May Fair 2013 Details

The fair this year will feature lively music by local bands, food from some of the top vendor trucks in University City, and many high-quality crafts by local artists and crafters — ideal for Mother’s Day and graduation gifts. There will be games for kids, including an obstacle course and a bounce tent. And for the parents, there will be a huge used book sale and also a plant sale put on by the University City Garden Club. Many local groups will also be on hand to promote their causes at information tables. There will also be a raffle (6 chances for $5), and a grand prize of an iPad 4 from University Pinball Family Fun Center. Other prizes include 10 vouchers for 100 tokens each to play at University Pinball, and many gift cards from local merchants.

May 28, 2013

Baltimore Avenue at 43rd St: Now and Then

The basics:

  • A "conditional" zoning permit has been issued for development of 92 units of housing at 43rd and Baltimore as a matter of right under current zoning (Rm1).
  • There is no requirement for parking in Rm1 zoning.
  • Neither Spruce Hill Community Association not its zoning committee had any involvement, since the proposal did not require Zoning Board of Adjustment approval.
  • The property owners have designated local developers to engage the community in discussions about alternative plans for development at the site before moving forward with their issued permit. The developers have created a website to help facilitate the community engagement.

(more…)

Apr 28, 2013

Spruce Hill Community Vision

Spruce Hill Community Vision

Posted 2/19/2013

Spruce Hill launched a Planning Process in conjunction with the city’s remapping and rezoning of lower southwest Philadelphia in order to help shape the outcome. A “Visioning Statement” and a set of “Placemaking Principles” emerged from a public workshop attended by some 90 area residents on the 13th of this past December. Conducted by a professional planner the workshop provided a preliminary road map for additional discussion at the next open planning session scheduled for Wednesday, February 27th, 6:30pm at the Wilson Student Center of the University of the Sciences. The outcome of that session will shape a new plan for Spruce Hill over the years to come.

Feb 19, 2013