Evidence of the pressure on the historic building is just across the street from the Christ Memorial Church, where an apartment building aimed at students is under construction.

After years of speculation about its future, it appears that the end is near for the 131-year-old Christ Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church at 43rd and Chestnut.

Earlier this month the city issued a permit for the demolition of the church. The permit was issued to building owners Kalidave Limited Partners, which is run by local developer Guy Laren. Laren saved a Frank Furness church at 47th and Kingsessing from the wrecking ball three years ago, prompting some to hope he might salvage some of Isaac Pursell-designed English Gothic Revival building. He has not responded to calls or e-mails.  Continue Reading

University City and West Philly residents can now safely dispose of unused prescription drugs by bringing them to the Penn Police headquarters, where a prescription drug take-back box has been installed. The box installation is a part of the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Take-Back Program, which is focused on alleviating the health and safety concerns from the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs.

Improper disposal of prescription drugs can also create environmental hazards impacting groundwater, rivers, and harming wildlife.

Residents are encouraged to dispose of unwanted drugs safely by dropping them in the prescription drug take-back boxes installed around the city, including the new one at 4040 Chestnut Street and  another at 61st and Thompson Streets (19th Police District headquarters). For more drug take-back box locations in Philadelphia, check out this map.  Continue Reading

SEPTA Key Cards are now available for purchase at a number of retail locations, in addition to transit station and Bus Loop Fare Kiosks and SEPTA Sales Offices.

The initial launch of the “SEPTA Key External Retail Network” earlier this week included more than 100 locations where customers can purchase a Key Card and load/reload fares such as Weekly and Monthly TransPasses, Convenience Passes, and Travel Wallet value. The retail network will eventually grow to approximately 1,500 locations, including grocery stores, pharmacies and local convenience stores, among others, according to SEPTA.  Continue Reading

It’s been more than five years since the devastating Christmas Eve fire destroyed the popular Cedar Park bar & restaurant Elena’s Soul and damaged the adjacent diner and hair salon. After the fire and demolition, the empty lot at 4912 Baltimore was temporarily used by Greensgrow West (in 2014-2016), and now we noticed a new building coming up. We reached out to the property owner, local businessman Algernong Allen, for more information.  Continue Reading

A bill introduced last week at the Philadelphia City Council would levy a 1 percent tax on construction and relax some zoning codes to fund programs aimed at providing more affordable housing in the city.

The bills are a series of compromises arising from battles between progressive city council members and real estate and construction lobbying groups. Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sanchez had been pushing for a bill that would mandate the inclusion of affordable housing units in any new development, but her proposal was almost unanimously opposed by the powerful building and real estate lobbies, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The compromise, which replaced a mandate with incentives, but which would also allow developers to pay a penalty fee in lieu of including affordable housing in their developments, has the backing of some of the previously opposed lobbying groups, like the Building Industry Association.

Current estimates are that the tax will raise $25 million a year. There is no word yet on when these proposals will be put to a vote.

– Mike VanHelder

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) filed a notice of proposed rate increases to help pay for maintenance on one of the oldest water systems in the country. A hearing is scheduled for West Philly on Tuesday, April 17, to provide more information and answer questions.

The meeting will take place at White Rock Baptist Church (5240 Chestnut St.) from 6:30 to approximately 8:30 p.m.

The Water Department is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of more than 6,000 miles of water mains and sewers. There were 715 water main breaks in Philadelphia between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, which impacted about 700 neighborhood blocks. And this past winter season was especially challenging, with 625 water main breaks in just over three months, according to the PWD.  Continue Reading