A few community meetings will be held this week – in the Spruce Hill and Walnut Hill neighborhoods – where residents can learn more and ask questions about public safety, development projects, and other important issues.

Two meetings are scheduled at Spruce Hill Community Association’s office at 257 S. 45th St this week:

• SHCA Board Meeting will take place tonight (Tuesday, Apr. 12) at 7:30 p.m., and the guest speaker is Jess Hinchey, a volunteer coordinator at Refugee Corps.

• SHCA Zoning meeting is on Wednesday, Apr. 13, and has the following agenda:  Continue Reading

The community association for one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods is looking for new members and leadership. Cedar Park Neighbors will hold its annual meeting on April 18, and all are invited to the Calvary Center for Culture and Community at 48th and Baltimore to hear a report of what CPN has done over the year. There will also be a special event at the meeting that will be announced soon.

The meeting will also include elections for next year’s officers and board members. But only CPN members as of April 1, 2016 can vote. Annual memberships run from January to December each year, and if you would like to join or renew your membership you can do it on the MemberPlanet website. CPN memberships start at just $7/year (for seniors, students, and the unemployed.)

If you have questions, please email: contact@cedarparkneighbors.org or call 267-225-8283.

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

A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday that could go a long way to determining the future of the upstart youth baseball league that has operated for the past two years at the 48th and Woodland Playground.

Local politicians and PAYSA organizers on last year’s opening day for the league (Photo from PAYSA Facebook page).

The Department of Parks and Recreation called the meeting following a request by the league, called the Philadelphia Athletics Youth Sports Association (PAYSA), to improve field conditions and begin work on a long-term master plan for the playground. The request reportedly triggered questions about whether the baseball league is “primarily run by and for members of the community served by the 48th & Woodland Playground,” PAYSA president and co-founder Steve Walicki wrote in a letter to league parents and supporters.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the 48th and Woodland Playground. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell is scheduled to be on hand, and community members who live in the area are invited. The organizers are requesting that those attending bring proof of residence, like a driver’s license with your local address on it.

Founded in 2013, PAYSA’s first opening day was in April 2014.

– Mike Lyons

Photo from Phillywatersheds.org

Neighborhood residents are invited to learn more about the Philadelphia Water Department’s Rain Check program at Garden Court Community Association‘s general meeting, which will take place this Wednesday (March 2) at Mosaic Community Church (51st and Sansom).

Rain Check is a program that helps residents manage stormwater at their homes. All participants will receive a free rain barrel and can also sign up to have a downspout planter, rain garden or porous paving installed at a reduced price. Rain Check supports Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters program which is working in neighborhoods across the city, adding green features to keep excess stormwater out of sewers.

Other perks of the meeting include dinner (provided by GCCA) and the opportunity to connect with neighbors.

Dinner with neighbors starts at 6:15 p.m., and program presentation is at 7 p.m.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are planning to attend the event please register at this link.

An emergency community meeting concerning last week’s shooting of the police officer near 60th and Spruce Streets by a man who allegedly supports ISIS will be held on Thursday, Jan. 14, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bryant School, 6001 Cedar Ave.

The meeting, hosted by state Sen. Anthony H. Williams in partnership with Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and State Rep. Joanna McClinton, will focus on neighborhood safety and mental health issues. Updates concerning neighborhood security will also be provided by law enforcement.

Muslim and Christian faith leaders will also participate in the meeting.