This Week: October 7, 2021

Editor - Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer - Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer - Travis Oliver

Time Out from Sports

Well, let’s see…

The Phils fell short, couldn’t catch an Atlanta team that was minus its two best hitters.

The Eagles are a work in (hopeful) progress in a season that could be tough to watch.

The Sixers are all about Ben Simmons. Good luck moving a guy that broken, that stubborn, and that expensive.

Maybe not spend so much time catching the games this time around.

Maybe go outside, stay outside. Maybe hit that Jasper Johns show at the Art Museum. For sure, give some love and support by shopping locally. And oh, those streeteries.

Nothing wrong with loving ballgames, least of all here in Philly. But maybe it’s time to visit some other fields of dreams.

CCRA News and Events

Member Appreciation Night: You’re Invited!

Please join us for an open-air “Thank You!” at the Dwight D Hotel’s fabulous outdoor garden on the evening of October 20th. It’s our way of giving you a big “MWAH!” for being loyal members.

The skinny: It’s a 5pm - 7pm meet-and-greet with fellow CCRA members in a unique and beautiful outdoor setting, featuring complimentary wine and cheese. The soiree is limited to the first 50 members who respond, so don’t delay! Proof of vaccination will be required upon entrance. The Dwight D is located at 256 S. 16th Street.

See you there, and Thanks Again!

RSVP

CCRA Provides Input to New Streeteries Bill

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the neighborhood, the CCRA has enlisted Architect Tim Kerner in providing input/guidance in the form of good architectural standards and guidelines to the Office of Councilmember Allen Domb, who sponsored the bill to make Streeteries permanent.

While CCRA is in favor of helping our restaurants and increasing the availability of outdoor eating, Kerner notes that the legislation proposes an extended donation of public space for the purposes of private profit and that we should not be doing so to the detriment of the urban environment. Among his concerns are the specifics of the Streetery bill itself and outdoor dining guidelines in general.

CCRA seeks a balance of good design, managing congestion, and preserving a non-intrusive ambient atmosphere while accommodating Streeteries. We appreciate the input of our residents while we work to strike the right balance.

The City has published a document detailing guidelines for outdoor dining. That document is available here.

CCRA Supports Changes to Composition of Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA)

CCRA’s Executive Committee has voted to endorse in principle legislation to modify the composition of the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). The legislation – Bill 210669 – would modify the number and makeup of ZBA members as well as requiring demonstrated sensitivity to community concerns. It would also require confirmation via a majority vote of City Council.

For more detail please, go here.

CCRA Pushes Mayor Kenney for Quality of Life Improvements

The Executive Committee of the CCRA has agreed to sign a letter from the Center City Coalition to Mayor Kenney and other City officials regarding public health and safety issues that have hindered the recovery of the City’s critical leisure and hospitality sectors, which in turn has hampered the recovery of the City as a whole relative to surrounding counties.

The Center City Coalition, an organization that speaks for residents, businesses, and cultural organizations, has proposed a five-point program designed to restore Center City to its pre-pandemic vitality.

The five-point program includes increased bike and foot patrols, patrols for ATVs, enhanced 911 response times, sanitation services restored to pre-pandemic levels, and enhanced safety and cleanliness of public transportation vehicles.

Through this letter, the various sectors of Center City life speak with one voice to address our common issues.

What’s Up With That Bolt of Lightning, Anyway?

We’ve all driven past it, biked past it, Ubered past it on our way to/from the Ben Franklin Bridge. You know, Isamu Noguchi’s 1984 Bolt of Lightning.

Turns out there’s a lot more to it than meets the fleeting eye. Join CCRA’s Streets maven Bill West as he takes an in-depth, up-close-and-personal look at the remarkable sculpture and the surrounding environs. His blog post, entitled “Unnecessary Spaghetti”, can be found here.

Merchant Partner of the Week

Every week we spotlight a member of the CCRA Merchant Partner ‘Deals & Discount’ Program, which helps local Mom and Pop businesses get back on their post-pandemic feet by providing complimentary valuable advertising and exposure by encouraging support from CCRA’s highly-engaged (and growing) membership. This week we feature Rittenhouse pet wellness center Liberty Vet Pets.

Sick Puppy, Flitty Kitty? Go to Liberty Vet Pets

Because pets are family, it is critical to get it right when choosing a veterinarian. Well, dither no more. The right choice in Center City is Liberty Vet Pets on 20th Street, just off the Square.

Liberty is both a veterinarian’s office and an animal hospital (and they have a lab). Both its kind and caring Veterinarian and Associate Veterinarian are UPenn grads.

At Liberty, they do it all and more: preventive care, dental, vaccinations, general surgery and nutrition. And get this: They make house calls - for real!

What else? CCRA members enjoy 10% off services and boutique items (excluding food; CCRA membership cards must be presented).

So the next time a four-legged family member needs a little TLC (or more), go straight to the good folks at Liberty Vet Pets.

Useful links

Community News and Events

November Election Mail Ballot Drop Boxes: What You Need to Know

The November 2 election will be here before you know it, so it’s best to get smart now if you’re planning to vote by mail. This is the second year with mail voting in PA, the details of which can be found here.

More info

The 411 on the (Beloved) 215 Area Code

And you thought “215” was just an area code? Think again. It’s a cultural icon for those in the know. It’s meaningful, has old-school cred, and finds itself in music, film, TV, art, even tattoos. “267”? Please. To be in the know, go here.

October 8 - October 10

More info

Would You Like to Help Select a New Schools Superintendent?

As Dr. William Hite is transitioning from his role as Philadelphia Superintendent of Schools, the search for the next superintendent is underway, and you can take part.

How?

There are listening sessions: some in-person, some virtual.

There is a survey. There are citywide exchanges.

The City wants to hear from you! A detailed how-to is here.

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Would you please support our local merchants and save money too? These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.

Frameworks Studio and Gallery, 2103 Walnut St, (215-567-6800)

Good Karma Cafe, 331 S. 22nd St, (215-546-1479)

Koresh Dance Company, 2002 Rittenhouse Sq St. (267-687-1769)

Liberty Pet Vets, 265 S. 20th St (888-458-8587

Mlkmn, - Use code CCRAMlkmn to receive free membership

Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554)

Photo Lounge, 130 S.17th St. (267-322-6651)

Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St. (215-735-6311)

Seafood Unlimited, 270 S. 20th St (215-732-3663)

The Bake Shop on 20th, 269 S. 20th St. (215-644-9714)

Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing, 1528 Waverly St (215-546-7889)

Veda Modern Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St, (267-519-2001)