Architect Brian Phillips from architecture firm ISA presents proposal to convert church near 46th and Spruce into apartments (Photo by West Philly Local).

Developers presented a plan to the Garden Court Community Association (GCCA) last night that would convert the Good Shepherd Community Church near 46th and Spruce into apartments and add another smaller building on the property.

The proposal, made to a standing-room-only crowd, was met with mixed reviews. Preservationists welcomed the adaptive reuse, while many neighbors near the property at 314-316 S. 46th St. opposed the plan.

“We simply can’t absorb any more high-density housing in this area,” said Eric Santoro.  Continue Reading

Beginning Tuesday, June 4, University City District will be holding events at the brand new public space, Trolley Portal Gardens. The public is invited to 40th and Baltimore every Tuesday night in June, from 5 to 8 p.m., to enjoy food from some of favorite food trucks, a mix of free music and family-friendly activities with local arts groups.

Here’s the full schedule through June 24th:

June 4:

Food: A new perspective on traditional American picnic foods from Haley Quinn’s plus popsicles from Ice Cave
Activity: The Green Tambourine will provide live music

June 11:

Food: Award-winning sweet and savory waffles creations from Foolish Waffles plus popsicles from Ice Cave
Activity: Make Mandalas with staff from the University City Arts League  Continue Reading

The intersection of 43rd and Baltimore is closed due to a sinkhole (Photo West Philly Local).

UPDATE (6/5/2019): The sinkhole at 43rd and Baltimore was caused by a major sewer line break, according to SEPTA. Although the hole is only about 3 feet long on the surface, it extends approximately 20 feet across below the surface. While the Philadelphia Water Department crews are working to repair the hole (it might take a while), the Route 34 will continue to operate as a shuttle bus between 61st Street and the 40th Street Portal. Stay tuned for further announcements.

(6/4/2019, 9:53 a.m.): A large sinkhole has opened up at the intersection of 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, right in the middle of the Route 34 trolley line. The intersection is currently closed to traffic while constructions crews are preparing to dig up the street. As of 4:50 a.m. this morning, all Route 34 trolleys are being replaced by buses:

Rte 34: Shuttle buses will operate in both directions between 40th Street Portal and 61st and Baltimore Ave due to a sinkhole. Expect delays until further notice.

— SEPTA (@SEPTA_TRL_34) June 4, 2019

This sinkhole is just the latest in a long battle between developers, builders, planners and Mill Creek. This short film from four years ago shows the history.

The Buried River from Anne Whiston Spirn on Vimeo.

Good Shepherd Community Church (Photo West Philly Local).

The Garden Court Community Association zoning committee will consider a proposal on Tuesday, June 4 to demolish part of the Good Shepherd Community Church building near 46th and Spruce and build a 32-unit apartment complex.

The property at 314-316 S. 46th St. is zoned RSA-3, which accommodates singe-family dwellings. Developers are also asking for variances for the front setback (eight feet is required and zero is proposed) and parking. Zoning requires 32 spaces and the proposal includes none.  Continue Reading

The Streets Department will continue street improvement work in many parts of West Philadelphia on the week of June 3rd, including S. 45th Street between Larchwood and Market streets.

This is a reminder that the work schedule includes temporary full street closures and parking restrictions. Temporary ‘No Parking’ signs will be posted in advance of each scheduled activity. Residents are urged to move their cars from the work sites when temporary ‘No Parking’ signs are posted, so that vehicles are not towed. If your car is towed, please contact the 18th Police District to find its location.  Continue Reading

Last month we reported that Penn Book Center, one of the oldest independent bookstores in the area, will close its doors at the end of this month. But here’s some good news: the store owners, Ashley Montague and Michael Row, have recently reached an agreement with their landlord, the University of Pennsylvania, that will allow them to stay open through the end of August. During this time, the owners will try to work out a new business plan that would hopefully allow the store to stay open and prosper in the future.

After the news of the store imminent closing broke, Montague and Row received a lot of support from community members. Over 5,000 people signed an online petition generated by Penn’s English Department asking the university to help save the store from closing. Many folks even offered business ideas which the owners say they are excited to explore.  Continue Reading