponsored by CPN. Ana Lisa Yoder, Board member, updated members on the Future of the Neighborhood Survey recently conducted by CPN. Iola Harper of the Enterprise Center gave the keynote speech and with two colleagues, talked about the opportunities that the Center provides. Our Lt. Brian from UCD police talked about how neighbors can protect themselves from crime. Monica Allison recognized the long service of Karen Allen as Treasurer, Dorothy Berlind as Secretary, Laurie Friedman as Chair of the Scholarship Committee, and Victoria Iannotta and Joanne Pham as co-chairs of the Holiday Basket Committee. Todd Kovich, our Judge of Elections, informed the membership that twentysix ballots were cast and that the slate of candidates was affirmed. Algernong then introduced the newly elected Board members to the membership.Suzanne B. Anderson, Ariel Ben-Amos, Ivana Dussell, Michelle Lewis, Gregg Mohrmann and Pat Warner.
CPN Welcomes New Committee Leadership It is always beneficial to the health and vitality of an organization to have new strategies and ideas in the mix. Cedar Park is fortunate to have a wealth of leadership talent that we are ever eager to tap. We extend our appreciation and welcome to the following Committee chairs. Communications and Membership: Melissa St. Pierre and Monica Allison Newsletter Editor: Emily Kovach Scholarship Committee: Mavil Spence We encourage members to join a committee by contacting CPN by calling 267-BALT-AVE (267-225-8283), or emailing contact@cedarparkneighbors.org.
CPN Board President
Michael Froehlich 1st Vice-President Monica Allison 2nd Vice-President David Hincher
Special Thanks to CPN expresses gratitude to the following for their generous contributions of time and talent: Jason Glass for his management of the CPN membership database Laurie Friedman for heavy lifting with both Membership and the Scholarship Committee Melissa St. Pierre for her leadership of the Scholarship Committee. Marcus Presley for Communications and Membership Victoria Iannotta and Joanne Pham for Holiday Baskets Maureen Tate for service in constructing and editing the CPN Newsletter We also thank our outgoing CPN Board Members for their leadership and service: Algernong Allen, Theresa McCole Manzi, Ray Murphy, Sara Nissley and Courtney Walton.
Treasurer Naomi Fiordomondo Secretary Ann Lisa Yoder Directors
Karen Allen Suzanne B. Anderson Ariel Ben-Amos Mahari Bailey Sean Dorn Ivana Dussell Margaret Ferrigno Lisa Johanningsmeier Michelle Lewis Shawn Markovich Gregg Mohrmann Marcus Presley Beverly Rouse Mavil Spence Saba Tedla Pat Warner
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June 2013
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The New Zoning Code and Its Impact on Development in Cedar Park By Maureen Tate, Zoning Committee Chair embers of the Zoning Committee M and the Development Impact Task Force recently held a joint meeting to learn more about the new zoning code and to consider its impact on development and zoning matters within Cedar Park. We invited Natalie Shieh, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development to present to us because of her extensive work with the Zoning Code Commission. She was accompanied by Brian Wenrich, our new City Planner. We wanted to understand the zoning district categories that are most prevalent in Cedar Park more fully, as well as to discuss issues emerging for both committees as we try to address local matters. We were also pleased to be joined by interested members of the Spruce Hill Zoning Committee. It was an informative meeting and we were reassured of the support and exptertise that are available to us through the Mayor's Office and the City Planning Commission. The following is a report on ongoing activity and results on a number of applications addressed in recent months. A community meeting was held April 11 at People’s Baptist Church to consider two distinct applications: 5037 Baltimore Avenue An application was originally submitted for a special exception permit to allow a sit-down restaurant with music entertainment on the 1st floor with the existing four-family dwelling above. The application was posted as seeking a Night Club/ Private Club exception, because the applicant indicated a desire to have jazz entertainment. The applicant did not intend to seek a liquor license. As review of the application proceeded, the applicant felt his application had been misunderstood by the Licenses and Inspection permit examiner, and that the intention was a restaurant with occasional jazz music rather than on a club-type venue. The application was subsequently withdrawn before the posted scheduled hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). The owner did, however, attend the community meeting to share information about the proposed restaurant and answer Page 10 CPN Newsletter
questions. Although no liquor license is proposed, and the restaurant intends to provide only a juice and coffee bar, some attendees did press the owner about their concern regarding potential abuse of BYO at the restaurant. 5039 Baltimore Avenue – The People’s Baptist Church At the same meeting indicated above, a representative from The People’s Baptist Church presented a request for support for their sign permit application to allow legalization, as required by code, of the current name and cross signage as well as the erection of a new sign measuring 24” by 80” with a light emitting diode (LED) display. It was explained that the digital sign display would change and the message would move slowly across the screen on a continual basis. We received feedback in the course of discussion, and in written comments at the close of discussion, indicating that community residents hold The People’s Baptist Church in high esteem, although opinions varied with respect to the digital sign. While many expressed a strong dislike of digital signage, they supported the church’s need for a sign high enough to prevent vandalism and one that could be conveniently updated with information regarding service hours, meetings, and programs. Others expressed strong objection to digital signage feeling that it is not appropriate to the Baltimore Ave. commercial corridor and will create a distraction close to a busy intersection with considerable trolley, car and pedestrian traffic. Upon review of the community input, CPN submitted a letter to the ZBA expressing no objection as to: legalization of the two existing signs, placement height of the new sign, and digital signage for the primary purpose of periodic updating of information regarding service hours, programs and meetings. Because we heard serious concerns about a scrolling message on a sign less than 100 feet from a busy intersection that also directly faces nearby residential properties, CPN objected to any form of message that moves, flashes, scrolls or changes on a continual and intermittent basis and requested a proviso to that effect. The ZBA approved all variances for a digital sign with movement as requested by People’s Baptist.
Zoning Updates continued 4812 Baltimore Avenue The application for new construction of a four story-building on a vacant lot to include five residential units plus one retail space was approved by the ZBA. 1107 S. 47th Street The application sought a variance to allow this commercially zoned address to be used solely as a two-family residential dwelling. Under the Philadelphia Code, such buildings, on commercial corridors zoned as CMX-2, are required to have a commercial space at street level. While there was a small commercial district on this portion of 47th street in the past, the majority of buildings are currently in use as residential properties. Neighbors were informed about the application and were invited to a meeting with the attorney for the applicant. Following the discussion and lack of objection, CPN submitted a letter of no objection to the ZBA with the addition of provisos that the window structure be maintained to retain the commercial character of the building and window dressing added to shield the interior of the building so there is not the appearance of a vacant store window along the streetscape. The ZBA approved the variance but said they could not approve the provisos since the store window was not subject to zoning.
communicate with the owner about the importance of obtaining the proper permits and initiate dialogue about development plans with the owners. Cedar Park Neighbors met with the owner about alternative uses for the buildings proposed for demolition as well as the process for securing community support for any future change of use for these parcels as required by the Philadelphia Zoning Code. It is clear that local residents have strong and differing points of view regarding Renaissance’s plans for the land. CPN is committed to helping facilitate dialogue among various stakeholders as this situation unfolds. To that end, CPN proposed to bring all parties together at a meeting in May to share information, hear various concerns and ideas about this issue and to learn more from relevant city agencies about what is permitted to be developed on the land, as well as how the community might engage with the development process to advocate for the community’s interests. Residents interested in this issue should contact CPN and someone from the Zoning Committee will get back to you.
4718 and 4720 Chester These adjoining buildings are two remaining residential structures on a portion of Chester Avenue that are part of the land owned and operated by Renaissance Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, formerly the Park Pleasant Nursing Home. Neighbors notified CPN with concerns about the demolition of these buildings in progress without posted permits. Neighbors had communicated with the new owners of Park Pleasant and heard about plans to expand the current parking lot to the soon to be empty lots at 4718 and 4720 Chester and to possibly build a rehab center in the future on the portion presently used by neighbors as a dog park. The Zoning Committee was asked to intervene, as the local Registered Community Organization (RCO) to prevent demolition if possible, June 2013
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Have a Safe Summer! Information provided by the University City District May Crime Update he University City Crime Update is a T monthly email of the University City District that provides information about crime patterns and other information about security in University City. Each month includes a chart of serious crime activity in University City as well as a 13month context for that activity. To receive the newsletter, see the information below. University City’s partnership of public safety departments continues to rigorously review crime patterns and determine deployment strategies in a proactive effort to assure that University City remains an incredibly safe place to live, work and play. As always, we ask you to consider the following: Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Remember that anyone in University City
in need of a Walking Escort — someone to accompany them to transportation, a meeting, home, class, etc. — can call 215-898-9255 or 215-387-3942 between 10 a.m. and 3 a.m. and a UCD Ambassador will be dispatched. If you are a block captain, community association representative, employer, etc., encourage others to use this service and to program this telephone number in their mobile phone now. Follow the Twitter feeds of both The Philadelphia Police Department (@PhillyPolice) and West Philadelphia Detective Joseph Murray (@PPDJoeMurray) for up-to-date information. We hope you find this information useful, and we welcome your feedback and questions. And, as always, we invite you to reach out to us with your concerns and feedback. Don’t hesitate to contact Steve Walsh at 215-243-0555 x239 or steve@universitycity.org.
SAFETY TIPS Deter Robbers
Deter Burglars
• Limit the amount of time you will spend walking or running at night. Remember, fewer people are out at night.
• Use light switch timers to realistically simulate occupancy. Light up the porch and yard with a time controller.
• Keep your head up and scan your surroundings as you walk alone.
• Have lawns mowed, sidewalks swept, hedges clipped on schedule.
• Choose large streets and more populated walkways. Walking down small, deserted streets raises your risk of being robbed or assaulted.
• Lock all exterior doors securely. If you are worried about someone picking or forcing the lock, which is generally easy to do, use secure locks, including ones considered pick-resistant.
• Project an attitude of calm and purpose. According to statistics, walkers who look like they know where they are going are less likely targets.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your property when you are away. Do the same for them.
• Give directions from a distance. Do not approach a car which has stopped to ask you directions.
• Arrange to have a neighbor pick up your mail, circulars and newspapers when you are on vacation. If that isn’t possible, cancel all deliveries, including newspapers. Arrange with your post office to hold your mail or leave it with a neighbor.
• Leave your headphones at home. Listening to music while you are walking distracts you from your surroundings and prevents you from hearing someone approaching you.
• Never advertise your departure. This may be easier said than done, especially for those who often share personal information on social networking sites (such as Facebook and Twitter).
• Act on your gut feelings. If someone gives you a bad feeling, tell him clearly to leave you alone, and walk away.
Page 12 CPN Newsletter
Pedestrian X-ing: A new Pedestrian Plaza for 48th Street & Baltimore Avenue By Seth Budick, University City District n an effort to temporarily transform Ispaces, excess asphalt into new pedestrianized the City of Philadelphia recently announced its Pedestrian Plaza program. Under that program, University City District received two grants to create new plazas in the neighborhood. The first, Woodland Green, was installed last fall at the corner of 42nd Street & Woodland Avenue, and the second, just installed, is at the corner of 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue. As anyone who uses that intersection knows, it can be an intimidating place for pedestrians, due to its scale and complexity, particularly since no direct crossing exists along the south side of Baltimore Avenue between The Gold Standard Café and the Calvary Center for Culture and Community. With help from the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities and the Streets Department, UCD worked closely with the site’s near neighbors, and the broader community, to establish a set of design principles that were then incorporated into a new design for the intersection.
The new design includes painted “bumpouts” at all three corners on the south side of the street, substantially shortening the crossing distances for pedestrians, and slowing vehicle speeds. Pedestrians waiting to cross the street in these new bumpouts will be protected by stone barriers and new terra-cotta style planters containing beautiful flowering perennials. The Streets Department completed painting the plaza and painted the new crosswalk, then UCD installed the new planters and stone barriers. The new plaza not only Support CPN improves pedestrian safety, but also help to better knit together Baltimore Avenue. Business Members!
Coffee and Conversation Congressman Fattah Visits Cedar Park By Algernong Allen ne of the beautiful components of O our country, a Democratic Republic, is that we each have a hand in the rules, and allocation of the resources available to our government. We are governed by City Council and the Mayor, the State Legislators and Governor, the Congress and the President. Our lawmaking Congress is made up of Senators (two from each State) in the Senate and members of the House of Representatives called Congress men, determined by a state’s population. Pennsylvania has a total of 18 Congressmen, 4 Democrat and 14 Republican. Cedar Park is in the 2nd US Congressional District and our elected Representative is Congressman Chaka Fattah. Cedar Park Neighbors, along with Garden Court, Walnut Hill, and Spruce Hill Community Associations, hosted a Coffee and Chat Outreach with
Rep. Fattah and his staff at the Calvary Community Center on Friday, April 19th. Rep. Fattah shared his policy emphasis of education, neuroscience, cooperative business models, local manufacturing, and government procurement through domestic vendors. Mr. Fattah engaged the audience on topics of solar energy, business development, term limits in Congress, and the challenges of working in a currently polarized elected body. Fattah’s staff provided literature in regard to government resources. Remember: public officials are there to serve the public. Congressman Fattah’s office offers assistance with government agencies, educational resources, and job resources. Rep. Fattah’s District office is located at 2401 N. 54th Street Philadelphia, PA 19131. 215.871.4455 fattah.house.gov.
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
June 2013
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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-BALT-AVE (267-225-8283)
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.
June 2013
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c/o Calvary Community Center 4740 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143
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 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)
We Had a Picnic and Everyone Came! ove Your Park Week came L to a close at the Picnic in Cedar Park on the most perfect spring evening of Friday, May17. Park Committee members sent the word out inviting neighbors to a good, old-fashioned picnic, a simple and straightforward idea: come, bring your own blanket and picnic basket, or pick up one of many picnic specials that were offered by businesses surrounding Cedar Park. That was it.
Page 16 CPN Newsletter
And come they did, from every corner of the neighborhood. Cedar Park was full of children, conversation, play and folks just hanging out enjoying each other’s company. We could not have imagined a more perfect evening and it seems many of us share this view, as we have heard many comments that we should do it again. Well, why not? It doesn’t take a committee. Call a picnic! We’ll be there.
The participation of our local Cedar Park businesses was much appreciated as it made it easy for folks to save time and grab some simple and delicious meals on their way to the Park. Many thanks to Dock Street Brewery, the Fresh Deli, The Gold Standard Café, Little Baby’s Ice Cream, Hibiscus Café, Mariposa Food Co-op, Massay’s Kabob, The Satellite, and Taco Angeleno!