Frankford year in Review 2007

This is just our take on it. I am sure there are some things that should be included here but have been overlooked.

• We had a councilman representing us once again. Dan Savage took over the seat held by Rick Mariano. Although he lost the primary to Maria Quinones-Sanchez, he continued to represent us and worked on his agenda for the remainder of his term.


• The Art Holiday closed. This cesspool was a blight on the neighborhood and deserved to die long before the end came. Shame on us for tolerating it.
  


• Sale of the Third Federal Bank building to NIT caused a tremendous uproar. So far nothing on the Avenue has changed as a result.
  


• Demolitions of properties throughout the neighborhood began again this year. The removal of the blighted properties improved the blocks where they had been and creates future opportunity for development.
  


• Frankford's Gambrel recreation center was highlighted on national television with an extreme makeover.
  


• Deni playground once again saw organized baseball for kids thanks to councilman Savage.
  


• The Prisoner re-entry program has continued to be a political issue.
  


• Northwood Civic Association leadership twas urned over to a new team
  


• East Frankford Civic Association also found new leadership and was rechristened the Frankford Civic Association.
  


• Frankford Creek Greenway Master Plan was published.
  


• Frankford Business and Professional Association leadership was turned over to Elizabeth McCollum-Nozario.
  


• Councilman Savage re-established and reorganized the Frankford Special Services District.


• Councilman Savage introduced a bill designating Frankford as a Transit Oriented Development District for the purposes of the rezoning of the City. This is a fundamental part in planning for the future of Frankford.
  


• Mozaic, restaurant and Jazz venue closed on December 7th.


• The Frankford Gazette appeared on the web one day in May.

Happy new Year from the Frankford Gazette.

Anonymous comment:

Thank you for all your hard work.

January 4, 2008 1:44 PM

Welcome to Frankford

On Wednesday, December 27, 2007 on the 4800 Block of Frankford Avenue, Councilman Daniel J. Savage unveiled the new "Welcome to Frankford" and "Historic Frankford” Banners for the Frankford Avenue Business Corridor.

The new banners are part of Councilman Savage’s plan for streetscape improvements for the Frankford Avenue Business Corridor. Councilman Savage said, "Revitalizing business corridors are key to revitalizing our neighborhoods. These banners will add a touch of warmth and class to the Frankford Avenue Business Corridor.” Before cutting the ribbon Councilman Savage said, “This is my Christmas present to Frankford.”

Anonymous comment:

Wouldn't the money be better spent on trashcans, increased lighting, or something that would make shoppers feel more comfortable while patronizing the Avenue's businesses? I hope these banners are not indicative of how the 1 million dollar grant will be spent.

December 31, 2007 2:34 PM

Next week in Frankford

• From the GAR museum: Annual General Meade Birthday Celebration Philadelphia, Penna.: Monday, December 31, 2007 - see community calendar for details
• Tuesday - New Years day
  
• The meeting of the Frankford Civic Association has been rescheduled to be held next week on Wednesday, January 10th
  

Frankford man murdered in West Philly

From today's Daily News:

After visiting with relatives in West Philadelphia Christmas night, Shawn McKnight, 35, went to the Intocable Food Mart on 60th Street near Haverford Avenue to get a Mountain Dew.

He never made it home. He was shot to death outside the store.

"He was the victim of an apparent robbery," said Homicide Lt. Philip Riehl.

McKnight, of Edmund Street near Margaret in Northeast Philadelphia, was shot at about 7:30 p.m. outside the corner store where he had stopped to make the purchase.

Police found him lying on the ground and took him to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was pronounced dead at about 8:10 p.m.

Riehl said detectives were still trying last night to get a description of the killer.

It was reported that McKnight was survived by his fiancee, a 3-year-old son, a 4-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old stepdaughter.

Read the entire article here.

Frankford Christmas Lights

Thanks to a tip from a reader, we have the final picture in our collection tonight. All of these photos were gathered over several nights. We have to admit that we discriminated against those folks who did a great job of decorating their homes but did not end up with something that was easily photographed at night. As my partner noted you can see some of these displays from the space shuttle they were so bright.

Our solution is that next year we will do a daylight tour and also include some video since some displays now include music and those neat inflatable moving snow globes.

This one is from Orchard near Church Street. You can see the full show here.

Special services to return to Frankford

From the Northeast Times:

Business owner Bill Goldshlack tried hard to block re-establishment of the Frankford Special Services District, but, in the end, he just couldn’t pull it off.
In a last-minute push, Goldshlack, who owns the Victor Stores, needed 51 percent of Frankford business owners to oppose the Special Services District — and in particular the taxes that would be assessed by the city to support it.
Goldshlack couldn’t muster that opposition. As a result, Mayor John Street’s endorsement of a bill creating the district is expected to have it up and running before he leaves office in January.
The Frankford Special Services District will encompass both sides of Frankford Avenue, from Torresdale Avenue to Bridge Street, and certain side streets that include parts of Kensington Avenue and Foulkrod, Gillingham, Griscom, Margaret, Meadow, Orthodox, Paul, Pratt, Darrah and Unity streets.

Previous criticism that the system failed in the past due to poor management does not seem to be addressed in the new proposal. Read the entire article here.

"Welcome to Frankford"

From Councilman Dan Savage:

Philadelphia - December 27, 2007 at 10:00 AM on the 4800 Block of Frankford Avenue, Councilman Daniel J. Savage will unveil the new "Welcome to Frankford" and "Historic Frankford” Banners for the Frankford Avenue Business Corridor.

The new banners are part of Councilman Savage’s plan for streetscape improvements for the Frankford Avenue Business Corridor. Councilman Savage said, "Revitalizing business corridors is key to revitalizing our neighborhoods. These banners will add a touch of warmth and class to the Frankford Avenue Business Corridor.”

Merry Christmas

From Plum Street off of Torresdale. See the entire slide show here.

Christmas in Frankford

Wilmot Street. For the entire slide show click here.

Frankford men charged in robberies

Three of our local citizens have been arrested in a series of armed robberies. Read the entire story about this lowlife trio here in the Northeast Times article

Christmas in Frankford

See the entire show here.

St. Joachim Convent may have a new tenant

As reported by the Northeast Times, Catholic Social Services may take over the convent as a community-based home for 16 dependent girls between the ages of 12 and 17. Read the entire story here.

Frankford Group Ministry’s Parent Empowerment Training

The Northeast Times reports on this program run by the Frankford Group Ministry. Read the entire story here.

"Unity is more than just the name of a street in Frankford."

The Northeast Times reports on the closing of Mozaic and the impact it may have on the future on Frankford. Read the entire story here.

Next week in Frankford

• Tuesday December 25th - It's Christmas
• Thursday December 27th - at Northeast Catholic IT Academy - North Catholic IT Academy will host a mini-seminar on creating a “Resume Business Card” Free and open to the public, all are welcome. Seminar to be held on December 27 at 6PM sharp! For more information please call 215-289-9000 or 267-972-0192.

Merry Christmas

On a lovely Friday evening we took a tour through parts of Frankford to see the lights. It was an eyeopening tour and we have posted the pictures as a slide show.

This is a sample from Duffield Street. Click here to see the slide show.

The Twins at PowderMill

Construction on the long awaited new housing at Castor and Wingohocking is about to begin. Follow this link to the website.

Lorenzo Compton

From the New York Times:

PHILADELPHIA — Lorenzo Compton did not have a promising start. His parents kicked him out at 17 for refusing to obey, he dropped out of the 12th grade when he got a girl pregnant, he served almost two years for drug dealing and he carries a bullet in his thigh.

At 43, Mr. Compton is again a force in the Frankford section of northeast Philadelphia — but this time as a one-man block patrol, as a mentor to countless young men, and as keeper of the keys to the fancy new football field that helps bring a ragged neighborhood together.

Read the New York Times entire story here.

Read in the HeraldTribune.com here.

Frankford High School

There are a lot of good things going on in Frankford High but we can't ignore the news:

Frankford High School was locked down this morning while school police searched for a male student who had brought an unloaded handgun to school in a bookbag.

The 17-year-old eleventh grader bolted down a hallway after school police manning the X-ray machine spotted the weapon in his bookbag at approximately 8:15 a.m. Fernando Gallard said the lockdown was lifted at 9:30 when it became clear the student was not in the building.

Read the entire story from the Inquirer here.

Frankford home of the week

This is the 17th week of our series. We found this pair on Jackson Street near Kennedy. Getting ready for the holiday on a rainy afternoon.

Gun Laws Poll

The poll about stronger gun laws has closed. The question was "Do you think stronger gun laws will reduce gun violence in Philadelphia?" This is how it ended:

• 13 out of 30 people said it would reduce gun violence.
• 8 out of 30 said it would not reduce gun violence.
• One thought it would make no difference one way or the other.
• 8 out of 30 said it might help but it would not be significant.

So roughly 43% think that it will definitely help and the rest say no or not much. Clearly we are divided on this issue.

So where does that leave us? Fumbling around as usual. Here are some of my incoherent thoughts:

• People who are straw buyers of weapons that are later used in a crime should be prosecuted as accessories to that crime. I don't know why it is not done now but those folks are far worse than drug dealers and should be treated the same as the criminals who later commit the crime.
• The mostly young people who are the perpetrators of violent crime are on a one way track to nowhere and I wonder why we have let them come to this. It's really easy to say it's not our problem but we are certainly going to pay now or later when we have to support them for the rest of their lives in prison. Why is it that the wealthiest nation in the word can't educate its children and put them on track to a positive life? Might it be that we just don't care enough?
• Have you met a criminal lately? If you think you have not, I would hold on to that thought. The prisons in this country run people though at an astounding rate. They bring them in, hold em and then send them out. Whatever problem they had before they went in are untreated and here they go on the cycle again. They are all over Frankford because it's a great inexpensive place to live. Hooray for us. If any area should support an effective criminal reentry program, it's us. Just don't ask us to do it for the entire city.
  

I would appreciate your comments and I'll publish them in a future post.

Crime in Frankford

A 27-year-old home-health-care nurse thought she was doing her disabled patient a favor when she let him crash at her Northeast apartment early yesterday after an argument drove him out of his own home.

But instead of thanking her, the man allegedly raped her as she slept, police said.

Ernest Johnson, 50, of Frankford, told the victim he needed a quiet place to clear his head, said Philadelphia Detective Joseph Jenkins, and she believed her patient, who walks with a severe limp.

Read the rest of the story from the Daily News on Philly.com here.

Next week in Frankford

• Saturday December 15th - Councilman Dan Savage and Frankford Business and Professional Association Presents Pictures with Santa Saturday, December 15, 2007 1:00 pm to 3:00 PM Frankford Hospital Lobby Free pictures and giveaways. Pictures are on a first come first serve basis!
• Monday December 17th - 8PM - Channel 10 - Clash of the Choirs - Philadelphia choir member Barbara Kellam
• Tuesday December 18th - 7PM - Northwood Civic Association Meeting - St. James Lutheran Church
• Thursday December 25th - 10AM - Multicultural Holiday Party 4620 Griscom St. Sponsored by Frankford Group Ministry’s Neighborhood Parenting Program. Parents and their children, 5 and younger, can learn about the traditional celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa with songs, food and crafts. 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Making Philadelphia Safe

From the Institute for Civic Values we have this proposal.

As we at ISCV wrestle with how to contribute most to the anti-violence movements in the City in the coming year, it seems clear to us that we need to achieve two critical goals:

1. Unite all the groups in our neighborhoods working to reduce crime and destructive behavior with those who are trying to help people who commit crime 'go straight' into a comprehensive movement for safe neighborhoods.

2. Establish as a basic goal of our movement not only reducing crime, but reducing the number of people who commit crime. That is the only way to insure that our neighborhoods will be safe over time.

The following is a proposed ten point PhillyBlocks Anti-Crime Neighborhood Agenda built on these principles.

We invite your comments--and especially your statements of support.



Making Philadelphia Safe

A Proposed PhillyBlocksNeighborhood Agenda

Institute for the Study of Civic Values


1. Establish partnership between Town Watch groups seeking to reduce ongoing known criminal activity with those who are fighting code violations and trash dumping and those who are working with ex-offenders and at-risk young people in the neighborhood. Every area of the city should have a neighborhood safety network that includes everyone working on violations of the law from code violations, trash dumping, drug dealing and drug houses, and related offenses.

2. Adopt the “311" System that enables citizens to report non-emergency problems to the City and strengthen the “Eyes and Ears” program of the Managing Director’s Office that enables community groups, block captains, and concerned citizens gain a quick response in dealing with code violations, trash dumping and related problems. Insure that citizens get an immediate response to citizen complaints that sets forth how the City will handle them. .

3. Adequately fund the District Attorney’s Public Nuisance Task Force and broaden collaboration between community groups and the Task Force to address ongoing serious problems in neighborhoods that are well known but not yet addressed by the criminal justice system.

4. Establish a strong relationship between the Police and community groups to implement the G.R.I.P.P Program to encourage people to turn in their guns in every neighborhood and continue to fight for new laws that protect the community from the illegal possession of guns.

5. Enable every Police District to issue its reports on area crime via email to networks that enable citizens to monitor these offenses on a quarterly basis. These reports should be placed on the Police District’s web site, with easy access from city groups.

6. Fight for adequate funding of drug treatment programs to insure that everyone who seeks and needs drug treatment can get it and insist that all drug treatment programs and centers be managed in ways that protect the surrounding neighborhood.

7. Strengthen block association and community organization with After School Programs aimed at providing increased opportunities for young people to get involved in the neighborhood. Strengthen block and neighborhood group partnerships with Truancy Centers, the District Attorney’s Juvenile Aid Panels, and related programs aimed at helping young people overcome destructive behavior at an early level. Support efforts to place young people who cause problems in schools in programs with expertise on helping them move in a positive direction.

8. Secure the fast release of people from the Philadelphia Prison for people awaiting trial for minor offenses, held there simply because they can’t make bail. Support proposals to move people charged with major offenses from the Philadelphia Prison to the State Prison System.

9. Secure an adequate budget for the City’s Probation Department to have caseloads of no more than 125 people apiece and set up a communications system between citizens, the police, and Probation to enable citizens to report to the Probation Department people who may be in violation of their probation. Insist that the Probation Department release a quarterly report on the status of ex-offenders they are monitoring in each division.

10.Fight for funds to support job training and placement for ex-offenders, within a system parallel to the welfare-to-work system. Require as a condition of probation and parole that ex-offenders enroll in a Reentry Center, in the same way that TANF recipients must enroll with the Department of Public Welfare and follow a structured strategy for getting off of welfare.

Ed Schwartz, Institute for the Study of Civic Values, 1218 Chestnut St.,
Rm. 702, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107 215-238-1434 edcivic@libertynet. org

ISCV web site: http://www.iscv. org
Also Check out "Neighborhoods Online" at http://www.neighborhoodsonline. net.
Or in Philadelphia: http://www.phillyneighborhoods. org

"Citizenship is the American ideal. There may be an army of actualities
opposed to that ideal, but there is no ideal opposed to that ideal."
--G.K. Chesterton

These ideas seem amazing rational given the situation we find the city in today. Give them some thought and send any comments you have to the email listed above.

Frankford Civic Association

The East Frankford Civic Association has changed its name to the the Frankford Civic Association. Read about it and other issues discussed at the recent meeting here.

Frankford resident in the news

Thanks to a tip from a reader it's a pleasure to highlight Barbara Kellam. Read the entire story on phillycom here.

Harmonizing

Twenty amateur singers have been holed up at Mount Airy Presbyterian Church many nights as they rehearse for the NBC reality series Clash of the Choirs.

Premise: Five celebs - Patti LaBelle in Philly, Kelly Rowland in Houston, Michael Bolton in New Haven, Conn., Nick Lachey in Cincinnati, and Blake Shelton in Oklahoma City - choose and train 20-member choirs in their hometowns to sing on the four-night live series, starting Dec. 17 in New York.

"This is not your father's choir," says executive producer Jason Raff, immediately apologizing for the cliche. "They won't be in robes holding song sheets." The music and contestants are diverse. R&B star Rowland's crew is rehearsing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody."

Winners will fund a local charity; LaBelle's is With Our Voices, a health-outreach program.

Juniata's Tim Bolognone, 30, a Frankford High and Bob Jones U grad, apprentice in the cabinetmakers' union, and worship leader at Grace Bible Church in Northeast Philly, has had some stage experience with a barbershop quartet, "but not in front of 11 million people."

Frankford's Barbara Kellam, an airline customer-service rep at Philadelphia International Airport, calls it "surreal" to have been chosen by LaBelle to represent Philly. "I'm seeing myself in commercials, and then I go to work," marvels Kellam, daughter and granddaughter of singers. This is "my breakthrough year," she says. "I was 315 pounds, had gastric-bypass surgery and lost 140 pounds. I also turned 30. I'm on fire!"

Rounding out LaBelle's choir are Amanda Gordon and Liimu McGill of Glenside; Christina Blue of Trenton; Frank DiCristo of Media; Joshua Womer of Mount Pleasant Mills, Pa.; Lucas Lasagna of Allentown; Katie Romano of Norristown; and Philadelphians Arlyn Wolters, Danielle Baker, Darian Moore, Jessie Reed-Benton, J'onett DeVeaubray, Mary McClinnaham, Niesha Cherry, Rachael Sutliff, Robbie Cunningham, Sharon Gary-Dixon, and Shonse Hawkins.

Frankford home of the week

The spotlight falls this week on a house we found over on Cottage Street near Bridge. It's a quite block near the cemetery. And it's only a stone's throw away from an architecturally significant building that I'll post next week.

Mozaic

Posted on the phillyblog today:

It is with the most indescribable sorrow that I announce mozaic is now closed.
I would like to thank everyone who supported this endeavor from the bottom of my broken heart.

Peace,
Joan Oliveto

www.myspace.com/mozaicrestaurant

The photo section is only a very small glimpse of many fond memories.

Next week in Frankford

• Tuesday December 11th - 7:30PM - Historical Society of Frankford - Jim Wiley presents Old Toys and How they Work; Old toys will be on display.
  This is our Winter Social. Please bring tea sandwiches or a dessert to share if you wish. $5.00 Donation for Non Members
• Thursday December 13th - 7PM - Jim Wiley presents "Old Toys and How they Work" Old toys will be on display.
  This is our Winter Social. Please bring tea sandwiches or a dessert to share if you wish. $5.00 Donation for Non Members at Simpson Playground
  

Lydia Darragh

The Garden City (New York) News online edition featured a small story about Lydia Darragh. While she didn't live in Frankford, she came here to pass on some vital intelligence about General Howe's plans. Read it here.

City Year

I recently had a comment on our community calendar from Alesha at City Year. Since it could be easily missed I am going to post it here.

Hello! My name is Alesha and I currently work for a non-profit organization called city year. We provide academic support to 24 schools in the Philadelphia area and are established in 18 cities. My team and I are currently doing our service in the Frankford high school located on Oxford ave. We will be honoring some members of the community next year who have provided an outstanding service to the community and we need some assistance in locating these people. If anyone that reads this or knows of any persons in the frankford area that have performed great civic duties or are an extreme asset to the community please contact me. My e-mail a21lesh@aol.com my phone number is (215) 939-8917 I appreciate this very much thank you.

If you would like more information or would like to suggest some worthy individual call or email Alesha.

History in the Northeast

There is a story in the Northeast Times this week about a new and exciting development. The cooperation of our various historical societies is something that makes so much sense you have to wonder why it has not come before now. However the time seems to be right for this new opportunity to preserve and teach the history of the Northeast. Have a look at the full story.

Frankford Special Services District

There is a letter to the editor in this week's Northeast Times opposing the re-establishment of the Frankford Neighborhood Improvement District. Councilman Savage introduced the bill and hearings have been held. The letter writer asks what is the benefit when a previous version of this idea has been tried and did not result in much improvement.

Unless this new version fits into a comprehensive plan for the future of Frankford, residents and business owners may not see the benefit. If that plan exists, it certainly has not been well publicized.

Frankford home of the week

This week is a neighbor of last weeks featured home. At the corner of Griscom and Harrison Streets.

Next week in Frankford

• Saturday December 1st - Noon - North Catholic IT Academy Open House
• Saturday December 1st - 7PM - at Mozaic - the Butch Ballard Trio
• Sunday December 2nd - 11:30AM - at St. Joachim - Christmas Wonderland
• Sunday December 2nd - Noon - Grand Army of the Republic Open House
  
• Sunday December 2nd - 1:ooPM - Historical Society of Frankford Open House
• Monday December 3rd - 6:00PM - Rain Barrel Workshop at Frankford Group Ministry
• Wednesday December 5th - 6-10PM - Gallery night at Mozaic
  
• Thursday December 6th - 7:00PM - East Frankford Civic Association meeting
  
• Friday December 7th - 9:00AM - Frankford Friends School Open House
  

See the community calendar more details about these events.

Civic group officials explain leader’s ouster

The Northeast Times this week carried two letters from East Frankford Civic's board members which can be read here. These were responses to the Times article covering this month's meeting and the election of a new president.

Northwood Civic Association

From the Northeast Times we learn the results of last weeks elections at the Northwood Civic. Congratulations to the new officers and board.

Effective in January:

President - Barry Howell
Vice President - Kathleen Fitzpatrick
Secretary - ?
Treasurer - (Bill Rodebaugh)
Board members - Lou Kubik, Renee Hudson, Gina Panchella and Joanne Ryles

Philly Neighborhoods Online

Please check out the Philly Neighborhoods online web page. It tries to pack more information into one place about getting things done in Philadelphia that you can imagine. This is a great resource. We've added a link over to the right at the bottom of the page.

Northeast Philadelphia Town Hall Meeting

Northeast Philadelphia Town Hall Meeting

Northeast residents: Come discuss the absence of maternity services in our community!

Join childbearing families, nurses, doctors, and legislators to explore the city's childbirth crisis at a Northeast Philadelphia Town Hall Meeting moderated by Zack Stalberg of the Committee of Seventy. The meeting is sponsored by the Community Board of Public Health Center # 10; Maternity Care Coalition; Counseling or Referral Assistance (CORA); Friends of Tacony Creek Park; Lawncrest Town Watch; Somerton Civic Association; Rhawnhurst Town Watch; and Upper Northwood Community Council.

Thursday, November 29, 7 pm
St. John's Lutheran Church

3101 Tyson Avenue, 19149

(corner of Tyson and Sackett)




Families in Northeast and all of Philadelphia
must have access to safe and affordable

prenatal care and birthing options.

The time to act is now!

Ed Schwartz, Institute for the Study of Civic Values, 1218 Chestnut St.,
Rm. 702, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107 215-238-1434 edcivic@libertynet. org

Alvira Perry burned out

There was an interesting page 1 story in the Daily News today about Alvira Perry and the problems she had with a house next to her own. She had bought her house at 1643 Margaret Street in 1998 for $3,500. No, it was not the best of locations but the price was right and she could afford it. She lived there as the block deteriorated and eventually hers was the only occupied house. Squatters took over the house next to hers. She complained to her councilman and to anybody else she could find. The squatters continued on and eventually set a fire that caused significant damage to Elvira's home and she had to move in with her daughter.

She filed a claim with the City. Why, because the City owned the house where the squatters set the fire. Case closed. Pay the lady for the damage.

When the City takes over these properties, it has the obligation to do the right thing, just like you or I would. The City was negligent.

Home of the week

You may have seen this home in passing Frankford hospital on your way up Harrison Street. I have not been able to get a picture of it that does justice to the nice garden in the side yard. It is a gem.

Murder in Frankford Sunday morning

From philly.com today:

David Howarth, 32, of Penn Street near Dyre, was found shot once in the chest on Brill Street near Frankford Avenue in the Northeast shortly after 4:30 a.m. yesterday.

He was pronounced dead at Frankford-Torresdale Hospital at 5:30 a.m.

Detectives were interviewing a possible suspect, but no charges had been filed, said Homicide Sgt. Ron McClane.

Read this version from the Northeast Times

Next week in Frankford

• Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th - Greenwood Cemetery Cleanup - Greenwood Cemetery Cleanup LOCATION; 931 Adams Ave., Philadelphia,Pa 19124 WHEN; Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25 TIME; 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM or whenever you can attend between those times. LUNCH AND SNACKS WILL BE PROVIDED: by FOG Please wear sturdy shoes and work gloves. This is a rain or shine event, dress for the weather. If you have a weed wackier, rake,shovel,bush clippers, etc., please bring them. We have a woodchipper coming so that we can grind up the tree branches and twigs and spread them along the pathways and fill in groundhog holes. We will also have some office work to do and some painting of the the graffiti on the outside walls. Any one who has any other equipment they can bring to help out would be appreciated. We will give receipts for tax deductible contributions of time/work performed, as we are a 501c3 tax free organization. We the Friends of Greenwood are deeply involved in trying to preserve this old cemetery and the Benj. Rush Farm House which stands on the property. Benj.Rush was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a physician. The house was also a stop on the Underground RR and once was the home of Lenape Indians. It is the final resting place of many veterans of America's wars, including a MOH from the Philippine War of 1898. It is also the final resting place of the parents of WC Fields. Anyone interested in coming out to help, please e mail me by November 21st at the latest, as we need to be able to provide enough food and snacks for all attendees. Thanks in advance for any help you can give. Kathleen(Kathy) Smith SilverOwl275@aol.com
• Saturday the 24th - at Mozaic 7-11PM - The Kenny Kellem Trio
  

Another dream come true

"Operation Field Rescue" will air on Thanksgiving at 4 and 9PM on Comcast channel 9. The story is about the Frankford Chargers and Vince Papale and the transformation of the Billy Gambrel recreation center field

Mozaic

The Frankford Gazette is not one to be the first in line for any occasion, so it was about time that we sampled the fare at Mozaic. Tuesday afternoon was a cause for celebration so it was fitting that we decided that no more appropriate place than Mozaic would due.

The verdict: not since the demise of the Griscom House has Frankford seen anything comparable.

We came for luncheon and were not disappointed. We had the Chicken Parmesan and French dip. Ample leftovers for seconds today.

The atmosphere even during a rather dreary, rainy day was fine. The passing scene outside, visible from a window table, was always entertaining.

Try it.

Frankford home of the week

A sunny day on Tackawanna Street.

Next week in Frankford

• On Tuesday November 20th - 7PM - Northwood Civic Association meeting for election of officers
• Thursday November 22nd - Happy thanksgiving
  

Crime in Frankford

The latest tale of losers who can't make a living any other way than with a gun was detailed on NBC10 yesterday. Do him a favor and send him to a nice vocational school along the river. Take a look at the still pictures they are fairly clear. He seems to prefer that little strip mall along Castor Avenue with the Family Dollar and Radio Shack.

From the Northeast Tiems:
A Lower Frankford man identified by police last month as the culprit in a string of armed robberies at local businesses remains on the loose.
Detectives are still seeking the public’s help in locating him.
Earl McIntosh, 19, of the 4600 block of Naples St., is wanted for six hold-ups as well as a burglary.
All seven crimes occurred at stores within blocks of his last known address.
McIntosh has robbed the Radio Shack, at 4501 Castor Ave., three times since Oct. 28; the Family Dollar, at 4334 Frankford Ave., twice; and the Yandel Food Market, at 1362 Unity St., once, police say.
Also, he allegedly broke into the Family Dollar in the same shopping center as the Radio Shack.
Five of the crimes have occurred in broad daylight, between the hours of 12:20 and 2:50 p.m.
Sometimes, McIntosh has used a handgun and other times a shotgun, according to Lt. Mark Burgmann of Northeast Detectives.
In all, the robber has taken over $3,000 in the heists.
No injuries have been reported, but McIntosh is considered armed and dangerous.
He is black, 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes and numerous tattoos on his arms, legs, hands and neck. His nickname is Tyrone.
Call 215-686-3153 to report information about the suspect. ••

Crime in Frankford

The details of the shooting last night at Orthodox and Torresdale have been well publicized. The only positive is that the undercover cops were not killed. No thanks to the shooter, he did his best. I posted a new poll over to the right. Take a look and voice your opinion.

New Link

We have a new link posted over under Frankford Links. Pennsylvania Environmental Council provides some information on the TOD (Transit Oriented Development) concept.

Frankford home of the week

It's true that sometimes I do some cropping to frame the image of a house to cut out those on either side. Sometimes I find a gem in the middle of a group that are just ordinary. The homes this week are actually 4 in an entire row that overall is outstanding. There are others in Frankford, to be sure, but these homes on Church Street are the homes of the week.


You always see a theme here. On this cool Fall day it's Halloween but Christmas will be going up probably in a few weeks now. It's interesting to see how these four identical row houses have evolved over their lifetimes.

Councilman Dan Savage

This week's Northeast Times brings us an article on Dan Savage's accomplishment's during his time in office. It does a better job than I could in listing them and I have to admit I did not know about all of the things noted in the story.

The most important thing he has given Frankford is some long needed attention. He clearly sees Frankford as important to the health of the Northeast and has worked hard to get some things done.

From the very visible things like the Deni Playground and derelict building demolition to the less exciting but very important Transit-Oriented Development zoning changes. So far he has introduced or co-sponsored 38 bills in City Council and he has not left office yet. I'm sure we will be hearing from Dan in the future.

Now let's hope Maria Quinones-Sanchez hits the deck running and keep the momentum going.

Frankford Special Services District

Thanks again to the folks at www.hallwatch.org we have notice of a bill to change the number of persons on the board of directors of the Special Services District. Given the difficulty in finding good people to hold these positions, that makes sense.

Also included are the names of the people who will be on the board:

BOARD MEMBERS

Nancy Cherone
James McCarthy
Dr. Harry Kaplan
Ralph Lewis
Elizabeth McCollum Nazario
Anthony Stephens
Paul Mundy                           
James T. Nulty                       
Terry Tobin 

You can read the full text of the bill here.                         

Images of Frankford

The web site www.flickr.com is a great place to browse when you have an hour or so. Earlier this year I found one photographer who had a few pictures of Frankford and they were very good. I checked back today and he has added quite a few to his portfolio so I am encouraging everyone to take a look at chrisinphilly on flickr and watch the slide show of his Frankford collection. He has a great eye.

While you're over there, have a look at the rest of his collection.

Next week in Frankford

• On Saturday the 10th at Mater Dolorosa - 6PM - Monte Carlo night - night at the races
• On Tuesday the 13th - at the Historical Society of Frankford - 7:30 PM - Program - Norman Satchell presents a slide slow of "Colonial Philadelphia" Independence Hall
  

Frankford Real Estate Trend

Our friends at the Cartographic Modeling Lab at the U of Penn have updated the neighborhoodBase with sales data from 2006. We all know that 2006 was not a terrific year but Frankford did not do all that bad.

The median sales price of properties sold in 2006 was up $7,000 over 2005 ($72,000 versus $65,000). At the same time the median price for the city overall dropped from $86,000 to $81,000. This is using data for Frankford defined by the U of Penn which can be found on the neighborhoodBase web site.

If you focus on zip code 19124 the result was even more impressive. The 2005 median price was $72,500 which increased in 2006 to $79,000.

Not everyone will see this as good news. With the change in real estate valuation on the horizon this may not be the best time to have your home value increase. But the increase we are seeing is at best the market catching up to the fact we all know, that this is a good place to live and has tremendous potential for the future.

The instability of oil prices will likely give pause to those thinking of moving far out of the city to be locked into a long commute to work. Where better to situate yourself than at a major transportation hub within the city.

Where better then Frankford.

"Illegal" meeting votes out president of East Frankford Civic Assoc.

This article from the Northeast Times summarizes the proceedings.

Walkability

I found this link on the Philadelphia Bicycle News site today. Enter your address and then get a rating for how walkable your location is. We are blessed in Frankford with a high walkability index. Now enter the addresses of your family and friends and compare. One of the many benefits of living in Frankford.

Frankford Home of the Week

I found this one a few weeks ago on Duffield Street. There is a nice little garden in front and the sidewalk is spotless.

Next week in Frankford

• Sunday the 4th -Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House - Noon - Presentation at 1:00 PM: Women of the North &; South in the Civil War"; Carol Neumann, R.N., M.S. Union League FREE and open to the public G.A.R. Civil War Museum &; Library 4278 Griscom St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 215-204-5452
• Sunday the 4th - Historical Society of Frankford - 1 to 4PM - Open Houses are held the first Sunday of each month from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and offers members and interested guests the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich history. Closed January, February, July, August and September.
• Tuesday the 6th - Election day - Please vote
• Thursday the 8th - 7PM - Northwood Neighbors Association Meeting - Simpson Playground

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

The article in the Northeast Times this week made reference to a bill submitted by council people Savage, Krajewski and DiCicco. Our friends at Hallwatch.org have provided a link to the entire text of the bill.

The bill first defines Transit-Oriented Development as "encourages mixed-use, higher-density development near transit stations." It then goes on to enumerate very detailed changes to the zoning code to implement this type of development.

The second part of the bill designates Frankford Avenue from Cheltenham Avenue to the Frankford Creek as the Frankford Transit-Oriented Development District.

It is not extremely long and with some patience you can make some sense of it, so take a look.

You might also take a look at this wikipedia entry and this site to for some additional information.

Savage pushes for Frankford to be Special again

This article from the Northeast Times outlines the steps taken by Councilman Savage to reauthorize the Frankford Special Services District and also legislation to amend the city’s zoning code, thus allowing creation of a classification to permit transit-oriented development.

We have a link over to the right that describes the concept and how it will repaint the picture of Frankford in the future.

Home of the week

I pass this nice house walking to the post office. It's on Kinsey Street and you would not usually notice it unless you are on foot. It's always well kept in an area close to Frankford Avenue which would usually attract a lot of street debris.

Future of Frankford

This is a link to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission document entitled Frankford Avenue Corridor Transit Oriented Development Plan. It is long and I haven't read all of it but when you add this to the Frankford Greenway plan you can get a feel for what some people think Frankford will look like in the future. You can expect the next issue of the rezoning of the city will incorporate the concepts laid out in these plans.

Dog fighting update

From the Daily news:

2 men in Northeast accused of running dogfight operation

Two local men have been arrested for running a dog-fighting operation out of a home in the Lower Northeast. Police said they found 18 injured dogs - including one that had to be euthanized - at a property on Adams Avenue near Wingohocking Street on Oct. 6.

Police also found training supplies and material for a dogfighting ring. Bryant Page, 30, and Terrence Hayward, 33, were both charged with cruelty to animals and related offenses, police said.

Next week in Frankford

• Saturday the 27th - Venture Crew 2108 at St. James Lutheran Church in Northwood
  (Castor Avenue and Pratt Streets, 19124) is hosting a flea
  market and harvest sale on Saturday, October 27th from 7 AM to
  2 PM.
  
  Spots without tables are $10, spots with tables are $20.
  Vendors are welcome! We will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers,
  beverages (including hot apple cider), as well as pumpkin and
  apple treats in celebration of the season!
  
• Saturday the 27th - From the GAR - History & Mystery Tours announces the annual Howl-O-ween “Trail of Terror” tour!
  
  Come to Old City Philadelphia on October 27, 2007 for
  Halloween in Old City. Terror awaits you at the haunted
  sites of the Founding Fathers: The horror starts on
  Saturday. Meet at 7:30PM.
  
  
  The ‘original’ Ghost tour of Old City: “Prominent Spirits of
  Philadelphia”
  
  Gather at 3rd Chestnut Sts. at 7:30PM for a 1 and a half
  hour walking tour of ‘haunted’ sites, led by a famous spirit
  of the past. Many of the sites feature prominent Americans
  and Founding Fathers. The tour ends at the same spot where
  it began. Participants will learn tales of ghostly doings
  associated with plagues, war, murder and mayhem, which have
  left some famous Americans not quite at rest.
  Cost: $10. Per person, children under 12 are free.
  
• Thursday November 1st - 7PM - East Frankford Civic Association meeting - Frankford Hospital
  

Murder in Frankford

On Wednesday night, story from the Inquirer:

...near Ditman and Pratt Streets in East Frankford. The victim, an unidentified male, was shot in the head and neck, and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. No other details were immediately available

Taubenberger makes his pitch at Northwood Civic

From the Northeast Times dated October 25, 2007:

Republican mayoral candidate Al Taubenberger opposes any effort by the Board of Revision of Taxes to implement a full-value assessment of properties. At present, the BRT uses a complicated formula to determine property taxes. By going to a full-value system, the board would lower the millage rate, but Taubenberger thinks many homeowners would be penalized.

Read the entire article here.

Future of Frankford is at a tipping point

From the Northeast Times dated October 25, 2007:

Frankford will be the first community in Philadelphia to take advantage of the city’s move to transit-oriented development zoning. "Neighborhoods like this are at a tipping point," said Janice Woodcock, director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, at last week’s Future of Frankford meeting.

There is a lot of important information in this article. Read it in it's entirety here.

East Fankford Civic Association

The East Fankford Civic Association has a new web site. We have a link to it over to the right or follow this link.

Poll has closed

Before I retire the current poll I wanted to recap the results. 15 people cast a vote and 13 of them prefer Nutter. 1 went for Taubenberger and 1 would prefer somebody else.

We are fortunate in this election to have had quite a few good choices in the primary and now in the general election. In any case, Vote.

Why vote when the results seem clear already. Well the next mayor is going to have a full plate of issues to deal with very quickly. The public support that he carries will give him the political clout to be more effective and get done what needs to be done.

This could be the first election of a new era in Philadelphia. We certainly need one.

Home of the week

I met the owner of this twin that afternoon. He decided not to be in the picture though. All decked out for Halloween.

Northwood Civic Association

Northwood Civic Association has a slate of candidates up for election at the next meeting. You can see the list here.

Next week in Frankford

• Saturday the 20th - 9AM - 2PM - A Rummage Sale to benefit the scholarship fund at Frankford Friends School will be held at the school. Tons of great stuff is being collected and will sell for low, low prices: kids books, toys, clothes, even furniture. I think there will be refreshments served as well. Penn and Orthodox Streets in lovely Frankford.
• Saturday the 20th - 2PM-4PM - Lower Northeast Town Hall Meeting Join Michael Nutter and other communuty leaders to discuss the issues important to you in your neighborhood. To RSVP or for more information, contact Katherine at townhall@nutter2007.com or 215-545-9700.
• Sunday the 21st - For the GAR museum - at the Woodlands cemetery - Cemetery Tour: Civil War Era History at The Woodlands Donation: $20 (donation) Guide: Dr. Andy Waskie, Temple University Visit the graves of historical personalities, heroes, commanders, nurses, surgeons and others who made the supreme sacrifice and now repose among nature at one of America's premier sacred sites. Experience the history of the Civil War through the lives of generals, admirals, Medal of Honor recipients, and battlefield nurses who gave their lives to defend the Union and free an enslaved race. Learn about war veterans who changed American society, artists who captured the mood of the era, and pioneering physicians who modernized medicine. Meet those who made a difference to the life of the nation, including General David Bell Birney of Gettysburg; Col. Robert Beath who lost a leg leading Black Troops; Emily Bliss Souder Gettysburg battlefield nurse; Col. Sylvester Bonnaffon, Medal of Honor; Dr. John Brinton, pioneer surgeon; and Peter Rothermel, Gettysburg artist. RSVP to 215-898-3169 of info@woodlandsphila.org Jean K. Wolf Executive Director The Woodlands 4000 Woodland Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19104-4560 Tel. 215-386-2181 Fax 215-386-2431 jwolfwoodlands@verizon.net

The Old Mill

We have links to some of the businesses in the building. This is a web site for the building itself. Have a look.

Frankford Community Development Corporation

The Frankford Community Development Corporation Board of Directors is looking for volunteer members. Please submit resume’s or letter of interest to Tracy O’Drain, 4900 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124; email to frankfordmainstmgr@yahoo.com; or fax to 215-743-6582. No phone calls or personal visits please.

All submittals are due by November 15, 2007, 5:00p.m. and will be reviewed by the Frankford Community Development Corporation Nominating Committee.

The Frankford CDC is a neighborhood-based organization that conducts economic development activities designed to revitalize and diversify the commercial corridor while enhancing employment opportunities. Frankford CDC works with local businesses, the Frankford Business and Professional Association, and with the local neighborhood organizations, when appropriate, to aid in the stabilization and revitalization of the neighborhood.

Murder in Franford

From the Daily News today reporting on a murder on Wednesday October 17th:

Shortly after 6:10 p.m., a 68-year-old man was stabbed in the chest at a halfway house in the 4400 block of Waln Street, East Frankford. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police identified him this morning as Robert Kitchen, who lived at the same address.

They weren't able to release, however, the name of the 25-year-old man who was taken into custody. Police said both men were residents in the house and got into an argument in the living room.

This version from NBC10 is slightly different:

Police said a fatal stabbing was reported Wednesday night outside a home for mentally-challenged men in the Frankford section of the Philadelphia.

It looks like this was:

Northeast Community Center For Lth-Mental Retardtn - Branches, Adult Adjustment Program Philadelphia 19102Unity Waln Sts

Mayor Grants $21M to Commercial Corridors

The REM Network reports that mayor Street has awarded the area of Frankford Avenue between Sellers and Margaret over $1,000,000 in redevelopment funds.

Mayor John Street launched the ReStore Philadelphia Corridors program with an initial round of $21 million in funding. The program is a complement to the ongoing Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, and it was split among 36 neighborhoods.

Home of the week

I was driving down Darrah Street a few days ago and as I was turning down Hawarth Street this place caught my eye I had to keep going but I eventually came back around and found this property on the corner.




It is more like some of the homes you see down in Society Hill and yet here it is in the heart of Frankford.

Project PRISE

I was in the neighborhood last week and got this picture of the sign on Griscom street across from St. Joachim. This is a description of the program:

Project PRISE is a new outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment program for adolescents with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders located in the Kensington section of Northeast Philadelphia. Located in one of the most under-served communities for adolescents with substance abuse problems in Philadelphia, Project PRISE (Promoting Recovery through Integrated Services and Education) will serve approximately 30-40 youth at any given time, and approximately 75-80 youth per year. The PRISE IOP will offer a range of services, including comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessments and individual, group, and family therapy that will be informed by evidence-based assessment and treatment models developed as part of the CSAT funded Cannabis Youth Treatment Study. The program will also include a home-based, family-focused case management component that focuses on linking adolescents to a range of pro-social activities in the community and is based on a nationally recognized model. In addition, Project PRISE will be designed to promote increased collaboration between probation officers and the Clinical Treatment Team through regular meetings, information sharing, and communication.

Project PRISE is a program of the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation (PHMC). PHMC is a non-profit public health organization that conducts research and evaluates programs, provides management and technical assistance services for other non-profits, and provides specialized direct services in the community. PHMC currently manages eight other behavioral health programs in Philadelphia, including The Joseph J. Peters Institute, The Bridge, Bridges’ Step-Down, CHANCES, Interim House, and Interim House West, WestHaven and The Family Therapy Treatment Program.

This is an update of the drug treatment facilities:


View Larger Map

New Link

I review the links over to the right periodically to make sure all are still in operation. While I was going through the list tonight, I added a link to Andrew Sullivan's blog. If you want to hear what a real conservative (like Barry Goldwater not George Bush) has to say, take a look. He has a unique, in our times, perspective. Just in case you don't see it over there here it is.

Next week in Frankford

• On Tuesday the 16th, Frankford Crime and Safety Summit meeting, 6PM at Frankford Hospital’s second-floor conference room
• On Tuesday the 16th Northwood Civic Association Meeting, 7PM at St. James Lutheran Church
• On Friday the 19th, at Mozaic, Friday, October 19th. - Fundraiser for Frankford Friends School. *mozaic *will be donating 10% of your dinner purchase to The Frankford Friends School Building Fund.

East Frankford Civic

The Northeast Times reports on the most recent meeting of the East Frankford Civic Association. Read it here.

Plans are afoot to have petitions circulated to protest the proposed NET opening on the Avenue.

Quinones-Sanchez ready to restore order in the 7th

The Northease Times has an interview with our future council person this week. Here it is.

Dog fighting on Adams Avenue

The reports on the local news were so bad i decided not to post anything about it. Then I noticed today over on Phillyblog some comments that sounded likely to be true so here they are:

Yesterday the Daily News had a more informative piece on the overall problem. Here it is for as long as it is available.

Art Holiday

I found this site while doing some more research on the Art Holiday. It seems the theater buffs have an interest in it. It was renovated by a prominent theater designer. A gem in the rough.

Zoning and the future of Frankford

I posted the link below to the Inquirer's zoning article yesterday. But what does this have to do with Frankford? It is hard to imagine but zoning in this city matters a great deal. It is blueprint for how the city grows.

The existing zoning code has become so outdated that it will be completely revised and then the city will be remapped. This will change the face of the city for decades to come. Frankford, because of its strategic location as a transportation hub, may see substantial change as well. We will have the opportunity to provide our input during the process but it requires an informed community to make some intelligent decisions. It's time to become aware of the issues and the possibilities.

Zoning can shape the city | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/07/2007

* Please note, the sender's email address has not been verified. for anyone who missed it in Sunday's Inquirer, have a read at this article on zoning. Click the following to access the sent link: Zoning can shape the city | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/07/2007* View the most EMAILED for today from Philly.com 1. Blame begins in costly schools report 2. Quaker charity sued over a doctor's legacy 3. Her frantic call for help aided a victim. A heartless attack - then a swift, brave act Get your EMAIL THIS Browser Button and use it to email information from any Web site. *This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/10297242.html

Frankford home of the week

This pair on Kenwyn street in late September is our home for this week. There were many nice well kept properties on this block. It was hard to choose among them.

Next week in Frankford

This is a busy week in town:

• Saturday the 6th - 15th Police District Advisory Council Community Day, 10AM, Wissinoming Park
• Sunday the 7th - GAR museum - Open House 12-5PM - Presentation at 1:30 PM: "Who is this Dred Scott and why does he think he has rights?" by Mr. Bruce Hanes, Esq. Union League historian
• Sunday the 7th - Historical Society of Frankford - 12-4PM - (An exhibit of all of our firefighting memorabilia will be on display)
  
• Tuesday the 9th - Historical Society of Frankford - 7:30-9PM - Program - The horse drawn era of the Philadelphia Bureau of Fire Jack Wright of the Fireman's Museum presents "The Horse-Drawn Era of the Philadelphia Bureau of Fire" Light Refreshments will be served. $5.00 Admission for Non-Members.
  
• Thursday the 11th - Northwood Neighbors Association meeting - 7-8:30PM - Simpson Playground
  
• Friday the 12th - Historical Society of Frankford - 7:30-9:30PM - Special Program: "Ghost Tour of Frankford And Beyond!" (South Jersey Ghost Researchers will give a short lecture on how they conduct their research hauntings and how they detect ghosts. They have over 50 years of experience with ghost investigations. The lecture will be followed by a walking tour to GAR Museum where the South Jersey Ghost Researchers have completed an investigation on site and have a report on their findings.) Light Refreshments will be served. Admission: $7.00/Adults, $5.00 Students/Seniors, $3.00/Children

Northeast Youth Curfew Center

The Northeast Times has a good article on the Northeast Youth Curfew Center located at the FGM on Griscom Street. I'm not sure why people think their kids should be out all night. In times like this, it's only asking for trouble.

Art Holiday

The Northeast Times reports that Frankford Associates has had to walk away from the deal to purchase the Art Holiday property. The story in the Times details the business reasons why that decision was made. So where does that leave us?

We had that blight on the neighborhood for years thanks to the present owners Cinema Art Theaters who have owned it since 1979. According to the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the corporation was created in 1968. The corporation is headquartered in Narberth. The officer of the corporation listed an address in Rosemont.

It is time to put them on notice, Frankford will not be screwed again.