2017 Annual Meeting Highlights and Business Updates
Garden Court Community Association conducted its Annual Meeting at the Mosaic Community Church at 51st and Sansom Streets on Thursday, June 22, attended by approximately 50 people and preceded by a potluck dinner.
President Maurice Jones welcomed the attendees and gave a quick review of the many active things happening in the neighborhood, including increased development pressure, proposed Chestnut Street bike lanes, renovation of West Philly High into market rate apartments as West Lofts, proposal for a high rise building at 49th and Spruce, and cooperation with Walnut Hill Community Association on a flea market.
Nominating Committee
Mary Allegra, chair, presented the list of proposed new officers and new or returning Board members.
New officers:
Utsav Schurmans, VP Membership
Liz Campion, Recording Secretary
Kate Farquhar, VP Communications
Proposed new Board members:
Christopher Mejia-Smith
Dorothy Mejia-Smith
Nani Manion
Proposed members returning to the Board:
Maria Delgado
Hazel Singleton
Bobbi Jaffe
Upon motion made and seconded, the slate of officers and new Board members was approved by acclamation.
Chestnut Street Bike Lane
Bob Previdi, policy coordinator at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, discussed Vision Zero, the city’s initiative to end traffic deaths in Philadelphia. Part of the proposal to make Philadelphia safer is to reduce traffic speed by incorporating traffic calming methods, including bike lanes. The West Chestnut Street Transportation Project has been approved to construct a parking-protected bike lane from 33rd to 45th Streets (see photo). It will slightly narrow the street and help slow the traffic.
West Lofts
Andrew Bank of Strong Place Partners advised that the renovated West Philadelphia High School building will be fully open on the east side of the building by October and that model apartments may now be viewed on site. Plans are to construct a new structure along Walnut Street for some commercial businesses, including possibly a coffee shop. Rents in the elevator building are approximately $900 for a studio and $1,400 for a one bedroom and some onsite parking is available.
Welcome the Deluxe Fruit Salad Truck to 48th & Spruce Streets!
Expanding on the offerings already available in the 48th & Spruce Street Business District, a large light blue Deluxe Fruit Salad Truck has taken up a location on the northwest corner of 48th & Spruce Streets near the Indego Bike Share Station and the SEPTA 64 bus stop. We welcome truck operator Thanh Kieng to the business district. His well-equipped vehicle prepares delicious fresh fruit salads in sizes from small ($3) to extra large ($8). Or drop by for a “make your own Smoothie” in sizes from small ($3) to large ($4). Give the Deluxe Fruit Salad Truck a try when you’re in the vicinity!