This Week December 18, 2025 | | |
“We’ll always have Paris."
The remainder of this newsletter will extol the high note with which CCRA concludes 2025. The homelessness forum, visit from the Council President, and a stacked 2026 agenda all exemplify the trajectory of the organization. Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm. This letter however, is for Travis.
Many of us have no memory of CCRA before Travis Oliver. Our Managing Director’s tenure predates my arrival in Philadelphia, and countless residents and board members have relied on his service. With no pleasure do I announce he will be leaving the organization at the end of this year.
Practically, CCRA is moving to be entirely volunteer-led, truly living our slogan - Neighbors for a Better Neighborhood. I expect the change will take some getting used to, if for no other reason than we will all deeply miss working with Travis.
An avid traveler, gardener, and football fan, Travis can count himself among the more engaging conversationalists I’ve had the joy of meeting. His willingness to jump on a new task, respond at any hour, and creatively solve problems represent the best of what an organization like ours can ask for. If ever a supporter of the Dallas Cowboys could earn their stripes in Philly through service, Travis has done so. He has interfaced with members, politicians, police, and countless volunteers in an effort to make our neighborhood more vibrant, safe, and pleasant.
Travis - don't be a stranger. We can't wait to see you at events or next year's house tour. Perhaps you'll enjoy those events a bit more when you aren't working the registration desk.
With deepest gratitude,
Nathaniel Margolies,
CCRA President
| | Homelessness in Center City: Key Takeaways | | |
As part of CCRA’s ongoing focus on quality-of-life issues, on December 3, we convened a panel of leaders on homelessness from City agencies, nonprofit service providers, and the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homeless Detail to share facts, dispel misconceptions, and offer practical guidance for residents.
Panel participants included representatives from the City’s Office of Homeless Services, Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbility Services, Project HOME, Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Porchlight Program, and the Philadelphia Police Department. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Stuart Shapiro, former Philadelphia Health Commissioner. Below is a summary of the evening or click here for more detailed information.
What We Learned
- Center City homelessness differs from other parts of Philadelphia.
- The percentage of violent crimes committed by the homeless is very low; crimes committed are mostly petty theft.
- Homelessness continues to rise throughout Philadelphia and Center City.
- The City and related organizations provide ongoing outreach services.
What Residents Can Do
-
If someone appears in distress or vulnerable to extreme weather: Call Homeless Outreach at 215-232-1984.
-
In urgent or dangerous situations: Call 911 and clearly explain the circumstances.
-
If someone is on your property: Contact the 9th Police District or email Officer Michael Levin at Michael.levin@phila.gov
- When asked for money or food: Panelists emphasized personal comfort levels. Supporting reputable local nonprofits is one effective way to help; offering food can also help build trust.
How We Can Help Solve Homelessness
-
Panelists stressed that homelessness is fundamentally an affordable housing issue.
- CCRA encourages members to advocate with local, state, and federal elected officials for sustained investment in affordable housing and supportive services.
| | Jeffery Young at 1/13 Board Meeting | | |
Save the Date: City Councilmember Jeffrey Young Jr. will be speaking at CCRA’s next Board meeting, which is set for Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7pm at BEX at 2005 Market Street.
Councilmember Young represents the 5th Council District, which includes parts of Center City. He’ll be giving us an update on important issues facing our neighborhood, the City, and you, all followed up by a Q&A.
Some details: You need to register here; only members can attend.
And so... if you are not (yet) a member, what better time?
Join here, and see you at the Board Meeting!
| | Report on What’s Up (or down) on City Council | | |
At its final session of the year, Philadelphia City Council passed several important bills that will impact Center City and the wider area.
-
Sidewalk Dining Expansion: A new bill, supported by the Parker administration and the hospitality industry, will significantly increase the number of commercial corridors with "by-right" sidewalk dining. This means restaurants in these areas can apply online and expect a response within a few days, making it much easier to set up outdoor seating.
-
Greyhound Bus Station Reopening: A measure passed will facilitate the return of the city’s Greyhound and intercity bus station to its former location on Filbert Street in Center City. The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) plans to renovate and reopen the terminal by next May, before the FIFA soccer games, bringing an end to the temporary curbside operations.
-
Mobile Care Provider Ban: A bill banning mobile medical service providers passed for Councilmember Michael Driscoll's lower Northeast district, which borders Kensington. This follows an earlier measure restricting these providers in Kensington itself.
-
Other Bills: The Council also approved the first annual budget for Mayor Parker's H.O.M.E. housing plan (with amendments), a bill to create a city-run retirement savings program (PhillySaves), and a bill mandating training for unarmed private security guards.
For a full breakdown of all the legislation, including the housing plan details and information on postponed votes like the trash incineration and resign-to-run rule modifications, you can read the full article here.
| | CCRA MERCHANT PARTNER FEATURE: | | |
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 new Merchant Partner Circle Compost!
Merchant Partner Circle Compost Makes Composting Easy!
Join the movement towards a sustainable future with woman-owned and Merchant Partner Circle Compost’s composting service, established in 2016.
They transform food scraps, leaves, and organic discards into nutrient-rich compost, reducing landfill waste in Philadelphia. Their convenient pickups utilize e-bikes and trucks, offering flexible options for households and businesses alike.
Partnering with local farms, they return your organic waste to the earth, supporting healthy plants and vegetables. Enjoy perks like free compost and discounted rates while contributing to a greener planet.
Together, let’s turn trash into treasure and combat climate change, one compost bin at a time with Circle Compost!
The Circle folks offer a 30-day free trial. And, for CCRA members who sign up using a bank account for their ongoing automatic subscription payments, they will receive a 5% discount on any individual home composting services. Please email the company info@circlecompost.com after sign-up and the discount will become active.
| | |
Holiday Events (if we can stay up through New Year’s Eve): Say Goodbye to 2025 and Ring in 2026.
Hey celebrants….here’s some info and links to special events right here in Center City West (or close by) to catapult your holidays to OMG fab!
| | |
-
Ladder 15 NYE 2026 Party: December 31, 9pm - 2am, Ladder 15 Bar and Lounge, 1528 Sansom. Ticketed admission. 21 and older.
| | Community News and Events | | Your Culinary Adventure Awaits: Center City Restaurant Week Returns | | |
Get ready to indulge! The highly anticipated Center City District Restaurant Week (CCDRW) is back in the new year, offering Philadelphians a delicious and affordable way to celebrate our world-class dining scene.
From Sunday, January 18 through Saturday, January 31, dozens of Center City's top restaurants will be serving up exclusive menu discounts. This is your chance to try that buzzed-about spot or revisit a long-time favorite without breaking the bank. Book it or weep! Deets and small print here.
Bundle up and stride on over—it's Center City, you can handle it!. Local favs on the list include Ambrosia (byo wine), a.kitchen*, Alice Pizza, Amada, Bar Bombon, Bellini, Bistro La Baia, and Butcher Bar.
| | Is Waymo the Way to Go? Soon You Can Decide! | | |
Ready or not, here they come: Self-driving Waymo cars are heading to Philly!
For the uninitiated: Waymo self-driving cars have been in use in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin and Atlanta. Next up are Pittsburgh, Baltimore, D.C. and yep, Philadelphia.
The ETA is TBD, as Waymo needs to receive permission from PennDOT to deploy driverless vehicles. For details, drive (driverlessly) to here.
| | Quite the Year for Schuylkill River Park! | | |
Who doesn’t love Schuylkill River Park? Hands? Didn’t think so.
The year 2025 was quite the year for our beloved Park.
In case you missed anything, here is a review which will tell you more about what’s been done…..and a “wish list” for the future from their most recent user survey.
| | Barnes & Noble Hosts Author at First Presby Church | | |
Acclaimed author George Saunders, one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world, will discuss his newest book, “Vigil: A Novel,” Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m., at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut Street. Winner of the Booker Prize (“Lincoln in the Bardo”) and a New York Times best-selling author, Saunders will talk about his imaginative story of an oil company CEO at the end of his life, tackling some of society’s major ills, including corporate greed and environmental dangers.
Tickets to this Barnes & Noble-sponsored event are $30.24 and include a pre-signed copy of the book, although attendees can have their books personalized after the discussion, Doors open at 6 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets. For more information, call the store at (267)234-9790.
| | Settlement Music Piano Lab | | Date Change: Music for Food | | |
Date Change: Music for Food Benefit Concert at Curtis Institute
A concert featuring pianist Jonathan Biss and musicians from the Curtis Institute originally scheduled for January 15, 2026 has been rescheduled to January 20 at 7:30 pm. It will be held at the Curtis Institute, 1726 Locust Street. Mr. Biss and others will be performing works by Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, Gyorgy Kurtag and Mozart.
All proceeds from the concert will go to The Sunday Love Project, a nationwide initiative addressing food insecurity. Mr. Biss is founder of the Philadelphia chapter of Music for Food, whose members include local musicians who perform benefit concerts to support The Sunday Love Project.
Register for tickets and to make the $35 minimum suggested donation here.
| | 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. | | CCRA assumes no responsibility, and makes no representations or warranties, regarding any product and/or services sold by any Merchant Partner. | | | | |
