July 27, 2020
A neighborhood group protesting a luxury development in a back alley near 51st and Spruce is organizing a community speak-out and rally tonight at 7 p.m. at Malcolm X Park (51st and Pine).
The group, Neighbors for Healthy Community Development (NHCD), has been protesting the proposal by developer Callahan Ward to build 33 market-rate apartments and commercial space in the lot located at 303 S. 51st Street since May 2019, pointing out several issues with the project, including fire hazard and environmental concerns. The proposed building would be surrounded by the backyards of several adjacent properties and the only access to the property would be via a small alley. Continue Reading
July 7, 2020
After a four-month break, the City’s Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) will resume hearings that will be held online until further notice. The first two hearings are scheduled for July 14 and July 15. Following these meetings, ZBA will hold meetings online twice a week through July to hear rescheduled cases.
The proposal to build a five-story “entrepreneur hub” on 53 N. 52nd Street, which was presented to the community last month, will be considered by the ZBA on Wednesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. Members of the public are invited to participate in the meeting via Zoom or by phone (see more info below). Continue Reading
June 11, 2020
Artist’s rendering of proposed five-floor building on N. 52nd Street near the Market-Frankford El stop.
A Philadelphia born-and-raised entrepreneur plans to build a five-story, $6 million “entrepreneurship hub” on 52nd Street, just north of the Market Street El stop.
Tayyib Smith, a self-described “serial entrepreneur” who has worked in the music industry and started ventures around Philadelphia, introduced the plan on Wednesday night during a zoning hearing with Achieveability, the neighborhood’s registered community organization (RCO). Continue Reading
February 13, 2020
Three siblings hope to open an Ethiopian coffee shop on the southwest corner of 42nd and Baltimore.
The trio, whose family is from Ethiopia, presented their plan to the Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee on Monday. The proposal requires a special exception to put a coffee shop in the vacant storefront at 500 S. 42nd Street.
“Our goal is to really showcase our heritage,” said Tigist Hailu, who will open the shop along with her brothers. “One thing we feel is really missing in the neighborhood is the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.”
The proposal will go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in April and, if approved, interior innovations will begin shortly after.
February 11, 2020
Rendering of proposed repurposing of church at 41st and Ludlow into a climbing gym, including the addition of a glass tower.
A plan to convert a 19th century church at 41st and Ludlow into a climbing and fitness facility drew praise from the Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee during its meeting on Monday, but may meet some resistance at the Philadelphia Historical Commission because of three-story glass tower that will be added to the building.
The owners of Reach Climbing and Fitness recently bought the building (see photo below), which until late last fall was occupied by St. James Pentecostal Church. The bright red church tucked off of Market Street in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood was built in 1845. It housed the Monumental Baptist Church, the second oldest African American Baptist Church in the city and the first in West Philadelphia. Continue Reading
February 10, 2020
Neighbors and all interested individuals are invited to a monthly Spruce Hill Community Association’s Zoning Committee meeting, which will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Spruce Hill Center (257 S. 45th St).
A few zoning applications will be discussed, including two new business operations in the neighborhood:
• A new coffee shop is being proposed near 42nd and Baltimore, at 500 S. 42nd Street. This business operation requires a special exception for the proposed use as a “prepared food shop”.
• A Reach Climbing + Fitness operation is being proposed in a church building at 41st and Ludlow (see photo). The building is on the local historic register and the applicant will discuss how they are seeking to adapt the current structure to the intended use.
Residents are invited to attend the meeting and ask questions and offer comments.
A neighborhood group protesting a luxury development in a back alley near 51st and Spruce is organizing a community speak-out and rally tonight at 7 p.m. at Malcolm X Park (51st and Pine).
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