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Archive | May, 2011

Video of suspected Cedar Avenue robbers

May 28, 2011

crime
The victim of a May 24 robbery purchases items at the Sunoco at 45th and Baltimore as one of two suspects watches.

The full surveillance video of two young men who forced a man at gunpoint to withdraw money from an ATM machine and buy them cigarettes and cigars has been made available.

As we reported earlier, the two men approached the victim at 4717 Cedar Ave. at about 1 a.m. on May 24, pointed a handgun at him and demanded cash. They took the man’s cell phone and walked him to the Sunoco at 45th and Baltimore Ave. and ordered him to withdraw money from his account. All three left the store, but returned a few minutes later to buy items with the man’s debit card.

Both transactions are clearly visible on the full video below.

The men led the victim to 46th Street, made him lay on the sidewalk and then fled. Police believe the two suspects may be linked to other robberies in the area, including one a few minutes after this one.

Anyone with information should contact the Southwest Detective Division at 215-686-3183/3185.

 

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Farmer’s market and LEAmonade

May 28, 2011

LeamonadeClark Park’s farmer’s market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. On the way to or from the park, check out a special lemonade stand near the corner of 45th and Chester.

Proceeds from the “LEAmonade” stand go toward the purchase of air conditioners for the Henry Lea School’s kindergarten classrooms (47th and Locust). The West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools and the Lea Home and School Association are working up plans for a passive cooling system (trees and such) but in the meantime are raising money to keep the kindergartners cool.

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Does Unitea’s demise signal coffee/tea overload?

May 27, 2011

UniteaThe tea, coffee and light fare spot Unitea (265 S. 44th St.), stayed in business for just under a year, closing in late March. It opened with pretty solid reviews, particularly of its tea selection. It had a pretty good location nearby Tampopo and Local 44.

That section of 44th will likely get another foot traffic boost when (Honest) Tom McCusker opens his taco shop in August next door at 261 S. 44th (By the way, we heard what definitely sounded like construction noise coming from that little building today, so that project is underway).

Unitea’s windows are now papered over, which we hope means a new tenant is in the works. Their closing got us thinking … Has that part of West Philly hit its capacity for cafes/coffee shops? Within a few blocks you have Green Line, Cafe Clave and Earth Cup. What would you like to see in that spot on 44th? Just curious.

 

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Beware of Walnut Street crater (Update – Fixed!)

May 27, 2011

pothole
Walnut Street between 44th and 45th – 11:15 a.m.

 

UPDATE: Sometime between this posting and 4 p.m. they filled in the hole. People commented here and on Facebook. Even WHYY’s Newsworks.org took notice. We like to think that the Streets Department was reading. Power to the people!

Watch out for this axle breaker in the right-hand lane of Walnut Street between 44th and 45th. We’re not exactly sure what kind of road work left this thing behind. Yesterday it had cones around it, but now they’re gone and vehicles have to do last-minute braking and swerving. Fender benders look inevitable.

Cyclists also need to take caution because many cars are trying to dodge this thing to the right, taking them into the bike lane.

Anyone have any friends in the Streets Department?

pothole
5:15 p.m.

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Two males wanted in another string of robberies (Update – full video available)

May 26, 2011

crime
Police are looking for these two males in connection with a string of robberies early Tuesday. Click to enlarge. (Photo courtesy of Detective Joe Murray).

Update – Click here for the full surveillance video of the suspects.

Police are searching for two young males they believe are responsible for at least four muggings in less than an hour early Tuesday morning. The robberies are the latest in a number of muggings at gunpoint in the last week.

The details on each robbery on Tuesday morning, which were committed with a handgun:

12:45 a.m. – 4800 block of Warrington. Two cell phones were taken.

1:05 a.m. – 4700 block Cedar. A driver’s license and cell phone were taken.

1:20 a.m. – 6000 block of Market. A cell phone, credit cards and a vehicle were taken. The vehicle was later recovered.

1:30 a.m. – 200 block of S. 48th. Car keys were taken and the victim’s vehicle, which was parked on the 4800 block of Locust, was later reported missing.

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Clark Park “A” to officially reopen June 16 with new look

May 26, 2011

park
Fermob tables and chairs similar to these will be installed in Clark Park’s revamped “A” section.

The northern section of Clark Park (Park A) will officially reopen June 16, according to the Friends of Clark Park website.

An opening ceremony is tentatively scheduled for the afternoon (after 3 p.m., though an exact time is not set) and will include representatives of state and local government, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, and cooperating partner organizations.

The park has been undergoing major renovations since September 2010, including the removal of several trees. Other changes include paved paths, lighting, drainage and resodding.

The central plaza area of the new “A” section will also include cafe style seating with small tables and chairs. We’re not sure how these are going to be secured. The tables and chairs were bought with a $3000 donation from Bryan and Lisa Hanes.

 

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