Plan Philly: Engaging in Urban Dialogue

Call for Artists: Art + Soul Food
2nd Annual Art + Soul Food will be June 12, 2010

The 2nd Annual Art + Soul Food event will take place on June 12, 2010 from 2 to 6pm and we're looking for both visual and live performance artists. The event transforms the 2700-2900 blocks of West Girard Avenue into art galleries and celebrates art, soul food, and life in the Brewerytown neighborhood. If you're interested, please submit a sample of your work to sharon@fairmountcdc.org by April 15, 2010.

Last year the even attracted over 1,000 residents despite the less than favorable weather. If you're interested in sponsoring this year's event please call the Fairmount CDC at (215) 232-4766.

GRID Philly, April 2010

GRID magazine is a new Philadelphia-based magazine for sustainability. Covering topics such as energy, food, shelter, transportation, ecology and culture.

DVRPC Focus Newsletter, March 2010

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission presents Focus, news and events for local governments within the DVPRC region.

Green Jobs Philly News #17, March 2010

GreenJobsPhilly.org makes it easy for Philadelphians to offer and request GREEN JOBS, green GRANTS and green LOANS.  Our job is to help you connect with the people, money, raw materials and know-how you’ll need.

Councilman Darrell Clarke, 5th District Update, March 2010

This is Councilman Clarke's "5th District Update" which was created to keep you posted on ongoing events and happenings in our district. Click on the link above and feel free to forward to friends or other organizations of the 5th Councilmanic District. If there is anyone who would like to be on the list to receive the "5th District Update" please reply to darrell.clarke@phila.gov with the subject line "5th District Update Email List."

Preservation Alliance e-news, March 2010

The mission of the Preservation Alliance is to actively promote the appreciation, protection, and appropriate use and development of the Philadelphia region’s historic buildings, communities and landscapes.

Next Great City Newsletter, 8 March 2010

The Next Great City coalition is made up of diverse groups all working towards a common goal: making Philadelphia the Next Great City. The initiative is dedicated to creating a positive future for Philadelphia by advocating for common sense, cost effective policies that enhance environmental quality, strengthen neighborhoods and increase our economic competitiveness.

Federal Transit Administration, Transit Research and Industry News Update (January - February 2010)
The Federal Transit Administration's Transit Research and Industry News Update, a report that provides a variety of information about transportation-related research and technology.

Fairmount CDC Newsletter, March 2010

The monthly newsletter from Fairmount Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)3 organization, is to foster the improvement of the residential, commercial and social fabric of the Fairmount neighborhood, while preserving its character & diversity.

University City Community Enews, March 17, 2010

Click here to read the community newsletter from the University City District, which includes updates on free events and workshops across the neighborhood.

University City Community Enews, March 3, 2010

Click here to read the community newsletter from the University City District, which includes updates on free events and workshops across the neighborhood.

PA Chapter of the American Planning Association Newsletter

The February 2010 Issue of The Vantage Point is now available.  In this issue: PA Land Choices Teaches the Importance of Land Use Planning; Integrating Transportation and Land Use into Comprehensive Plans; Call for Presentations for the 2010 Annual Conference; Required Training Initative; PA Chapter Annual Awards - Applications Now Available

A message from Fairmount CDC:

Dear Fairmount Neighbor,

Like you, we are committed to creating the best possible environment for our community. As part of our evaluation of community projects we are conducting a survey to gain greater insight into the thoughts of the many people that have a vested interest in the Fairmount area. We would like to know how you perceive the community now, as well as what you think is important for moving forward.

You have been invited to take this survey as part of a select group. Because we are asking only a small number to fill out the survey, we are hoping for as many responses as possible, so please take a moment to complete this survey TODAY. We ask that you complete the survey by  March 10, 2010.

Here is a link to the survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=yX4z5lpiUGIGM6IFxNLkDQ_3d_3d

This link is uniquely tied to this survey and your email address. Please do not forward this message.

Your thoughtful responses will help us better understand where we have succeeded in the past and where we need to focus for even greater success in the future. Please note, that all responses are completely confidential, and no one will have knowledge to who answered any of the questions.

We greatly appreciate you taking the time to participate in this important effort! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have.

Sincerely,

Fairmount CDC

Help Restore Girard Veterans Memorial

Make a donation today to restore this wonderful community space and gateway to Fairmount and Brewerytown.

Make a donation today help transform the Veterans Memorial at 31st & Girard into a welcoming green space for residents and visitors alike.

Below is one visualization of what might become of the space with your support...

To make a donation today or to learn more about the project, log onto www.fairmountcdc.org and click on Veterans Memorial Project.

From the Next Great City newsletter:

Things are changing in North Philadelphia.  Spurred by the city's commitment to transit oriented development, low-priced development opportunities, new and improved facilities for Temple University, and the dedication of local individuals and organizations, once blighted areas are showing signs of renewal.  Today's Daily News details some of the new projects that are bringing new life to North Philadelphia. 
The Inquirer shows how revitalization spreads, with a look at the Veggie Kids program, an urban agriculture program run by Urban Tree Connection.  This program, which started in North Philadelphia and has expanded to West Philadelphia, teaches kids and teens about gardening and provides fresh vegetables to underserved communities.

 

ALSO:

Inquirer: Temple's president plans for the decade

Daily News: Three stories of development in North Philadelphia

West Girard Avenue Streetscape 
$1.2 million project will improve quality of life along West Girard Ave

The West Girard Avenue Streetscape Improvement Program is a 1.2 million dollar investment that involves the installation of 63 pedestrian level lights between 25th and 31st Streets.  This is an effort of the City of Philadelphia in collaboration with groups like Fairmount CDC and the Girard Coalition.  Upon completion, the new lighting will improve the quality of life on West Girard Avenue by:

-Enhancing its image and creating a "Main Street" feel
-Making the area safer and more comfortable, particularly for pedestrians
-Adding visibility for current businesses and providing incentives for new businesses to open
 
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-August and continue until December 2009.  Please contact Lisa Thompson for more information at lisa@fairmountcdc.org.