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Theatre in the X seeking community support ahead of August staging of “The Beast of Nubia”

July 18, 2019

One of our favorite things about summer in West Philly is performances by Theatre in the X, the company that stages free Afrocentric plays at Malcolm X. Park. This summer they will present the world premiere of “The Beast of Nubia” on Aug. 4, 11 and 18. (look for a more detailed preview later this month). Check out the trailer below. For now, we wanted to let people know about their fundraiser and volunteer sign-up.

Theatre in the X has a GoFundMe campaign here to keep the summer performances going well into the future. They are also seeking volunteers for everything from ushers to wardrobe assistants to set builders. Go here to fill out the volunteer formContinue Reading

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Get some help “Funding the Hustle” with event for would-be entrepreneurs

July 8, 2019

If you are thinking of starting a small business, you need to get to this. A bunch of local non-profits aimed at helping West Philly-based entrepreneurs get going are hosting “Funding the Hustle,” which will include panels and lightening talks on everything from “Finance 101” to a design thinking workshop.

Funding the Hustle will highlight ways to get money to get your venture going, including traditional bank financing, crowd-funding and “impact investing.” It will also feature a workshop called “Hacking Your Hustle,” which will feature advice from entrepreneurs on balancing your family and/or day job obligations with your venture.  Continue Reading

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Garden Court Community Association approves plan to convert church near 46th and Spruce into apartments – with conditions

July 1, 2019

Rendering of proposed project at the Good Shepherd Community Church site on 46th near Spruce. The building on the left is the new nine-unit structure.

The Garden Court Community Association (GCCA) zoning committee will support a contentious proposal to turn the Good Shepherd Community Church on 46th Street near Spruce into apartments and build a second, 9-unit building in the church’s garden.

Hightop Development, which originally planned to demolish the church building, has agreed to several conditions requested by the GCCA zoning committee, including the addition of two “affordable” apartments, stipulations on trash storage, landscaping and building materials (see list below). The GCCA zoning committee’s support is contingent on a signed “memorandum of understanding” with Hightop that lays out the conditions.  Continue Reading

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Neighbors vote against proposed five-story apartment building at 42nd and Chester

June 27, 2019

A rendering of the proposed 48-unit building at 42nd and Chester, which would replace the Millcreek Tavern (HarmanDeutsch Architecture).

A strong majority of nearby residents at Wednesday’s public meeting focused on a proposed five-story apartment building that would replace Millcreek Tavern at 42nd and Chester opposed the plan, arguing that it would accelerate gentrification and exacerbate parking problems.

The proposal, which calls for the demolition of Millcreek Tavern, includes 48 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Four units would be designated as “affordable,” bringing the price of a studio with utilities included down to $918. A one-bedroom, market-rate apartment would rent for $1,300 a month, according to developers.  Continue Reading

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Public hearing for proposed 5-story building on Millcreek Tavern site at 42nd and Chester

June 25, 2019

Millcreek Tavern (42nd and Chester).

A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 to discuss a proposal for a 5-story, 48-unit building at the corner of 42nd and Chester, currently the site of the Millcreek Tavern.

Core Development’s plans for 4200-4202 Chester call for the demolition of the Millcreek Tavern. The new building would include 5,500 square feet of ground floor commercial space. Necessary variances include number of units, the building height, parking and minimum open space. The property is zoned CMX-1.  Continue Reading

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Juneteenth parade this Saturday along 52nd Street, festival in Malcolm X. Park (updated)

June 19, 2019

Happy Juneteenth! The celebration of America’s “other Independence Day” kicks off around the city today (if you need background on the holiday that marks the end of slavery see the video below from The Root). The epicenter of the city’s Juneteenth celebration will be in West Philly this Saturday, June 22, with a parade down 52nd Street and and a festival in Malcom X. Park complete with vendors, food and lots of music.

The day kicks off with an “Honor Our Ancestors” breakfast. The parade begins at noon at 52nd and Jefferson and proceeds south on 52nd Street, which will be renamed “Muhammad Ali Way” during a ceremony in Malcolm X. Park (3 – 4 p.m.). The Juneteenth Musicfest will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the park. The featured performer is Kindred The Family Soul. Their performance is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Continue Reading

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