Rivage Proposals at meeting on November 9
The Redevelopment Authority has short-listed two development teams as possible developers of the Rivage site at 4300 Ridge Avenue at the Falls Bridge. Onion Flats LLC, a Northern Liberties developer, and FCP-East Village PA, LLC have emerged as front runners. These two teams made presentations to the East Falls community at a special meeting of the East Falls Community Council on November 9 at 7 pm.
The RDA had issued a request for proposals and had received four submissions by their Oct. 3 deadline. They led a preliminary review and shortened the list to these two.
Here is a brief summary of the proposals to give you an understanding of the general plans. The color and detail was in the hands of the developers as they made their presentations. The East Village proposal is led by Federal Capital Partners, along with Brian Davis and David Stubbs, team members who were previously selected by the RDA to develop the site. The plan is for 160 rental units above 10,000 sq. ft. of retail space. There will be two buildings - a five story building called River Place and a building with a U-shaped courtyard call Gustine Commons. The project is distinguished in that the two components that will be separated by an open ‘mews street’ with ground floor retail facing the street as well as inward. They propose 183 parking spaces, including a structured parking garage.
The Ridge, as the Onion Flats proposal is named, is led by Tim McDonald, President of Onion Flats. They propose 126 residential apartments over 8700 sq. ft of retail along Ridge Avenue. They propose 138 parking spaces. The project is distinguished by its intention to become Philadelphia’s first Net-Zero-energy mixed use community and the country’s largest - this means net zero energy consumption and net zero carbon emissions annually, with all energy required for heating cooling, lighting and domestic hot water generated on site.
The RDA has been a great community partner in efforts to have the site developed and the EFDC has been working with the RDA for the past eight years to seek the highest and best use of the land. We have run community input processes two times in the course of the RDA’s process. At our request, RDA invited two representatives of the East Falls Community to give feedback and input on the proposals as part of RDA’s review process. We have, as part of our community-based mission, designated one representative from EFCC, which is Meg Greenfield. At the EFCC meeting, the EFDC will be processing input for Ms. Greenfield to reflect to the RDA as it makes its final selection. Jessie Lawrence from the RDA is the project manager, with Bennur Koksuz overseeing the process.
About 49 people filled out surveys on Nov. 9. the EFDC tallied the information. Here is a summary of the results and here are all of the comments that were written. Here are the results of the meeting in chart form:
Meet some local Busines Owners!
These folks are offering December Specials...
Laura Flavin of Modern Bird Jewelry and Peicha Chang
of Falls Flowers
are excited to present their 1st Annual Holiday Open House! Both recent arrivals to the East Falls neighborhood, Laura and Peicha also chose to open their respective businesses here in East Falls. Living in and running their businesses locally helps both to connect with their neighbors and contribute to the community. A Tampa transplant, Laura is a silversmith who infuses themes of peace, love and nature in her jewelry designs. She enjoys creating jewelry with a modern feel that is spun with sentiment and soul. Peicha grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and returned to the area after spending time in Cambridge, Mass. She specializes in garden-style floral designs and takes great joy in developing long-lasting relationships with her customers. Look for Falls Flowers to re-open in the old Falls Pharmacy location on Conrad Street in January!
Arlene and Tom Leschak of Epicure Cafe.
Why we do what we do? Because we love it and because we have been here for the last thirty years witnessing all of the great changes and being able to be a part of it. So much more to come. Can't wait.
Daniel Cullen, Rawk U
I teach Music for the simple reason that I think it is the most exciting subject in the world. I want to share my passion for it by teaching others how to enjoy it as much as i do. I was strictly a performer for a number of years before i got into teaching. I find that teaching gives me an even greater level of enjoyment because you can explain in words and notes exactly how empowering music can be. i picked east falls because it is a community with elements of "the city" as well as having a suburban feel. I saw that no one else was offering learning how to play guitar with a view on making it rock. It is an area that continues to be on the rise on many levels and i am excited to be along and to help shape that ride.
Dmitri's Neighborhood author Martha Trudeau
Marti is a trained nurse who works in health 
services research administration. She has published several journal and newspaper articles relating to health care, health policy, and politics. Along with a group of four other mothers, she co-founded Green Woods Charter School, a Philadelphia elementary school focusing on environmental education. Illustrations for the book are by local East Falls artist, Alfred Ortega. To find out more, you can check out the web site www.dmitrisneighborhood.com or contact the author at marti@dmitrisneighborhood.com.
East Falls Chiropractic and East Falls Fitness
Dr. Brian Baldia from East Falls Chiropractic is a sports chiropractor he utilizes a combination of Chiropractic, Massage and Exercise Therapy. His mission is to help individuals live healthy, proactive lifestyles. And works under the premise “work hard, player harder!!”
He believes that you are never too late to start exercising and that ANYONE, given the right guidance and support, can truly achieve their fitness goals. He has participated in cross country, track & swimming at both the high school & college level. His recent passions include yoga & the martial arts (Tae Kwon Do/Hapkido, American Kenpo Karate & more recently Muay Thai kickboxing). He’s currently a certified Turbo Kick instructor & is also the official sports chiropractor of F.I.T. Martial Arts Academy in Frazer, PA. His motto is “NO PAIN, NO GAIN does not apply when you have a condition.”
Call for Artists Who Create work related
to or inspired by the Schuylkill River
The Schuylkill River in Manayunk and East Falls has long attracted artists and craftspeople. The beauty of the river has long been an inspiration. In addition to the many artists’ studios and galleries located in the area, one can often see artists sketching and painting along the River.
Our River communities attract artists because they celebrate the arts and are great places to live and do business. Destination Schuylkill River is exploring new ways to showcase the work of these artists, whether it’s through collaborative exhibitions or showcasing artists on the Destination Schuylkill River website.
Destination Schuylkill River will be holding month long joint exhibitions in Manayunk and East Falls. The exhibitions will feature work created by local artists inspired by or relating to the Schuylkill River. The Manayunk exhibition will take place at the Volo Coffee House and the East Falls exhibition will take place at Java Ink. Find out more about what Manayunk and East Falls are doing to help maintain the health of the River so that we can all continue to enjoy it. www.destinationschuylkillriver.org/ www.eastfalls-pa.com
ELIGIBILITY:
This exhibition is open to all residents of the City of Philadelphia. Works must be original and can be derived from any medium. Source material must be original and not derived by copyrighted images. Entries are limited to a maximum of 2 per artist, of which only one may be chosen for the exhibition do to the limitations of the exhibition space.
SPECIFICATIONS:
All two-dimensional works on paper must be framed and under plexiglass. Glass is acceptable for pastels or for work under 14 inches in any direction. Frames and mats must be museum quality, clean, and in good condition.
Wiring must be in good condition and substantial enough to support the weight of the artwork. Saw tooth hangers are acceptable for works 14” x 14” or under. Hanging works may not exceed 30 lbs. per unit, and are limited to
50” including frame, in either direction. Three-dimensional work should not exceed 50 lbs or 50” in any direction. Work should be delivered to the Manayunk Development Corporation/Schuylkill Project offices at 4312 Main Street, Phila., PA 19127 (Deadline extended!!)5:00 April 26th, 2011.
Download Application
Past Events:
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On Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8th from 12pm-2pm at the Trolley Car Cafe and Gateway at the Bathey, Destination Schuylkill River and ArtSphere artists. Kristin Groenveld and two other Art Sphere artists created chalk designs and encouraged everyone to help complete the "River" and bring it to life!
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FYI Philly TV spot filmed at the Trolley Car Cafe on April 13th
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Check out East Falls' Big Bellies!!
The City of Philadelphia has installed their new solar powered trash cans in East Falls! Thanks to the Commerce Department, there are 8 new trash cans in the area of Ridge and Midvale Avenues. The Big Bellies are good for a number of reasons. First, they will replace the wire basket trash cans that are open at the top, resulting in trash constantly being blown around when the plastic bag gets blown inside out. Second, the Big Bellies hold five times the trash as a wire basket. Third, they are solar powered compacting. Fourth, four of them came with a side-by-side recycle bin. And fifth, they look neater and cleaner and may have the opportunity for a sign on the side. This is one great way that the Commerce Department supports the Riverfront Business District...East Falls and Philly go GREEN!
Small Business Energy Efficiency Rebate Program: a new program from the City of Philadelphia (2/2/10)
Small Business Energy Efficiency Rebate program for Philadelphia businesses making energy improvements to their buildings or equipment.
The purpose of the Small Business Energy Efficiency Rebate is to encourage Philadelphia businesses and commercial property owners – especially those near transit hubs and along commercial corridors – to improve the energy efficiency of their operations by investing in structural retrofits and energy efficient processes/ equipment. The resulting reduction in energy consumption will lower operating costs, making these entities economically more viable and competitive in the local marketplace. The program reimburses owners of commercial buildings and businesses who make energy efficiency improvements. The program can reimburse up to 50% of the cost of eligible improvements to a maximum rebate of $10,000. Funding is limited and applica0ons will be reviewed in the order they are received until appropriated funds are depleted.
To be considered, projects must meet at least two criteria: 1) a 20%* reduction in annual energy consumption; and 2) funds expended must result in pay‐back period in funds saved due to energy improvements of no more than 10 years. Typical projects include:
HVAC
Lighting
Energy Management Control Systems
Building Envelope (i.e. windows and insulation)
Commercial Equipment or Major
Appliances
Water Heating Systems
Electric Motors
Renewable Energy Projects
This is the Energy Assessment Form
EFDC Board Weighs in on Alternative High School on Ridge Avenue
A branch of Delaware Valley High School (DVHS) is being planned for the 4300 block of Ridge Avenue in East Falls. DVHS is a private alternative school for students from Philadelphia Public Schools who have motivational or behavioral issues. 400 students will be at the school.
Given the proposed location on the Ridge Avenue commercial corridor, the EFDC has engaged local and city leaders, the property owner and DVHS to better understand how this new use will affect the commercial corridor and neighboring property owners. Following those discussions, EFDC has authored and sent a letter to Councilman Curtis Jones with our professional opinion that the proposed DVHS location is not an appropriate location for DVHS as it is not in keeping with our vision for the development of the Midvale/Ridge business district. EFDC has suggested that an alternate location be considered.
The school use is permitted by the underlying zoning. Should the school open, the EFDC will work with the operator on its landscape, fencing and signage design. In addition, we will work to minimize any negative impact on the corridor and to find a suitable location upon completion of the 3-year lease term. To read the letter, click here.
Completing the River Trail Town Hall Meeting - February 26th, Academy of Natural Sciences (Feb. 27th)
What a fantastic evening!
The night was a great achievement. It raised the profile of the SRT, and brought together a lot of people who support completing the Trail. What a terrific success.
Highlights...
Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. introduced a resolution in City Council in support of the completion of the Trail and talked about his commitment to the Trail's completion. In the audience State Representatives Babette Josephs and Vanessa Brown and Tony Payton. Staff from State Kenyatta Johnson, Councilman Rizzo and Green. Cindy Bass and Solomon Jones from Chaka Fattah’s office also came and confirmed his support. Mark Focht, Executive Director of Fairmount Park and Charles Carmalt, the City's were on hand to lend their support.
The Academy told us that we had 320 people in the audience, which is tremendous. The Academy did videotape the entire presentation. When that is online, we will notify folks. Go to www.completethetrail.info web site to sign the petition and get more information about the walk.
Two local businesses get Support from the Merchants Fund
Two local businesses were just awarded grants from the Merchants Fund - congratulations to East Falls Fitness and Slices!MerchantsFundGrantees.
Check presentation at Slices. L to r: Scott Aaron (East Falls Fitness), Jim Williamson (Slices), Patricia Blakely (The Merchants Fund), Jim Joyce (Slices)and David Etkin (East Falls Fitness).
The Merchants Fund is a Philadelphia charity established in 1854 to provide charitable gifts to business persons facing financial hardship. It evolved from the Mercantile Beneficial Association, an organization dedicated to providing business advice, networking opportunities, and protection from financial failure or default due to illness, old age, or disability at a time in our nation's history when there was no health or disability insurance, or pension plans.
They recently awarded a set of grants to Philadelphia businesses under their Business Stabilization program. The Merchants Fund is committed to providing for the economic needs of the merchant community with modest grants. Merchants must be located in Philadelphia for a minimum of three years. Business Stabilization grants of up to $10,000 are available to help small businesses remain stable and viable in the face of economic challenges, changes and crisis. The application process was competitive. To learn more, visit their web site at: www.merchantsfund.org.
East Falls Fitness plans to use the grant funds from The Merchants Fund on advertising. We spoke with David Etkin and he mentioned that they want to send out mailers around 3 times a year to people in the East Falls, Roxborough, and Manayunk area. You can expect to see their first mailer after New Years! Check them out at: Phone: (215)223-2311 or their Web site: www.eastfallsfitness.com to see membership deals. East Falls Fitness is located at 371 Ridge Ave.
Slices will be putting their Merchants Fund grant funds towards new double decker energy efficient oven. According to Jim Williamson, this will help them have more room to make more pies while also saving money on energy costs! Phone: (215) 843-4747. Slices is located at 4249 Ridge and delivers their gourmet pizza, salads and sandwiches throughout the area.
THANK YOU MERCHANT FUND!
None of this could have possible without the generous grants from The Merchants Fund! Thank you to Patricia Blakely and the Board of Directors for their interest and support of East Falls.
Business Improvement District in East Falls
The East Falls Business Improvement District (BID) is moving forward. A BID is an area where local property owners get together and decide to assess themselves to provide needed services. The Steering Committee for the East Falls BID, chaired by Nancy Karahuta and Mark Sherman, held an open meeting for business and property owners on October 28th at the Sherman Mills. At this meeting, they outlined the service area and the services to be provided. They sought and received good input into the process. As a result, the Steering Committee plans to have legislation introduced in the Spring of 2009.
The services to be provided include marketing, incentives for facade improvements, security cameras, and signage. Over the first five years, cleaning and maps will be added. The service area is bounded by Ridge Avenue from Scotts Lane to School House Lane (including Ali Baba's Limo Service), Midvale Avenue from Kelly Drive to Conrad Street, and Scotts Lane from Ridge to the Falls Center. Excluded from the assessment will be owner occupied properties with three or fewer units and with no commercial use. All other properties will be assessed, including commercial properties and those properties with tax abatements.
Currently, the plan is to begin the assessments in the summer of 2009 with the BID services to begin in October. The EFDC will be supporting the BID through administrative staffing. The BID will be governed by a committee of the EFDC that will have both elected and appointed representatives.
Attending the meeting was Al Spivey Jr., from the office of Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.; Councilman Jones and Mr. Spivey are supportive of the BID and will be working with the Steering Committee and the EFDC to have the legislation drafted.
The Steering Committee will be continuing to meet. If you would like more information, please contact Mr. Sherman at Sherman Properties, Ms. Karahuta at East River Bank, or Gina Snyder at the EFDC.
The winning design for our ARTS BY THE RIVER t-shirt design contest has been chosen! The winning design is “Art Fish of the Schuylkill,” by Becky Baxendell of East Falls. Ms. Baxendell is a new resident of East Falls and is a graphic designer. Her design was inspired by the sign: the Five Fishes under the Twin Bridges: The T-Shirts are on sale at the EFDC office for $10.
Go to our new web page on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/28502898@N08/ to see all of the entries.
Go Green Volunteers Sought
Gardeners sought from row home blocks – Go Green
We are launching a “GoGreen" project that involves people in row house blocks. This is a greening project that will work with property owners to make improvements to their properties that will also help the river. These improvements will create curb appeal, raise property value and make East Falls more attractive.
We want to sit down with those who are interested in taking initiative to make a change for the improvement of the neighborhood, the river and specifically the street or block that they live on. Do you garden or want to work on environmental issues? Contact us to discuss the possibilities and what role you can take.
Also, as part of Go Green, we will plan changes along Midvale Ave. below the Library and at the East Falls SEPTA station. This is the result of a special study of East Falls that was done to understand by a partnership of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Philadelphia Water Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, Philadelphia University's Program in Landscape Architecture, and the East Falls Development Corporation.
We have published a report that is on our web page, www.eastfalls-pa.com. Scroll to the section "We can do something to help the River” for the report link. Take a look and see how you can do your part to help our beautiful Hidden River. A rain barrel, a new tree, or even some planters in the back yard are a great start.
The EFDC will also be working with local partners, such as the East Falls Tree Tenders, the East Falls Community Council, William Penn Charter School, and the East Falls Business Association, to see what we can do for our public spaces and roads to make things better. This project is generously supported by the William Penn Foundation.
Sports Murals will be replaced with new public art (4/5/08)
The Sports Murals under the Twin Bridges will be removed and replaced with a new public art project. The EFDC has partnered with the Mural Arts Project (MAP) to bring a different look to the area. The East Falls Community Council decided to proceed with this project and a volunteer committee of volunteers has been working together. The artists have been working and the installation is expected after all approvals are obtained from City agencies.
A New Philadelphia Landmark is on! (updated 1/25/08)
On January 12 the Falls Bridge’s new Lighting was officially turned on by Governor Edward G. Rendell, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, State Senator Vincent Hughes, State Representatives Kathy Manderino and Jewell Williams, and City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. They were joined by about 1000 people who came to the party to celebrate the new look in East Falls.
Cookies, hot cocoa and coffee were waiting for the guests at Kelly Drive and Midvale Avenue. The ceremony began with opening remarks from East Falls Development Corporation’s President Carolyn Sutton. She and EFDC Director Gina Snyder were presented with an official citation celebrating the lighting from Councilman Jones. Rep. Manderino then introduced Mayor Nutter, who was then welcomed East Falls resident Gov. Rendell. They were later joined by Senator Arlen Specter, another East Falls neighbor.
The nighttime look is a new landmark for Philadelphia. The bridge highlights Philadelphia’s identity as a “New River City” and announces the community with a strong visual marker.
Grenald Waldron and Associates (GWA) did the beautiful lighting design. The electrical contractor, Carr and Duff, did the work with Urban Engineers as the inspectors. .As an added benefit, there is now a permanent signed and marked pedestrian crossing on the Martin Luther King Drive side of the Bridge.
This project was many years in the planning. The idea was instigated during East Falls’ 100 year anniversary celebration of the bridge in 1995. The current project was led by the East Falls Development Corporation a Because of financial limitations, only the downriver side of the bridge is lit.
GWA’s designer Sandra Stashik, was guided by the Falls Bridge Lighting Committee, that included East Falls residents, Sandra Radich, an architect with Cope Linder; Julie Camburn, President of the East Falls Business Association; Carolyn Sutton, President of the EFDC; and, Ellen Sheehan, President of the East Falls Historical Society. The committee also included Stephanie Craighead, Deputy Director of the Fairmount Park Commission, and Lane Fike and Joe Doyle from the Streets Department’s Bridge and Lighting Divisions, respectively. This committee worked with Grenald Waldron to present the design to the East Falls Community Council where it was enthusiastically endorsed.
Coordinating the project also took extra efforts from Joseph Certaine in the Governor’s Office, Southeast Region, Jim Donaghy from the Managing Director’s Office, and Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson.
Lighting the Falls Bridge was funded through a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Dept. of Community and Economic Development. The project and January 12th lighting event would not have been possible without the encouraging support of Governor Rendell and significant contributions from Mark Sherman of Sherman Properties, FX Duffy & Co. Accountants, Urban Engineers, East River Bank and Independence Blue Cross. Funding was also provided by Cope Linder Architects, Robert Brasler, Sunoco Inc., PECO, and the East Falls Community Council and Riverfront District Partners. Contributors included Dorothy Storm of Prudential Fox & Roach, Elfant Wissahickon Realtors, Gypsy Lane Franco’s Trattoria, Gilbert Rowe, Connie Gillespie of Elfant Wissahickon Realtors, and the East Falls Business Association. Tom and Arlen Leschak of Conrad Catering and Alma Catering kindly donated the cookies and hot cocoa.
Dotting the “i”s and crossing all the “t”s was a team of party-planning volunteers from the EFDC. They included Greg O’Loughlin, Heidi Grunwald, Steve Ohm, Gilbert Rowe, Sandra Radich, Ed Delisle, and Lorina Marshall-Blake. East River Bank was especially supportive, through President Chris McGill, Branch Manager Nancy Karahuta, and Vice President Rose Siegel: The Redevelopment Authority, Executive Director Michael Koonce, and Robert LaBrum are especially appreciated for allowing the use of the Rivage lot for event parking.
Youth Study Center to be in East Falls for Three Years (1/5/08).
The City of Philadelphia's application for zoning approval to locate the Youth Study Center at the site of the former Easter Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (EPPI) was approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Multi-Community Alliance is appealing.
Expanded Parking in East Falls
The parking lot under the Twin Bridges has 50 spaces. It is located under Rte. 1 (The Twin Bridges), between Ridge Avenue and Kelly Drive. Construction is finished. The lot will be operated by the EFDC, with input from local business owners. The cost will be free for the first two hours during the day and then one half of one dollar the for time after. There will be a flat rate fee of $4.00 for evening parking. No overnight parking permitted.
