Liberty Protest at the Liberty Bell
December 29th, 2013PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Panic Hour and Philly NormL held their twelfth monthly protest at the Liberty Bell in Old City, Philadelphia.
George Smith Towing: Crime Watch
December 26th, 2013George Smith Towing has been involved in a multitude of illegal and aggressive towing of cars:
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I Had to Call the Philadelphia Police on George Smith Towing 2
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George Smith Illegal Towing Philadelphia Crimes 3
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George Smith Illegal Towing Philadelphia Crimes 2
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5:37 Philadelphia Licensing and Inspection Officers
December 25th, 2013Jamey’s House of Music has begun an urgent appeal for your generous support to fund the move from our venerable first home in Philadelphia to an amazing new facility that we are in the process of purchasing in Exton, PA. Your donations are urgently and vitally needed for us to undertake this massive project. Simply click the donate button below and send us whatever amount you wish. We are grateful for even the smallest of donations as we work to build a reserve of $150,000 minimum (and hopefully more) to add to our financing which will help us turn an empty warehouse into a world class listening room and restaurant. Thank you for supporting us for these past ten plus years, and thank you now for your generous contributions!
On December 6th, 2013, we were visited by a phalanx of Philadelphia Licensing and Inspection Officers and members of the Philadelphia Police department, armed with orders to shut us down on the spot because our house concerts are considered by the city to be an illegal night club in a residential neighborhood. They had apparently received complaints from an unnamed party who wished to see us put out of business. It did not matter that the city had previously issued us a license for commercial activity at this location. Thus, in one fell swoop, ten years of the finest entertainment from around the world came to a full stop.
The response from the press and our community of avid supporters has been overwhelmingly supportive of seeing us continue operations in some way. After a careful assessment of our options, we decided that it is time to leave Philadelphia and seek a community that will welcome the kind of top quality entertainment presentation that we have become renowned for. We put our house right on the market, and began our search for a perfect venue in a welcoming location. It did not take long to find a great place, and our offer has been accepted.
The building is a “Town Center” zoned location in the town of Exton, 23 miles from here. The building is 4000 square feet, where 3000 square feet would comprise the main room, kitchen and storage areas, with 1000 square feet devoted to an office and living quarters (pending plan approval). The location is right on busy Route 100, with over 38,000 cars a day passing by. The building needs an enormous amount of work including excavation and running sewer, water and gas lines, new electric service, wiring and lighting, air conditioning, parking lot paving, sprinkler and alarm system installation, ADA compliant bathrooms, mezzanine and stage construction, commercial kitchen installation, and fitout with all the furnishings for a 100 seat restaurant… and that’s just the big stuff.
We hope to partner with a top quality chef to manage the kitchen, and are looking at developing an Asian fusion menu with a focus on fresh fish and sushi, and delicious vegetarian dishes. We are hopeful of obtaining a liquor license as well. While the restaurant will be open six nights a week, we will likely have concerts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We already have our day to day staff lined up.
We have a six month due diligence period in which to obtain all of our funding, permits and approvals, at which point the work can begin in earnest. Our attorney and architect/engineer are preparing all the details to put the plan if full motion.
We need your help dear friends to make this happen. We have the love, know-how and energy to do the work, but we need a great deal of money. We promise that this will be the best destination for good food and quality music on the east coast. We will remember your kindness, and repay your generosity in as many ways as we can think of. Thank you again for supporting Jamey’s House of Music as we enter our second decade of growth!
Doylestown Police Corruption: Federal Suit
December 22nd, 2013A follow-up story by the Intelligencer to our article on Keith Deitz Doylestown Police Corruption:
Why Do Business in Philadelphia?
December 20th, 2013PHILADELPHIA, PA — Located midway between New York and Washington DC Philadelphia is a strategic location on the East Coast, and is at the center of a dynamic and thriving region of over 6.1 million people. We offer an ideal environment for established companies and entrepreneurs.
- Philadelphia is the nation’s fifth largest city, with the third largest residential downtown in the country.
- Compared to major peer cities in the northeast region, affordable Class A office rental rates, lower labor costs, and inexpensive cost of living, make Philadelphia a smart financial choice for your business location. Read more.
- In partnership with the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the City works with companies of all types to offer resources and incentives for new and growing businesses in Philadelphia, including:
- Low-cost financing and tax credits for job creation
- Site selection assistance for publically owned properties
- Assistance to support workforce recruiting and training
Call the Department of Commerce at 215.683.2100 or email startupphl@phila.gov for more details.
Key Sectors in Philadelphia
The City’s economy is anchored by a diverse set of industries, such as life sciences and healthcare, professional services, advanced manufacturing and logistics, hospitality and a growing startup community.
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International Business Attraction
The City of Philadelphia invites businesses from around the world to explore the many benefits of locating here. A diverse city with a growing international reputation of vibrancy and excellence, 17% of Philadelphia’s population are foreign-born or immigrants.
We play an integral part in attracting foreign business and investment and increasing opportunities for Philadelphia-based companies looking to expand abroad, whatever the size or industry. We provide comprehensive assistance through our strategic partnership with key partners such as the World Trade Center, Philadelphia Convention and Visitor Bureau, State of Pennsylvania, and International Visitors Council.
We can help you identify:
- Best markets and networks
- Trade leads
- Investment opportunities
- Financing Location Financial Incentives
Commerce also helps coordinate inbound and outbound trade missions for Philadelphia representatives, raising our profile among foreign investors and increase international business opportunities for Philadelphia businesses.
Winter Wonderland
December 16th, 2013PHILADELPHIA, PA — A variety of fall snow storms have turned the region into a mix of snow and ice. On several occasions, the weather conditions have paralyzed traffic.
Traffic Maps During Snowstorms
Winter Images
Current Weather Conditions
click here for more weather
Glen Foerd on the Delaware
December 5th, 2013Glen Foerd is open for guided tours every Saturday morning at 10:30. Tours begin 10:30am and will last about an hour. We will continue to be open to the public every Wednesday, too, for tours at 11:00am. Please call first to be sure there is access, but reservations are not required. The mansion does close on occasion for special events.
Guided tours of the mansion are also available by appointment Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, year-round. Please call at least two days ahead to plan your visit. Tours are not conducted on holidays or weekends.
The cost of a tour is $10.00 per person, $9.00 for students and seniors (65 or older). Group tour information is available at the Glen Foerd business office.
For more information call the business office at 215 632 5330, or check our website www.glenfoerd.org.
Glen Foerd on the Delaware
5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Ozone Action Day in Philadelphia
December 4th, 2013PHILADELPHIA, PA — It is rare to have an ozone action day in Philadelphia in December, but that is the status for December 4, 2013. (source)
Government Warning:
Data courtesy of: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
What does this mean to you? If you live within the Greater Philadelphia Region, DO NOT BREATH. Breathing may be hazardous to your health.
Air Quality on December 3, 2012 at 10:00PM in Philadelphia, PA
ozone action day
Web definitions
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An Ozone Action Day, which can be declared by a local municipality, county or state, is observed at certain times during the summer months, when weather conditions run the risk of causing health problems. …
Forecast Discussion: Wednesday will be an Air Quality Action Day for the Philadelphia metropolitan region. It will be unseasonably warm. Rising atmospheric humidity, with partly cloudy skies, will promote particle formation. Stagnation overnight and through the morning rush hour provided by calm winds and a shallow boundary layer will allow pollutants to accumulate. Surface winds from the south/southeast will pick up in the afternoon, but they will be insufficient to adequately ventilate the atmosphere. As a result, particle concentrations will average in the low Code Orange range. Extended Forecast: A slow-moving cold front will approach from the west on Thursday. Unseasonably warm and humid conditions will continue. Stronger south/southwesterly winds in the afternoon ahead of the front will provide enough ventilation to drop particle concentrations into the Moderate range. Particle concentrations will decrease further on Friday but remain in the Moderate range as the air mass is slow to change behind the frontal passage. -Huff
Out In The Woods Recording Studios
December 1st, 2013Out In The Woods is a record label based in Conshohocken, PA.
Out In The Woods Records became an official record label in 2011. It was formed on the underground in 2007. The goal with it was to be an alternative to the major record labels, where artist could feel free to express themselves with any kind of genre or style that they wanted. Out In The Woods Records specializes in real, authentic, documentation of musical moments in time.
Lots of different styles of recording happen at Out in the Woods Records. Polished studio recordings like Rick Reinhart’s 2012 album; raw live recordings like One Art Benefit Concert and The Benefit For Beth Concert; and, Electro Dubstep recordings like Industrial Death’s B4 The Art Party album. So far the genres that have been touched by Out In The Woods Records have been Jam Bands, Reggae, Psychedelic, Funk, Blues, Electronic Dance, Folk, Dubstep, Dub, Singer / Songwriters, Improvisational Jazz Fusion, Latin, Rock-n-Roll, Hip Hop, Spiritual Music, RnB, Country and Experimental.
Out In The Woods Records also has a production company that throws live concerts. It is called Out In The Woods Productions. Out In The Woods Productions has been involved with Raise The Vibration Festival 2012, Syd Barrett Tribute Music Festival (Atlantic City 2010-current), The Healing Philadelphia Music Festival at City Hall (Occupy Philadelphia). Out In The Woods Productions has also been throwing benefits for good causes such as The Benefit For Beth (benefit for a friend going through chemotherapy) and One Art Benefit (benefit to keep the doors open at our favorite venue.)
RATES
* Studio Time ($40 an hour for engineering)
* Live Recordings — Festivals, Theaters, Music Venues, Parties or any kind of live recordings ($50 an hour, 10 Hour blocks for $450).
* Concert/Festival- Throw a festival with us supplying booking the music, venue and promotion (Contact us for rates)
* Hip Hop and Reggae Beats for sale.
* Custom music available for Film, Soundtracks, T.V./Commercials.
CONTACT Out In The Woods
Phone: 215-805-1652
Email: outinthewoodsrecords@gmail.com
Small Businesses In Philadelphia
November 27th, 2013Small Business in the Philadelphia Area
There is a Christmas Shopping Village in Love Park.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – In the coming weeks, Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Alan Greenberger will participate in series of events showcasing small businesses and neighborhood development to highlight the ways in which the City of Philadelphia supports economic development in Philadelphia. Small business development is a priority for the Nutter Administration, and this work is primarily implemented through the City’s Department of Commerce. The three events focus on recognizing the first recipient of the Department of Commerce’s new InStore forgivable loan program, promoting neighborhood shopping on Small Business Saturday and breaking ground for a brand new manufacturing facility on a large vacant parcel.
“While it is often the big deals and major developments that get the headlines, it is Philadelphia’s small business men and women who drive our economy on a daily basis, representing the vast majority of businesses in Philadelphia,” said Mayor Nutter. “Through the Department of Commerce and our partners like the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, my Administration is committed to finding new and innovative ways to provide funding to small businesses, to help them expand and grow, and to regenerate neighborhood commercial corridors throughout the city.”
Enhancing neighborhood commercial corridors through fit-out grants
The first event will be held tomorrow at 1:00 pm at Rose Petals Café and Lounge, a new sit-down restaurant located at 322 W. Chelten Avenue in Germantown. Rose Petals Café and Philly Office Retail partnered to apply for the InStore forgivable loan. The City’s $50,000 investment covered the costs of critical start-up supplies, including refrigeration units, a hood and exhaust system for the stove, new floors, shelving units, a unique copper color ceiling and more.
Jania and Desmin Daniels, the owners of Rose Petals, named the business in honor of Desmin’s late sister, Rose, who died tragically two years ago. “When my grandmother died a year later, we sharpened our resolve to not wait another minute to make the dream happen,” said Desmin Daniels, who previously worked as a teacher for the School District of Philadelphia. “The InStore program was hugely helpful in making it happen.”
The Department of Commerce launched the InStore forgivable loan program in the beginning of 2013 as a means of enhancing commercial corridors, increasing foot traffic and improving the retail mix of neighborhood commercial corridors. For several years, the Department of Commerce has offered grants for façade renovations through the Storefront Improvement Program. However, a funding option for interior improvements previously did not exist. The small business community had repeatedly requested funding for financial assistance with business start-up costs related to the interior fit-out of a commercial space (i.e. commercial stoves, refrigeration units, ADA bathroom installation, electrical work, etc.). The Department of Commerce responded with the InStore loan program, which targets new and expanding retail, food and creative businesses looking to relocate to low and moderate income neighborhoods. The forgivable loans range between $15,000 and $50,000.
“This program was developed in response to demand from our small business community,” explains Jonathan Snyder, Commerce’s Senior Program Manager overseeing the InStore loan program. “When a business is approved for an InStore loan, they must comply with guidelines and stay in business for at least five years and then the loan is forgiven – effectively becoming a grant.”
Encouraging shoppers to buy local on November 30 – “Small Business Saturday”
“Small Business Saturday” is November 30m and Mayor Nutter will visit the East Girard commercial corridor in the Fishtown neighborhood in order to highlight shopping locally. This event is part of a larger national effort sponsored by American Express. East Girard, a newly popular shopping destination, had been an underutilized commercial corridor for decades. Recent investments from funders, such as the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), PNC Bank, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Commerce, have helped transform the district into a trendy place to shop, eat and drink.
For the last 7 years, the Department of Commerce has provided funding to New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) to support commercial corridor improvements and small business development. NKCDC has assisted dozens of businesses on the area’s main commercial strips—Frankford and Girard Avenues—to receive storefront improvement grants and financing.
“We are thrilled to have Mayor Nutter recognize that our growing commercial corridors here in Fishtown are a great place to shop and show his commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs,” said Sandy Salzman, Executive Director of NKCDC. “We hope that his actions will encourage other Philadelphians to invest in their city by shopping with locally owned businesses and for locally made goods whenever possible. It’s a great way to leverage the purchases folks already are going to make to benefit the growth and stability of our city.”
Replacing blighted vacant lots with small businesses that create new jobs
The final small business event of the Mayor’s three-pronged tour will be held on Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 am at a longtime vacant lot on the industrial corridor of American Street in East Kensington. The lot will soon be converted into an 11,550 square foot manufacturing facility for Veyko, Inc., a Philadelphia-based metal fabrication company. The total project cost is $2.1 million, $250,000 of which comes from a grant from the American Street Empowerment Zone, overseen by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Veyko plans to create 15 new jobs at the new facility. The company provides design, metal fabrication and installation services to architects, designers, general contractors and homeowners. Examples of Vyko’s work include the SEPTA 8th Street Station benches and the large scale exterior artwork at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Since 1994, the City of Philadelphia has been working to improve the American Street Commercial Corridor. Investments have been made through the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and the Philadelphia Empowerment Zone’s signature program, the Neighborhood Funding Stream, to support local economic development and neighborhood revitalization. The American Street Empowerment Zone Community Trust Board, an advisory board to the City of Philadelphia, provides input on grant making in the American Street Empowerment Zone.
“Through this process, grants are being provided to support major investments in real estate development. Veyko, Inc. is one of three recent American Street Empowerment Zone Neighborhood Economic Development grants. Veyko, Inc. will receive a $250,000 grant that will support the continued revitalization of the neighborhood,” says Aiisha Herring-Miller, Senior Program Manager for Philadelphia Empowerment Zones at the Philadelphia Department of Commerce.
PIDC, the City’s economic development corporation, invested $933,000 in the Veyko Project. Marla Hamilton, Vice President of Market Development for PIDC said, “What is especially exciting is that this is a project that was approved just when the recession hit. At one point, the developers even decided to halt the project. Clearly, they have weathered the storm and come back strong. This is a great opportunity for Veyko, Inc. and a great win for the City.”
Small business as the spark for community economic development
The projects described above offer a snapshot of the Philadelphia Department of Commerce’s daily work. With the help of partners, such as PIDC, the Merchant’s Fund, local CDCs and small business technical assistance providers, the Department of Commerce offers and supports many programs, including one-on-one technical assistance for small businesses, training programs on how to start and grow a business, micro- and small-business lending, an online business support website (www.phila.gov/business), grants for storefront improvements and security cameras, and more.
