Lower Lancaster Avenue: Five Young Businesses Thriving in the Growing Commercial District
Lower Lancaster Avenue has attracted many new businesses in recent years as revitalization projects have inspired business owners to open up shop. The commercial corridor, which spans from approximately 37th Street to 44th Street, had been barren until the area received funding in order to give life into one of Philadelphia’s historical shopping districts. Styles […]
Wynnefield: New Bus Route Angers Residents
The residents of the 5400 block of Wynnefield Avenue aren’t too happy that SEPTA decided to re-route the 52 bus to travel northbound on their street to get to City Avenue and 54th Street. “Outrageous! The noise has been too much, too often. More buses are coming down here back-to-back, safety violations and buses […]
Wynnefield: Townwatch Essential for Residents
[vimeo 64087895] While crime in Wynnefield may be minimal today, long-time residents say this wasn’t always the case. Paul Zimmerman Jr., has lived in Wynnefield for over 25 years and has witnessed shootings, thefts and even a murder in the past. “I had a nephew that used to live here and he came out and found a […]
Wynnefield: Wyndale Avenue Boasts Stability and a Councilman
Coined by many residents as an “attractive block” the 5400 block of Wyndale Avenue stretches over a two-block span with over 60 homes and almost the same number of old, tall trees. This block populated primarily with seasoned residents and young professionals has a neighborly history that long term residents love to tell. Robert Clarke, […]
Wynnefield: Chess Club Teacher Provides Opportunity for Students
As students gathered in the classroom, one young boy assembled the chess board on the table ready to play the game. The Paul Robeson Chess Club is an independent Mikyeil El-Mekki founded in 2005. El-Mekki grew up in Wynnefield and started playing chess when he was 4. The chess club meets every Tuesday and Friday […]
Wynnefield: Teacher Helps Students Learn to Dance
Quiet often envelopes walk into the John C. Anderson Cultural Center, located at 5301 Overbrook Ave., until a descent downstairs to the dance studio. There music blares from a stereo as young girls of various ages stand around talking, before they use the ballet bars and mirrors on one wall. The music and talking is […]
Wynnefield: Campus Ministry Students Give Back Beyond St. Joe’s
[vimeo 60860535] Offering its students opportunities to serve others is a key component of education at St. Joseph’s University, located on City Line Avenue at 56th Street in Wynnefield. One organization at St. Joe’s that offers students opportunities to serve others is housed in The Wolfington Center for Ministry, Faith and Service. The Office of Campus Ministries assists […]
Wynnefield: Program Provides Employment for Residents with Disabilities
[vimeo 53122880] People with disabilities are a large but largely overlooked minority group in America. The desires for employment among people with disabilities are no different from other groups. The Inglis Community Employment Services offers people with disabilities job coaching and training. Although this entity focuses mainly on clients with physical disabilities it occasionally serves a […]
Wynnefield: Gainor Road is More of a Family Than a Block
At first glance, the 5600 block of Gainor Road, may seem just like any other block in Philadelphia. Residents on this block work on their lawns, pick up trash and tend to their gardens while exchanging a friendly chat with a neighbor or passerby. Neighbors on this block of Gainor Road talk casually with each […]
Wynnefield: Urban Tree Connection Grows Business and Community Involvement
Many automatically assume that fresh produce like spinach, lettuce, carrots and tomatoes originates from farms outside Philadelphia in places like Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County or the ‘Garden State’ of New Jersey. However, Urban Tree Connection has made it possible for West Philadelphia residents to harvest and purchase locally grown produce. Urban Tree Connection is a non-profit […]