Manayunk's quality of life is changing. Change can mean increased economic and social opportunities. It can also mean more traffic, more rental units, and an eroding neighborhood cohesiveness. However, our community has the power to control change. It's not enough for a community to know what it doesn't want. A community needs to know what it wants and to have a strategy for achieving it. To help achieve this, a vision is needed. A vision is a process by which residents are given the opportunity to inventory their community's resources, and develop shared goals of what the community should be in the future.
The Manayunk Neighborhood Council, in conjunction with the Friends of the Manayunk Canal and the Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association, will conduct a workshop on how the greater Manayunk area can begin to develop a community vision. Entitled, Creating a Community Vision: Looking to the Future, this workshop will be held September 23, at Interac (6012 Ridge Avenue), from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The purpose of this workshop is to identify the community's resources and issues, and to create a network of concerned citizens that will help our community reach its vision. Speakers will highlight the purpose and process for creating a community vision. In addition, there will be time set aside for small group sessions to begin discussing strategies for developing a community vision.
The workshop is intended for anyone interested in the future of Manayunk, including residents, civic groups, merchants, churches, community and economic development groups, city workers, and elected representatives. The workshop is free and open to the public.
Sponsored by
The entire community is welcome to celebrate the ending of summer, the coming of autumn, and the sense of strengthening our neighborhood. Bring a picnic basket with your favorite foods and some to share with friends. For more information contact Arte Verbrugghe at 215-483-4800.
There was an excellent turnout at the July 26 work evening! Several club members, along with Mindy Maslin, the head of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Tree Tenders, and two arborists, Chip Horton and Caroline Friede, inventoried the trees in Pretzel Park. The arborists evaluated the health of the trees, with specific recommendations for removal or pruning. Suggestions were also made for certain types of trees to be planted as undergrowth or augmentation. Other members weeded, picked up trash, and swept the play area.
After the work was completed, a meeting was called to finalize the Department of Recreation's plans for the park. Decisions included the use of aggregate pavement with a redesign of the circle at Cotton and Cresson (to resemble the triangular entrance at Cotton and Silverwood) and adding an expanded planting section in front of the play area. Future plans will require extra attention to the landscaping to ensure all the runoff is captured.
At the conclusion of the work evening, the Manayunk Garden Club, the Manayunk Development Corporation, and the Canal Committee agreed to form a coalition named the Friends of Manayunk Park to consolidate efforts. Manayunk Park is the bureaucratic name for Pretzel Park. One of the first projects is to apply for a grant from Philadelphia Green's Development Grants Initiative. The purpose of this Initiative is "...to strengthen volunteer involvement in your park, improve its landscape, and develop horticultural or environmental education programs. "
Cloudy skies may have reduced the number of volunteers at the August 21 work day in Prezel Park but they did not hamper the spirits of those in attendance. The morning was moist and the park was green. Bagels, courtesy of Manhattan Bagel on Ridge Avenue, were plentiful as was coffee and lemonade. Volunteers weeded the flower bed, cleaned the play area, gathered debris from the much appreciated rain, and picked up trash from the loathsome letterers. Our thanks to all those hard working volunteers.
Philadelphia Green and the Department of Recreation have selected Saturday, September 18 as the First Annual "Fall for your Park " cleanup and celebration of Philadelphia's parks. At the next Manayunk Garden Club meeting (August 25), members will plan for this event in Pretzel Park. Everyone is encouraged to show support for the campaign and to pitch in for the September work day at the same time! The day's events will be followed by a "Fall for your Park " reception and Philadelphia Green's Harvest Party at the Horticultural Center in Fairmount Park.
The next scheduled meeting of the Manayunk Garden Club will be on Wednesday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Smith & Hawken. Remember, Saturday, September 18 will be the club's September work day, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tree Tending work is vital this summer so follow drought emergency restrictions and water those trees! The restrictions allow watering, with a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. You may water in order to establish and maintain newly planted gardens, trees, shrubs or other outdoor plants. LAWNS MAY NOT BE WATERED.
Remember to WEED and MULCH as well, both help trees conserve water!
Here are some of the questions:
Who has the answers? If you think you do, or want to work to come up with them, then become an active member of the Traffic and Parking committee. See Committee chairman Ed Weiner at the next MNC general meeting, or call him at 215-483-4293.
Suburban sprawl is one of the most important environmental issues in Pennsylvania. Every hour, one acre of land is developed in southeastern Pennsylvania. Locally, houses are sprouting on almost every vacant lot, causing heightened concerns for the loss of open space, natural resources like plants and animals, community, historic buildings, and historic views. This is not just happening in the suburban counties. It's happening right here in Manayunk.
Development in Manayunk is consistent with the existing density and that may seem appropriate compared to the sprawled development of the suburbs. However, the effect additional development has on our neighborhood is questionable. Manayunk is in an economic boom but most of the development is not sustainable.
Many single family homes are bought by developers and converted to apartments or rooming houses for students. Inexpensive, short term improvements are made but absentee landlords have a history of long term neglect. Manayunk Neighborhood Council is working with Manayunk Development Corporation, Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association, and Local Realtors on a program to increase home ownership in the neighborhood.
The program will promote the qualities that make Manayunk a strong residential neighborhood. These include active community groups and churches, affordable and diverse housing, recreational opportunities, parks and greenspace, convenient public transportation, and accessibility to Center City Philadelphia and the suburbs. And the ones that set Manayunk apart, it's historic urban charm and cozy sense of place.
The kick-off event for the program, "Manayunk Community Open House", will take place on October 17, 1999 from 11 AM to 4 PM. Neighbors who have their homes on the market are invited to participate by holding an open house on that day. In addition, an information fair showcasing all the great community groups and resources that are available in our area will be held. The event will be advertised throughout Philadelphia and the suburbs.
A good way to combat sprawl is to encourage migration back to the City. Our job is to demonstrate the many benefits of living in Manayunk and Philadelphia.
Why do we all cringe when we hear the word development? Do we only associate it with asphalt parking lots and accessory retail? Why are we ONLY familiar with developments that are incongruent with the landscape, or neglect to address the importance of the fundamental balance between "economics", community livability, the natural environment and our cultural/historic resources.
Let us remember that development can be low-impact on the environment, enhance our sense of place and quality of life as well as be economically successful for the investor/developer. Why is this so difficult to achieve these days???
Vision makes it all possible. We as a community have good,sound, intelligent vision. We live, play, sleep and breath in Manayunk. We are the experts in what would work for/in our community. But why isn't anybody listening?
Friends of Manayunk Canal supports good economic and regional development; it is necessary for the health of our country. However we believe development proposals which ignore the wider impacts on "community" and the environment is ill-advised and imprudent.
Floodplains have long been popular areas for development, whether for industrial, recreational, or aesthetic reasons. But recurrent damages and dangers to property and lives have raised awareness of the rising costs of allowing piecemeal development that is not assessed on a floodplain, watershed, or regional basis. As a result, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Insurance Administration have tightened regulations regarding repetitive losses due to flooding and damages exceeding half a building's value. Despite this, planners and developers seem to have already forgotten the flooding of January 1996 that caused millions of dollars of damage in Philadelphia alone.
Our concern is that political pressure will dictate decision-making and consequently poor land use. Philadelphia does have strong floodplain management ordinances on paper, but is inconsistent in enforcing them. For example, Section 14-1606 (5)(a)(1) specifically states: "No encroachment (including fill, new construction, or any development) is permitted except that public utilities are permitted as long as they cause no increase in the One-Hundred (100) Year Flood level." FMC interprets this to prohibit the two high-density apartment proposals recently proposed and supported by the MDC zoning committee.
We legitimately have a role in determining the future of our community. Let's be sure we have a active role in the decision-making process for the future of VI.
Darlene Messina, President, FMC
On August 11, 1999 Fairview Cottage, 250 Lyceum Avenue, was voted to be included on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places by the Committee on Historic Designation at the Philadelphia Historical Commission. It was a proud moment for Manayunk as this is the first building in our area to be placed on the register. The Main Street corridor is listed on the National Register and has been for a dozen years, thanks to the efforts of Kay Smith. It is an honor for Main Street to be recognised as historic but it lends no protection to the buildings within its district if private monies are being used to alter or destroy them. Fairview is protected by the city's registry as a structure worthy of preservation. Its landmark status will keep the history of this local treasure alive for the future.
Although Fairview was only one item in a full agenda for the Commission's attention that day, it was the singular designation. And it is a milestone for Manayunk and its residents to receive this recognition of their heritage and its importance to the city. We now join the historically recognized buildings of Society Hill and Rittenhouse Square as equals in significance to those structures that people from all over the country find compelling in our city. The heritage of Manayunk is a proud one and is no less important in the establishment of Phialdelphia as a great city as the more well-known Center City sections are. Philadelphia has an amazing wealth of historic buildings, and as a part of this historic city, so do we. It's imperative that we save them from the short-sightedness of wrecking balls.
Maybe now that Fairview is an historic building, the Manayunk Club will want to keep and maintain it for posterity. Maybe they still want to sell it. We have some ideas for possible new owners. There is always the chance that a structure of this grandeur would be used as a very nice restaurant, on the order of Striped Bass or the Kennedy Supplee in Valley Forge. Another possibility would be an elegant caterer like Glenn Foerd (another mansion restored for public use), a place for weddings and special events imagine the photo opportunities overlooking the Schuylkill Valley. And what about a university conference center similar to Eagle Lodge in Layfayette Hill or Sugar Loaf in Chestnut Hill? If anyone else has ideas for the potential of Fairview's future, we welcome them. A wonderful landmark like Fairview deserves to be used for something special.
Just an added personal note: one of the reasons I worked so hard to save this building is because of Anne Campbell. Anne was the wife of John Campbell, and together they built Fairview Cottage. They had only lived in the house for 12 or 15 years when John died and Anne and her children lost their home for lack of income to sherrif's sale. I believe Anne's home should have been saved for her and her family then and that it should be saved for all time for them now. I dedicate the historic designation of Fairview Cottage to Anne Campbell. I hope that her and John's ghosts live in it forever.
IT"S TIME TO RENEW & GET YOUR NEIGHBORS TO JOIN
Manayunk Neighborhood Council's purpose as defined in the bylaws is:
Our duties cannot be fulfilled without the help of the community. A broad base of members must include long time residents as well as newcomers and homeowners and renters alike. A diverse group of residents is needed to fully represent the neighborhood.
Complaints abound on issues such as traffic, parking, development, and nuisance behavior. The City Planning Commission has approved development for over 200 apartments on Venice Island. There are pros and cons to every issue. The civic needs to know the community's views so we can take the appropriate positions.
Our community is changing rapidly and we must work quickly to preserve a hometown for future generations. Manayunk Neighborhood Counci is working with other civic groups, city officials, planners, and developers to promote ethical, responsible, and sustainable, development.
There is no justification in the old excuse that we cannot make a difference because Manayunk Neighborhood Council is making a difference. The sidewalks are being returned to pedestrians, Pretzel Park is getting a new garden house with water, and the Manayunk Club has been certified a historic building by the Philadelphia Historic Commission.
We will continue to work in the directions we feel appropriate. If you disagree with the way we are proceeding, you should join us and voice your opinions. If you approve of our direction, we need your support and encouragement.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Membership is open to anyone who resides in the 21st Ward of Philadelphia. Manayunk Neighborhood Council boundaries are loosely defined because residents have close ties throughout the neighborhood and rigid borders often become too restrictive. Our boundaries cross into areas of other civics and we encourage residents to support other groups. Council works closely with neighboring civics on common issues. It is important to be involved on your block as well as around the corner and up or down the hill. However, our area of focus is Manayunk.
We work with Manayunk Development Corporation on issues related to business development along Main Street and Venice Island. MDC and the Canal Committee are helping with the improvements to Pretzel Park. A coalition, Friends of Manayunk Park, was formed with these two groups for future projects in the park.
A partnership was formed with Central Roxborough Civic Association in appeal of the zoning approval for 167 apartments at 182 Gay Street. That hearing is scheduled for September. We are working closely with Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association regarding development of lower Main Street and other common matters. Rather than reinventing the wheel, we try to share our work and limited resources.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
Membership categories in the Council are as follows:
Individual Membership is open to any individual who resides in the 21st Ward and is at least 18 years of age. Individual Membership dues are $5.00 per year. The membership year is from June through May.
Family Membership is equal to two Individual Memberships and for families residing at the same address. The cost is $10.00 per year.
Business and Organization Memberships are open to any business or corporation that supports the activities of the Council. The annual Business Membership dues are $25.00 per year.
Honorary Membership is a complimentary membership determined by the executive board. Honorary Members are not required to pay dues but membership must be renewed annually by the Executive Board.
BENEFITS TO MEMBERS
Individual Members in good standing for at least thirty days have the right to vote in general meetings and elections. Individual Members are entitled to one vote. No proxy voting is permitted. Business and Organization Members are not permitted to vote.
All members will receive the following:
Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 P.M. Meetings are held at North Light Community Center at 175 Green Lane in Manayunk. Parking is available in the St. Mary's lot behind North Light on Carson Street. These meetings are open to the public and refreshments are served.
Manayunk Neighborhood Council ~ MEMBERSHIP FORM
| __ $5 Individual | __ $25 Business or Supporter | __ $100 Patron |
| __ $10 Family | __ $50 Sponsor | __ Other $______ |
| Name: | Phone: |
| Address: | Fax: |
| City, State, Zip: | E-Mail: |
| Special Interests & Skills: |
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Make check payable to MNC & mail to Manayunk Neighborhood Council, PO Box 4667, Phila., PA 19127 |
September 1, Wednesday - MNC General Meeting, 7:30 PM at North Light
September 4, Saturday - CRCA Recycling, 9 - 11:30 AM, Leverington Lot
September 6, Monday - Labor Day Holiday
September 11, Saturday - MNC Picnic in Pretzel Park
September 12, Sunday - Foundation for Architecture Tour, 2:00 PM, U.S. Hotel Bar & Grill, $7
September 18, Saturday - Fall for your Park (Pretzel Park), 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
September 22, Wednesday - Manayunk Garden Club, 7:30 PM at Smith & Hawken
September 23, Thursday - Community Vision Workshop, 6:30 PM at Interac, 6012 Ridge Ave
September 26, Sunday - Indian Summer Feast (Rain Date October 3), Main Street
October 2, Saturday - CRCA Recycling, 9 - 11:30 AM, Leverington St. Parking Lot
October 6, Wednesday - MNC General Meeting, 7:30 PM, North Light Community Center
October 31, 1999, Sunday - Annual Trick or Treat Street, Main Street
Philadelphia Architecture 1999 Tours
Trace the "Manchester of America's" industrial history from the 1820's along the Schuylkill River Canal and see its examples of early immigrant worker housing. Stroll Main Street and experience its recent commercial renaissance.
Sunday, September 12 at 2:00 PM
Meet in front of the US Hotel Bar & Grill, 4439 Main Street, $7
Tour the "Falls of Schuylkill" an early mill town. Experience a diversity of architecture from worker rowhouses to grand early 20th century homes, such as the Kelly house, built when East Falls became a "commuter suburb".
Sunday, September 26 at 2:00 PM
Meet at Warden Drive & Vaux Street, triangle in middle of intersection.
These walking tours explore the unique qualities of specific neighborhoods and investigate historical, architectural, and social themes within our landscape. Tours last approximately 1 to 2 hours. Adults: $7, Children & Students: $6.
For further information contact The Foundation for Architecture at 215-569-3187.
Manayunk Garden Club: Jane Glenn