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Support local nonprofits on #GivingTuesday

Posted on 29 November 2016 by WestPhillyLocal.com

On #GivingTuesday, we would like to remind folks that there are dozens of great nonprofits in West Philly that need our support. On our Civic Life page, you can find information about West Philly-based nonprofits. Please consider donating to your neighborhood organization today.

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Groundbreaking for 40th Street trolley portal remodel, including restaurant, next week

Posted on 28 November 2016 by Mike Lyons

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An artist’s rendering of the Trolley Car Station restaurant from plans presented last spring to the Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee.

Developers will soon break ground on a project that should transform the barren patch of concrete at the 40th Street trolley terminal into a landscaped public space complete with a 125-seat restaurant.

University City District officials promise it will be a more navigable public space for pedestrians. Complete with moveable tables and chairs, enough racks to accommodate 48 bikes and “vegetation everywhere,” the project was well received during public meetings and breezed through zoning approval last spring.

The centerpiece of the project will be the Trolley Car Station restaurant, a two-story restaurant that will be built in the grassy area bordering the portal along Baltimore Avenue. A company owned by real estate developer Ken Weinstein, which runs the Trolley Car Diner in Mount Airy, will operate the restaurant.  Continue Reading

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Take a (free) ride on Winter Express Shoppers’ Trolley (W.E.S.T.) this Saturday

Posted on 28 November 2016 by WestPhillyLocal.com

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The Baltimore Avenue and Lancaster Avenue Business Associations are teaming up again to provide a unique holiday shopping experience for neighborhood residents next month. The Winter Express Shoppers’ Trolley (W.E.S.T.), connecting two of the busiest West Philly streets and commercial corridors – Baltimore Avenue and Lancaster Avenue – will return on Saturday, Dec. 3.

From noon till 5 p.m. this free trolley will travel along both avenues, stopping along the way at designated shopping and dining destinations. Businesses will welcome riders with specials, promotions and giveaways, as wells as with some delicious treats.  Continue Reading

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Thanksgiving Day closings, hours at local stores, cafes

Posted on 23 November 2016 by WestPhillyLocal.com

leavesMany local stores and cafes will be closed or will have special hours tomorrow and this weekend:

Coffee Market (45th and Pine): Thursday, Nov, 24: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 25-27: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Mariposa Food Co-op (49th and Baltimore): Thu, Nov. 24: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Green Line Cafe: All locations will be closed this Thursday and Friday. Wednesday, Nov. 23: 43rd and Baltimore – closes at Noon; 40th St. and Powelton Village shops will close at 3 p.m.; Locust Street – Closes at 5 p.m.

Milk and Honey Market (45th and Baltimore): Thursday, Nov. 24: Closed

Renata’s Kitchen (46th and Baltimore): Thursday, Nov. 24: Closed

Fine Wine and Spirits stores (44th and Chestnut, 49th and Baltimore): Closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Supreme Shop-N-Bag (43rd and Walnut): Special hours on Thanksgiving Day: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Fresh Grocer – Open 24 hours

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Special pre-Thanksgiving Clark Park Farmers Market this Wednesday

Posted on 22 November 2016 by WestPhillyLocal.com

Pumpkins at Farmers Market

This is a reminder that Clark Park Thursday Market (43rd and Baltimore) is taking a break until June 2017, and the last mid-week market will be held this Wednesday (Nov. 23) due to Thanksgiving. The market will have special hours this Wednesday – from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Clark Park Saturday Farmers Market is open throughout the year, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information on other city markets run by The Food Trust, visit: http://thefoodtrust.org/farmers-markets

 

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City seeks buyer for 36 MOVE bombing properties on Osage and Pine

Posted on 22 November 2016 by Mike Lyons

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These properties along the 6200 block of Osage are for sale. They were quickly built following the MOVE bombing in 1985 and quickly fell into disrepair (Photo Google Street View).

The city has invited developers to bid on 36 controversial properties on the 6200 blocks of Osage and Pine hastily rebuilt following the MOVE bombing in 1985.

West Philly bombing in 1985A fire began after police dropped a small bomb from a helicopter on a home at 6221 Osage Ave. following a long standoff with members of the black liberation group MOVE, who had barricaded themselves inside. Eleven people, including five children, were killed in the fire that followed the bombing. More than 50 neighboring homes were destroyed.

Only about half of the residences are occupied, and now the city is looking for a builder to buy the properties and either renovate them or demolish them and start over.  Continue Reading

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