A major effort is underway to save nearly 1,000 affordable rental units in West and Southwest Philadelphia from being sold to for-profit developers.

The properties are owned by Neighborhood Restorations, which manages 925 units integrated into residential blocks across the Haddington, Mantua, Cobbs Creek, and Kingsessing neighborhoods. In July 2025, the company issued a notice of intent to sell — a move that could displace thousands as early as this July, according to a WHYY News report.

The potential sale poses a dual threat to the neighborhood’s stability: mass displacement and rising costs. The Stoneleigh Foundation estimates that at least 3,000 residents are at risk if these units convert to market-rate housing. A Reinvestment Fund study previously noted that this “scattered-site” model has been vital for neighborhood revitalization; losing them could drive up rents across the entire area.

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UPDATE (5/8/26): The Spruce Hill May Fair is still a go for tomorrow, despite rain showers in the afternoon forecast. Organizers are prepared to work around any passing clouds and hope the community will join them regardless of the weather.

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair, the biggest fundraising event for the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), will be held in Clark Park (43rd and Chester) this Saturday, May 9, 12-6 p.m..

This year’s May Fair is expected to be “larger and livelier than ever,” according to the organizers. It will feature:

• Live music throughout the day, featuring Mad Beatz Philly, Ants on a Log, Settlement Music School Jazz Ensemble, Upholstery, and Steady State.

• Family friendly activities, including a Petting Zoo, moon bounce and obstacle course, free kids games, and Stacey’s Face Painting.

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A West Philly-rooted lineup graces the Trolley Portal Gardens this spring as Pop-Ups at the Portal returns to 40th and Baltimore Ave. starting May 7. University City District is teaming up with local performer and curator  Gretchen Elise to present five weeks of free, interactive, all-ages entertainment. Pop-ups will run every Thursday from May 7 through June 4, 5:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m., and are fair-weather only.

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Here’s a great opportunity to have your garden soil tested for contaminants. The University City Garden Club is teaming up with the University of Pennsylvania for a free soil testing event on Sunday, May 10. You can bring a sample of your yard or garden soil between 3 and 5 p.m. on that day to the event location at 519 Woodland Terrace (near 40th and Woodland) and it will be tested on the spot by participating Penn researchers. You can also drop your samples off in advance.

Soil will be tested for lead, a dangerous contaminant which can cause serious health problems.

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Photo from girlsleadershipcamp.org

The upcoming Sojourner Truth Walk in West Philadelphia is more than just a 5K; it’s a celebration of community resilience and girls’ and women’s leadership and activism. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, the 13th annual event organized by Camp Sojourner will center on the theme “We The People… Build Sanctuary.”

This year, the walk honors Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for her dedicated advocacy. Gauthier is being recognized for her efforts to bolster environmental protections and immigrant rights, reinforcing Philadelphia’s commitment as a Sanctuary City.

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Dr. Ala Stanford, a candidate for the 3rd Congressional District Democratic nomination, speaking at the West Philly forum on April 20, 2026. (Photo by Tony West)

Three candidates for the 3rd Congressional District were at the Penn Alexander School (43rd and Locust) on Monday evening to court West Philly voters. State Rep. Chris Rabb, Dr. Ala Stanford and State Sen. Sharif Street are running in the May 19 primary for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans. They appeared in a forum sponsored by the 24th and 27th Wards.

Stanford, a physician and a political newcomer whom Evans has endorsed, was a federal Health & Human Services leader. She also led a vital city medical response during the COVID pandemic. Street, the son of  former Mayor John Street, was the Democratic state party chair before this race. He is backed by the Democratic City Committee. Rabb is a progressive firebrand who has long defied Democratic City Committee. He was endorsed by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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