January 13, 2015
Here’s a roundup of some development projects going on in West Philly neighborhoods.
West Philadelphia Earthship
A vacant lot at 675 N. 41st Street will soon become the location for the first ever urban Earthship, a completely sustainable building built from recycled materials, Generocity.org reports. The idea of an urban Earthship was proposed by Rashida Ali-Campbell, founder of Yeadon-based nonprofit Love, Loving, Love, Inc., and the lot owner, Thomas L. Miller, liked it so much that he donated the lot to the cause.
The West Philadelphia Earthship will house a Philadelphia branch of Love, Loving, Love, Inc., which specializes in holistic health education. The organization is planning to offer healthy-living workshops and other free community activities in their new Earthship office, according to Generocity.org.
The foundation of the Earthship has already been laid, and the main construction is planned to start in February. It will take about six weeks to complete, but it depends on how successful the fundraising campaign for the project is. To support the West Philadelphia Earthship, go to this IndieGoGo page. For more information about this project, read Generosity.org’s article here. Continue Reading
January 8, 2015
Water mains on these Cedar Park blocks will soon be replaced (click to enlarge).
Cedar Park residents will see a major water and sewer main replacement work this year, according to an announcement posted today by the community association Cedar Park Neighbors. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has contracted Nello Construction Company to replace water mains on eight blocks in the Cedar Park area:
• Beaumont St from 48th St. to 49th St.
• Florence Ave from 48th St. to 49th St.
• Florence Ave from 49th St. to 50th St.
• Florence Ave from 50th St. to 51st St.
• Saint Bernard St from Warrington Ave. to Florence Ave.
• Saint Bernard St from Warrington Ave. to Florence Ave.
• 48th St from Beaumont St. to Florence Ave.
• 50th St from Pentridge St. to Florence Ave.
The construction work is expected to go on for all of 2015, and there is no set schedule for when work on each block will be done. The replacement of old water and sewer mains is necessary to prevent breakages and system failures. The Water Department works to replace water mains approximately every 100-120 years, according to the project information.
Residents on the affected blocks should expect minor disruptions of water service during the construction work, for 1-2 hours while house connections are made and for 4-8 hours while water main connections are completed. Residents will be notified in advance when water service outages are scheduled, according to PWD. Construction hours will be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Street parking during these hours may be restricted.
For more information about this project, visit the CPN website.
January 8, 2015
We have some good news and bad news. The good news is that “Death Bi Chocolate,” the terrific annual fundraiser/awareness raiser that includes awesome chocolate concoctions, is this Saturday, Jan. 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The bad news is that this is the last one.
The bisexual support group BiUnity is again hosting the event at the A-Space (4722 Baltimore Ave.). But this year it’s free, although donations can be made.
“We’ll still have an abundance of chocolate, hot drinks, board games, and socializing. People are welcome to stop by, join us, and leave with some chocolate,” said organizer Rachael Schechter, by e-mail. “It’s just free this year.”
That’s because BiUnity is disbanding after the event. Donations are welcome and will be combined with the organizations leftover funds and donated to other organizations that have helped them in the past, including the A-Space and the William Way Center.
January 8, 2015
The Walnut Street West Library Children’s Chess Club is looking for volunteer chess coaches to teach children 6 years to 13 years of age. The club meets every Wednesday from 5:15-7 p.m. at the library located at 201 South 40th Street (corner of 4oth and Walnut).
You don’t have to be a chess master, just patient when working with kids.
Please contact head coach, Molly Saweikis at msaweikis@gmail.com if you are interested.
January 7, 2015
We’re passing along a Thank You note from the community association Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN), which recently hosted the annual Holiday Basket Giveaway, the event made possible with donations from the members of the community. “We had a great turn out and met our financial goal!” writes the event coordinator Michelle Lewis. And here’s the note:
On behalf of Cedar Park Neighbor’s Holiday Baskets Committee, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s holiday basket drive a very successful event, to date. We could not have done it without your financial support and volunteerism. Also, a special thank you to our local businesses, community centers and churches for helping us provide this service to families in our community. See you next December!
Sincerely,
Michelle Lewis & Beverly Rouse, Cedar Park Neighbors
More information on how to join CPN is available on their website.
January 6, 2015
UPDATE (1/7/2015): If you’re on Twitter, you can report an unshoveled sidewalk to @Philly311:
(1/6/2015): 
Winter has finally arrived and reminded us all why we don’t like it that much. We wanted to pass along reminders about what to watch out for when temperatures drop below freezing and what to do when it snows. Stay warm and be careful as it’s slippery out there today.
City announces Code Blue
During bitter cold conditions, with temperatures near or below 20 degrees, the city issues a Code Blue weather advisory, which was announced at 6 p.m. on Monday. The Code Blue advisory triggers 24-hour outreach to homeless individuals and provides access to emergency housing network (see more here). If you see a homeless person outside and without a shelter during extremely cold conditions, you can call the Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984.
Also a reminder to keep an eye on your pets and keep them inside when it gets too cold (or face penalties!). A new ordinance has been introduced in Philadelphia that makes it illegal to leave your dog outside during freezing (or extremely hot) temperatures. To report a dog left outdoors in severe weather call ACCT Philly at 267-385-3800 and dial 0 to speak with the dispatcher or email: fieldservices@acctphilly.org.
Winter Weather Advisory and Snow Removal
A winter weather advisory is in effect for today, and property and business owners are required to clear a path on the sidewalk within six hours of the end of the snowfall.
The Philadelphia Streets Department has reminded that property owners are subject to a fine starting at $50 for not complying with this policy. To report a sidewalk that has not been cleared, call the Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit at 215-686-5560.
In case of a heavy snowfall with a large accumulation of snow, the City may declare a snow emergency. Snow emergency means that vehicles parked along the snow emergency routes must be moved to alternate parking spaces, so City crews can clear the snow along these routes.
Recent Comments