The City of Philadelphia has taken the landowners of 4301 Walnut Street, where the Supreme Shop n Bag is located, to court to pay more than $158,000 in property taxes.

The city filed a “sequestration” case against Gladwynne-based EFBEE Associates, owners of the property, in municipal court on July 11. The School District of Philadelphia, which would receive much of the taxes collected, is also named as a plaintiff (see the file below). A sequestration hearing is typically the last resort on commercial properties owing back taxes on the 66,000-square-foot parcel and will likely result in the garnishing of rental income – so Supreme will pay the city its rent instead of the landowner – until the back taxes are paid.

EFBEE has 20 days to respond to the sequestration order.  Continue Reading

Firefighters at the scene of fire on the 5200 block of Larchwood Ave. (Twitter photo @a_butler)

A serious fire broke out this evening in a two-story vacant row home on the 5200 block of Larchwood Avenue. The fire began shortly before 5 p.m. and was put out after about 18 minutes, according to PhillyFireNews.com.

No people were found inside the building and no injuries were reported.

We hope you’re enjoying your summer in West Philly despite the heat. A lot of great events are still coming up, so here’s a reminder for our readers of what is scheduled for the rest of this month.

• University City Dining Days will continue through Sunday, July 24.

• On Saturday, July 23, Dendê & Band will bring Afro-Brazilian rhythms to 40th and Walnut, as part of the 40th Street Summer Series.

• Shakespeare in Clark Park will present The Two Gentlemen of Verona, July 27 – 31. Parks on Tap will also make a stop in Clark Park.  Continue Reading

The trolley tunnel will close down tonight at 10 p.m. and reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday, SEPTA has announced. The closure is due to maintenance of overhead wires and will impact all routes.

Routes 11, 13, 34, and 36 will divert to 40th and Market Streets and Route 10 will divert to 40th and Filbert Streets.

This closure is not related to the annual “Tunnel Blitz,” which was recently postponed due to the recent problems with Septa’s Regional Rail cars.

The scene on the west side of 52nd Street near Hazel (Photo West Philly Local)

Twelve children were hospitalized after a day care van crashed into an building at 52nd and Hazel Friday morning. The incident was reported at around 9:30 a.m. Children and the driver of an unmarked van were taken to area hospitals for observation, according to reports. Police said the children were not hurt, and the driver was in stable condition.

Reportedly, the driver experienced problems with the brakes before the crash. The investigation continues. Detours are expected in the area.

Walnut Hill Community Association is inviting families this Friday (July 15) to a free outdoor movie night which will be held at the newly upgraded Lea School Yard (47th and Locust). Popular new flick Zootopia will be screened beginning at 8 p.m. (rain date is Friday, July 22, 8 p.m.). Please bring your own beverages and snacks and also chairs or blankets (adult supervision is recommended).

There will be another movie night at Lea School – on August 12 at 8 p.m. For more information on this and other community events, please check the Walnut Hill Community Association website.