Reader Jared Brimfield, who lives on the 200 block of Melville, sent us the following email:
Garden Court boundaries map.
“I was reading your article today that showed the Garden Court neighborhood map. I’m a little confused because there seems to be some overlap between Garden Court and Spruce Hill. Below is the link to the SHCA map, which shows the west line of the neighborhood at 46th St. The GCCA map show[s] the east neighborhood boundary between 44th and 45th.
I have always identified my street (200 block of Melville) as Spruce Hill, but maybe I’m wrong.
Do you have any idea which is correct?”
Here is the article Jared was referring to. He also sent his question to both community associations and kindly shared their replies with us.
Spruce Hill map.
There is indeed an overlap between Spruce Hill and Garden Court. According to Garden Court Community Association’s (GCCA) website, 45th street is considered their eastern boundary. Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) identifies 46th street as their western boundary. So, what neighborhood does one belong to if they live between 45th and 46th streets and between Locust and Baltimore/Cedar?
“The simple answer: both! Several of the community associations in W[est] Philly overlap (for a block or two) at the boundaries. And, it is completely fine to belong to one or more than one association,” says Jamie Gauthier, GCCA president.
“I agree. It is your choice,” said SHCA Board member Rich Guffanti.
June 18th, 2015 at 2:01 pm
Is there a reason one could not be in multiple associations if they actually wanted to be part of these conversations? There might be something happening in Spruce Hill that I think is helpful or hurtful to the whole West Philadelphia community. Is it set up that only people who live in those areas can only be part of the associations? and if so does that feel right? or wrong? to others? Are there any neighborhood associations that cover the whole of West Philly? Are we just concerning ourselves with our own 5 block radius? Or are we taking care of all West Philly residents? I am curious what people think.
June 18th, 2015 at 2:18 pm
I feel like many of the blocks identified here, such as the 4500 block of Baltimore, were included in other “neighborhoods”, but for real estate purposes, people want to identify with a certain neighborhood, such as Spruce Hill.
June 18th, 2015 at 3:23 pm
No but RCO’s are tasked with conducting public meetings to solicit community input on zoning variances and since some RCO-type organizations have been accused of abusing the process to demand contributions from developers its very important that any neighborhood civic that gives official input on zoning decisions.
Even though our councilwoman regularly makes exceptions to those rules for RCO’s run by staffers and political allies.
http://www.phila.gov/CityPlanning/projectreviews/RCO%20Related/FACT_SHEET_2015.pdf
June 18th, 2015 at 3:26 pm
Meant to say important that any group seeking to speak with official RCO status at the ZBA has a defined physical beat that they cover. And that they hold open elections for anybody in the area that wants to join, instead of acting as self-appointed “bosses” of the neighborhood. As is a requirement in the pdf linked above.
June 18th, 2015 at 4:50 pm
You realize these civics and their boundaries have been around for more than 50 years?
June 18th, 2015 at 6:02 pm
I am proposing a new neighborhood: East Clark Park. It borders 43rd Street to the West, Osage Ave. to the North, 41st Street to the East, and Woodland Ave. to the South. Only cars with a special “ECP” decal can park on our streets.
June 19th, 2015 at 12:11 pm
well put SMH The corruption of RCO’s through city halls complicity is duly noted. I for one am willing and able to establish a true and whole association that encompasses the needs of the entire community.
June 19th, 2015 at 12:12 pm
integration YES gentrification NON!
June 24th, 2015 at 10:13 am
Dear Neighbors,
The Spruce Hill Community Association welcomes the involvement and membership of any and all individuals, businesses and organizations with an interest in Spruce Hill. Neighboring community organizations often collaborate on topics of mutual interest or overlap (e.g., education, zoning, streetscapes). All rely on, and seek, the participation of community volunteers committed to our neighborhood. Please consider becoming involved somewhere, in some way!
Best regards,
Monica Calkins
President, Spruce Hill Community Association
http://www.sprucehillca.org/