The little building at 4610 Cedar is coming down. (Photo by West Philly Local)

The small building that sits on the west side of the triangular parking lot at 4610 Cedar Ave. (near Baltimore) is finally coming down and it looks like a three-story building will take its place.

Fencing has been erected around the building, which most recently was a temporary branch of the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, and the work should be completed by the end of the month, according to signs. A permit issued in November 2013 allows for the demolition of the current structure and the construction of a three-story building. The property is zoned for commercial and residential uses and is owned by the Bay Lay Song Family Trust, which is headed by members of the Lai family (who own the Vietnam Café at 816 S. 47th St., among other properties).

The building has been many things over the years (A West Coast Video, cheesesteak place, dollar store, gas station) and two businesses – Domino’s Pizza and Philly Flavors ice cream –  expressed interest in the property over the last couple of years. Both plans fell through.

This youngster found a friend Saturday at the Spruce Hill Community Association‘s May Fair in Clark Park. The petting zoo, which included a llama (maybe an alpaca), a large selection of goats and some peculiar poultry-like creatures, was a big hit.

5123-29 Baltimore Avenue (image from Google Street View).

The urban farming hub Greensgrow Farms will likely open a bigger West Philly location next spring after agreeing to lease a large, overgrown vacant lot on the 5100 block of Baltimore Avenue.

Greensgrow came to terms with the city, namely Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, on a long-term lease for 5123-29 Baltimore Ave., known by some in the neighborhood as the “bamboo lot.” Greensgrow had originally expressed interest in a plot of land across Baltimore Avenue. That plan fell through, but the bamboo lot became available.

With a new location in place, Greensgrow now wants to figure out what neighbors want to see in the space. The organization, which is headquartered in the Kensington neighborhood and currently operates a location in the old Elena’s Soul location at 4912 Baltimore, will hold a public meeting on June 4 at 6 p.m. at the People’s Baptist Church (5039 Baltimore Ave.) to talk with neighbors.  Continue Reading

A young horseman crosses 45th and Baltimore on his way back to Clark Park. (Photo by Mike Lyons/West Philly Local)

One of the urban cowboys who often ride in Clark Park moseyed through Spruce Hill on Wednesday, crossing Baltimore at 45th on his way back to the park.

Helen Gym. From the Helen Gym for City Council website.

Helen Gym, the stalwart public education activist who is running for City Council, will be in West Philly on Saturday (May 9) at the Urban Art Gallery (262 S. 52nd St.). Gym is running for an At-Large seat in the May 19 primary.

The event will feature live music from the Producer’s Guild and food from African Small Pot (6505 Woodland Ave.). It will run from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Updated intersection at Baltimore and Springfield.

The corner of Baltimore and Springfield avenues has long been a notorious corner, with pedestrians heading to and from Clark Park, cyclists, motorists and trolleys all converging at one oddly configured intersection. Hopefully some work recently completed by the City of Philadelphia’s Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities and the Streets Department that includes a buffered bike lane and some redirection of vehicle traffic will make the intersection safer.

Several accidents have occurred at the intersection in recent years and residents have long asked for steps to be taken. The changes include flexible plastic poles that provide a wide protected area for pedestrians, allowing them to cross the intersection much more quickly.

Intersection at Baltimore and Springfield (archived photo).