|
Center City Residents' Association
1900 Market St, FL 8, Philadelphia, PA 19103
PH: 215-546-6719 Email: centercity@centercityresidents.org
| |
|
CCRA Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 9, 7pm
| |
|
BEX Meeting Space
2005 Market St. (One Commerce Sq.)
Join us at our board meeting where you can meet the city’s first Public Safety Director Adam Geer. Mr. Geer will present his plan for 2024 and you will have the opportunity to ask him questions. He served as deputy inspector general for public safety during the last administration. Mr. Geer aims to foster collaboration with agencies and community organizations, emphasizing a holistic approach to public safety.
In addition to Mr., Geer, we invited the Office of Council President Kenyatta Johnson to the meeting. You don’t want to miss this rare opportunity.
Dessert will be served.
Space is limited. Register here if you would like to attend.
| |
|
When voters in Philadelphia cast their ballots next month in the 2024 Primary Election, they will be asked to vote on Ballot Question #1, which asks: Should the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to require the City to provide for the indemnification and defense of registered community organizations in connection with claims made against them arising directly out of their lawful participation in the City’s zoning variance process? CCRA encourages a “yes” vote on this measure.
CCRA is one of many civic associations throughout the City of Philadelphia that is designated as a Registered Community Organization (or RCO) for its neighborhood. As an RCO, CCRA is required under the Philadelphia Zoning Code to convene public meetings and provide input to the City about proposed development projects in our community.
For example, CCRA’s Zoning Committee holds monthly public meetings at which it takes positions on whether to support or oppose requests made by neighbors for zoning relief to do things like build roof decks, open new restaurants, or operate their properties as Airbnbs. CCRA also has a seat at the table when developers present plans to the City to build new mid-rise and high-rise buildings in our community. CCRA has these responsibilities because it is anRCO.
Despite that RCOs, like CCRA, are obligated under the law to play an important role in the zoning process and serve as a voice for the community, the City does not currently protect RCOs against frivolous lawsuits brought by people who are unhappy with the positions that such RCO’s take to advocate for neighbors. And this is a serious problem. In fact, some RCOs have been forced to close their doors because they were sued and could no longer afford to maintain their insurance.
A “yes” vote on Ballot Question #1 means that you approve allowing the City to devise a system to help RCOs, like CCRA, pay for the costs of defending against potential lawsuits. If this measure is approved by the voters in April, the City will still need to actually create and implement a feasible plan. The work will not be complete. Voting “yes” on Ballot Question #1 simply authorizes the City to move forward in developing a process to help RCOs.
| |
Zoning Committee is Looking for New Members | |
|
Join fellow Center City residents on the Zoning Committee to address this. Responsibilities include meeting once a month and reviewing zoning cases. A background in design, preservation, law, or development is helpful, but not required. What is required is a true interest in Center City's built environment and a willingness to engage in productive, focused discussions. We provide training on zoning (i.e. what the Committee can and cannot address).
To apply, please send your resume and why you are interested to centercity@centercityresidents.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
| |
|
David Russell - Grammy Award Winner Concert
Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 7:30 pm
| |
|
201 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia
Roll into Grammy Award winning David Russell’s concert for classical guitar playing. His talented guitar playing mixed with his bubbly stage presence will make for a night you won’t forget.
Click here for more info.
| |
|
Dine Latino Restaurant Week
April 7-13, 2024
| |
|
Neighborhoods throughout the city
During its eighth installment, this dining initiative from the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offers the perfect excuse to treat yourself to an evening out. Dine Latino Restaurant Week and help support the growth of Latino-owned businesses. The dining deal is easy: Buy two dinner entrées from a participating restaurant and receive a free appetizer or dessert. (Date night, anyone?)
Click here for more info.
| |
|
The 7th Annual Philly Theatre Week
April 4 - 14, 2024
| |
|
Theatre Philadelphia hosts Philly Theatre Week. Support theatre in our region and try something new! Pay What You Can tickets are limited and exclusive to Philly Theatre Week.
Click here to view the 2024 Philly theatre week digital guide!
| |
|
Cherry Blossom Festival
April 14, 2024 — 10am to 5pm
April 15, 2024 — 10am to 4pm
| |
|
With spring in bloom, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia invites you to the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, for free. Stop by and enjoy a taste of Japanese culture, with a mix of the local Philly spirit. Relax under beautiful cherry blossom trees, enjoy live music and performances.
Click here for more information
| |
|
CCRA House & Garden Tour is Back on and We Need Volunteers
Sunday, June 2, 2024 (1–5 pm)
| |
|
Are you passionate about preserving history and promoting community involvement? If so, we need your help! After a six-year hiatus, our House and Garden Tour is back, and we're looking for dedicated volunteers to make this year's event the best yet.
The House and Garden Tour is a beloved tradition in our community. It showcases some of the area's most beautiful and historic homes and gardens. Visitors have a unique opportunity to explore our community's heritage and learn about the unique architecture and landscapes that make our town so special.
But putting on an event of this scale takes a lot of work, and that's where you come in. We need enthusiastic docents to help cover the homes and gardens for two shifts. Your contribution will be invaluable in creating an unforgettable experience for our visitors.
As a volunteer, you'll be part of a dedicated team working to create an extraordinary event for our community. As a thank you, we'll also give you a free ticket for the tour. If you choose the first shift on Sunday, June 2, 2024 (12:30 – 2:45 pm), you can go on the tour during the second shift (2:45- 5pm), and vice versa.
So why wait? If you're ready to make a difference and help preserve our community's history, we'd love to have you on board. Join us today by filling out this application, or email Travis at centercity@centercityresidents.org and be part of something truly special. To learn more about volunteering for the House and Garden Tour, don't hesitate to contact us at 215-546-6719. We look forward to hearing from you!
| |
REMINDER: CCRA Kimmel Family Fun Day | |
|
Don’t forget: CCRA’s Family Fun Day at the Kimmel Center is Sunday, April 14, 2024 from noon to 3 pm. What’s in store for the kids? Face-painting and a walking magician. No need to register, just show up.
For the grown-ups and the kids? Discounted tickets to Kimmel Campus performances (think “Hadestown”, Philadanco, and the Philadelphia Orchestra).
To purchase discounted tickets (promo code CCRA24) for a performance, go here: https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/apo/index.aspx.
To take advantage of the convenience of a Garces box lunch, go here: https://phillyccra.org/event-5657565. Cost is $25 per lunch; deadline to purchase is April 5.
| |
Party in the Park – Early Bird Special: Save the Date: | |
|
Author Talk Friends of Schuylkill River Park
Thursday, April 4 at 6 pm
| |
|
Barnes & Noble (1708 Chestnut Street)
Jo Piazza is a best selling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist. The author of The Sicilian Inheritance, her work has been published in ten languages and twelve countries.
Jo lives in Philly and last year she was kind enough to help us dedicate our Little Free Library. Now, we can support her! Jo is doing a reading and discussion for her latest mystery, The Sicilian Inheritance.
Reserve your ticket here.
| |
|
Freedom Seder
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Sunday, April 14, 2024
5:15pm Doors | 6:00 pm ET
| |
101 South Independence Mall East
Live at The Weitzman
As many Jews prepare for Passover, the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History invites you to a freedom seder. Experience an artfully curated lineup of speakers, storytellers, and musicians as they reflect on traditional Passover themes such as freedom, renewal, transmitting traditions, and welcoming the stranger.
Click here to register.
| |
Help Keep the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers Clean!!! | |
|
With spring's arrival, it's time to think about storm drain marking in our Center CIty West neighborhood. It's a simple yet important activity. As you walk around the neighborhood, you'll notice certain storm drains have a medallion embedded on the sidewalk near them telling which river the drain leads to - the Schuylkill or the Delaware. The hope is that these markings stop people from putting chemicals or other polluting materials into the drains. They also serve a subtle reminder as we travel the sidewalks that we need to take care of the environment each and every day.
The medallions are attached to the sidewalk with adhesive by volunteers in the community organized by the CCRA Green Committee. After you sign up, you'll be given instructions on how to get assignments of drains to mark from a City website. Then you'll get a kit with around 14 medallions, adhesive, and other equipment, and you're ready to go!! It doesn't take long to make the drains and you will be doing a great service to our neighborhood and the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. If you want to help out, please contact Judith Axler at Judith.Axler@gmail.com.
|  | |
CCRA Merchant Partner Feature | |
CCRA’s Merchant Partner program is a true Win-Win: It provides local businesses with complimentary advertising and exposure while giving CCRA members generous deals and discounts. This week we spotlight Center City photography emporium Photo Lounge. | |
Got Pix? PhotoLounge is the Photo Go-To | |
|
In a world where image is often everything, you can’t take a chance when you’ve got critical photos to print. That’s where PhotoLounge comes in.
An independent small business since 1997, PhotoLounge believes in its soul that photos should be beautiful, affordable, easy to make, easy to get and long-lasting, and they back that up every day with superior service and knowledgeable, courteous staff.
You name it, they do it: digital prints, reprints and enlargements, archiving, fine art printing and Giclee, film processing, design and print photo books, professional head shots, passport photos and more. The store itself is an eyeful, and worth the trip alone.
So go where the pros go: PhotoLounge at 130 S. 17th St.
And BTW: CCRA members enjoy 10% off excluding other sales or discounted items.
| |
CCRA assumes no responsibility and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner. | | | | |
