Flying Kite | Photo: Michael Persico
- In order to counteract the war-zone-esque feel of nighttime security gates, businessman Joseph Martin is leading an arts initiative that would make Germantown seem less intimidating, and perhaps attracting artists in so doing. Martin is attempting to convince business owners to have murals painted on the metal gates. “It’s taking what’s there, what’s grown organically from the bottom up — it’s not from the top down,” says Andy Trackman, board president of the Germantown United Community Development Corporation. ”Especially with so many government cutbacks, I see Germantown United being able to leverage the creativity in the community to beautify the place, and that will generate economic interest,” he adds.
- Plan Philly talks to residents of the 6000 block of Webster Street in West Philadelphia, who were forced to come together and tended to the one vacant house on the street. “We just got tired of the sight of the property,” says the block’s captain. “It was bringing down the value of our homes.” “Over three days, 10 neighbors painted the façade, window grates, and iron railings. They secured the windows and doors as best they could. They mowed the lawn, trimmed an overgrown shrub, picked up trash, and planted flowers in the front yard.”
- The Inquirer reports that for a third consecutive year, the total tonnage of cargo being processed at the Port of Philadelphia has increased, 10.4% last year.
- If this year’s Flower Show has some Philadelphians thinking of getting to the UK it’s worth hearing from the Telegraph that a few Londoners may want to go on holiday in Philly. Although we lack Boston’s “quasi-British gentility,” travel writer Teresa Levonian Cole suggests that our modesty is at odds with our metropolitan holdings, namely our museums and restaurants. (But not South Street and “some parts of Northern Liberties)
- NewsWorks asks its readers what should be done to the 99-yearold Germantown High School building, which the School District announced this week would be closed.
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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