[UC] Publicizing Philly Schools
Privatizing them doesn't seem to work. Outside managers are no better than the public system, despite costing more. At least according to this article: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/20556464.html Why oh why does the magical invisible hand keep failing us like this!? Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] walking
Maybe you mean C-walking? http://youtube.com/watch?v=F2TSy0Z5qTE Very cool to be practiced on the city street. Andrew Quoting Joe Clarke [EMAIL PROTECTED]: I used to practice mindfulness or meditative walking which I found in one of Tich Nat Hahn's books, Perhaps the Miracle of Mindfulness. It was a good experience but weird to be practiced on the city street. Joe Clarke [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi! Do any of you know what chi walking is? Can you describe it on-line? Thanks, Muriel Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507. -- Life is too important to be taken seriously. Oscar Wilde You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Fw: PW article, catchment and real estate AND JAZZ!
I find ZIG-ZAGs in Malcolm X Park all the time. And that can only mean one thing...a conspiracy. A conspiracy to start the Summer Heritage JAZZ Series in Malcolm X Park tonight from 7-9 pm, featuring noted (and note-full) Penn Insider GLEN BRYAN! http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=1181 Fortunately for all of you who are reading this, the official gerrymandered JAZZ SERIES CATCHMENT includes your house or apartment. Guaranteed. See you tonight! Andrew www.malcolmxpark.org Quoting Anthony West [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Liz, Who knows? Anything could have happened. But most things in life that could have happened, did not in fact happen. Such reasoning is suspect, because it seems to be fueled by suspicion. You look at each bump in a boundary and ask yourself if some Penn or SHCA person might benefit. Since Penn and SHCA persons are well distributed around the area, you're likely to find such a person in every bump. If the bump had popped out at point B instead of point A, you might as easily have found a Suspect there. You know a lot of people all over the area, so it's easy for you to find them (quite innocently) wherever you want. Your reasoning also makes mutually contradictory points. You find something suspicious when PAS boundaries approach Lea and Wilson so closely. Yet you also find something suspicious when PAS boundaries *don't* approach Wilson so closely (e.g., the 4500 block of Regent, which is 1.5 blocks from Wilson). When conspiracies are reported to be marching north and south simultaneously, it's time to question their existence. Placing a third school into an area formerly served by two is a geometric challenge. In such a case, it is quite likely the third school will have to draw boundaries close to the two existing facilities, because those were originally placed to be central to larger areas. I also notice what everyone continues to fail to mention: the School District. These are School District boundaries, not SHCA boundaries or Penn boundaries. It is the School District that actually has to shuffle children and staff around, juggle crossing guards and the like. Maybe .. just maybe ... the School District has some input into what its own internal boundaries are. The idea the School District is some pliant jellyfish flopping around on the waves of local politics, ready to be pushed this way or that by a dean or a Republican or Sharrieff Ali -- this just doesn't correlate with the experience of most PAS parents. The School District is very controlling, very directive. It does not jump up swiftly and do what individuals want it to do, not even Penn-connected individuals. It really likes to have its own way in the end. That's my frontline report. Cheers, -- Tony West When I look at the Catchment boundaries, I see: a Zig that took the boundary to Woodland Avenue for the length of one city block, capturing Woodland Terrace: kids not so much, BUT.. History, CA (Community Association activists) and important PENN power (a then dean) , and a Zag that included 4200 Regent: a charming block with PENN Affiliates, a higher up on the Historic Commission and the Republican Ward Leader. This Zag did not capture the homes with the then majority minority ownership on the west side of the park, and ignored the charming homes of the 4500 block of Regent (which was enjoying a separate PENN benefit - restoration of Blighted homes, for resale to mostly PENN affiliates) and a Zig that leaped west of 46th south to Chester Ave for homes south of Pine: blocks that contained the homes of Lindsay Johnston, Melani Lamond, the Byes and myself, (major local Realtors, active in CAs) and also the home of Dennis Culhane (a PENN Power and one of the movers behind the school) and the home of Jon Suppovitz who had a hand in getting PAS up and running. This Zag excluded the Condos in Garden Court reducing options for single parents with more modest incomes. And cut so close to the Lea Wilson School boundaries that it was almost too transparent for those shut out of the PAS boundaries. And there was even a brief little Zag that included Ludlow Street, until S.Ali moved his school aged boy to Osage. I see the boundary as evidence that squeaky wheels do get greased. By the way, I believe there ... ... IS a National Historic Designation as a streetcar Suburb and ... the article undervalued the difference in price between homes in the catchment and out. But, I don't have time today to document either of my beliefs. All the best! Liz Campion -- Forwarded Message -- Let me return to my main points then, Frank. First, the notion Ray floated, that the School District of Philadelphia might pattern a school's boundary around the boundary of a proposed Historic District, suggests to me someone who has no real-world experience with the School
Re: [UC] For Phila Public Education Junkies
Just so we get the full picture of what BAEO is all about: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Black_Alliance_for_Educational_Options http://www.blackcommentator.com/16_thw.html Andrew Quoting Craigsolve [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Passing this on to those of you who last month were so moved by our Philadelphia public schools and their impact on the livability/desirability of neighborhoods and communities. The SRC is trying to come to grips with failing public schools vs new charter school applicants. The pdf has links to three interesting Phila Media Holdings LLC articles. Compared to under-performing neighborhoods, UC is blessed to enjoy UPenn's educational influence and money. Ciao, Craig [BAEO] Call to Action Dear BAEO Parents and Members, There will be no new charter schools in Philadelphia if the School Reform Commission heeds the advice of the Office of Charter Schools. As you know, the SRC is meeting tomorrow to decide whether or not to side with the Charter School Office and not approve any of the 15 applications for charter schools. Instead they are proposing the conversion of existing \low performing\ schools into charters. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at 440 N. Broad St. The applications include a proposal for the nation\'s first high school exclusively for foster-care youth, a performing-arts high school and charters that focus on science, college prep, finance, career training and character development. Parents deserve the opportunity to choose the school that best fits the needs of their child. Those choices are in jeopardy of being limited, and we need your support to remain optimistic about the future of \schools of choice\ in Philadelphia. Our children need these schools. We ask you to inform friends, parents, community leaders and individuals that support our desire to continue to approve charter schools in Philadelphia. It is imperative that we do not allow the SRC and the Philadelphia School District to disenfranchise students. Please urge them to email and/or fax members of the SRC to voice their opposition, and feel free to post or email the attached flyer. http://www.baeo.org/files/SRC_ALERT.pdf Thanks so much, Philadelphia Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) Ruth C. Knox Philadelphia BAEO 1207 Chestnut Street - 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 Tel: 215-851-1795/Fax: 215-564-9376 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] © 2007 Black Alliance for Educational Options 1710 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Floor 12, Washington, D.C. 20036 | phone: (202) 429-2236 | fax: (202) 429-2237 You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Thanks to officers of the 18th District
Some of you may have seen my frantic ALERT post on Phillyblog this morning regarding a motorcycle I had stolen out of my front yard at 51st and Osage. The thief was apprehended quickly at 49th and Pine, thanks to the professional work of a group of officers. Here's what I wrote to Captain Clark (and Commissioner Ramsey): Captain Clark 18th Police District 5510 Pine St. Philadelphia, PA 19143 Dear Captain Clark, I am writing to commend a group of your officers from the 18th District. On Thursday April 3rd, at about 9:45 am I was returning from walking my dog in Malcolm X Park at 51st and Osage when I saw a man pushing a motorcycle around the corner from 51st St. east onto Osage. As I got closer to my house, I realized it was MY motorcycle, and that the man had expended great effort to drag it down the front steps from my yard. I was furious and wanted to run after him, but I put my dog inside and called 911. The dispatcher was extremely prompt, calmed me down and got the necessary details to orient officers. The response was swift and overwhelming. The area was almost immediately swarming with patrol cars and vans, but the motorcyclean older model that was not running, but which Id restored over several months last yearwas nowhere to be found. The officers stuck with it, knowing that the thief could not have gone far, and after conducting a careful search of the alleyways, they were able to apprehend the thief, red-handed, behind some houses at 49th and Pine trying in vain to start the motorcycle. They immediately sent a patrol car to my house to notify me that the bike had been found, and officers Britton and Bagnell took turns pushing the motorcycle three blocks back to my house at 51st and Osage. In the 5 years that I have lived on 51st Street overlooking Malcolm X Park, I have not had much occasion to deal with officers of the 18th district, but I could not have had a better experience in this case. While officers Britton and Bagnell filled out paperwork on the recovery, they described the circumstances of the arrest and explained what would be expected of me as the case went forward. They indicated that officers ODonnell, Lebold and Kryzwicki also participated in the apprehension. A stolen motorcycle, in the whole scheme of things, is not a terribly important crime, but it was important to me. I know the police department gets more bad press than good. Its the nature of the job, I suspect, but I wanted to make sure that you were aware of some of the small good things happening in the 18th. Thanks so much for helping make Philadelphia a better city, and please extend my gratitude and any appropriate official commendation to officers Britton, Bagnell, Odonnell, Lebold and Kryzwicki for their swift, professional response. I have sent a letter to Commissioner Ramsey requesting the same. Sincerely, Andrew Schwalm You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Mantua Hall Implosion
I'm sure you all heard it this morning. Couple of videos here... http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=1050 You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Mantua Hall Implosion
Yes, having neither hunted game nor shot an implosion, we went for simple proximity. There was a representative from Pennoni on our corner who was operating two air-quality meters--one for asbestos and the other for particulates--that must have been pretty heavily overloaded once the cloud of dust came over. We retreated to the car and closed the vents just in time. Pennoni, according to this guy, handled the Vet demolition as well. As for the tenants, obviously they've already been dispersed. Are their impacts being felt on the other accessible nearby neighborhoods so far? Andrew Quoting Craigsolve [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Real nice POV on the first mov But, its better standing down wind when hunting game rather than shooting implosions. Notice the Big Shots were up wind with plastic cover available and masks? As usual the new PHA development will have less units, so the worse tenants will not be invited back and probably dispersed unsupervised, impacting other accessible nearby neighborhoods - think SW with its lower rents and plenty of trolleys. Was in a meeting TUE with some of their staff/contractor, the usual bitching about having to work at 05:30 on a Sunday. Thanks for sharing. In a message dated 03/30/08 14:51:25 Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'm sure you all heard it this morning. Couple of videos here... http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=1050 You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] MLK Jr. Day of Service in Malcolm X Park, the director's cut.
MLK Jr. Day of Service at Malcolm X Park. We'll be there next year, and so will those leaves! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc7EoSb9fk4 Andrew www.malcolmxpark.org You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] About Martin Luther King Day
Thanks to all the volunteers who came out to 51st Street this morning! About 40 of us, aided by a surprise visit from the guys at Engine 68, stuffed 141 bags full of leaves and debris. Now we're just hoping the city will follow through with a truck. Maybe picking up leaves around a city park wasn't explicitly part of King's dream, but I think he would have approved of this effort today. Thanks again, Andrew Quoting Dan Widyono [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Good point: this day is indeed more than just about community service. My query was instigated by my son's idea (he's six) to do something of service today. We attended church yesterday to discuss the reasoning behind celebrating Dr. King's legacy. I hope, along with you, that people don't think community service is the only reason for this day's being a holiday, but this is what my family is doing this year on this day (not just this day, of course, but because it's a federal holiday, we both have the day off from the standard requirements of school and work). I talk about racial injustice many times with my son, along with other kinds of injustice (e.g. when we walk by the Womens Way murals on I think 21st Street on the way to the Franklin Institute, I talk to him about why there's a Womens Way and not a Mens Way). It's what I've come to learn and honor in my church as it's brought up many times there throughout the year. It's inevitable for it to be at the forefront of our attention given that we live in Philadelphia (with such a strong diversity of races, among other social differences: class, sexual preference, creed, etc.). On Mon, Jan 21, 2008 at 08:05:29AM -0500, Wilma de Soto wrote: This is a serious day for me. Not a day of service. I confess I don't fully understand how you don't equate giving community service to serious. I assume you aren't disassociating my particular inquiry to the list with a lack of seriousness, but rather clarifying your stance on labor rights as opposed to larger community service. If that's not quite accurate, I'd appreciate a chance to better understand what you meant. Since there isn't much that's formally/officially organized here (thanks Anthony and Andrew -- given the bitter cold it does seem wisest to do something indoors, for my son's sake), I'm taking my son to the Constitution Center where we can learn more about Dr. King's legacy in connection with this country's history. It has become that because powerful people wish to sweep under the rug the true reason Dr, King was assassinated, and that was because he strove for blacks to be treated equally under the law. Wilma, I'm interested in what you have in mind regarding bringing renewed awareness to the people of our extended neighborhood? It sounds like that would be a good topic for today! Me, I'm making sure the more generally applicable reasons and ideas behind Dr. King's struggle don't die; currently I do this by speaking to the younger generation and making sure they understand what's so important about racial justice, understanding class inequities, tolerance of differing family lifestyles, respecting other's religious beliefs, and other aspects which would make life better and more just for more people. Thanks for your awareness-raising post, and may all of Dr. King's dream continue to grow true. With kind and sincere regards, Dan Widyono P.S. Interesting tidbit regarding service on MLK, Jr. Day from Wikipedia: The national Martin Luther King Day of Service was started by former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Harris Wofford and Atlanta Congressman John Lewis, who co-authored the King Holiday and Service Act. The federal legislation challenges Americans to transform the King Holiday into a day of citizen action through volunteer service in honor of Dr. King. The federal legislation was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on August 23, 1994. Since 1996, the annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service has been the largest event in the nation honoring Dr. King.[9] [9]: http://www.mlkdayofservice.org/ You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] MLK Jr projects in clark park
If you're willing to come a little further west, the Friends of Malcolm X Memorial Park will be dishing out donuts, coffee and hot chocolate as we try to wrestle the huge leaf piles into bags along 51st St. Should be fun, if a little chilly. 10am-1pm. Andrew Quoting Dan Widyono [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Does anyone have up to date info on family-friendly service projects in Clark Park on MLK Day? Dan W. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Kelly Writers' House in NYTimes
He also writes a fascinating and extremely prolific blog: http://afilreis.blogspot.com/ Andrew Quoting Richard Moreau [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Hey, Great to see an under-appreciated neighborhood asset and, I believe, a neighbor (and member of the listserv?) highlighted in the national news. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/education/05writers.html - Richard You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] New mystery zoning item
I tried looking for it, but it looks like many of the documents from the November 1st council session aren't up there yet. I imagine there's a little lag time: http://legislation.phila.gov/mattersearch/index.aspx You can search by date, introducing member, whatever. There's some interesting stuff in there like this resolution honoring the Double Lyte Posse Sportbike M/C: http://webapps.phila.gov/council/attachments/4330.pdf Awesome! Quoting John Ellingsworth [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Just call Jannie's office on Monday; as vice-chair of the Ethics committee, I am sure she is all for openness and public awareness, considering the volatile nature of recent events along that block. BTW - could you send the link to the page you found this on, and the bad link? Maybe we could figure out where the file is... Regards, John Ellingsworth Dave Axler wrote: Friday's Inquirer, in the Legal Notices section, reports that there will be a hearing by City Council's Committee on Rules to be held 4 December, 1 PM, Room 400 City Hall, on the following bill: 070934 To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Walnut Street, 43rd Street, Sansom Street and 42nd Street. Sponsors: Councilmember Blackwell The Council web site has a link to a PDF document, supposedly with additional information, but that link leads to a Page Not Found error. So, I have no further info to pass on. The area includes several stores, a few apartments, a laundromat, a vacant lot, the Restaurant School, and the closed Rite-Aid, among other things, so there are many possibilities. Anyone knowing what this bill actually proposes is encouraged to let the rest of the community hear about it. Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] the video knows
As I noted in passing just after the Architectural Review Committee meeting, I was prevented from making either a video or audio recording of the proceedings. The chairman of the committee had someone check with his legal department in issuing the denial, and I wasn't prepared to push it at that point. My sense was that they may never have faced such a request before, but for public proceedings like that, it seems like a constitutionally indefensible policy. Anyone on the list have any intuitions about where pressure to change or clarify the rules would best be applied? You can take it off-list, and I'll summarize if you prefer. Andrew Quoting UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Anthony West wrote: the architect from Atkin Olshin Schade had a slide of exactly what the new skyline would look like, from Baltimore Ave. You can contact Lussenhop and ask if you can see it. let's see ALL the slides, while we're at it! they could be posted on a (free) publicly-accessible website somewhere (or are they already?) meanwhile, if anyone wants to get a rough idea of the height/scale of what's involved, they can take a walk over to the 3900 block of walnut street, where the radian is being built. it's currently 12 stories tall now (counting the mezzanine as 2 stories) and it butts right up against a 3-story victorian twin (which sits up about 1/2 a story above street-level). so, if you stand on the NE corner of 40th and walnut and look east, you'll get some idea of what an 11-story hotel and a 3 story mansion look like, side by side, and how high up in the sky 11 stories is as you walk away. I don't see how anyone looking at that will then say that's appropriate for 40th and pine, but go see for yourself. .. UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [aka laserbeam®] [aka ray] SERIAL LIAR. CALL FOR RATES. It is very clear on this listserve who these people are. Ray has admitted being connected to this forger. -- Tony West Ray's falsehoods are more sophisticated, more believable -- Tony West __ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email __ You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] two-story commercial developments
A dozen blocks west of the proposed hotel at 40th and Pine, there's a new development that has a neighborhood excited and pretty much unified. The 52nd street business association and newly-formed cultural affairs office Arts West have just opened new facilities at 623 S. 52nd St. The corridor has been marked by internecine squabbles and a couple of false starts in recent years, but this new iteration seems to have some real momentum. Membership in the association is on the rise, and several new businesses have proven to be enthusiastic contributors to the corridor. If you haven't been up to 52nd in awhile, you should make a point of doing so. Justin's Snacker Corner, Cedar Supermarket, 52nd Street Flavors (now serving coffee!), Off The Chain thrift store, Liz and Daughter Hair Forum, Urban Unity...the list of new businesses is growing almost weekly. And there are some nice new touches. Planters freshly adorned with flowers, new awnings, freshly painted facades and street trees are really livening things up. Anyway, it's not my best work, but here are some video highlights from the Grand Opening: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=565 That's malcolmxpark.org, West Philadelphia's most midwestern blog... Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] 40th Street Hotel and hardship
One aspect of this project that has only been alluded a couple of times is hardship. Some commenters to the list have suggested that, since de-listing of the historic property was denied, whatever else happens, the property will be restored. This is not necessarily the case. According to the historical commission ordinance, an owner may claim a financial hardship exemption. An evaluation of such an exemption, if I understand the ordinance correctly, would not have to take into account the depth of the owner's pockets. And if Penn didn't know that the property was historically designated, that fact might work in their favor if they sought a hardship exemption. I have not heard anyone suggest that the developers might seek to prove hardship, but they *could* go down that road, in which case all bets are off, and the entire building could be demolished. Andrew www.malcolmxpark.org --- Here's the relevant text (and it's source: http://www.phila.gov/historical/pdf/ordinance/ordinance.pdf) (f) In any instance where there is a claim that a building, structure, site or object cannot be used for any purpose for which it is or may be reasonably adapted, or where a permit application for alteration, or demolition is based, in whole or in part, on financial hardship, the owner shall submit, by affidavit, the following information to the Commission: (.1) amount paid for the property, date of purchase, and party from whom purchased, including a description of the relationship, whether business or familial, if any, between the owner and the person from whom the property was purchased; (.2) assessed value of the land and improvements thereon according to the most recent assessment; (.3) financial information for the previous two (2) years which shall include, as a minimum, annual gross income from the property, itemized operating and maintenance expenses, real estate taxes, annual debt service, annual cash flow, the amount of depreciation taken for federal income tax purposes, and other federal income tax deductions produced; (.4) all appraisals obtained by the owner in connection with his purchase or financing of the property, or during his ownership of the property; (.5) all listings of the property for sale or rent, price asked, and offers received, if any; (.6) any consideration by the owner as to profitable, adaptive uses for the property; (.7) the Commission may further require the owner to conduct, at the owner's expense, evaluations or studies, as are reasonably necessary in the opinion of the Commission, to determine whether the building, structure, site or object has or may have alternate uses consistent with preservation. --- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Recidivism/probationers/Nutter
Youngphillypolitics.com has posted the legislation in its entirety. There are some strings attached, of course. But even if there's a little corruption or the program ends up needing a few tweaks, it still seems like a good incentive to hire ex-offenders, given that there's no incentive (that I know of) currently. http://youngphillypolitics.com/goode_introduces_nutter_prep_legislation Andrew Quoting Glenn [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Hey Andrew, Yesterday in the Inky was an interesting article about the police commissioner, Sylvester Johnson. He believes the stop and frisk policy would be a disaster. His focus is how this will turn the clock back on police/community relations and destroy, perhaps in months, the gains which have taken years to forge. He cites the recent request for community volunteers and getting 10,000 people to show up as evidence of improving relations. I have not seen details of this $10,000 tax credit first alluded to in the primaries. In my experience, this tax credit strategy sounds much better than it turns out to be. Over a decade ago, I looked for employers for individuals with chronic substance abuse disease. I think all those I worked with counted as ex-offenders too. The employers weren't interested in the federal tax breaks available. As a large industrial janitorial contractor explained to me, when the details come out: there is so much work and little hope for actually qualifying. This same employer was very interested in the program I was offering to help bridge the gap to employment. For 6 months, I maintained case management services for the referrals with an up-front agreement for three-way open communication to assist the individuals maintain their jobs. My referrals succeeded very well but in almost all cases minor problems arose that could have easily caused termination in those first six months. Now does this reward only kick-in after the first six months of employment? That would suggest to me lots of hoops for legitimate employers, lots of fraud, and very little impact on maintaining employment or reducing recidivism. The intervention I worked on was a small pilot project but was successful because it was a good design based on previous empirical evidence not sound bites. Unfortunately, there is no political will among the people to expand good policy when sound bites are available to our political leaders. I believe these tax break strategies are akin to creaming. The individuals most at risk for criminal recidivism will be those most at risk to lose their jobs in the first six months. These strategies look like some incredible attempt to solve the problem around elections yet do almost nothing for the problem while distracting society from looking at the underlining problems and implementing sound policy. Then, the reports come about the brilliant plan failing because the individuals are beyond all hope. I've seen this pattern repeat so many times that now the fear in society has become so extreme that we are considering policies to end civil liberties and the bill of rights for the majority of people/criminals in our midst. I'm sorry I feel compelled to disagree so strongly with something that sounds so positive. I would very much like to see the full plan. If the details for the employers are not available, I will continue to dismiss it as political rhetoric and poor policy. I saw this tax credit suggested in the primary without any details which I could find. Andrew you seem good at this. If you can get the details, please share. I'd love to change my mind or get folks to talk to the next mayor about the problems I outlined. Thanks, Glenn --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't know if anyone else made it to Michael Nutter's community forum the other night, but he mentioned a bill that I believe will be before city council this week. Somehow it had escaped my notice thus far. It calls for a $10,000 credit against the business privilege tax for companies that hire ex-offenders for 6-months or more. He also cited a staggering 72% recidivism rate in the city. The proposal was extremely popular with the crowd, and he couldn't resist adding a couple of pull-up-your-pants applause lines at the end. I posted a video clip here: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=494 Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Recidivism/probationers/Nutter
I don't know if anyone else made it to Michael Nutter's community forum the other night, but he mentioned a bill that I believe will be before city council this week. Somehow it had escaped my notice thus far. It calls for a $10,000 credit against the business privilege tax for companies that hire ex-offenders for 6-months or more. He also cited a staggering 72% recidivism rate in the city. The proposal was extremely popular with the crowd, and he couldn't resist adding a couple of pull-up-your-pants applause lines at the end. I posted a video clip here: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=494 Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Breaking news about the Friends of 40th Street Meeting
That's a bummer, but Mr. Lussenhop and at least one other person told me that the meeting and presentation were scheduled for Monday, not today. I think there may have been a communication problem. Andrew P.S. Speaking of Breaking News. Malcolmxpark.org gets no love from the Inquirer for its original reporting on Willie Singletary's unorthodox campaign donation solicitation: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_top_left_story/20071026_Spare__20_for_a_friend_on_court_.html Quoting [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Breaking news about the Friends of 40th Street Meeting Tom Lussenhop failed to show up to talk about the extended-stay hotel project at 40th between Pine Baltimore.. There may be some hope that the message from the community has gotten through to the anointed. Always at your service ready for a dialog, Al Krigman ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Friends of 40th St. Meeting
It turns out that I, not Tom, was confused about the meeting time. Sorry about that. Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Historic Commission Rules Against Concept of Hotel Project,
According to Lussenhop, the term boutique was invented by the reporter who wrote the UCReview article. I searched Hilton + boutique in Google, and while a couple of places do come up, it doesn't appear to be an actual category of hotel in the Hilton line. I think extended stay is the industry term. At the meeting, Lussenhop mentioned 6-8 day stays as the norm for this category. Andrew Quoting Frank [EMAIL PROTECTED]: I completely agree. Besides, building a 10-story hotel around the mansion is destroying it anyway, in my opinion. Also, there has been some discussion about the type of hotel this is supposed to be. I remember someone saying it would be good for long- term guests because the hotel would have suites with kitchens. This would make it attractive to visitors who are in town because a family member is hospitalized, for instance. In my experience that's not a boutique hotel. A boutique is more about luxury and personal services like an Ian Schrager designer hotel. Exactly what kind of hotel is this supposed to be? Frank When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross. --Sinclair Lewis On Oct 24, 2007, at 01:07 AM, KAREN ALLEN wrote: No one building so important that it's worth destroying the rest of the neighborhood to do it. So, Melani, I'll put the questions to you: would you want Penn and Lussenhop building a 10 story hotel in the 1000 block of South Farragut Street? How do you justify destroying the streetscape of an entire area in order to save one property? You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Historic Commission Rules Against Concept of Hotel Project, as now shown
Yes, I don't remember who mentioned them or what the exact words were, but someone did. Andrew Quoting Glenn [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Hi Andrew, While our memories are fresh, could you confirm another point until we get transcripts. When the architect for the project was speaking, he stated something like; earlier this summer, we presented this to the Spruce Hill Civic Association zoning committee at two open and public forums. Can you remember those words about two open and public forums? It wasn't Mr. Lussenhop or the main attorney, it was the architect going over the picture charts. Thanks. Sorry to hear you couldn't video the proceedings. The committee was recording, and I heard them state that minutes are produced. Glenn --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: (Andrew, can you recall better, did anyone said they thought the HOTEL would be a great benefit to the community?) I'd have to look at a transcript (or have some video!) to be sure, but I do think the two committee-people who voted to approve felt that it was the restoration of the mansion that would be the benefit to the community. They all kept returning to that point, that restoring the building would be great. I think the differences among them were whether so large a building was an appropriate trade-off to get the historically listed property restored. I think the question of whether it's a hotel or a ten-story bowling alley falls mostly outside the reach of this particular committee. I believe one or two of them may have said as much. Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Secretary of the Interior's standards for rehab
The Secretary of the Interior's standards for rehabilitation were referred to a few times in the review meeting. I was surprised to see that they're actually quite concise, though obviously open to interpretation. Standard 9 was the source for John Gallery's objections: http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/tax/rhb/stand.htm The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation The Standards (Department of Interior regulations, 36 CFR 67) pertain to historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes, and occupancy and encompass the exterior and the interior, related landscape features and the building's site and environment as well as attached, adjacent, or related new construction. The Standards are to be applied to specific rehabilitation projects in a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility. 1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment. 2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. 3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken. 4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved. 5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved. 6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. 7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. 8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken. 9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. 10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] A serious block cleaning
I got a message on Sunday about a fairly robust block cleaning that will happen in concert with the usual trash pickup day this week. According to the message, it'll involve teams with backpack blowers, hand brooms and mechanical brooms, and we're expected to move our cars. Apparently teams from PMB will follow up with beautification tips. Is this happening elsewhere in West Philly? You can hear the message right here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=fJos9f1ndxs Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] 40th Street hotel meeting
I stopped into the Architectural Review Committee meeting this afternoon to hear the presentation on the proposed redevelopment of the building at 40th and Pine. [In a blow struck to citizen journalists everywhere, I was prohibited by the committee (after they consulted with the law department) from taking either video or audio recordings of the proceedings, so you won't see the action at malcolmxpark.org. Nevertheless, all materials are a matter of public record, and they did offer to make an audio recording available to me.] Most of the presentation was made by the developers' attorney and architect, though Lussenhop and several representatives from Penn were also present. Karen Allen, Chris O'Donnell, Glen Moyer, and (I believe) the president of the Historical Commission spoke in opposition to the project on various grounds, arguing that it was too large for the space, too close to the street, and that, contrary to the petitioners' claims, it was not part of a commercial strip. Melanie Lamond spoke in favor of the project, noting, among other things, that the restoration of the mansion was highly desirable and that opponents of the hotel should note that their opposition is made possible, in this case, by the fact hat the mansion has a historic designation. She asked those present to reconsider their opposition to a historic district. The committee rendered a split decision, with 4 opposed to the project in concept and two in favor. That decision is then forwarded, if I understood them correctly, to the full Historical Commission as an advisory opinion. The committee members who objected did so based mostly on the size of the project and its proximity to the street. A couple of them seemed to think that a smaller project might pass muster. One noted that she might be more interested in a project that was taller, if that meant it could be set back from the street more. As the proposal stands now, the apartment buildings on Baltimore would not be razed, and a 5000 sq. ft. restaurant/cafe would open onto 40th street. Overall, it was fascinating to see the committee in action. If you have the time, it's well worth dropping in to see how your fellow residents are helping to craft the everyday pedestrian experience in your neighborhood and elsewhere in the city. Leave your video camera at home. I have tried not to misrepresent anyone's position above, but I'm going from memory here. I live pretty far away from this project, so I'm not directly affected. For now, I'm agnostic on whether it's good or bad for the neighborhood. I was glad to see so many West Philadelphians there to voice their opinions and stay informed! Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Historic Commission Rules Against Concept of Hotel Project, as now shown
(Andrew, can you recall better, did anyone said they thought the HOTEL would be a great benefit to the community?) I'd have to look at a transcript (or have some video!) to be sure, but I do think the two committee-people who voted to approve felt that it was the restoration of the mansion that would be the benefit to the community. They all kept returning to that point, that restoring the building would be great. I think the differences among them were whether so large a building was an appropriate trade-off to get the historically listed property restored. I think the question of whether it's a hotel or a ten-story bowling alley falls mostly outside the reach of this particular committee. I believe one or two of them may have said as much. Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Malcolm X Park cleanup on Saturday 9am-noon
If you don't already have plans for tomorrow morning, there'll be a clean-up in Malcolm X Park from 9am to Noon. Aside from corralling the litter and the first flush of leaves, we'll also be removing the cages from some of the newer trees in the park, so any tree-tenders would be especially welcome! It looks like we'll have some light refreshments as well. Hope to see you all there... Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] STOP the 40th St Hotel Proposalþ
There are also several hospitals that might require individuals or families to stay for longer terms--weeks or a few months. I understand people occasionally come from great distances to seek care at the Veteran's Hospital, for instance, and some may not feel comfortable taking advantage of Ronald McDonald house. As for competing with ihouse? I'm not sure I see it. They're marketing a whole different experience over there. Not really a Hilton crowd I don't think. Quoting UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [EMAIL PROTECTED]: KAREN ALLEN wrote: To allow a developer to erect a building whose size and proposed use is so dramatically out of character with the area it would to occupy would set a dangerous precedent. Other developers would cite this project to attempt to place similar projects on every vacant lot or scrap of land. It would open the floodgates to a boom of irresponsible building from which UC would never recover. a thoughtful letter, karen. besides the historic commission issues, I keep wondering who this boutique hotel will serve, who the prospective audience is, why it's needed. the article in the uc review cited the need for such a hotel (where each suite has a kitchen) because the closest boutique hotels were the marriott downtown and the airport marriott. but doesn't such an extended-stay hotel already exist right on campus? at international house? it seems it does: http://www.ihousephilly.org/living-housing-options-rates.htm it seems to me that this boutique hotel of penn's is aimed at accommodating the same type of visitors to penn that international house serves: * Student (full- or part-time) * Conference attendee * Prospective student coming for an interview * Faculty member * Medical Trainee * Professional Trainee * Or, academically-affiliated individual ie, folks who would come for a visit, not to our neighborhood, but to campus -- a visit that would be too long for bookings at the sheraton or the inn at penn, but too short for signing an apartment lease. it appears to me that this boutique hotel, coming on the heels of the hub and the domus and the stratum and the radian, is complementing them while competing with international house, which penn does not own. thoughts? .. UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [aka laserbeam®] [aka ray] SERIAL LIAR. CALL FOR RATES. It is very clear on this listserve who these people are. Ray has admitted being connected to this forger. -- Tony West Ray's falsehoods are more sophisticated, more believable -- Tony West __ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email __ You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] An alternate town watch is being formed
If anyone has questions about this or would like to get involved and can't make the meeting, you can call Mr. Warwick, who is, I believe, the organizer of record for our group, at (215) 570-9952 There's a map of the proposed patrol area here: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=170 and a phillyblog discussion about it here: http://tinyurl.com/2pr9e4 Andrew Quoting [EMAIL PROTECTED]: The VSP Foundation is forming a Philadelphia Police Clergy townwatch which will cover a large area of West Philadelphia. For anyone interested , there's a meeting Thursday at 7:00PM, 52nd and Pine. Al Krigman ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] University City tourism video
I've got a series of West Philly videos here that tourists might find interesting as well: http://youtube.com/malcolmxpark But of course Brian's ain't bad... Andrew Quoting Kimm Tynan [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Mine's better. I agree!!! On 10/16/07 11:38 PM, Brian Siano [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6U8x7SxeA6g Enjoy! Mine's better. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1474992351211031065 You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] University City tourism video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6U8x7SxeA6g Enjoy! You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] EBT at Clark Park Farmer's Market
This looks great! http://tinyurl.com/2jnc45 $23,091 to the Food Trust, Philadelphia, Penn., to implement a pilot program that will develop and evaluate a model for EBT/credit/debit sales and train vendors in its use at the Clark Park Farmers Market in west Philadelphia, and implement a marketing campaign to increase patronage by food stamp recipients and other underserved consumers. CONNER AWARDS NEARLY $1 MILLION TO PROMOTE FARMERS MARKETS WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2007 - Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today announced 23 grants totaling $900,000 under the Farmers Market Promotion Program. The awards will aid local governments, nonprofit and economic development corporations and agricultural cooperatives in 16 states and the District of Columbia. Funds will support projects that establish, expand and promote farmers markets and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Farmers markets are increasingly becoming a larger and more integral part of our rural and urban communities, Conner said. We support this community spirit that helps increase farmer revenues, and provides consumers with fresh, local farm products. The Farmers Market Promotion Program is designed to provide assistance to local farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture in an effort to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities and improve farmers' income. The grants are authorized under the amended Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976. In this second year of funding, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which administers the program, will grant awards for the following projects: You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Who do sworn officers of the Philadelphia Police report to?
Just out of curiosity, since I postdate UCD in West Philly, what grassroots organizations were supplanted and coopted by UCD when it got started? Andrew Quoting UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Kimm Tynan wrote: fuming ... And that, in a nutshell (was that a nutshell?) is why I see UCD and the NID or BID as such a threat to this community. Because UCD/the NID/theBID/ are not at all grassroots, and they supplant true grassroots efforts. yes, that's it, in a nutshell. supplanting. co-option. and while some of us have been persistently pointing that out and opposing it, others of us have been just as stubbornly allowing it, encouraging it. and that is how ucd creates divisiveness in the community. and now we have a penn-branded listserve, and now we have a ucd-branded local police. .. UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [aka laserbeam®] [aka ray] SERIAL LIAR. CALL FOR RATES. It is very clear on this listserve who these people are. Ray has admitted being connected to this forger. -- Tony West Ray's falsehoods are more sophisticated, more believable -- Tony West __ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email __ You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] more on 'anchor institutions' and expansion moves
It's possible he's referring to the food carts which would certainly qualify as Mom-and-Pop in many cases. Quoting Anthony West [EMAIL PROTECTED]: It's anybody's guess! For starters, upscale does not contrast logically with mom-and-pop; many a Napa Valley winery is an upscale mom-and-pop operation. For another thing, I'm hard pressed to think of any on-campus operations that are mom-and-pop -- Penn's real-estate wing has long favored chains -- and not many that are downscale (unless you count their fast-food franchisees, etc.). Either that Penn real-estate wonk hadn't had his coffee before he was interviewed, or, more likely, the Penn kid who wrote the story had little grasp of either business or geography and was flinging around terms wildly, hoping they had a nice ring to them. -- Tony West Ray wrote: here's another: [thursday's dp]: http://tinyurl.com/2zydee [if anyone can figure out what they mean by mom-and-pop operations, I'd like to hear!] You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Something positive: Eastwick Bike Patrol
Over at www.malcolmxpark.org I've been following the Eastwick Bike Patrol for a couple of months. A YouTube video I made back in May apparently came to the attention of someone in the U.S. Attorney's office, and last Friday at a press conference down at the Paschall Homes, they were awarded a modest grant for new bikes and bullet-proof vests. I got a chance to interview Lieutenant Luther Chiles about the group's expanded mission and what the grant means for the organization. Take a look! http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=386 Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Former Rite Aid
Now I don't want to start a whole thing here, but ham sandwiches? You mean like, pork? Right across the street from a mosque? UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Frank wrote: No Dice, a piece by the Nature Theater of Oklahoma will be performed at, of all places, the controversial Rite Aid at 4237 Walnut St. as part of the Live Arts Festival. The admission is $15 and it's four hours long! I know nothing about it except what it says in the schedule, page 27. For instance Come for the magic, stay for the ham sandwiches and a transcendent froth of brute acting. Beats me. September 4-7 at 6pm. maybe that's why I saw some people there recently, in the parking lot, sort of looking the place over? (the store blinds were also up.) I thought maybe rite aid had finally found a new tenant, but the next day I saw that the FOR LEASE sign was back up... any urls? .. UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [aka laserbeam®] [aka ray] SERIAL LIAR. CALL FOR RATES. It is very clear on this listserve who these people are. Ray has admitted being connected to this forger. -- Tony West Ray's falsehoods are more sophisticated, more believable -- Tony West __ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email __ You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Dock Street
Stopped into the opening for Dock Street last night. It was delightful! I'm sure many of you were there, but if you weren't, I put up a scan of their introductory menu here: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=327 Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Malcolm X Park's Seasonal Maintenance Attendant
I recently had the opportunity to interview Al Green, the SMA for the Spring and Summer months at Malcolm X Park. If you've been through the park in recent years, you'll notice that it's kept remarkably clean for the amount of use it gets. It turns out that he does a great deal more than just keep the park clean, and he doesn't get any recognition for that extra work. He had some interesting reflections on his seven years in the park, on littering in general, and the merits of working outdoors. Take a look: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=317 Andrew www.malcolmxpark.org You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: Kiddie Shows (was: [UC] Malcolm X Park's Seasonal Maintenance Attendant)
I'm curious to know more about Uncle Pete Boyle. You said that he grew up at 50th and Osage or Larchwood across from then Black Oak Park, but the park is actually between 51st and 52nd. Do you know if he lived right on the park? Andrew Actually Channel 3's call letters were WRCV. They were located at 1619 Walnut St. until Group W bought them, (not quite sure when) and they became KYW-TV. You are quite right about WFIL-TV and radio, (Famous 56 AM), but WCAU-TV has the same call letters since 1948. In fact, there were just two CBS Affiliates in 1948 when television really went national: WCBS-TV Channel 2 in New York and WCAU-TV Channel 10 in Philadelphia. I STILL get confused between Channel 3 and 10 after they switched network affiliates because WCAU-10 was that since there was television. Perhaps on Channel 3 was where I saw Uncle Pete Boyle, but he began on Educational-TV 12. Of course I remember Clutch Cargo (with Spinner and Paddlefoot), and Space Angel) on WFIL. ALSO, Lee Dexter's puppets Bertie The Bunyip, Fussie and Gussie, and Sir Guy-dee-Guy,the Fox on WRCV-3. Perhaps others might remember Lorenzo. On 8/13/07 5:37 PM, KAREN ALLEN [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Actually, Wilma, I think Uncle Pete Boyle was on Channel 3 (WRCP-TV). And of course, there was Sally Starr on Channel 6, WFIL, with Popeye cartoons and the Three Stooges. There was also this weird cartoon, Clutch Cargo where there was little or no animation, but actual people's mouths would speak the dialogue. Plus, all of those old 1930's era movie theater cartoons were on all of the kiddie shows. And not to mention Bertie the Bunyip which was some kind of a sock puppet. (Channel 12 recently had a show about the old local kiddie shows where it was explained what a bunyip was, but I forget exactly; I think it was a mythical creature.) I remember the PBS forerunner, NET, which had this deep-voiced announcer which would intone National Educational Television. My older family members would occasionally watch the actual shows, which seemed particularly dull to me--man, talk about B-O-R-I-N-G!!! Karen Allen From: Wilma de Soto [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: Wilma de Soto [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], UnivCity listserv UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: Re: [UC] Malcolm X Park's Seasonal Maintenance Attendant Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:07:29 -0400 Thanks for the message. Of COURSE when I saw the name Al Green AND Malcolm X Park (formerly Black Oak Park), I immediately thought of you know, AL GREEN the singer. (Love and Happiness, I'm so Tired of being Lonely, Let's Stay Together,) etc. However, I am glad to learn of our local Al Green who has given up his time to keep the park free of litter, unbidden, unpaid and unheralded until now. Neighborhood Fact: Did you know the late actor Peter Boyle grew up near 50th Osage or Larchwood across from Black Oak Park. His father, Uncle Pete Boyle had a children's show on the earliest days of Channel 12, in the late 1950's, where he showed The Little Rascals and cartoons. I can barely remember a Channel 12 before PBS, yet I do vaguely. My sister late elder sister used to talk about it and somehow I recall seeing it. UHF was the really big thing I remember. On 8/13/07 12:51 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I recently had the opportunity to interview Al Green, the SMA for the Spring and Summer months at Malcolm X Park. If you've been through the park in recent years, you'll notice that it's kept remarkably clean for the amount of use it gets. It turns out that he does a great deal more than just keep the park clean, and he doesn't get any recognition for that extra work. He had some interesting reflections on his seven years in the park, on littering in general, and the merits of working outdoors. Take a look: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=317 Andrew www.malcolmxpark.org You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Crosstown roadways
I had assumed the 30th street radial was what became 76, but I suppose they could have imagined a large frontage road. It'll be interesting to see what happens with 52nd street in the next few years. I agree that it should be dense and walkable, but I'm wondering what kind of increased pressure it will see when the Lowe's shopping center is built at Parkside. It may be that 48th will see most of the stress from that. I find 38th street frustrating as a N-S arterial as well, but I almost never use it. Driving it's almost always faster, I think, to take 49th to Woodland and the Grays Ferry Bridge to almost any point south of Market in Center City. Even on my bicycle I prefer that route. Andrew Quoting Anthony West [EMAIL PROTECTED]: I too wondered about the 30th St. radial. Is this just another early word for what became the Schuylkill Expy., or does some now-forgotten concept of Gnostic highway planners lie buried beneath this terminology? A wide 48th St. crosstown road I can kind of see, even more so today. It is very hard for drivers in this neighborhood cut N.-to-S. across the major streets, which are mostly E-to-W. Yet crosstown traffic lanes are important, even if one wants to travel E. to Center City and allied points. Girard, Spring Garden and Grays Ferry Bridges join University City to adjacent neighborhoods in North and South Philadelphia. It is frustrating to drive crosstown in University City and I think one road (38th St.) is not enough. 48th St. is already wide on some stretches, already supports commerce on some stretches, and still has cheap land for widening on some stretches. It's not a perfect package for inner-city roadbuilding, but it's about as good as we'll ever see. I'd stay away from 52nd St., which should foster the same dense, walkable, transit-centered commercial strip it always has. While it may not be a winning ticket, I can't see how road-building and speed-enhancing on this street would help the stores on this street. -- Tony West I don't see what the point of making 30th an arterial would be; there's what, three blocks of it west of the Schuylkill, and it all runs parallel to and a block west of I-76? And 48th seems fine as is, unless there's something I'm missing (i. e. was it different at the time this plan was hatched?). From what I remember hearing once (maybe on this list), the reason that 38th is so wide is to make up for the fact that 36th, 37th, and 39th are pedestrian-only between Walnut and Spruce; it was felt that there needed to be some way for the cars to travel north-south in that area, so 38th was widened, and at least once a week I almost get run over crossing it on foot. Isabel You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Gospel Fest 2007
Today from noon to 4pm in Malcolm X Park (51st and Osage): Gospel Fest 2007 There'll be about a dozen gospel groups performing all afternoon. Should be a good time. More details, including a classic youtube video of Sister Rosetta Tharpe right here: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=315 Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] A nugget of West Philly planning history
I ran across this little nugget in writing up a post about the 52nd Street Expressway (http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=313): The West Philadelphia Expressway was also part of a West Philadelphia improvement proposal developed jointly by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission and the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to the expressway at 52nd Street, the joint plan called for arterials at 30th Street, 38th Street and 48th Street, and for the closing of non-vital streets in overbuilt residential areas to allow for greenways. - By my reckoning, that would have put Malcolm X Park right on the freeway. Nice. Andrew www.malcolmxpark.org You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Did we miss National Night Out ??
A reminder to keep an eye on some of your less conventional local news sources for this sort of thing! http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=296 Andrew Quoting [EMAIL PROTECTED]: With all this gratuitous bickering on what ought to be a forum for dissemination of information of interest to the community, did we miss a National Night Out block party on the 200 Block of S Melville Street yesterday evening? I just noticed in the news that yesterday was the scheduled date nationwide -- and that block of S Melville has been a primary venue for this event in our neighborhood. Enquiring minds want to know Al Krigman ** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Neighborhood Park Blogging
As most of you know, I've been working on a blog about Malcolm X Park and some aspects of the surrounding neighborhood for the last few months. Originally conceived as a more static electronic bulletin board type site, I found that I've enjoyed the writing quite a bit, so the scope of the blog has expanded. The park itself turns out to be a hub of all kinds of activity: politics, social service, food. Increasingly, I'm writing from the park 'out' into the rest of the city. In doing so, I've tried to find other people who are doing something similar. The Brian Siano's work on the clark park blog is one example, and there's a nascent project growing up around Jefferson Square (http://www.jeffersonsquarepark.org/) My question is, does anyone know of other blogs in Philadelphia that look at their neighborhoods through the 'lens' of a park? You can let me know onlist, offlist or even by anonymous comment at http://www.malcolmxpark.org Thanks! Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Asteroids and Astrology at Blackwell Regional Library
Is all this list rancor stressing you out? How about a cool trip to the library for some enlightenment? Get a Clue @ your library answers the question: What is Astrology? Blackwell Regional Library (52nd and Sansom) Wednesday August 8th at 4:00pm Flier and more info at http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=269 Sounds like fun to me! Full disclosure: comments at www.malcolmxpark.org are also lightly moderated to exclude the large volume of cialis and viagra solicitations. Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Anti-Violence Bike Ride on Saturday the 28th
I know there are a few cyclists on the list, so I thought I'd give this upcoming event a little boost. On Saturday July 28th, there'll be an Anti-Violence bike ride starting at 9am from the Enterprise Center at 45th and Ludlow. The ride will be escorted by a patrol car from the 18th District, and it will go for about an hour, winding its way through the neighborhoods of West Philly. Details including a copy of the flier with contact information are available, as usual, at www.malcolmxpark.org (direct link: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=219) Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Facing the music at Malcolm X Park
Those of you who stayed home to watch CSI: Paducah or whatever was in reruns last night missed out on a great show. In addition to great music, the crowd was thick with titans of Philadelphia politics, among them Sharif Street and none other than your very own councilwoman! See some of the highlights (shot in low light, unfortunately) here: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=121 Never fear, you'll be able to catch Glen Bryan and Friends at Denise King's Jazz series later this summer. Next up for the Malcolm X Park Jazz Series on June 14th is Shirley Lites. And I think that's the Shirley Lites of Heat you up (Melt you down) fame, but I need to do a little more research. Also, tonight is Safe Night Philadelphia: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=120 Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Delay and old news tactic
The Daily News column is right here: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20070601_Clout___Primaries__Unfinished_gift_that_keeps_on_giving.html And oddly enough, it mentions Willie Singletary, who can be seen along with his father at www.malcolmxpark.org soliciting campaign donations and performing a Blessing of the Bikes. http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=3 Malcolm X Park is where it all happens. Andrew Quoting Wilma de Soto [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Today, The Philadelphia Daily News had a mention about Jannie Blackwell and the UCD scandal at Black Oak Park (now called Malcolm X Park), in their ³Clout² section. Nothing really new to report, but it won¹t be long now since the hounds have grappled on to it. I am sorry for her AND John Fenton. _Wilma On 6/1/07 9:09 AM, Glenn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Some of us don¹t believe an open-ended internal investigation which UCD claims, is actually occurring.. Remember, our town clown, Bender, used the image of UCD¹s findings announced in 2012. Others and I recognize that instead of investigation, there is damage control occurring at Penn. The general tactic being employed is what I call, The Delay and Old News Tactic. When the news that UCD is good and nearly perfect comes sometime soon, the assertion will be made that they have discovered how to be 100% perfect forever more so that they may remain closed and secretive. The public announcement will make the point that some fuzzy incident occurred long in the past and only curmudgeons and Trustafarians want to look to the past and not the future. (They will probably have a new survey and will probably make a call for your wish list) I have heard this so many times here in the district often through the partners like Tony West¹s gang, the Friends of Clark Park, that it sounds like a broken record to me. The meaning of this, look to the future not the past, is that nothing will be done to the policies, procedures, and secrecy that led to a specific, publicly exposed, incident. The incident will have been swept under the rug and the ad hominem machine will be loaded for any one that says, hey UCD, you just swept this under the rug. The use of the same treachery will be preserved for future use. I hope you all remember this prediction when the announcement comes out. It¹s not because I¹m really smart like Mr. West that I¹m able to make this prediction. It is because the treachery and secrecy are endemic in this UCD and the UCD culture. Over time, these tactics can be observed to be systematic and are employed with almost no thought by the actors. There is such arrogance that the free pass given and the support of the cheerleaders using the ad hominem machine and fallacious argument strategies will carry the day. Of course using such tactics and strategies on a community will show the UCD wish to benefit from intentional divisiveness as some of us have accused UCD of doing in most of its initiatives Look how Melani, Siano, and West are used like pawns with no concern that they will make complete idiots of themselves in front of their neighbors. Even if you don't like us outsiders, whores, drug addicts, criminals, etc. and don't care about our rights as citizens; do you like your up-scale leaders to constantly be called on to make jackasses out of themselves for UCD benefit? UCD uses this in all of the initiatives I¹ve seen, most notably for me, the takeover of UCD Park at 43rd and Baltimore. This is at the cornerstone of the hand picked closed steering committees we¹ve seen with every initiative. The UCD argument is the following once an initiative leaks out to the public. It¹s too late now to include stakeholders because the community has been chosen. We need to look to the future and not the past. There will never be a mistake in the future but all future discussions will be secret. Trust us, our good good friends, if you have any questions or comments please, please, send them to us, our trash shredder is always plugged in for your questions. Everyone knows if they question this tactic, they will hear, you¹re evil, hot-headed and stuck in the past like Moyer. Shut up now or we¹re going to make you sorry that you ever ever questioned The Friends of Clark Park or UCD We are all supposed to remember that we are little people and UCD is getting almost unlimited power to rule the neighborhood we called home. It's partners are getting the fantasy of power because they will be able to bully their neighbors until the UCD power is 100% Watch for the Delay and Old News tactic coming soon to a newsmercial near you, Glenn You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Facing the music at Malcolm X Park
You've heard all about the scandal, now come hear the music! The Malcolm X Park Jazz Series kicks off tonight at 7pm with keyboardist Glen Bryan and his Quartet. Check it out! Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] .org/.info
I have posted a clarification on the relationship between these two sites here: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=92 I am still finding my feet as a blogger, so any confusion is owing entirely to my own inept administration. Andrew Quoting Frank [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Both malcolmxpark.org and malcolmxpark.info are registered at and hosted by the same web host. Also the Friends text on both sites are identical. Frank You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean at Bushfire on 52nd
If you're a fan of August Wilson or just need an excuse to check out the grand old Bushfire Theater at 52nd and Locust, Gem of the Ocean is playing until May 27th. Tickets are 2 for $30 Tuesday through Friday, which ain't a bad deal for live entertainment of any kind. My brief pablum-laden review is right here: www.malcolmxpark.org Andrew You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Re: Easter Egg Hunt at the and Malcolm X Park and the Walnut West Library
The Easter Egg Hunt in Malcolm X Memorial park is on Saturday April 7th from 12:00-3:30pm. There will be, among other things, free food, face painting, a moon bounce, live entertainment (including Daddy Yo the Clown), and of course an Easter Egg hunt. A tentative schedule of the other events sponsored by the Friends of Malcolm X Park can be found at www.malcolmxpark.org Quoting B Andersen [EMAIL PROTECTED]: *Update*: I just saw that St. Mary's School is doing their's on Saturday, April 7, 4:00pm to 5:00pm On 3/30/07, B Andersen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I understand that this year's Easter Egg Hunt at Walnut West Library is on April 7 at 1:00 pm. I have also heard that the annual egg hunt at Malcolm X Park is on the same day. Does anyone know the time of the latter? You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
