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Promise Zone

January 10th, 2014

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The City of Philadelphia was one of three cities and a total of five areas selected for a Promise Zone designation, a federal initiative to accelerate revitalization efforts in targeted areas. The Promise Zone initiative is led by the White House with support from federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice.

“Being selected as a Promise Zone is an important step in the transformation process for a neighborhood struggling with high poverty, high crime, high vacancy, low educational attainment and low employment rates,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Being a Promise Zone will enable the City to align existing resources and apply for new federal funding – building on efforts already at work – through a multi-faceted, focused approach. I want to thank President Obama and his Administration for this recognition and the opportunities it will provide.”

The Promise Zones designation provides a package of tools to help local leaders accelerate efforts to revitalize their communities. The designation:

· Creates a partnership between the federal government and local leaders who are addressing multiple community revitalization challenges with on-the-ground technical assistance to help navigate federal programs and regulations;
· Provides preference points on other federal grants and funding opportunities; and
· Will, if enacted by Congress, provide employer tax incentives to create jobs for Zone residents and attract private capital to disinvested places.

The Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO), the City’s community action agency, will serve as the lead agency throughout the Promise Zone process.

“I am thrilled that the Promise Zone designation will provide federal agency support in helping us implement Shared Prosperity, our plan to fight poverty, and for this opportunity to assist residents of several West Philadelphia neighborhoods,” said Eva Gladstein, Executive Director, CEO.
The City’s selected Promise Zone is a nearly two-square mile area in West Philadelphia. Bordered by the Schuylkill River on the east, Girard Avenue on the north, 48th Street to the west and Sansom Street to the south, the Promise Zone is home to 35,315 residents.

“The Administration has created a wonderful opportunity for communities like Mantua to be revitalized, such as increasingly affordable housing and improving safety. Now with the Promise Zone designation, we will be able to bring more resources to our community to address a comprehensive range of issues,” said Michael Thorpe, Chairman of the Board, Mt Vernon Manor.

The proposal was a collaborative effort led by CEO. The Philadelphia Promise Zone plans to use the area’s assets, including its proximity to transportation, strong anchor institutions, the Lancaster Avenue commercial corridor, Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia Zoo, to support the creation of jobs, increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, reduce violent crime, and leverage private investment in a defined geographic area of high need. The proposal will leverage more than $575 million in funding and anticipates future public and private investment of $250 million.

Implementation and supporting partners include Drexel University, Mt. Vernon Manor, Philadelphia LISC, People’s Emergency Center, Philadelphia School District, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the City’s Commerce Department, Philadelphia Housing Authority, Office of Housing and Community Development and others. Fairmount Ventures and the Mayor’s Office of Grants supported the grant’s development.

“Drexel is a committed partner with the City, Mt Vernon Manor and PEC in this important work. We are proud to bring the full weight of our academic and institutional resources to support this West Philadelphia neighborhood,” added John Fry, President, Drexel University.

The White House intends to designate 20 Promise Zones across the country by the end of 2016.

City Employees Under Investigation

January 5th, 2014

Following an investigation, Philadelphia Inspector General Amy Kurland announced that 13 Assistant Recreation Leaders in the Department of Parks and Recreation have been terminated or have resigned for violating the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter by improperly working for other government agencies while being employed by the City of Philadelphia.

“Every City employee must follow the rules and be held accountable when they do not,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “I’m pleased that the Inspector General’s Office is stepping up enforcement of this Charter provision and ensuring that it is being applied fairly and consistently across City departments.”

Of the 13 employees, ten are full-time school teachers, two are U.S. Postal Service workers and one is a Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office investigator.  Their terminations from City employment do not affect these full-time jobs. Section 8-301 of the Home Rule Charter forbids City employees in most circumstances from holding a “position of profit” with another government agency, including a second job. Civil Service Regulation 33.022 also prohibits dual employment with other government agencies.

The thirteen employees all worked as permanent, part-time Assistant Recreation Leaders, assisting in the management of different City recreation centers, while holding full-time jobs for other government agencies. Many of the School District employees worked part time for the City during the school year and added extra hours during the summer.

The investigation into dual employment among City employees, which the Office of Inspector General began in March at the request of the Department of Parks and Recreation, is part of a new initiative to step up enforcement of the Charter provision and make sure it is applied fairly across the City.

“Our City’s underfunded municipal pension system is one of the biggest challenges Philadelphia faces,” Inspector General Kurland said. “The dual-employment prohibition is an important tool to prevent people who already have a government job from looking to the City for a second pension.”

Before recommending the terminations, the OIG requested and received, an official Solicitor opinion from the Law Department, which clarified that the dual-employment provision applies to all permanent City employees, including those who work only part time. The Inspector General’s Office also worked with Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Community Resources, who issued a notice to Parks and Recreation staff over the summer reminding them of the dual-employment prohibitions.

The Inspector General’s Office is continuing to investigate dual-employment violations and has also asked City Controller Alan Butkovitz to participate in a joint investigation and City-wide audit to improve enforcement.

The relevant City Charter provision and Civil Service Regulation are included below for reference:

Charter Section 8-301 – Other Offices or Positions: Except as otherwise provided in this charter, no person shall hold more than one office or position of profit, whether elective or appointive, under the City and no such person shall hold such office or position while holding any other office or position of profit in or under the government of the United States, of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or of any county, city or other political subdivision thereof, other than the office of notary public, any office in the military or naval service of the United States or of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or any ex officio office held by virtue of another office or position.

Civil Service Regulation 33.022 – Other Governmental Positions:  Except as otherwise provided in the City Charter, no employee shall hold any other office or position of profit in or under the government of the United States, of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or of any county, city or other political subdivision thereof.

Liberty Protest at the Liberty Bell

December 29th, 2013

PHILADELPHIA, 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, 2013

George Smith Towing has been involved in a multitude of illegal and aggressive towing of cars:

Philadelphia Licensing and Inspection Officers

December 25th, 2013

Jamey’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, 2013

A follow-up story by the Intelligencer to our article on Keith Deitz Doylestown Police Corruption:

deitz newspaper

Why Do Business in Philadelphia?

December 20th, 2013

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

With tens of thousands of tech workers, Philadelphia’s tech scene is a tight-knit community that finds collaboration and innovation from within.
Philadelphia’s rich manufacturing heritage has developed into a diverse and sophisticated advanced manufacturing sector today.
Strong research infrastructure supports the nation’s 2nd largest Life Sciences clusters.
Our clean technology sector is supported by a network of private and public resources that attracts growing companies.
With one of the most vibrant art, theater, music and museum scenes in the country, private creative firms thrive in Philadelphia.
From automobiles to pharmaceuticals, diverse industries take advantage of Philadelphia’s transportation networks.
The City has made substantial investments in its convention and tourism infrastructure, driving private investment in hotels.
Revisions to City tax regulations have enhanced the business climate for investment companies.

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, 2013

PHILADELPHIA, 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
Satellite Weather Map

Glen Foerd on the Delaware

December 5th, 2013

Glen 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, 2013

PHILADELPHIA, 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

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

Air Quality on December 3, 2012 at 10:00PM in Philadelphia, PA

About Ozone and Your Lungs

ozone action day
Web definitions
  1. 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. …

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_Action_Day

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