This Week: January 4, 2024

Editor – Barbara Halpern

Lead Writer – Richard Vaughn

Design/Layout and Writer – Travis Oliver

Writer – Marc Werlinsky

Happy New Year!

And so another year, and with it the hope that the New Year brings.

But this time around it’s different. Philadelphia has a new Mayor, a new Police Commissioner and a decidedly different City Council. It’s not known where all this will lead, but what is known is that it won’t be business as usual.

Pick your metaphor, but the City seems to have come to a crossroads/inflection point regarding the twin issues of Crime and Quality of Life. People have had enough. We’re either going to take this stuff seriously or we’re not. The laws are on the books; do we have the political will to enforce them?

Early indications from Mayor Parker are encouraging. Indeed: On her first day in office she declared a “public safety emergency” over crime in the City. Let’s see what follows.

But in the meantime? Happy New Year or, in net-speak: HNY!

CCRA News and Events

CCRA Board of Directors Meeting

Tuesday, January 9 at 7pm

BEX Meeting Space, 1 Commerce Square, (2005 Market Street).

Members are invited to attend our monthly board meeting. Please contact Travis here if you would like to attend.

Regarding Your Membership

We hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday season. This is a reminder that the new membership rate is in effect. Please log into your account through the website to make sure your account is up to date (i.e. address and email changes, credit card, etc). If you're having trouble or need a password to enter your account, contact Travis here and he'll provide one for you.

Because of you, we have strength in numbers which helps CCRA effect change.

Thank you for your continued support!

Need That Street Tree Pruned?

Free tree pruning! CCRA Green Tree Tenders are pruning young street trees this winter. Volunteers will be supervised by an ISA-certified arborist.

To add your tree to the list, email Susan at Susan.v.kahn@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 none other than The Philadelphia Orchestra!

Arrangement for Orchestra: The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Cultural Campus Are CCRA Merchant Partners!

Strike up the Band! The Philadelphia Orchestra – yes, your Philadelphia Orchestra – is a CCRA Merchant Partner! (Let that sink in.)

And it’s not just the Orchestra; it’s also events on the Kimmel Cultural Campus as well for which CCRA members are entitled to a discount. As the Orchestra and the Kimmel need no introduction, all you need to know is in the details below.

Use promo code CCRA24 for savings up to 20% off. Purchase tickets here.

Clean, Safe and Green

What to Do with an Old Xmas Tree and a New “Ugly Sweater”

Don’t let your tree go out in the trash. Give it a second life as mulch in the park! Bring your tree to the multi-purpose court at the Schuylkill River Park (between the playground and basketball courts) between 9-11 am this Saturday, January 6th. Suggested donation of $20. Venmo @FriendsofSchuylkillRiverPark1. Need a hand getting it to the park or need to get rid of it sooner? Email fsrporg@gmail.com to make arrangements. Kids (and adults!) are invited to come out for tree-chipping, which will happen at 11 am this Saturday.

How about all the other waste generated by the holidays? Xmas wrapping paper, cards, and other holiday “treasures” like that “special” sweater from “Uncle Max”? Or…..if you just want to drive somewhere and drop off your tree? Billy Penn has recycling options for you here.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Next stop: the Underground Railroad

Every Saturday at 11 a.m., through Feb. 23, a walking tour of Philadelphia’s old 7th Ward, once home to 15,000 black Philadelphians, including Octavius V. Catto and W.E.B. DuBois, departs from Mother Bethel AME Church, 419 S. 6th Street. “Legacy Reclaimed: A 7th Ward Tribute Walking Tour,” uncovers the lesser-known Black history of this area, bounded by 6th and 23rd Streets, and Spruce and South Streets. This 90-minute guided tour includes an exploration of the area’s role as a stop in the Underground Railroad, as well as visits to significant art installations. Click here for more information.

Fight the Post-Holiday Blahs with GayBINGO

Christmas is over, and New Year’s, too. On to the inevitable letdown? No! Fight back with GayBINGO, the fabulous, irreverent, campy and wildly popular monthly event that has been entertaining Philadelphia audiences for over 20 years.

GayBINGO is hosted by the infamous Bingo Verifying Divas (BVDs) – a wild bunch of drag queens who entertain the crowd with their wacky humor and always outrageous costumes.

Both God and the Devil reside in the deets, which live here.

Real Time Real Estate: This Month

Discover Affordable Living in Rittenhouse Square!

As a local real estate expert and lifelong resident of the vibrant Rittenhouse and Fitler Square neighborhoods, I'm thrilled to discuss one of the most common inquiries I receive: "Can I purchase real estate in Rittenhouse Square for under $300k?" The answer is YES!

Kate Federico

Realtor, Keller Williams

Believe it or not, there are a number of opportunities for budget-friendly real estate in this coveted neighborhood. Whether you prefer the elegance of high-rise condominiums, the charm of Co-op buildings, or the character of boutique Brownstone Row homes, there's something for everyone.

As of today, there are 45 units for Sale in 19103 under $300,000. They consist of 13 studios, 28 one-bedrooms and 4 two-bedroom units offering a range of options to suit various preferences and lifestyles.

Here's a glimpse of the current market:

Starting at an incredible $80,000, a Studio Co-op unit at 118 S 21st Street (2101 Cooperative) presents an excellent entry point into the Rittenhouse Square scene.

For those looking to be on the Square, 219-29 S 18th St (PARC on Rittenhouse Square) offers a one-bedroom unit at $299,900, providing an affordable opportunity to be at the heart of the action.

1900 JFK Blvd. Co-op Building (Penn Center House) offering a 1,000 +/- square-foot two-bedroom for $182,000.

As always, please note that rules/regulations, square footage, and condo/co-op fees may vary. (All information is from Bright MLS.)

A number of other buildings are contributing to this affordability wave, including The Savoy, The Aria, Hopkinson House, Chestnut View, The Warwick and more. There are also a few charming Brownstone units available on the 1900 block of Pine Street for Sale.

Surprised by this news? With interest rates gradually decreasing, it begs the question: "Why rent when you can own?"

Community News and Events

We’re number 5!

Renowned travel authority Lonely Planet has given us bragging rights by naming Philadelphia number 5 in its top ten list of best cities in the world to visit in 2024. The only other American city to make the list was Kansas City (some things are best overlooked). So, what sets our great city apart from the rest? According to Lonely Planet, it’s our “kinetic energy” (not sure what they mean, but it sounds good), cultural attractions and, of course, our culinary treasures. The experts singled out the Reading Terminal, Southeast Asian and Italian markets as key components of Philadelphia’s thriving food scene. Also on the list are (ho-hum) Paris, Prague and Nairobi. And according to USA Today, Philadelphia is the best walking city in the country. But we already knew that. Click here to read more.

This Brew’s For You

We know February is a loooong way off…..but, if you want tickets to this year’s brewfest at the historic 23rd Street Armory, we suggest you get these tickets ASAP. Usually a sellout, our local Philly Beer Fest foams over on Saturday, February 17. You’ll get a chance to sip the best beers in town, all under the same roof. They’ll be specially curated beers, music, live entertainment…..and lots of partying goin’ on.

For more info, including a Beer List, see PhillyBeerFest.com.

Salivation Salvation Cometh

This may be the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese calendar, but Jan. 21-Feb. 3 is the Week of the Restaurant in Philadelphia. Some 90 of the city’s hottest culinary venues, ranging from American, Italian, Asian and other ethnic cuisines, are participating in the Center City District’s Restaurant Week. Most three-course dinners are $45 per person, and a two-course lunch is $20 per person, with taxes and gratuities extra. There’s also discounted parking at select lots. Click here for more information and to make reservations.

Meet The Artists at The Cos Club

The Cosmopolitan Club invites our readers for a wine and cheese reception, on Thursday night, January 18, 2024 from 5-7pm., for a series of artists’ talks and a meet and greet of exhibiting artists, to discuss with them their work, process, and inspiration. Free, but registration by January 12 is required.

Exhibiting artists:

Janine DeCresenzo: Jewelry art conjuring the sea's delicate whispers and bold declarations of urban life
Sarah Gutwirth: Layered grid paintings evoking the beauty of knowledge and its ever evolving nature
Bill Timmins: Abstract, expressionist painting capturing beauty and personal joy

Ambrosia + Townhouse = 40 Additional Seats

Beloved Fitler Sq. eatery Ambrosia now has more reasons to be loved: It has expanded into an adjoining townhome, with the results being 40 additional seats for diners. More specifically, there will be a new first-floor dining area which will be complemented by al fresco tables set amidst a backyard garden. Folding walls will connect the entrance to the garden, providing an uninterrupted flow throughout the space. And maybe best of all, the number of restrooms will quadruple, from one to four.

Need more info? Dig in here.

Useful links

Merchant Partners "Deals and Discounts" Program

Please support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a deal or discount to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.

12th Street Catering, 3312 Spring Garden St (215-386-8595)

1600 Spruce St. Home, Design and Gift, 1600 Spruce St. (267-209-3350)

Astral Artists, 1500 Walnut St. (215-735-6999)

Blue Sole Shoes, 1805 Chestnut St (215-496-9244)

City Fitness, 2101 South St & 1819 JFK Blvd (609-254-9048)

Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)

Eazy Computers & iPhone Repair 2005 Chestnut St (215-609-4446)

Excursions from the Square, (215-732-8487, 215-738-4500)

Experience Empathy Through Art Inquire within (violetalexandre@gmail.com)

Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)

FrameWorks Studio & Gallery, 2103 Walnut St (215-567-6800)

Interact Theatre Co., 302 S. Hicks (215-568-8079)