The design for the new “Broken Chains” mural at 500 S. 52nd St. (southwest corner of 52nd and Larchwood).

A new “Broken Chains” mural at 52nd and Larchwood, where several buildings are undergoing extensive renovation, will be unveiled Saturday, May 12th at 3 p.m.

The original Broken Chains mural (see below), a tribute to Black empowerment and leadership, will be removed as part of the ongoing renovation of the building at 500 S. 52nd (southwest corner of 52nd and Larchwood), one of several buildings near that intersection that the local development company, Spak Group, is renovating from the ground up. When completed, the building will include ground floor commercial (a sit-down restaurant) and three apartments.  Continue Reading

A petting zoo will be back in Clark Park this Saturday (Photo West Philly Local)

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair, a neighborhood tradition for 60 years, will take place at Clark Park (43rd and Chester) this Saturday, May 12, from noon to 6 p.m. This year, the event will include:

– A musical line-up with well-known composer Dan Blacksberg and the Haimishers and special guests HardWork Movement.
– Over 50 local artisans who will offer a wide range of arts and crafts and other unique products
– Tables with information about local groups and causes
– University City Garden Club annual plant sale
– Food for every taste from food trucks and vendors working in University City Continue Reading

Scribe Video Center, the local nonprofit with a 35-year history of educating youth and adults on how to use electronic media as a tool for social change, has recently moved to a new location. The organization moved from its temporary home at 41st and Walnut to 3908 Lancaster Ave., where all in-house events and workshops will now be held. Currently, the organization is accepting donations that will go toward furnishing their new headquarters, including tables, chairs, speakers and more. Any size donation is welcome; for more information and how to donate, please visit this page.

Speaking of workshops, a new workshop series, “How to Create Your Own Podcast,” kicks off at Scribe Video tonight, at 7 p.m., and some spots may still be available. Participants will learn the basics of podcasting and how to develop their podcast ideas into fully-formed audio productions. Information on this and other upcoming workshops is available here.  Continue Reading

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) filed a notice of proposed rate increases to help pay for maintenance on one of the oldest water systems in the country. A hearing is scheduled for West Philly on Tuesday, April 17, to provide more information and answer questions.

The meeting will take place at White Rock Baptist Church (5240 Chestnut St.) from 6:30 to approximately 8:30 p.m.

The Water Department is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of more than 6,000 miles of water mains and sewers. There were 715 water main breaks in Philadelphia between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, which impacted about 700 neighborhood blocks. And this past winter season was especially challenging, with 625 water main breaks in just over three months, according to the PWD.  Continue Reading

Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) will hold its annual meeting on Monday, April 16, and all interested neighbors are welcome to attend. During the meeting, the CPN executive and board member election will be held. You can check the list of candidates here (please note that only CPN members can vote; if you want to join CPN, go here for more information).

After the election, Vicki Riley from the Department of Revenue will speak about taxpayer assistance programs.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the election, and the presentation and Q & A with Vicky Riley will be held from 7 – 8 p.m., followed by the board meeting.

The meeting will be held at the Calvary Community Center at 48th and Baltimore (please enter on 48th Street for the chapel).

Community members are invited this Thursday (April 12) to a Candidates’ Night for the Democratic candidates running for the 188th district seat. The event is hosted by the 27th Democratic Ward and will feature candidates Jeff Curry, Dianne Settles and the incumbent Jim Roebuck. As the primary election day is approaching fast (it will be held on May 15), this is a great opportunity to discuss current issues in Pennsylvania and ask the candidates what they would do in Harrisburg to bring about the policies you support.

The event will take place at the University of the Sciences, Rosenberger Hall (600 S. 43rd St.) beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Also a reminder that the last day for voter registration before the primary is Monday, April 16. For more information, visit the Committee of Seventy website.