CPN newsletter March 2013

March 2013

Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter

President’s Message: Cedar Park — A Great Place to Raise a Toddler

On an unusually mild Saturday inMarch 2009, I took my daughter

Zora to Gojjos. We sat out in the backyard and ate a delicious dinner.It was Zora’s first visit to a restaurantin West Philly. It was also her first visitto a restaurant ever. She was 10 days old.

Like me, Zora’s a big fan of Cedar Park.I can’t imagine a better place to raise athree year old. For the past two summers,we’ve planted sunflowers in front of ourhouse, and she’s excitedly tracked theirgrowth as they grew taller — much taller!— than her. When it’s warm enough, wego for a walk around the neighborhood,and I tell her the names of the flowersand trees that we walk past. She loveshydrangeas and lilies and pansies. Sofar, she can tell the difference between aLondon plane tree and a Norway maple,but that’s about it for her tree knowledge.

We go to Desi Village for a mango lassi.We buy a book at Bindlestiffs. We watchthe cats sleeping in the window of theBaltimore Pet Shoppe. I let her choosea cookie at the Gold Standard. She’s justbegun to climb the steep, steep stairs atStudio 34 on her own, when we go upto listen to music or to see an art show.

She knows that we take the 42 bus toher daycare when it’s raining and the 64to the Please Touch Museum. She thinksthat the 34 is her own personal trolleyand can’t wait to put the token in thebox all by herself as we get on.

She’s a big fan of the free kids’ concertssponsored by Crossroads Music in thechapel at Calvary. She grooves to the jazzon Friday nights at Cedar Park. She’s takena few ballet classes at The Studio at Takethe Lead on 47th Street. And when shewas younger, she laughed and danced atAll Around this World music classes heldin Jay’s living room over on Pine Street.

Don’t get us started on playgrounds.She’s a big fan of Cedar Park playgroundand the two playgrounds at Lea

Elementary School and Malcolm X Parkand Clark Park and Barkan Park andWilson Elementary School and KingsessingRec Center and the new Walnut HillCommunity Playground. Zora’s a bitof a playground connoisseur, so takeher recommendations seriously. (For more on her playground visits,check out zoraplays.com.)

She rides her bike in the protected alleybehind our house. Her two closest friendslive within three blocks of our house. Andevery Sunday night for the past two years,we have dinner, with three other familieswith young children, in a rotating DinnerCo-op. All of our families live close by —the furthest, in fact, is at 51st and Osage.

I worry, of course, about the usualdangers of raising a child in a city. Butfor now, I feel lucky to live here withZora, surrounded by great friends andneighbors and fun things to share withher...

CPN PresidentMichael Froehlich

Left to right: Darin Edwards, Architect; Cassie Glinckowsky, Right-Sized Homes staff person;J. Fred Kauffman, TBI Board Chair; Ms. Sheila Riderand grandson Saadiq Tuggles; and JoAnn Jones,Deputy Director of the Office of Housing andCommunity Development. See story on page 3.

because there is always somethinggood happening in Cedar Park! .

SAVE THE DATE

Monday, April 22The Cedar ParkNeighbors annualmeeting and Boardof Directions electionwill take place onMonday, April 22, 2013at 7p.m. at the CalvaryCommunity Center.All members whosememberships are current may votein the election. Allmemberships mustbe renewed at thebeginning of the year,so make sure yourmembership wasrenewed. More infor-mation on nomineesand meeting agendawill be sent in a spe-cial communicationbefore the meeting.Stay tuned!

G R O U N D B R E A K I N G N E W S !

CPN has a newphone number:267-BALT-AVE(267-225-8283)

Page 2 CPN Newsletter

Thanks to All who Helped with the Holiday Food Baskets

Victoria Iannotta,Holiday Basket Co-Chair

We were so gratified this

year to see the numberof volunteers that metthe Holiday BasketCommittee at RenewalPresbyterian Church tohelp pack holiday foodbaskets for distributionto the needy of our community.The annual event, which took placeon December 22, is the culminationof an effort that has become ayearly tradition in Cedar Park.

Each year CPN works with organizations in our communityto identify those who would welcomethe gift of a holiday meal. Thanksto donations from so many localresidents and businesses, we wereable to provide food baskets to142 families, a total of 660 people.

We would like to thank all ofthe Cedar Park residents who

contributed to the project, and to particularly acknowledge severalarea organizations that supportedus this year. The Renewal Presby -terian Church very graciously openedtheir church to us. For the seventhyear, Brown’s ShopRite on OregonAvenue donated a $100 gift certificatewhich was used to help purchaseturkeys for the baskets. Fresh Grocerand Trader Joe’s supplied us withall of the bags that we needed topack the food. We would like toexpress our appreciation to eachof these organizations and to eachindividual whose gift of time ortreasure made the outreach possible.

Volunteers packed Holiday Basketsthat fed 660 needy neighbors.

J. Fred Kauffman, Board Chairof The Beaumont Initiative

The Beaumont Initiative (TBI) ispoised to begin construction of two

new accessible homes at 5015 and 5019Beaumont Street. Each home is approxi-mately 1,250 square feet with an entirelywheelchair livable first floor plus two bedrooms and bath on the second floor.

With a subsidy from the city’s Officeof Housing and Community Development(OHCD), the homes are selling for$171,000 each, with an additional Statesubsidy of $10,000 available. One homehas been pre-purchased for ten-year-oldRaymond Franklin, confined to a wheel -chair, by a trust fund set up for his care.His great-grandmother and caregiver,Ms. Sheila Rider, originally from WestPhiladelphia, is eager to move back to thisfamiliar neighborhood from the suburbs.

At the December 13 groundbreaking,neighbors, funders, and public officialsjoined TBI along with Ms. Rider, to markthe imminent beginning of construction.Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell said,“This development may only be two units,but these are two very important units.It is imperative that we provide safe, quality homes for all of our residents,and we are proud today to break groundon Sheila and Raymond’s new home.”

Design for the new homes includes envi-ronmentally friendly features — increasedinsulation levels and high-efficiency heat-ing/cooling and appliances. Glazing on thesouthern exposure windows will providesolar gain in the heating season, while blindswill shade the windows in the summer.

TBI, a local non-profit organization,was launched in 2005 when members ofWest Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowshipand Calvary United Methodist Churchbegan planning with neighbors from the5000 block of Beaumont Street to acquireand rehabilitate some of the block’s 11then-vacant properties. Another local congregation, Renewal Presbyterian, soonjoined the effort and Wayne Presbyterianalso provided support.

By December 2007, TBI had investedabout $20,000 in pre-development forrehabbing three adjacent row homes.TBI’s four core congregations turnedout 50 volunteers to clean out one ofthe properties.

But then, through a “perfect storm”of miscommunication, on December 18,2007, L&I ordered demolition of theproperties. It was a kick in the gut.

Now, five years later, with TBI’s capablepartner, Right-Sized Homes, LLC, andthe OHCD subsidy, the three lots havebeen re-surveyed to make two larger lotsin order to create space for livable firstfloors for wheelchair-bound residents.

Anyone interested in purchasing theremaining home at 5019 Beaumont maycontact J. Fred Kauffman at 215-316-8419or [email protected].

Two New Accessible Homes are Under Construction in Cedar Park

March 2013 Page 3

Partners with TBI in this effort are:

Consultant/Co-developer: David Feldman of Right-Sized Homes, LLCArchitect: Daryn Edwards of Interface Studio ArchitectsGeneral Contractor: Joe Levin of JBL ConstructionFinancing: $158,625 subsidy from Philadelphia’s OHCDFinancing: Comerica Bank’s Special Trust Fund for Raymond Franklin, for 5015 BeaumontFinancing: Valley Green Bank, for 5019 BeaumontCity management: Philadelphia Redevelopment AuthorityLegal services: Dina Schlossberg, Ess., of Regional Housing Legal ServicesAccounting services: Rebecca Weber of Canopy Consulting, Inc.

L&I demolition in December 2007.

5015, 5017 and 5019 Beaumont Street in 2005, slated for rehab.


GO WEST Craft Fest: Music and Tacos and Juggling — and Crafts!

This will be the biggest and best GO WESTyet! Local crafts, food, music and fun

can be found on April 20, from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. at The Woodlands, 40th Street& Woodland Avenue in West Philadelphia.

More than 80 of the area’s finest makersof unique gifts will show their wares, likejewelry, art prints & originals, paper goods,clothing, bath & body products, candles,home wares, childrens’ items and more.

We are proud to welcome back Tinycircusby Tangle Movement Arts, to present a dazzling display of artful acrobatics.

For your auditory entertainment, enjoylive music of the acoustic sort, bands TBA.All shows are free and open to the public.

Children will enjoy Jay Sand of All Aroundthis World Music performing at 2 p.m., aswell as Ann from the Green Tambourinesharing instruments and demos. Arts andcrafts activities will be provided as randomacts of juggling throughout the day andFREE face painting.

A variety of food options will also be pro-vided by local eateries, including the worlddebut of Taco Angeleno, Cedar Park’s newmobile taqueria, serving LA-style Mexicancuisine. Savor a picnic lunch among theflowering azaleas and historic monuments.

When you’re done, take a tour of thesite’s 54 wooded acres, including HamiltonMansion, an 18th-century neoclassical villa,once home to botanist William Hamilton.

Proudly presented by VIX Emporium and As The Crow Flies & Co.

Taco Angeleno, coming soon to GO WEST!Craft Fest and Baltimore Avenue

We’re thrilled to welcome Taco Angelenoto Go West! Taco Angeleno is a new

mobile tacqueria by our friend and neighbor,Vanessa Jerolmack. When Jerolmack (néeHernandez) came to live in West Philly, shemissed the unique Mexican-American flavorsthat abounded in her native Los Angeles.

She now owns the empty lot behind herhome that extends onto the main commercialcorridor of Baltimore Avenue, a few stepsaway from VIX at 5019 Baltimore. Whenshe’s not doing special events like Go West,

she plans to open Taco Angeleno there,in her mobile food trailer, once a pretzel vendor’s cart. Catering to the tastes of vegetarians and omnivores alike, it will feature take-out Mexican food similar tothe food she grew up eating in the kitchensof her grandmothers and on the streets ofL.A. Complete with large plants, bright flow-ers and the aroma of tacos cooking in thebackground, the intimate setting will feel likethe quintessential Mexican backyard gardenatop a hill in the Los Angeles Valley. Comeand check out Taco Angeleno’s debut atGo West, and look for a new full-time tacospot on the 4900 block of Baltimore Avenue!

Introducing Taco Angeleno!

March 2013 Page 5

From the Desk of... Hanh Nguyen

Laurie Friedman, CPN Scholarship Committee

Since 1989, Cedar Park Neighborshas raised money and given modest

scholarships to support students fromthe neighborhood in their pursuit ofhigher education. Unlike many restrictedscholarships, Cedar Park’s scholarshipoffers students funds to pay for any andall school-related expenses, which couldbe anything from tuition and books, tosomething as simple as transportationto and from school.

As spring nears, please help us spreadthe word and recruit students to apply.We have found that word of mouth is usually the way students find out aboutthe scholarships. While applications arenot due until June 1, 2013, we want

to remind everyone to please spreadthe word to neighbors who are attending apostsecondary school. To be eligible, appli-cants must live in Cedar Park’s boundariesand be accepted to college or a vocationalschool. Applications are available on theCPN website. Questions can be sent [email protected] you can call us at 267-balt-ave(267-225-8283).

Mark April 7, 2013 on your calendars for ourannual scholarship fundraiser at Dock Street.

It promises to be a good time, with livemusic by local band Big Tusk. If you haveany items you would be willing to donatefor our silent auction, please let us know.Tickets are available online or at the door.As always, we appreciate your support!

Wanted: Students in Pursuit of Higher Education

Dear Cedar Park Neighbors,I am not quite sure how to

even begin this letter expressingmy gratitude towards you forall the wonderful things you’vedone to support me in my collegeeducation for the past two years.Not only have you been a tre men -dous benefactor to me financially,but you have also given suchwonderful moral support andguidance. The care packagesthat I received during the winterand spring semesters definitelygave me a boost of morale andmuch-needed school supplies.

I have now completed my sopho-more year in the BSN nursingprogram at Temple University,and this year has definitely beendemanding and stressful for me.This past spring semester was myfirst clinical semester and it wasno doubt hard for me mentallyand physically. There were plentyof times where I have doubtedmyself and even felt like I wantedto give up. At my lowest point, Ifelt that I was not meant to be anurse. I worried that even thoughI always felt that nursing was theright profession for me, maybe I

was not the right person for theprofession. In other words, I feltI did not have the abilities andcapacity to be a nurse. I thoughtabout all my weaknesses thatmade me a poor nurse. I wastimid, fragile, and had low confidence in myself.

But after continually perseveringthrough the semester and forcingmyself not to give up, I remem-bered why I wanted to be a nursein the first place. I realized thatyou only truly endure throughhardships for things that are themost important to you. Even ifI had many weaknesses, theywere all things that I could gradually change in myself, overtime, with practice, experience,and will power. I started to thinknot only of my weaknesses, butalso of my strengths that wouldhelp me become a wonderfulnurse someday.

For example, I am compassionate,caring, and resilient. I’ve alwayshad a strong desire to help others,alleviate suffering, and do goodfor all those I meet. Also, I’m thetype of person who bounces back

from being down, and I workhard to turn my failures into successes. I realized that all thesestrengths and qualities were notsomething you could easily teachsomeone. I remembered all thequalities within me that made mea good nurse, and all these thingsovershadowed my weaknesses.

I am now preparing for my junioryear. I know this will be the mostchallenging year of nursing forme, but I’m predicting it also tobe my favorite, because we willbe focusing on maternal care andchildcare. I have always wantedto work with children, and mygoal is to become a neonatalnurse someday, so I am verymuch ready for all the challengesthat I will be facing in the upcoming year!

I would like to thank youfrom the bottom of my heartfor continually providing mewith this wonderful scholarship,and I will do my best to live upto it and not let all of you normyself down.

Sincerely,Hanh Nguyen

T H A N K S F R O M A S C H O L A R S H I P R E C I P I E N T

Make a scholarshipdonation throughthe CPN websiteor send a checkto CPN marked“Scholarship.”

SAVE THE DATE! Dock StreetFundraiser

Sunday, April 7

Open Letter to the Community


Cedar Park Mourns Loss of Elena’s Soul

CPN was dismayed to experiencethe loss of one of our primo anchor

Baltimore Avenue businesses, Elena’s Soul,due to a devastating fire that took placeon December 24, 2012. Our hearts goout to owner and CPN friend, AlgernongAllen, and his family, as well as Elena’semployees, in this time of loss. We furtherdeeply regret the subsequent damage totwo other wonderful businesses adjoining

Elena’s Soul, Gary’s Nails and theCedar Park Cafe, which were seriouslydamaged during the process of demolitionof Elena’s. Upon receiving many expres-sions of support and offers of help,Algernong Allen posted the followingopen letter to the community on WestPhilly Local. Below is the letter, whichwas also posted by Cedar Park Neighborson its Facebook page.

December 30, 2012

My thoughts, prayers, and deepestsympathies are with the employees,

residents and owners of business andproperty in the Cedar Park communitydetrimentally impacted by the fire atElena’s Soul on Monday, December 24,at about 1 p.m. My greatest consolationis that there was no loss of life or injury.

The initial determination of the City’s FireMarshal and my independent fire inspectorindicates the fire originated in the kitchensomewhere above the refrigerators, mostlikely in the ceiling. Due to the temperatureof the blaze, hot enough to melt metal,and the total decimation, the exact causeis not determinable. There were no fireviolations at Elena’s Soul, and all Cityrequired inspections and maintenanceof cooking equipment, fire alarm system,fire suppression, hood cleaning and fireextinguishers were current. Foul playis not suspected or indicated by anyreports at this time.

The Department of Licenses andInspections declared Elena’s 3-story brickstructure unsafe and scheduled demolition.The neighboring businesses, Gary’s Nailsand the Cedar Park Café, had suffered limited physical and structural damagesas a result of the conflagration. However,during demolition, the towering brickwalls were felled into the neighboringbusinesses, causing severe and extensivedamages. Gary’s Nails may have beenstructurally compromised and mayface condemnation.

I am more sorry for the misfortune causedto the wonderful women, who operate

Gary’s Nails and their employees,than words can express.

For our customers, our friends, whohave become our ever-growing andchanging family… Thank you! I knowmany felt Elena’s Soul (and LeRoy’s)was as much their place as it was mine.Community was built there. No matterthe difference of culture, hue, orienta-tion or outlook, our common desireto share fellowship though food, musicand drink contributed to understandingand acceptance of our differences.

I have great sadness that your specialplace is gone and our special place is lost.

For this, not only do I feel your pain,but I share it and understand it.

It is too early to say what the next stepis from here. The process of recoveryis extremely complex. The realities of liability, insurance, litigation, anddebt make simple answers to simple questions difficult.

In terms of fundraising, I understand thatmany wish to find ways to help. I wouldrespectfully ask those who wish to help,not to press the issue. I appreciate the sentiment, but do not wish to be theobject of charity.

I am thankful to be a part of your community. I am thankful for the outpouring of support and sympathy.We have all lost a special place. Maywe all hold on to our good memories.

Best Regards,Algernong Allen III

Algernong Allen standingin the remains of theElena’s Soul building.Photo by Danophonic Dan

March 2013 Page 7

CPN/BABA Fire Response Fundraiser for Baltimore Avenue Businesses

By Monica Allison, CPN Vice-President

On December 24, 2012, a tragedystruck in our community. A fire that

started at Elena’s Soul on the 4900 blockof Baltimore Ave destroyed the belovedcommunity hangout and also damagedthe Cedar Park Cafe and Gary’s Nails.To add to the destruction, the contractorsthat were demolishing Elena’s also damagedthe structure of the adjacent buildings.The community was devastated and wanted to know how to assist the businesses that were affected. TheBaltimore Ave Business Association(BABA) got together with CPN to seewhat could be done. From that meetingwas born the idea of a community eventin response to Baltimore Avenue fire,which was held on January 25 at TheCedar Works, 4925 Pentridge Street.

What a great event this turned out to be!We had great people, great music, amazingfood and, of course, beer. Thank you toall the businesses that contributed: Aksum,The Gold Standard, Queen of Sheba II,

Vientiane Cafe, and Dock Street Brewery.Special thanks to our host, The CedarWorks. Thank you to The Marvelous forthe DJ, Gretchen Elise, Shakey and Sean,and Dr. Ketchup. You all never disap-point. Most importantly, we would liketo thank the community members whocame out in great numbers to supportthis event. We will keep you up to dateon how the event will assist the businessesand employees. Thank you all for beingtrue community members.

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Vincent Whittacre, BABA president; Michael Froehlich, CPN President;and Algernong Allen at the fire-response fundraising event.


Block Leaders Conference Addresses Community Concerns

By Meg Ferigno, Block OrganizingCommittee

The CPN Block Leaders Conferencewas held on January 12 in Calvary

Community Center. We were thrilled tohave more than fifty block leaders attend.Invitations and flyers had been sent outto all interested community members, aftera neighborhood survey informed us thata block leaders’ gathering was requested.

The Gold Standard provided deliciousbreakfast items for leaders to samplewhile they listened to presenters fromaround the community. CPN PresidentMichael Froehlich welcomed everyoneand offered a complementary CPN membership to all attendees. MonicaAllison, CPN Vice-President, followedup by informing the group about all theprojects that CPN is involved with. PattyBulack shared information regardingTown Watch and important safety tips.

When surveyed, community membersexpressed interest in learning about vacantland use and management. Amy Cahnfrom the Garden Justice Legal Movement

and Ryan Spak from University CityDistrict Project Rehab both spoke aboutusing underutilized spaces, and gave ustips on how to transform vacant propertyinto vibrant neighborhood space.

A current issue regarding our school closures brought Catherine Brinkleyfrom Philly Communities Unitedand Amara Rocker from the WestPhiladel phia Coalition for Neighbor-hood Schools to speak about how wecan help our neighborhood schools.

All of the speakers were encouraging,and the group had much to talk aboutbeyond the three-hour meeting. Havingreceived positive feedback regardingthe meeting, our Block OrganizingCommittee will begin working ona late spring gathering!

If you are interested in being on theblock leaders Google group or call list,or if you are inspired to be even moreinvolved and want to be on the BlockOrganizing Committee to help makethese meetings happen, please write toMeg Ferrigno at [email protected].

50 Block Leaderslearned about CPN projects, vacant land use,schools and safety tips.

Support CPN Business Members!

A-1 Floor Refinishing African Cultural Center of PAAksum Curio Theatre Company Dock Street Beer East Smithfield Healthcare Elena’s Soul Showcase LoungeFresh Deli The Gables B&B The Gold Standard CafeMariposa Food CoopO’Donnell Real Estate Parallel DesignPhila Federal Credit Union Prudential Fox & Roach Safdan Partners LLC Salt and Pepper Deli St. Francis de Sales Satellite Cafe Sims Giles and Associates Talking Heads Urban & Bye Realtors VIX EmporiumWake Up Yoga WestWestside Community Day Care Wine and Spirit Store

By Maureen Tate, Zoning Committee Chair

In recent months, Zoning Committeemembers completed a revision of the

CPN Zoning Policy, which was submittedto the CPN Board of Directors for theirreview and approved at their meetingon January 28, 2013. The revisionwas necessary to bring our policy intoconformity with requirements of thenew zoning code and our status as aRegistered Community Organization(RCO) with the Philadelphia PlanningCommission. The new policy is nowavailable on the CPN website.

The Zoning Committee also addressedthe following applications.

4812 Baltimore AvenueThe applicant, Diversified RealityVentures, proposed the erection of anew building on a currently vacant parcel.The building is planned to be four storiesand includes a first-floor retail space anda handicapped-accessible apartment inthe rear, two one-bedroom apartmentson the second floor, and two bi-levelthree-bedroom units on the third andfourth floors. Each bi-level unit will haveaccess to rooftop decks. A presentationwas made to the community on January17. The applicant was seeking communitysupport for variances to allow the build-ing to exceed code dimensions on height,rear yard area and open space as wellas required parking spaces.

Although neighbors appreciated that anew building would be built, there werestrong concerns voiced about the sleek,modern design, which seemed out ofcharacter with the surrounding neighbor-hood. Others voiced concern that thesize of the retail space was too smallto attract a credible, stable, commercialtenant that would contribute to the vitality of our commercial corridor.Those in attendance submitted commentcards, indicating further questions oropinions on the application, which werereviewed by the Zoning Committee andshared with the applicant.

In response to community concerns,the applicant made significant designconcessions and enlarged the retail space.These changes were reviewed and posi-tively received by the Zoning Committee.A hearing before the ZBA took place on

January 30. CPN submitted a letter ofNo Objection to the open area, minimumnumber of parking spaces, and minimumlot area variances. On the matter of heightvariance, CPN did not take a positionand deferred to the judgment of theZBA, in light of opposition to the heightvariance that was submitted to CPN andthe ZBA by nearby neighbors. The ZBAheard comment at the hearing by CPN representatives and neighbors opposingthe height variance, but did not makea determination at the hearing. We areawaiting the outcome as we go to print.

4903 Catharine StreetAn application has been submitted byLittle Baby’s Ice Cream for a certificateto operate an ice cream take-out business.Little Baby’s is known for its small-batch,handmade ice cream and non-dairyfrozen desserts. It currently operates ascoop shop on Frankford Avenue, whichspecialize in unusual flavor combinations.The business will be exclusively retail;there will be no manufacturing or significant food preparation at theCatharine Street location.

The applicant made a presentationto interested community residentson February 21. The meeting was verywell-attended, and strong support wasvoiced for an ice cream store. Othersfamiliar with Little Baby’s expressedtheir support for the business and thecharacter of the business owners. A hearing before the ZBA was to be heldon March 13. CPN submitted a letterof support. The hearing and decisionare in process as we go to print.

Zoning Update: Strong Support for an Ice Cream Business

March 2013 Page 9

March 2013 Page 10

Neighborhood Foods: A Homegrown West Philly Urban Farm

By Dylan Baird, Neighborhood Foods

Neighborhood Foods, a WestPhiladelphia urban farm, will

return to Four Worlds Bakery with itsCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA).Customers pay the farmer at the beginningof the season and receive a box of localproduce every week. NeighborhoodFoods also cooperates with other urbanproducers to pool resources and promoteeach other’s products, which includePhiladel phia homemade jam, honey,bread and coffee, all of which are availablethrough CSA. The Neighborhood FoodsCSA runs May 24 through October 25.Sign up now at neighborhoodfoods.orgor email [email protected].

Neighborhood Foods unifies communitiesthrough urban farming and civic action.They use farms to stabilize vacant lotsand generate a financially sustainable business. In partnership with Urban TreeConnection, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, theyrun educational programs for peopleof all ages, bring neighbors togetherthrough events, and make fresh,

local produce accessible in low-incomeneighborhoods.

Neighborhood Foods has chosen to confront urban health issues head-on,because living a positive life starts with living a healthy life. Living healthyincludes mental health, personalsafety, and happiness.

Neighborhood Foods Urban Farm

Living a positive lifestarts with living ahealthy life.


Mission to Influence Development in Cedar Park

By David Hincher, Development ImpactTask Force Chair

During 2012, Cedar Park Neighbors’Property/Housing Task Force (PHTF)

changed its name, as well as its mission,to the Development Impact Task Force(DITF). This has been a natural evolutionbased upon the changing needs of theneighborhood. PHTF was originally established to focus on issues of vacantand blighted property and land within theCedar Park boundary. Since its founding,the group developed a database of vacantand blighted properties that has beeninstrumental in targeting problematicareas. The group recognizes that blightedproperties still exist within the neighbor-hood, but some of these are now beingaddressed by market forces.

The mission of the group evolved morerapidly when CPN and PHTF receiveda grant from the Community DesignCollaborative in late 2009 to start a community conversation about blightwest of 50th Street. Throughout 2010,the Baltimore Avenue Conversationengaged over 200 community residentsand various stakeholders in a dialogueabout revitalization of the commercial corridor from 49th to 52nd Street.Out of this effort, the PHTF continuedto proactively engage political leaders andpotential collaborators on how to movethis effort forward. However, CPN is not acommunity development corporation (akanon-profit developer) and thus needs part-ners to achieve various community desires.

As we were re-evaluating our missionlast year, the Philadelphia City Planning

Commission was also beginning a Phila2035community plan for University/Southwestdistrict, which encompasses the CedarPark Neighbors boundary. This communityplan affects zoning and future developmentof the neighborhood. In preparation forthis effort, CPN began the “Future of theNeighborhood” development impact survey,which builds upon the community dialoguefrom the Baltimore Avenue Conversation.The results of this survey, which receivedcomments from approximately 500 community residents, and the BaltimoreConversation assist us in representingthe community concerns and needs tothe Planning Commission. This feedbackis also crucial to guiding our new focus.

The Development Impact Task Force’s re-envisioned mission is: to monitor, evaluate, and influence commercial andresidential development in the community.Our specific goals are the following: 1) listen to the community and actively elicit feedback on development from the community,

2) facilitate building relationships and partnerships with developers and community,

3) advocate for community interests,

4) research and seek resources and information,

5) speak credibly on developer issues.We look forward to guiding and influencing investments and developmentin the community that meet our collectiveneeds and desires.

If you are interested in joining thistask force, please contact me directly [email protected]. We meet on thesecond Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.in the CPN office at the Calvary Center.

Neighbors Hone Maintenance Skills

CPN was proud to co-sponsor a four-week series of classes on

basic home repair with The West PhillyTool Library and The Other Carpenter(a project of Habitat for Humanity).The classes started on January 24 andwere held in the basement of the CalvaryCenter. Participants learned about powertools and basic carpentry, plumbing andelectricity. More than 110 people askedto take the free classes, but enrollment wascapped at 40 people per class. Stay tunedfor another series of classes later this year.

Call To OrderLook upPray upGet up

Stand upThink upStir up

Step upDo upBe up

Keep up!

How toAntique

PaperBrew strong tea; let cool.Dip sponge brush in tea,squeeze out, then brushon a thin wash; let dry.If needed, press lightly

with a dry iron.

Submitted by CPN memberDorothy Crowder, 700 block

of S. 50th Street

New committeename: DevelopmentImpact Task Force

New mission: to monitor, evaluate,and influence commercialand residentialdevelopment inthe community.

March 2013 Page 12

by Ray Murphy, CPN Board Member

Over the summer, more than 500 CedarPark residents shared their thoughts

on the future of the neighborhood. A fullreport will be available on the CPN websitelater this month, but preliminary analysissuggests that neighbors value the characterof Cedar Park and want to build on itsstrengths, while also addressing someof the challenges our community faces.

The survey was largely completed online,however, paper versions were handed outat community meetings, by block captainsand through door-to-door canvassing visits.

Two areas of improvement topped thelist of most survey respondents: 1) crime/safety, and 2) the perception that Cedar Park isbecoming a less affordable place to live.

In almost equal measure, Cedar Park residents said that affordability, a senseof community, convenience, diversity, andbeauty/architecture/green space are whatkeep them in the neighborhood. Divingdeeper into the data, transportation andparks/green space were tied for the first-place reason that Cedar Park residentslive here. Diversity and affordabilitywere tied for a close second.

In response to specific questions aboutzoning, neighbors were asked to ranka series of zoning characteristics. Themost important were zoning which favorslocally-owned and operated businesses,new construction that fits the designand scale of existing buildings in theneighborhood; main streets which meetthe service and shopping needs of residentsand enhance walkability.

The Philadelphia City Planning Commissionhas asked Cedar Park Neighbors and othercommunity organizations to give input onits new 2035 plan for Southwest Philadelphiaand University City. These survey resultswill be an invaluable tool in communicatingthe needs of Cedar Park residentsto the city.

The final analysis of the data andthe raw data itself will also be made publicly available. At a time when somany residents are contemplating thefuture of the neighborhood, informationabout one another’s viewpoints and opinions is valuable.

Lastly, the Cedar Park Neighbors boardwill use the survey analysis to evaluateCPN’s committee structure, as well as theorganization’s program and annual budget.The survey findings are an invaluable toolto help elected board members best serveyou — their constituents, and keep CPN aresponsive, membership-based organization.

Survey respondents made many suggestionsof how CPN can play a role in buildingon the neighborhood’s strengths andaddressing some of its challenges. Thisincludes CPN doing more to build asense of community through the planningof events and forums, especially thosethat celebrate community and promoteinteraction amongst diverse populations.

Respondents also suggested that residentsdo more to organize or advocate for policychanges to address some of the challengesthe neighborhood faces.

If you took the survey, thank you foryour participation! Remember that allof us have a role to play in creating a better future for our neighborhood.

SNEAK PEEK: Future of the Neighborhood Survey Results

I love this neighborhood! It is the first placeI have lived thatfeels like home.The architecture,the trees, the folkswho live here, itis a wonderfulneighborhood fullof beauty and life.

—CPN Future of theNeighborhood surveyrespondent

Why Residents Chose to Live in Cedar Park

Survey respondents gave five primary reasons for living inCedar Park: affordability, sense ofcommunity, convenience, diversity, and beauty of architecture andgreen space. The majority cited a combination of at least three of these reasons as influencing their decision to live here.

What Residents Would Like to See in Cedar Park

The most important matters of zoning are related to our main streets:Locally owned and operated businesses, all necessary shopping needsand services, and new construction and new businesses.

The top four business or services respondentswish were offered in the neighborhood are: clothing and accessories,hardware/garden/homegoods, dine in/take outrestaurants, and grocerystores. The wish for publicservices, fitness, recreationand entertainment followed.

Dine-in/take-out restaurants

Clothing/AccessoriesHardware/Garden/

Home goods

Other

Nightlife

Fitness

Public Service

Grocery Stores


Every hour of every day, hundreds of people need essential human services.

Free and confidential information and referrals are now provided by 2-1-1.Call if you are looking for training, employment, food pantries, help foran aging parent, addiction prevention programs for your teenage children,

affordable housing options, support groups orways of becoming part of your community.2-1-1 allows people to give and to get help.

Note: Call 3-1-1 for questions and issues related tocity government administration and services.Call 9-1-1 for police and emergencies.

2 - 1 - 1 C O M E S T O P H I L A D E L P H I A !

TreePhilly is a tree planting initiative,led by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation,

that directly engages Philadelphia block captains, community organizations, propertyowners, businesses and others in improvingtheir communities by planting and main -taining trees.

TreePhilly wants to partner with you to planttrees along your street and in the yards ofyou and neighbors. By working together toplant trees, we can increase the tree canopyin the city, block by block. Tree canopy isthe covering of leaves and branches that you

see as you look up while walking down atree-lined street. Tree canopy is an importantpart of the green infrastructure of our city.Increasing tree canopy will help us reducestorm water runoff and flooding, lowersummer temperatures, and clean our air andwater. Planting a street tree at your propertywill help you lower your heating and cool-ing costs and increase your property value.

For more information about TreePhilly, contactErica Smith Fichman, TreePhilly Manager,Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, at 215-683-0217,[email protected] or www.treephilly.org

Tree Philly: Sink some Roots on Your Block!

Importance of Matters of Zoning What affected your decision to live here?


Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal

● New Member● Renewal● Multi-year (max. 3 years)

# of years_____

● $10 Individual

● $15 Household (2 persons or more)

● $ 7 Senior/Student/Unemployed

● $30 Business

● $40 Sponsor (one free CPN t-shirt!)

Additional contribution: (Write $ amount)

_____ Holiday baskets

_____ Scholarships

_____ Jazz Series

_____ Park

_____ Other, specify _________________________

CPN t-shirt: (Write $ amount if not Sponsor and circle size)

_____ Short Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL,

2XL, 3XL,4XL, 5XL, 6XL ($15)

_____ Short Sleeve Kids S, M, L, XL ($15)

_____ Long Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL ($20)

_________TOTAL ENCLOSED

Name

Address

Phone

Email

● Yes, I would like to receive an email notice witha link to the current newsletter on the CPN website(and do not deliver a paper copy to my home).

Email [email protected] www.cedarparkneighbors.orgPhone 267-531-4147

Return form with check to:Cedar Park NeighborsCalvary Community Center4740 Baltimore Ave.Philadelphia, PA 19143

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone

Email

Check your areas of interest for potential participation:

● Block Organizing: Maintain list of Block Leaders, organize forums,

Review block grant applications and help awardees implement projects etc.

● Board of Directors: CPN leadership and decision-making body.

● Cedar Park Garden Tenders: Plant and maintain gardens at Cedar Park.

● Education Committee: Interaction with local schools and parents on issues.

● Fundraising: Special events, grant writing.

● Holiday Baskets: Coordinate and assist distribution to needy Cedar Park families.

● Membership/Newsletter Committee: Promote membership to residents and businesses,

Writing, publishing, photography and distribution of newsletter.

● Development Impact Task Force: Monitor, evaluate, and influence commercial and residential development.

● Scholarship Committee: Raise funds, promote program, and select awardees.

● Website: Technical support, maintenance, updating info/pictures etc.

● Zoning Committee: Monitor & communicate issues to residents;

represent Cedar Park before Zoning Board of Adjustment.Cedar Park Neighbors is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All contributions are fully tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.

March 2013 Page 15


CPN Mission Statement:Cedar Park Neighbors is an association of diverse house-holds and businesses based inthe Cedar Park neighborhood ofWest Philadelphia, Penn sylvania.The purpose of the associationshall be to foster collaborationamong all persons living andworking in the Cedar Park neigh-borhood, to promote communitydevelopment, to provide a forumfor communication and commu-nity education, to respond toneighborhood concerns and toadvocate for and promote thegeneral welfare of the CedarPark community.

Newsletter EditorsMaureen Tate & Judy Lamirand

Newsletter DesignJudy Lamirand, Parallel Design

To Contact Cedar Park Neighborsor submit Newsletter items:contact@cedarparkneighbors.orgwww.cedarparkneighbors.org267-BALT-AVE (267-225-8283)

This issue sponsored by:

c/o Calvary Community Center4740 Baltimore Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19143

Take Me Out to Cedar Park

The CPN Park Committee resumedmeetings to prepare for the coming

outdoor season. Here’s a preview ofsome of the proposed activities and waysyou can help keep our community greenspace clean, beautiful and welcomingto all. In addition to these specific dates, neighbors can look forward to anotherseason of Cedar Park Jazz Fridays, begin-ning May 24 on Memorial Day weekend.

Committee members will continue amonthly schedule of garden workdaysand will begin to address some minormaintenance issues. We need and welcome volunteers and gardeners towork in the Park. If you are interested,please contact the Park Committee at

[email protected] or267-balt-ave (267-225-8283).

April 13, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.Mayor’s citywide clean-up day willbe our first workday of the season.

May 11, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.Love Your Park Week begins!We’ll launch the week by cleaning andplanting our Cedar Park garden beds.

Picnic in the Park on May 17 or 18We’ll close out the week with a community Picnic In The Park.BYOPB (Bring your own picnic basket).We plan to reach out to nearby businessesto join us in the park as well. Stay tunedfor final date and further details.

CPN Board

PresidentMichael Froehlich1st Vice-PresidentMonica Allison

2nd Vice-PresidentDavid Hincher

TreasurerKaren Allen

SecretaryDorothy Welch Berlind

DirectorsAlgernong Allen Mahari Bailey Sean Dorn Margaret Ferrigno Laurie Friedman Lisa Johaningsmeier Theresa McCole Manzi Shawn Markovich Ray Murphy Sara Nissley Marcus Presley Beverly Rouse Mavil Spence Saba Tedla Courtney Walton Ana Lisa Yoder

Saturday, April 13 Saturday, November 2 Saturday, December 7Clean-ups sponsored by University CityDistrict. Contact UCD at 215-243-0555or [email protected].

Saturday, April 5Saturday, May 25Saturday, July 20Clean-ups sponsored by PhiladelphiaMore Beautiful Committee. To register,contact Clean Block Officer SandraMiranda at 215-685-3985.

2 0 1 3 C O M M U N I T Y C L E A N - U P S – M A R K Y O U R C A L E N D A R

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4623 BaltimorePenn Alexander Catchment Area

This well loved 1,897 home is located in the Penn Alexander School Catchmentarea. It has Baltimore Avenue frontage and a Cedar Avenue garden entrance.

Random plank Pine floors, Pocket doors and moldings have never been painted.The kitchen was replaced in 2000 and views the larger rear garden. The 3'd floorBalcony overlooking Baltimore Avenue green space, Vietnam caf6 and Aksum caf6

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Virtual Tours and Market Reports available on our website at

www.odonnelke.corn

Documents

CPN newsletter March 2013