4224 Baltimore Avenue project rendering (via U3Ventures.com).

After more than six years of planning, building permits were recently issued for the 132-unit residential/commercial complex on the vacant lot across from Clark Park at 4224 Baltimore Avenue.

Permit for the construction of the six-story building was issued on May 7, according to the City’s Department of Licences and Inspections.  Continue Reading

There has been an uptick in thefts from cars in the area, according to police, with the most recent cases reported in the area of 41st and Market and 40th and Ludlow Streets. Thieves got entry inside cars by breaking windows, according to police.

In a recent tweet, Matthew Gillespie, the Commanding Officer of the 18th Police District, which covers West Philadelphia neighborhoods south of Market Street, reminded area residents and visitors who park their cars on the streets to take all their belongings from their vehicle:  Continue Reading

Friends of Clark Park presents Party in the Park on Saturday, May 18, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year’s party will feature food trucks, Dock Street beer, wine, Lil’ Pop Shop, live music, pop-up art from the University City Arts League, and family fun – at Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore).

Party in the Park is free to attend and open to all ages. Food and beverages will be pay-as-you-go with alcohol specials for Friends of Clark Park members. Event attendees may sign up for membership at the event to take advantage of the specials.  Continue Reading

City Council candidate for the 3rd District, Jamie Gauthier, is hosting two last meet-and-greets this week before the May 21 primary election. Both of these meet-and-greets will take place at her campaign headquarters at 5121 Baltimore Ave.:

Wednesday, May 15
Time: 6pm-8pm

Thursday, May 16
Time: 6pm-8pm

All interested individuals are invited to meet Ms. Gauthier and ask questions. Free dinner will be served at both events.

Jamie Gauthier is running against long-term incumbent Jannie Blackwell in the primary election.

The spring semester has come to an end at the University of Pennsylvania, and its students will be moving out from their dorms this week. Due to the move-out, the university has announced the following street closures:

Spruce Street will be closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles from 34th to 40th Streets, in both directions, on Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Please note that bikes will need to be walked on Spruce Street while it is closed to traffic.

Septa Routes 40 and 42 will be re-routed during the street closure (visit septa.org for information on each bus route).

On Saturday, May 11, the Streets Department will be holding a special event in West Philly for those who want to get rid of hazardous waste safely. If you have any used or unwanted toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive products (check the label), you may bring them to the 1st District Highway Yard at 4800 Parkside Ave. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday.

Some of the items accepted at this hazardous waste drop-off event are:

– antifreeze
– moth balls
– pesticide
– gasoline
– oil-based paints
– spray paints
– acids
– lithium/NiCad batteries  Continue Reading