Former Alexander Wilson School building at 46th and Woodland.

It’s been a while since local community members received any updates on the University of the Sciences’ (USciences) plans regarding the re-development of the former Alexander Wilson School building at 46th and Woodland. This Wednesday (March 30), residents are invited to get the latest scoop about this project at a community meeting on the university’s campus.

The meeting will feature an update on the Campus Master Plan, including the Alexander Wilson School site, remarks from University leadership, an open forum for questions, and a chance to interact with University representatives and partners. Light refreshments will be served.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m., and here’s the agenda:

7:00-7:45 p.m. – Introductions and Remarks
7:45-8:00 p.m. – Open Forum for Community Questions
8:00-8:30 p.m. – Refreshments and Meet & Greet  Continue Reading

You can get more information on the proposed SEPTA bus route 49, which would connect Brewerytown and Fairmount with Grays Ferry via West Philly’s University City section, at an open house this Monday (March 28) at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street.

The Open House is scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. and will introduce SEPTA’s Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Service Plan, which includes proposals for some new transit services and changes aimed at improving existing services. SEPTA riders, stakeholders and the general public are encouraged to provide feedback regarding the proposals.

The Open House will be held in the Board Room, Mezzanine Level.

For more information on the proposals, or to submit comments, click here.  Continue Reading

A reminder on a sidewalk in Clark Park on Sunday that today, March 28, is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming primaries.

Here’s a quick reminder that today, March 28, is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming primary elections. Both the Democratic and Republican primaries will be held April 26.

Everything you need to know to register is here. Most of the bases are covered there: information for those who have recently moved, changed their name or political affiliation, etc.

Spring is in full swing and it’s time to stock up on your gardening supplies. The West Philly location of Greensgrow Farms is reopening this weekend just in time. Although smaller than the flagship location in Kensington, Greensgrow West features a fully stocked garden center.

Starting this Friday, you can stop by at 4912 Baltimore Avenue and pick up seeds and seed starting supplies, as well as soils, soil amendments, mulch and more. Also, spring bulbs, pansies, and Easter plants will be available for sale this weekend, plus there will be a special sale on emerging fall blooming perennials!

Greensgrow West is also a farmstand and CSA pick-up location for the Greensgrow Summer CSA program, registration for which is currently underway. Full-share, half-share and add-on share options are available. The CSA season begins the week of May 19 and ends the week of November 3.  Continue Reading

One person was injured as the result of an underground electrical explosion at 34th and Walnut this morning at around 10:15 a.m. The explosion of underground PECO electric lines propelled two manhole covers into the air, right in front of The Gap and Penn’s Franklin Building, and injured a man, according to an announcement by Penn Public Safety Division. The injured person is currently receiving medical treatment.

The affected PECO lines have been under repair over the past few weeks due to power outages in the area.

The sidewalk was closed and Walnut Street was reduced to one lane following the incident. Police were on the scene to assist with traffic.

The incident prompted Penn Public Safety to issue the following statement: “Rest assured that this incident is not related to the current international unrest.”

The all clear was announced and normal activity with some police presence resumed in the area at about 10:50 a.m.

If you know someone who is interested in working in landscaping, pass this along. The University City District has received a $300,000 grant to launch Green City Works, “a social enterprise that provides high-quality groundskeeping services while developing job skills and advancement opportunities for low-income workers interested in landscaping trades,” according to a statement.

Green City Works will build on UCD’s efforts with the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, which connects West Philadelphians with employers offering “family-sustaining” wages.

Go to the Green City Works website to learn more.