This Week: July 7, 2022

Editor - Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer - Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer - Travis Oliver

Absence of Leadership

Margaret Thatcher is famously credited with saying “Consensus is the absence of leadership.” While there is certainly much to recommend in that sentiment, sometimes absence of leadership is just that.

Which brings us to Mayor Kenney, who earlier this week now famously said, “I’ll be happy when I’m not here, when I’m not Mayor and can enjoy some stuff.”

Well, yes. Having an MIA Mayor certainly goes far in explaining the lack of responsiveness from City Hall that we at CCRA have decried for years.

Is it time for Hizzoner to check out physically as well as mentally? As in: Resigning?

That would arguably be leadership – addition by subtraction – and would likely provide the added benefit of being met with consensus.

CCRA Started HOW???

So back in 1947 there was this inspired notion of converting Rittenhouse Square into an underground parking garage. You read that right: they wanted to pave Paradise and put up a parking lot. So what happened? Watch our mini-movie here about the Birth of CCRA.

CCRA News and Events

Save the Dates: Fitler Square Concerts

CCRA is sponsoring two Concerts in Fitler Square on two Thursday evenings this summer, July 21 (6 - 8 PM) and August 18 (6:30 - 8:30 PM).

These events are hosted by Friends of Fitler Square Park and will feature two local bands. On July 21, come out and hear KARAMA, followed by Lewis Brothers Bluegrass Band on August 18.

Follow our Facebook page for details. It’s all part of making Center City West a better place to live, work and play. This is a collaboration of two of your favorite local nonprofits.

See you there!

Public Meeting on Broad and Lombard Development

As part of the City's Civic Design Review process, CCRA will be hosting a Zoom meeting to discuss a proposed development at the intersection of Broad and Lombard Streets. The development team will make a presentation and answer questions.

Some details on the proposal can be found here.

Please feel free to send questions in advance of the meeting to centercity@centercityresidents.org.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM EDT. The Zoom link is here.

Attention Neighbors: Be Courteous Where you Leave your Dog’s Poop

When curbing your dog, please do not leave the dog bag on top of any recycling that is waiting to be collected. The City will not collect the bin if they see it. Please dispose of it properly in the garbage.

CCRA Zoning Committee Meeting

On Tuesday, June 28, CCRA held its monthly meeting.

To view the meeting, visit our YouTube channel here.

To see the report, click here.

CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides smaller local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight the Rittenhouse framing emporium Frameworks Studio.

Frameworks Studio Brings the Art of Framing

Frameworks Studio at 21st & Walnut St., is not just another framing house.

How so?

Well, for one, the framers are artists themselves, complete with Fine Arts degrees.

For another, there is an active on-site gallery which offers seasonal exhibitions featuring the works of local artists.

And finally, as a CCRA Merchant Partner, FrameWorks offers CCRA members 10% off on all framing.

So please stop by at 21st & Walnut and say hello to FrameWorks!

Clean, Safe and Green

Council Bill Aims to Up the City’s Tree Cover

Efforts to increase the City’s tree cover got a boost last week when City Council approved a bill that would charge developers a fee for trees they remove which they do not replace. Sponsored by Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson, the bill

expands existing requirements for preserving and planting trees, the idea being to increase the City’s tree cover from its current 20% to 30% within 30 years. Details can be found here.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Black Birders Tell Their Tales

This past May 31 thru June 5 marked

Black Birders Week for 2022.

Have a read here as several members

describe their experiences.

Dr. John Fryer, LGBTQ Pioneer

Difficult as it may be to believe, as recently as 50 years ago the American

Psychiatric Association considered homosexuality to be a mental disorder.

Dr. John Fryer, a gay Philadelphia psychiatrist, challenged that classification – donning a wig and a mask to conceal his identity – and the following year the designation was changed.

More about this remarkable man can be found here.

Community News and Events

Rolling On the River

Discover the Hidden River on a fun and educational riverboat tour while seeing spectacular views of Philadelphia. Learn about the past, present, and future of the tidal Schuylkill River and its impact on Philadelphia on a one-hour Secrets of the Schuylkill tour -- tickets are $25/adult and $15/child age 12 and under. Pricing does not include taxes or fees. Tours run on select Thursdays and Sundays through September. Get the schedule here.

Cool! Brew and Pop Up Snow Shower

A snow shower seems like just the ticket right now. Seriously. At the Rothman Rink this Saturday, roll on over and find Santa on skates, and even take a break to snap some photos with kids. Fun crafts, holiday-inspired snacks and a pop-up snow shower. Details here.

One Love, Many Beers at “Reggae by the River”

The Back-to-Work thing got you down? No Worries!

Hey Mon, join the fun when the East Falls popup Beer Garden presents "Reggae by the River" every third Thursday where they show their "Inner Luv" with music, food trucks and vendors.

Bring your best reggae vibe. Check it out here.

Monday Night Blahs? Rx: Jazz at the Moshulu

The Back-to-Work thing got you down? No Worries!

Make it over to The Deck at the Moshulu, close by the River Delaware.

Every Monday night thru August from 6p-9p it’s live Jazz.

Let Jazz chase the Blues away here.

Time to Flea Philly? Not!

Don’t fret if you’re not escaping the city for the shore this weekend. Let the neighbors be off! All the easier for you to get the bargains at Flea Philly. The action comes to Race Street Pier this Saturday, July 8, bringing purveyors of antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, glassware, art work, and so much more.

Perfect in so many ways: reusing stuff, finding something funky, and supporting local vendors.

And….clouds predicted for the shore.

35th Annual Cycle the Ben Franklin Bridge to the Shore

Is Schuylkill River Trail getting a bit boring by now? Up one side; down the other. Falls Bridge in between? On Sunday, July 24th, switch bridges! Start your bike ride at the Ben Franklin and don’t stop until you see ocean. Shorter options also available. This iconic ride only happens once a year, so start training now, and register here if you’re up to the challenge.

Foodie Alert: A Guide to Local Farmers’ Markets

Just because we live in a big city doesn’t mean we don’t have access to bountiful farmers’ markets. Au contraire; there are more than you likely know. To break it all down for you is “10+ Farmers Markets In & Around Philly”, courtesy Irene Levy Baker, author of “100 Things To Do In Philadelphia” and “Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia”. You can dig in here.

Music from the Tips of Their Fingers

Mingle with renowned professors and concert pianists who’ve traveled from across the country to join Ching-Yun Hu for this year's PYPA Piano Festival, taking place right off Rittenhouse Square, at the Academy of Vocal Arts . If you’ve never been in this architectural gem, you gotta go for that alone!

Hu, a renowned concert pianist, founded the Academy to help young Philadelphia artists achieve their dreams of becoming professional pianists. The festival is organized by Philadelphia’s Young Pianists Academy (PYPA) and it runs from 7/30-8/7. Choose among nine world-class concerts, 125 hours of master classes, seven lectures and open forums, and the Philadelphia International Piano Competition, For tickets and info, click here.

Useful links

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.

William Schwartz Jewelry, 1831 Chestnut St (215-665-8115)

Alimentari Restaurant at Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor

Astral Artists - Use promo code "CCRA" to receive a $10 flat rate on all tickets to their virtual concerts.

Blue Sole Shoes, 1805 Chestnut St, (215-496-9244)

Branzino Italian BYOB, 261 S. 17th St (215-790-0103)

City Fitness, 2101 South St. & 1819 JFK Blvd. (609-254-9048)

Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St. (215-665-9220)

Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)

Excursions from the Square (215-732-8487, 215-738-4500)

Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)

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

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