Chinatown: Stakeholders Tackle Crucial Development Questions As Neighborhood Grows
The story of Philadelphia’s Chinatown isn’t unique. But the history of this city’s Asian immigrant- and Asian-American home is, for residents, what makes it stand out from other stories of gentrification. Historically, Chinatowns have grown in abandoned urban neighborhoods, unwanted for things other than industrial business. In Philadelphia, this part of town – called Chinatown […]
Chinatown North/Callowhill: Naming the Neighborhood Proves To Be Longtime Challenge
There’s a battle of sorts being waged near the Vine Street Expressway. Development throughout the entire city has been picking up over the past few years in Philadelphia, and the area north of Chinatown is no exception. But it’s not just arguments over development that are sparking debate between community leaders in the neighborhood north […]
East Passyunk: Jewelers Find A Home For Collaboration
In room 214 of Bok, previously Edward W. Bok Technical High School, five women are redefining the notion of Philadelphia’s famous, and currently under threat, Jewelers’ Row. Emily Cobb and Leslie Boyd rented a space on the first floor of the newly repurposed Bok in November 2015. In April the duo will move up to a larger studio on […]
Manayunk: Seven Niche Shops Bringing The Community Together
Customers and shop owners along Main Street say the area embodies the “Cheers” mentality – it’s a place where “everybody knows your name.” The street is packed with small specialty businesses run by people who are not only passionate about their companies but about the Manayunk community. Main Street Music, 4444 Main St. A fixture […]
South Philadelphia: Nonprofit Executive Strives To End Hunger In Philadelphia
Since 1984, Philabundance has been operating out of South Philadelphia with one goal in mind: ending hunger in the region. Today, the nonprofit organization serves approximately 90,000 people per week. Glenn Bergman, a former health care professional, has served as executive director of Philabundance for almost two years. Bergman came to the nonprofit after spending […]
Germantown: Five Black-Owned Small Businesses Prospering In The Community
Germantown is one of the oldest settlements in Philadelphia. Known for its historical landmarks such as the Germantown White House, The Johnson House and many more, the history tracks almost three centuries of settlement, patriotism and abolitionism. But it has more to offer than just history including an abundance of small businesses. Here are five black-owned businesses around Germantown and Chelten avenues that offer a variety of […]
Bella Vista: Five Non-Italian Places To Eat At The Italian Market
The Italian Market on South Ninth Street contains its fair share of restaurants and cafes. Its name, however, is a tad misleading. Along with its abundance of Italian restaurants, the Market has become a spot for dining diversity. Rather than take you through the best Italian cuisine, here are five non-Italian places south of Washington Avenue to […]
Chestnut Hill: Chestnut Hill Local Remains a Vital Part of Northwest Community
Since its inception in 1958, The Chestnut Hill Local newspaper has served neighborhoods in the Northwest section of Philadelphia, covering smaller-scale news stories pertaining to the local community, rather than the entire city. “The Chestnut Hill Local started off as the newsletter of the community association and then morphed into an independent newspaper,” said Larry […]
Chestnut Hill: Safety, Community Enhancement are Top Priorities for Business District Executive Director
Martha Sharkey is the executive director for the Chestnut Hill Business Association and is one of the primary people leading the way in bringing new businesses, programs and community safety projects to the local community. Sharkey, who has held her current position for three years, believes that helping bring new people to the neighborhood will ultimately […]
Poplar: Gun Range Owner Aims to Offer Safe, Social, Inclusive Environment
The owner of The Gun Range greets all of his customers at the door, a welcome underscored with the faintest hint of an accent that originates somewhere between Russia and Israel. After a tumultuous childhood spent partly in the former Soviet Union, Yuri Zalzman came to the United States as a teenager. He later obtained an undergraduate degree in history […]