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- Next American City fills its readers in on the recent struggles to create new Neighborhood Improvement Districts (NIDs) here in Philadelphia. While the practice of opting for a more decentralized means of erasing blight and mending communities had seen widespread success in the past two decades, the abortive attempt for a Callowhill NID and the dismay over one in North Central has led to a basic reassessment: “it is generally better to create a sense of place first, and utilize a NID afterward.”
- The Daily News highlights a more select offering of history buffs wishing to commemorate Independence Day in Philly than the usual crowd at the Mall. Germantown Avenue’s Revolutionary settings proved to be “more authentic” for visitors like Bill Holscher from Atlanta, Georgia. Speaking of the Stenton mansion, Holscher found it “quite amazing to see such an old, distinguished property. We don’t have anything like this in Atlanta… Philadelphia is so well-preserved.”
- The City Paper bemoans the closing of the Ridge Center, the city’s largest homeless shelter for men. Now, scores of homeless are being relocated northwards up Broad Street to the smaller Station House, further from the job opportunities in Center City.
- University City Review shares the latest rendering for the proposed Azalea Gardens at 400 South 40th Street, a controversial 5-story building project that would require the demolition of an historic mansion.
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
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