Besides the few times I have seen ambassadors cycling on my street or nearby, they seem to spend most of their time in groups around the Green Line café or Best House or in front of Fu-Wah and Nick's Variety Store talking to Nick, a policeman. They do not patrol enough. Sande Knight ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ; UnivCity@list.purple.com<mailto:UnivCity@list.purple.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 12:51 PM Subject: Re: Misleading quotes from Al [Was: Re: [UC] Investments in neighborhoods.....]
In a message dated 1/16/07 12:05:16 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED]<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: How is it that the same result occurred in neighborhoods that did not have Penn or UCD, or for that matter, the Center City District? I'm not aware of the other groups demanding a forced tax, yet they are delivering the same result. Karen Allen Good question, Karen. I googled the groups, and I found that you and I and all of the others on this list seem to be paying for the efforts in those other areas. Mt. Airy USA is using Philadelphia and PA funding, and New Kensington CDC is using those sources plus federal money - so there is definitely a "forced tax" being used after all. Also, please remember that what has been accomplished so far in University City has been done without a "forced tax" on landlords and commercial property owners. If there were more ambassadors patrolling western University City, maybe someone would have heard [EMAIL PROTECTED]'s cries for help last Saturday night, a block from your house. As a landlord, I'd like to get more ambassadors out there to watch out for my tenants...and for you and me, too. Here's some information on the funding for the other organizations: Mt. Airy USA, The Avenue Project: from http://www.mtairyusa.org/index.htm <<The Avenue Project is a comprehensive business district improvement strategy modeled after the National Main Street Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Project, developed in partnership with the Mt. Airy Business Association, is supported by a full-time program director and a network of community volunteers. Volunteers are involved in establishing design standards for the Avenue, a project logo, an image campaign for Mt. Airy’s Business District, promotional campaigns, business recruitment strategies, a parking foundation, a crime and safety initiative, and business retention strategies. The Avenue Project is funded by the Philadelphia Commerce Department, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and local businesses and residents. >> New Kensington CDC: http://www.nkcdc.org/home.html Their own website doesn't show funding sources, but they sure have a LARGE STAFF. Searching further, I found the following information on a meeting they're holding Thursday, Jan. 18th: (See http://fishtown.us/node/5889) <<Start: Jan 18 2007 - 6:45pm.... Community Briefing THE FRANKFORD AVENUE ARTS CORRIDOR PLAN: STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS Recommendations from the Consultants Opportunity for Community Response Tentative Timeline for Construction When: Thursday, January 18th, 6:45 pm Where: Circle of Hope, 2007-09 Frankford Avenue, 2nd Floor What: New Kensington CDC has been awarded city, state and federal money to make improvements along Frankford Avenue that will restore the street to the viable commercial corridor it was in the past. Since the planning process began in 2004, neighborhood input has been an important part of the process. Some improvements have already appeared in the form of murals, planters, and painted benches designed by local artisans. Group G is the professional firm enlisted to create the technical plan. Neighbors have emphasized a desire to maintain the integrity of the Fishtown and East Kensington communities. This wish has been translated into the various elements involved in the corridor improvements. Residents will be able to see the sidewalks, street trees, signage, lighting, and bus shelters they selected in previous meetings and have an opportunity to give additional feedback. Gerry Gutierrez from Group G will suggest a tentative timeline for construction as the project moves forward. Group G and representatives from New Kensington CDC will also be available to answer questions neighbors have about the planning process and implementation of the improvements. Sponsored by the Neighborhood Advisory Committee of New Kensington CDC, 2515 Frankford Avenue. Funding provided by the Philadelphia Office of Housing and Community Development>> Melani Lamond, Associate Broker Urban & Bye, Realtor 3529 Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19104 cell phone 215-356-7266 office phone 215-222-4800, ext. 113 office fax 215-222-1101
