Lee’s Deli after the crash (Photo from GoFundMe).

Lee’s Deli, a neighborhood corner store operating on Baltimore Avenue for nearly 30 years, has been closed for more than a week after a U-Haul van crashed into it at full speed last Sunday. While no one was injured in the crash (it happened around 4 a.m.), the deli sustained significant structural damage. The van hit the main support beam of the store located at 47th and Baltimore, which caused a brief evacuation of the apartments on the 2nd and 3rd floor. And inside the deli, the van “destroyed nearly everything,” according to owner Scott Lee.

After the initial assessment of the damage and some clean-up, the Lee’s Deli team planned to reopen their business after Thanksgiving, but now they realize that is is no longer impossible due to the level of damage. Encouraged by “friends, neighbors, and strangers” who had approached them asking how they can help, the team decided to set up a GoFundMe page for the business. The goal is to raise enough money to reopen as quickly as possible and to support the employees while the business remains closed. Continue Reading

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in the city and need to do last-minute shopping for your dinner, check out information below on holiday hours and closings at some local grocery stores and supermarkets. We also included information on SEPTA holiday service.

ACME Markets (40th and Walnut): 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aldi (46th and Market): Closed

Mariposa Food Co-op (49th and Baltimore): 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoprite of Parkside (1575 N. 52nd St.): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Supreme “Shop-n-Bag” (43rd and Walnut): 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Fresh Grocer (56th and Chestnut): 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits: All West Philadelphia stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Continue Reading

The Philadelphia Marathon, an annual event drawing thousands of guests to the City of Brotherly Love, is returning this weekend, with races happening on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 19-20).

The Half Marathon will be held on Saturday from 7:00-11:30 a.m. The main Marathon event will take place Sunday, beginning at 7 a.m. Both races begin and end at 22nd St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

As always during both races, many roads along the course will be closed to accommodate the runners. Also, “No Parking” signs will be posted in the Parkway area and along the race course.

Street closures will be in effect for the Philadelphia Half Marathon and the Rothman Orthopaedics 8K on Saturday, from 2 a.m. until 3 p.m. Continue Reading

The popular Cedar Park buy local shop, VIX Emporium, is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this Saturday (Nov. 19) with a pop-up out front and special discounts and giveaways inside the store, located at 5009 Baltimore Ave.

The pop-up, featuring West Philly artist and entrepreneur Tracy Feldman, will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tracy, who is the owner of the brand Atomic Pop Vintage, will present some of her own 60s and 70s inspired art prints, as well as some vintage goodies from her Queen Village shop.

Inside, guests are invited for special one-day AnniVIXary XV discounts. VIX will also give away its 2023 West Philly calendars to each customer, while supplies last.

“Thanks to all of our supporters for 15 great years on Baltimore Avenue!,” VIX owner and long-time West Craft Fest organizer Emily Dorn wrote in a special email message. Continue Reading

Philadelphia Fire Department deputy chief Charles Johnson speaks to reporters late Tuesday afternoon about a carbon monoxide leak at an apartment building at 48th and Chester (Photo by West Philly Local).

A man has died after a suspected carbon monoxide leak this afternoon at an apartment building at 48th and Chester.

The building, which includes 40 units, has been evacuated and will likely stay closed overnight. No one else was hospitalized, according to Charles Johnson, a deputy chief with the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Work was being done on the heating system in the building, according to Johnson, before the leak was discovered.

Someone from the building called 911 when the man was found unresponsive. When fire department officials arrived at the scene they discovered high levels of carbon monoxide in the building. The investigation is underway.

Friends of Clark Park, a volunteer-run organization, is working on a new master plan for the popular West Philly park, known for its farmers and flea markets, outdoor theater productions and film screenings, music festivals, sports and recreation programs, and many other community events. The plan, which is expected to be completed next year, “will set the vision for future park development and investment plans,” according to Ari Kessler, Friends of Clark Park Communications Committee Chair and Board Director.

Studio Bryan Hanes, a Philadelphia landscape architecture firm, has been selected by the Friends as a partner in the planning process. As part of this process, the partners are looking for community input. Community members have a chance to provide their feedback at a meeting hosted by SBH at Clark Park Farmers Market (43rd and Baltimore) on Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. See the flier below for more details. Continue Reading