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:


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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.

Dyre and Griscom then and now

On one of my walking tours around the town I took a picture of one of the big old houses on Griscom Street. Then I remembered that somewhere I had an old picture showing the same house shortly after it was built. This was it a few days ago on a nice sunny morning:




This was how it appeared in about 1910. You can see that there were not many other houses in the neighborhood yet.


Somewhere along the way it has lost its magnificent wrap around porch that must have been a maintenance headache but otherwise looks very much as it did. A lot of history must have passed over that porch step in almost 100 years of living.

Home of the week

Our home this week is a home to many. It is an apartment house on Penn Street. This building is immaculately maintained by the owners.

However, I must confess I know this building well since it was my first home when I moved back to Frankford many years ago. Then when my wife and I married we lived there on the top floor center for several years until we bought a house.




I got to know the owner at that time, John Corcoran. He showed me his old picture of the house as it was built. A unique old house of a style I could not name even today. It was significantly modified for conversion into apartments with a large addition in the rear. But the grand old main stairway was still there with the old dark wood banister that must have seen many a child sliding down its length.

I think John would be happy to see it looking so good today.

Frankford Special Services District

A hearing has been scheduled for October 25th for the bill to re-establish the Frankford Special Services District. The entire text of the bill is available thanks to Hallwatch.org here.

The service area of the proposed district shall include the approximate 480 taxable (for real estate purposes) commercial and industrial properties on both sides of Frankford Avenue from Torresdale Avenue to Bridge Street and certain side streets including portions of Kensington Avenue, Foulkrod Street, Gillingham Street, Griscom Street, Margaret Street, Meadow Street, Orthodox Street, Paul Street, Pratt Street, Darrah Street, and Unity Street. This area is referred to as the "whole district." While the service area does contain residential properties, properties that are zoned residential will not be assessed. Tax exempt properties located within the District will be encouraged to contribute cash or in-kind services.

The city will be responsible for collecting the special tax assessment from commercial and industrial property owners which is an improvement over the former situation.

"Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Rules,
open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above
listed item."

Thanks Hallwatch.