Street sweepers will be back in West and Southwest Philly, cleaning from Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., with no service performed on City-observed holidays.

Here are the areas where the Mechanical Street Cleaning will be performed:

• Parkside Ave. to Spring Garden St. from 52nd to 40th (map)
• Woodland Ave. to Kingsessing Ave. from 49th to Cemetery (map) Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of UCD

One of the most popular local summer events, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, is set to return, according to an announcement by the event organizer, the University City District (UCD). Two Strolls are being planned this year – on Thursday, June 15, and Thursday, Sept. 7, each from 5 – 8 p.m..

Over the years, the event has become a local business and community festival. As always, neighbors and visitors will be able to enjoy dollar deals from participating vendors. In 2022, the price levels for vendor offerings were expanded from $1 deals to deals for $1, $3, or $5. More details about participating businesses and music performances will be released closer to each Stroll. Continue Reading

City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), the incumbent candidate in the May primary election, will officially open the District office on Friday, March 31, at 606 South 52nd St. (52nd and Cedar). The grand opening and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday and all are invited.

The 3rd District office will be open to visitors from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Additional hours are expected to be added soon. Residents are invited to visit the district office to receive constituent services from City Council staff.

                   Click to enlarge

HopePHL, the non-profit organization that was formed at the beginning of the year as the result of a merger of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc., is hosting its first-ever community Program Fair on Wednesday, March 29. The fair will showcase all the programs and teams from PEC and Youth Service, Inc. that have combined into one organization.

Families, children, young adults and West Philadelphia community members are invited to attend this event, which features a wide range of programs that cater to different needs. From resources to computer classes, wellness to education, parenting support to employment opportunities, there is something for everyone. Participants can ask questions and enroll in programs on the spot, making it easier than ever to get involved.

The event will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rowan House located at 325 N. 39th St. Participants will have the chance to meet the teams behind the programs, win special prizes, and enjoy snacks and fun.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

State Rep. Rick Krajewski (188th Legislative District) today announced three projects in his district that were awarded a combined $1.75 million in state funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

The projects awarded this funding include:

• $1 million to PIDC Financing Corporation on behalf of the Public Health Management Corporation to upgrade the Public Health Campus on Cedar’s parking garage.

• $500,000 to the city of Philadelphia for the construction of a synthetic sports field at the corner of Kingsessing Avenue and South 49th Street.

• $250,000 to PIDC Financing Corporation on behalf of The Woodlands Cemetery Company of Philadelphia for renovating a historic building at The Woodlands.

“I am proud of the $1.75 million in state grant funding that will be coming to our district and excited for how these funds will contribute to West and Southwest Philly being a place where people are cared for and can thrive,” Krajewski said in a statement. Continue Reading

West Philly voters will have a chance this week to meet some candidates for the City Council’s At-Large seats and mayor at two community forums. Both events will take place on Thursday, March 16. Here are some more details about each event.

• The Enterprise Center (4548 Market St.) is hosting a Mayor 100: Minority-Owned Business Policy Forum, where Democratic and Republican candidates for mayor will have an opportunity to listen to business owners’ concerns and offer their vision for strengthening related policies in the incoming administration. The event will be moderated by WHYY’s Cherri Gregg and the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Layla Jones. Shirley Franklin, former Mayor of Atlanta, will deliver keynote remarks at the start of the event.

The forum is hosted in collaboration with Futurnet, the Urban League of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Equity Alliance, WHYY, and other organizations. Continue Reading