The annual Spruce Hill Halloween Parade has been cancelled. (Photo West Philly Local)

As was expected the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) has cancelled its annual Halloween Tot Parade, a tradition that goes back 23 years. The post-parade block party at the “Little Osage” where neighbors offer sweets and treats to children, has also been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

However, folks will still be able to celebrate in a socially distanced manner, according to SHCA Board President Evan Johnstone. Some alternative plans are currently in the works to help keep the Halloween spirit alive, including  house decorating, a kid-friendly, Halloween themed activity, and trick-or-treating options while maintaining a safe distance. We’ll let you know when plans are finalized and more details are available.  Continue Reading

The Ethiopian food scene is expanding in West Philly! A new coffee shop and small grocery store, Alif Brew & Mini Mart, has opened at the corner of 45th and Baltimore in the space formerly occupied by The Nesting House.

For breakfast and brunch, the cafe serves Ethiopian staple dishes, like Firfir, Chechebsa and Foul, and also invites guests for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (see picture and video below). Alif also offers Injera wraps (chicken, beef and vegetarian) as well as other appetizers. But you can also just stop by for a cup of coffee and a homemade pastry or grab-and-go salad!  Continue Reading

Owners of the one-story building at 4200 Chester Avenue, The Millcreek Tavern site, have recently withdrawn their zoning application for a permit to build an apartment building on the site. The decision was made after a virtual meeting with the immediate neighbors that was held at the Spruce Hill Community Association’s (SHCA) request, according to SHCA Zoning Committee Chair Barry Grossbach.

The goal of the meeting, held over Zoom, was to survey views of the nearby residents. The developers said that the meeting “was not encouraging” for them to proceed with this project, according to Grossbach.  Continue Reading

If your trash or recyclables haven’t been picked up, here’s a new tool that will help you track the status of collections on your block. The Streets Department has announced the launch of PickupPHL, a new interactive map that will allow residents to view daily trash and recycling collections. The new platform has officially launched for public use today (Oct. 1).

The new tool provides direct access to the City’s residential sanitation services and residents will have almost real-time access to the Sanitation Division’s truck routing system. The public will be able to see the daily progress of the Streets Department’s residential collection routes. PickupPHL allows users to determine if a block has been visited by a trash, recycling or both trucks and identify where collections are taking place daily.  Continue Reading

The City has opened seven satellite election offices across the city for the November 3rd General Election to request and receive a mail-in ballot, complete the ballot and return it – all in person. Voters who requested and received their mail-in ballot can drop off their completed ballot at these locations.

Run by the City Commissioners, the offices will be open seven days a week, starting Tuesday, Sept. 29, and will remain open through Election Day.

The hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday – Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Continue Reading

The Spruce Hill Community Association’s Zoning Committee is resuming its meetings this week after a several month break. This month’s meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Restaurant School parking lot (4207 Walnut St.). Socially distanced seating will be available for attendees (all attendees are asked to wear masks or facial coverings). Parking is also available free of charge.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will discuss the following development proposals:

• 223 S. 44th Street – A zoning application has been submitted for a 5-unit building.  Continue Reading