The Spirit of the Riverwards - July 20, 2016 by The Spirit

H Y PERLOC AL

DON E DI F F E R E N T LY

FISHTOWN + KENSINGTON + NORTHERN LIBERTIES + PORT RICHMOND + BRIDESBURG

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WEEK JULY 20, 2016 VOL. 13 NO. 27

RESTAURANT REVIEW We review the newest addition to the neighborhood’s pizza scene, Medusa Pizzeria. 5

DNC PHILLY

How will the Democratic National Convention affect your SEPTA commute? 9

PHOTOS FROM THE WEEKEND Photos from the opening weekend of Kensington Gardens. 6

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS Diesel Fit Gym will host “Showdown of Champions” this Friday night. 8

AWESOMETOWN Mixed-income housing project in Fishtown receives Platinum LEED Certification. 5

HOT OFF THE

PRESS

he recent shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, followed by the tragic deaths of five police and transit officers in Dallas and another three in Baton Rouge, has polarized America. Unfortunately, the mainstream media is willing to spin situations like these tragedies to fit whichever world view you subscribe too. The reality is that most people on either side of the debate surrounding law enforcement and community policing are peaceful. To highlight this, officers from the 24th Police District invited the community to Powers Park, in the heart of Port Richmond, to have “Water Ice With a Cop.”

The smell of freshly baked soft pretzels saturated the thick summer air at the event. A line of kids grew longer in anticipation of the officers peeling off the lids to the containers of water ice. Three officers took turns dishing out scoops to a crowd of excited children, while other officers sat with mustard-faced kids at the park tables. According to John Kalicki, President of the Powers Park Conservancy, this event was planned well in advance of the recent tragic events. “We Continued on Page 4.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016 THE

local lens hiladelphia’s Archbishop Charles J. Chaput created a stir when he published his “Pastoral Guidelines for Implamenting Amorius Laetita,” his clarification of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on love and the family. In those guidelines, Chaput makes it clear that Catholic teachings forbid some Catholics from receiving communion: divorced and remarried Catholics (without an annulment); unmarried couples who live together; and sexually active gay people or gay people in same-sex partnerships. The archbishop’s advice for divorced and remarried Catholics who want to receive communion is to live together as brother and sister. As for gay Catholics who want to receive communion, no doubt Chaput would want them to join groups like Courage, a gay Catholic organization approved by the church for men and women who wish to follow church teaching regarding sexuality. Reaction to Chaput’s guidelines was swift. Mayor Kenney quickly tweeted that Chaput was “anti-Christian” because “Jesus gave us gift of Holy Communion because he so loved us. All of us. Chaput’s actions are not Christian.” Kenney grew up Catholic, but he is not practicing. Perhaps he forgot what his old Baltimore Catechism said about these issues? He may be mayor of one of the most progressive cities in the country — a city that's maintained its confusing, but not illegal status as a Sanctuary City for undocumented immigrants — but secular progressiveness has nothing to do with subordinating faith to a political agenda. It was Kenney, after all, who once called Pope Francis “freaking awesome,” adding, “the Pope makes me want to return to the Church.” Kenney was referencing Francis’ freewheeling style like washing the feet of Muslims on Holy Thursday and his famous comment about gay priests: “Who am I to judge?” But style only goes so deep. Pope Francis has really done nothing to change Catholic doctrine. He’s changed the wallpaper in the room, but not the structure of the walls themselves. Local columnists didn’t lose any time commenting on the mayor’s tweet. The Inquirer’s Christine Flowers, an ardent Catholic, opined, “And I'm betting that my great-grandparents weren't clear about that whole divorce thing, where you can't take communion if you remarry without the benefit of an annulment. The church has been very ambiguous about those things over the years.” Yes, about as ambiguous as a ton of bricks. The Daily News’ Ronnie Polaneczky, an another non-practicing Catholic, offered: “So Chaput and the Pope are on the same page, even if Kenney and others — including me — don't like it.” Then she hits upon the problem. “What

BY THOM NICKELS

Francis doesn't say specifically, though, is that Catholics in irregular relationships should be denied Holy Communion. Perhaps the denial is implied, since he writes often about the Eucharist being open to all who seek the sacrament of Penance for their sins — and sex outside of Catholic marriage is a sin. Still, it reads a little murky.” It reads murky because it is murky: Pope Francis seems to be leaving the option for communion open. Perhaps Archbishop Chaput sensed this and this motivated him to add his own guidelines, substituting Francis’ ambiguity for a couple of those bricks I mentioned a few sentences back. Other Catholic clerics had a completely different take on Amoris Laetita (AL). Cardinal Schonborn of Vienna, for instance, believes that in some cases the divorced and remarried may be admitted to the Sacraments. “I believe that the Pope is obligating us here, for the love of truth, to discern the individual cases both in the internal form and in the external form.” A different interpretation than Chaput’s, indeed. American Cardinal Raymond Burke, who once said that Catholicism is facing “the worst crisis in its entire history due to a betrayal of truth by those who claim to follow Christ and to be members of the Church,” categorizes AL as “just a collection of the Pope’s personal reflections.” Although Pope Francis made a reference to divorced and remarried Catholics not being able to receive communion when he spoke to reporters during his return trip from Mexico in April of this year, in AL he doesn’t follow up on that. This is why many clerics believe that the ambiguous wording of Amoris makes the Pope’s statement in April moot. Claire Chretien of Life Site News reports that there’s enough ambiguity in AL, apparently, to encourage forty-five Catholic prelates, academics, and clergy to submit an appeal to the Dean of the College of Cardinals requesting that the cardinals and Eastern Catholic Patriarchs petition Pope Francis to reject a list “of erroneous propositions that can be drawn from Amoris Laetitia.” Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, a staunchly conservative American bishop, also agrees that Pope Francis’ decree is marked by ambiguity. Tobin believes that the ambiguity is intentional on the pope’s part. “That explains why,” he told one source, “that we’ve had very different interpretations of the document from two prominent leaders of the Church — Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia and Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna.” It’s interesting to note that when The Inquirer posted the Chaput-Kenney story, most of the 1,000 or so comments in the comments section were negative. Non-Catholics and former Catholics had the most to say,

THOM NICKELS IS A PHILADELPHIA BASED AUTHOR, JOURNALIST, POET, FILM CRITIC & FEATURE WRITER FOR SPIRIT NEWS.

but the comments from non-Catholic comments were the most negative. It’s amazing to me how people who consider themselves secular and “religion free” could care so much about what goes on inside the Catholic Church. Do they put as much energy into Mormon Church prohibitions against alcohol and caffeine? Then there are politicians like Brian Sims, whom I generally admire (and voted for), who tweeted, “Archdiocese of Phila. Takes another step backwards & proudly announces further exclusion of LGBT. Give em hell.” Sims once boasted that he was “the only elected official in Pennsylvania that didn’t set foot in a house of worship to get elected.” Okay, I’ll give him a gold medal for that, but what’s he doing talking about church communion rules? This is not a Harrisburg-related issue. No doubt “good guy” Sims is ticked off because the strides that have been made in secular society regarding LGBT rights often cannot make any headway at all in the world of religion. It just seems weird to me when politicians who have never set foot inside a church are suddenly concerned about who is allowed and not allowed to receive Holy Communion. When you become a regular communicant, then you have a right to speak your mind, but not before. The National Review caught the Chaput-Kenney story with this headline: Philadelphia Mayor Discovers That Catholics Are Catholic. Mollie Hemingway, a senior editor at The Federalist, commented that is “was scary to hear a government official [Mayor Kenney] speak against a Christian leader this way.” The notion of what is a sin, and what constitutes “worse” or “lesser” sins comes into play here. In some ways it seems that religion, or in this case Chaput’s tendency towards the legalistic, shows that many clerics are far more concerned with sins of the flesh than with other sins. Why would being divorced and remarried be any worse than embezzlement, tax evasion, slander, avarice, giving false testimony, murder or theft? Are these sins ever mentioned in a communion prohibition context? If not, why not? Why does the church seem so obsessed with sins of the flesh? Why are the ‘sinner groups’ mentioned in Archbishop Chaput’s directive given a sterner scolding when other sinners are just told to go to confession, after which they can receive communion? Is it really wise for the church to act as a police force when it comes to who should receive communion? If faithful Catholics know what the rules are, who should receive and who should not then they also know that by breaking the rules they have a matter for confession. Sometimes one’s relationship with God ought to be private. Then there’s the big question: What does Pope Francis think of Archbishop Chaput’s directive? Ordinarily, an archbishop put in charge of a major American city like Philadelphia is promoted to Cardinal status, but Chaput continues to remain an archbishop. Could this be an indication of the Pope’s displeasure with the archbishop’s views? •

S E V E N D AY F O R E C A S T F O R T H E R I V E R WA R D S

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016

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o you remember last week’s heat and how it made you feel uncomfortable? I wish I could deliver news of sunny weather, low humidity and temperatures in the 80s for you this week. Instead, I have to tell you that things are about to get even worse! The heat comes back with a vengeance! We may hit the BIG 100! This is the type of heat where you sweat just because you're alive. This is the type of heat that makes you thankful for the spring and fall — and dare I say, winter. Crank up the A/C, grab your favorite cold beverage and relax in this summer malaise of sweltering heat! We might get wet on Friday evening and Sunday evening

with passing thunderstorms and showers. Storms like this can be hit or miss, so I’ll keep you posted throughout the week on this threat. Overall, the week looks pretty dry. Wednesday kicks off the weather period with warmth and sunshine. It won’t be extreme heat so enjoy it! We turn the oven back on for Thursday and Friday. Temperatures get into the 90s as the heat settles into the area. Thunderstorms are possible Friday evening with a weak “cold” front. Saturday and Sunday are intense as temperatures flirt with 100 each day! This could end up being the worst heat of the summer. Thunderstorms are possible Sunday as a cold front tries to break the heat wave.

Temperatures will finally go down to near 90 on Monday as more typical Summer weather comes back. Temperatures continue to improve on Tuesday as the 80s prevail. Showers may arrive for Tuesday, but let’s get through the heat first! The weather winner of the week is the Wednesday; the weather loser is Sunday. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016

Continued from Page 1. actually planned this event months ago,” Kalicki said. Kalicki’s organization has turned Powers Park into a clean green space for anyone to enjoy. “You see all the faces, it has that neighborhood vibe,” Kalicki said. He attributes much of the park’s success to a positive relationship with the 24th District. “The officers have always treated us well here,” Kalicki said. “They’ve really been a great partner turning the park around.” Captain Daniel O’Connor of the 24th Police District believes events like this are crucial in showing people at a young age that the police are there to protect the community, but it’s also fun for him and his officers. “Seeing the smiles on the kids faces… We have a blast doing it,” Captain O’Connor said. “It allows us to interact with our community and for them to talk to us. Were on the same level, there’s no police cars. It goes a long way to building a rapport with the community.” Captain O’Connor also believes it’s not only important for the community to see the officers in a positive light, but is a great opportunity for his officers to see the community in a positive way as well. “The parents see us in a positive light and we see them in a positive light, so it benefits both ways. Everything we do here is to make kids safe and this is just another step forward,” Captain O’Connor said. “If they see us smiling

and giving them water ice and joking with them, they’ll be less apprehensive when they need our help.” Kalicki also believes it’s important to have positive police and community events like this. “This event is even better because the youngsters get to see the police in a non-threatening manner which is how they should see them. It’s good for them to see them in

a different method where they realize yes you can go to them,” Kalicki said. “They are normal people who are here to help, and believe it or not that’s what the majority of them are. They do an excellent job especially around here.” •

Photos by Ptah Gabrie

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016 WRITTEN BY MICHAEL ANTONIO CASTANEDA

restaurant review M E D U S A P I Z Z E R I A — S I C I L I A N - S T Y L E P I E S O N Y O R K S T.

ccording to a recent NY Daily News article, a poll conducted by CiCi’s Pizza states that "the average American will eat at least 6,000 slices of pizza in their lifetime." Now, 6,000 slices of pizza may sound like a lot, but it’s not nearly as many as I'm aiming to have in my lifetime. And while some people might think pizza-is-pizza, I don't want to waste my 6,000 slices on any ol' restaurant. I like my experiences to be special. Medusa Pizzeria, a new Sicilian-style restaurant in Kensington, located at 2327 Gaul Street (across the street from Mugshot Diner), is a place I have no problem adding to my pizza count. Medusa Pizzeria is, seriously, one of the biggest pizzerias I've ever seen. Coming in at two stories tall, it's huge, with high ceilings and hard wooden stairs that lead to a second floor with both inside and outside seating. The outside seating overlooks the neighborhood and, since the restaurant sits upon a corner, there is a breeze to accompany its outside guests while they enjoy their meal. This restaurant was once an old meatpacking warehouse that has been remade into the stunning establishment that is now Medusa Pizzeria. They have two different wood-fired ovens: One is a bit more traditional and one looks like it came from the Death Star. While they does offer salads and sandwiches, what's most amazing about this place is obviously their pizza. Yes, I shamelessly added a few hundred slices to my pizza count when I visited; okay, more like a few slices, but I would happily add a few hundred more to my list! I had the pleasure of dining on the Naxos pie, which features arugula, cherry tomatoes, fresh burrata, olive oil and parmigiano. You can also add prosciutto for $2, which I highly recommend. All the ingredients balance well, which might cause you to eat an entire pie without realizing it. I also tried their Salmon pizza, with smoked salmon, asparagus, scallions, tarragon, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and crème fraiche. This was my favorite of the two simply because the cheese was amazing — in my opinion, the cheese stole the show. Along with their pizza, the thick Sicilian crust was spectacular, because you get a nice wood fire taste with it. I also recommend getting a side of oil to dip your crust into, if you're into that sort of Macchiato

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thing, but that's entirely up to you. Medusa Pizzeria is one of those places you'll have trouble forgetting because it offers so much. In addition to their pizza, salads and sandwiches, they also offer pizza fritta, which is a fluffy dough stuffed with sauce and mozzarella and then deep fried. They have an espresso and tea bar

and Gelato Bomba, covered in chocolate and a Sicilian Cannoli. You can finish your meal with a nice espresso or macchiato and be on your way to roam the streets of Fishtown. •

Naxos Pizza (arugula, cherry tomatoes, fresh bruatta, olive oil and parmigiano./ All photos by Michael Antonio Castadneda

Pizza bike displayed on Medusa's wall.

Medusa's pizza oven.

Second floor, outdoor seating area.

Salmon pizza

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016 PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KLUSEK

weekend photos KENSINGTON GARDENS OPENING WEEKEND

ensington Gardens, a new beer garden sponsored by Kensington Community Food Co-op (KCFC), hosted its opening event on July 16, from 5-10PM at 2666-72 Coral Street. Nodding Head Brewery was there serving up brews, while food trucks supplied food to the hot and hungry attendees. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016

28th Annual Sean Daily Tournament The Port Richmond Tigers will host the 28th annual "Sean Daily Memorial Sports Tournament" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 29-31. This years events include men's and women's softball, basketball, soccer (all ages) and women's volleyball. All events will be held at Cohox Playground (Cedar and Ann Streets). Teams are asked to register by Friday, July 22. If you cannot participate, come out and be a spectator. There will be t-shirts available and plenty of good food. Visit our ever popular food court with a menu guaranteed to have something to please every appetite! The tournament has become an annual meeting place for old friends! For more info, call Tom Mack 215-275-8838 or Tigers Clubhouse at 215-423-7611.

Hangin’ With Rev. Ed Rev. Ed stopped by Terri Burns’ cancer benefit and luau at Luke's Bar (2434 Cedar St.) on Saturday, July 16th.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016 WRITTEN BY PTAH GABRIE

Friday Night Fights D I E S E L F I T G Y M H O S T I N G S H O W D O W N O F C H A M P I O N S F R I D AY

ensington’s rough and tumble reputation made it the perfect backdrop for Rocky Balboa to rise out of 1970’s post industrial Philadelphia, to become the iconic silver screen legend associated with our city. Rocky is not real, but Philadelphia is the hometown of world renowned boxing champions like Joe Frazier and Bernard Hopkins. The success of boxers like Hopkins, Frazier and Floyd Mayweather captivates young Philadelphians looking to become world class athletes. Chuck Diesel runs Diesel Fit Gym a few steps away from J St. and Kensington Ave, and has been promoting boxing in the neighborhood for many years. Diesel Fit Gym has been at their current location for over a year, and is a safe place for people of all ages and skill levels to learn the sport of boxing, or just get in shape. On Friday July 22, Diesel FIt Gym will host a night of boxing titled “Showdown of Champions.” This event is sponsored by Joe Ricci of Ricci Towing and Transport. According to Diesel, Ricci, also a Kensington native from Ontario St. and Jasper St., used to box at the Harrowgate Boxing Club, and together they hope to be putting on monthly shows at Diesel Fit Gym. “Showdown of Champions” has 21 bouts slated for the evening. Kids as young as eight y are on the card. According to Diesel, the younger fighters will participate in one minute matches, with more experienced fighters competing in three round bouts. According to Diesel, he is operating within the guidelines of the USA Boxing Association. The referees are all certified through USABA, an official timekeeper will be on hand, and a doctor has volunteered his time to make sure all medical needs of the fighters are taken care of. Diesel wants to ensure the safety and accuracy of each match, but he also wants the children to feel like champions at the end of their bouts. “We’re gonna give the winners belts, and make it as real for them as possible,” Diesel said

Diesel, who is a Kensington native himself, believes events like this give neighborhood kids a chance to learn a skill that could make them better adults. “The kids are what’s important to me,” Diesel said. Diesel also believes in equality in his gym for everyone regardless of skill level and age. “My gym is a place for everyone. We have eight year olds up to world champions, but everybody’s equal,” Diesel said. “If you’re on the world champs bag, and he wants to use it, the world champs got to wait. That’s just how we do things.” According to Diesel, there are a lot of boxing clubs in Philadelphia, but many young athletes travel to cities like Chester and Camden to compete. Diesel hopes he can provide a hometown venue, so local children can have a safe place in their neighborhood to train and compete. “We have a lot of gyms here,” Diesel said. “I’m hoping to have it every month. They (kids) can take the el here and get off at Tioga.” Diesel wants his gym to be a safe haven for everyone, and he believes Kensington is in need of some great people to teach the younger generation discipline without the pressures of the outside world. “It gives us an opportunity to come together with no agenda, no purpose other than for entertainment,” Diesel said. “We’re just people from the community, and we want extraordinary things to happen to the community.” •

Justice "Speedy" Perez/ Photo by Chuck Diesel

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016

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WRITTEN BY SPENCER HOMAN

DNC PHILLY

WILL THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO GET AROUND THE CITY?

e all remember the transportation dilemmas posed by the Papal visit in September 2015. At the time, 4.7 square miles of Philadelphia was closed to travelers and commuters trying to get to work or see the pontif himself. Since the city has recent experience with road closures and high volumes of people in small areas, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) should pose fewer problems to people trying to get around the city. However, if 2016 is anything like the 2000 Republican National Convention (RNC), the city may have more issues on its hands than it might be planning for. How will the DNC affect your commute? At the 2000 RNC, around two thousand protesters intentionally blocked major intersections throughout the city, even though the police were trying to keep protesters out of the street. Still, 200 people “ran in and out of traffic along several city blocks.” The poor management of the RNC in 2000 is unlikely to be repeated. Instead of arresting protesters, the city is planning on giving $100 civil citations (essentially like parking tickets) to them instead. Newly implemented laws, such as the decriminalization of marijuana possession, should also reduce the number of protesters arrested. According to the Los Angeles Times, the city of Philadelphia arrested as many as 400 people on a single day during protests at the 2000 RNC. Some protesters were held in jail for several days with bail set as high as $1 million. Protesters were arrested for incidents where they beat police officers or doused them with “caustic liquid.” People flipped over dumpsters outside of the Warwick Hotel where John McCain was eating dinner. Others punctured the tires of police cars or vandalized buildings with paint-filled balloons, a Tiffany & Co. jewelry store to be specific. While these types of actions are going to be in the minds of authorities when preparing for securing the area around the 2016 DNC, it is hard to plan for all variables that protesters may display. Protesters seem to have a universal reason for showing their discontent with the government. One protester at the 2000 RNC told a reporter: “We’re sick and tired of this whole system — capitalism and the state.” The man did not give his name and was wearing a gas mask during his interview. Groups of protesters chanted things like: “Police run the City! We can shut it down!” Signs were hung across City Hall that said, “Resist,” and protesters held up signs that said, “Stop the Texas Killing Machine.” One can only imagine what the chants and signs that will be seen during the 2016 DNC. According to Politico, the city of Cleveland has prepared for the worst, attempting to use a portion of their $50 million grant to purchase two thousand sets of riot gear. Cleveland will secure the 2016 RNC by setting up 100 video surveillance systems throughout the city that can be viewed on a high-tech video wall with 20 screens. This technology will be an interesting accent to the police officers on horseback that will trot through town to control protesters. Cleveland is also planning on opening unspecified fire hydrants throughout the city to allow people to cool off from the July heat. What is the city of Philadelphia using their $50 million grant for? “A lot of the planning Photos by Parrick Clark

you are seeing in Cleveland is also happening here,” David L. Coehn, special advisor to the host committee, stated in March. According to city spokesman Mike Dunn, that money is going toward “staffing and equipment.” Although this event seems like it is going to make daily life difficult for Philadelphians, former Governor Rendell does not think that anyone will need to change their regular habits during the week of the convention. However, one has to think that SEPTA’s 115 damaged cars could slow down travel throughout the city. Even though there are 50,000 additional people inside the city, officials believe that since the convention takes place outside of the “peak hours” of use, that there should not be an issue getting around. SEPTA trains are making more than 200 less stops per day than normal weekly figures. SEPTA General Manager Jeff Knueppel said earlier this month that they are “partnering with Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and Maryland rail authorities to borrow trains and add 1,700 seats in Philadelphia.” SEPTA may also add express buses between crowded train stops. Uber recently decided they were not going to boycott working during the convention, so they remain as an alternative to other public transportation. Penn. Governor Tom Wolf also legalized car sharing servcies like Uber and Lyft throughout the convention. Look out for an increase in their charge rates if you are going anywhere near the convention area. Even at a normal rate, an Uber may also have difficulties getting around the area, since much of the area around the Sports Complex is shut off to all drivers. Anyone planning on driving trucks, buses, RV’s, and other large vehicles will see more inconveniences. Starting July 22 and lasting for a week, I-95 exits between Penrose Avenue, Interstate 76 and 676, and 26th street will be closed for those vehicles. Exact details can be found at Secretservice.gov. In addition to vehicle restrictions, there are also airspace and waterway restrictions. In case you were considering flying your drone during the DNC, the area “within 30 Nautical Miles of downtown Philadelphia, to include FDR Park… will be a no drone zone” from July 25 to the 29. FDR Park will also have security fencing around it for protesting, although “delegates will be able to see and hear what is going on there” according to Police Commissioner Richard Ross, Jr. If all goes according to plan, then the daily commute of Philadelphians will not be affected and there will be much less trouble than what took place at the 2000 RNC. One would hope that this is true, considering that taxpayers funded 59 percent of the $66 million cost of the 2000 RNC, according to a Philly.com article. As prepared as the city can be, there is no way to account for certain variables. The unexpected protests in 2000 at Franklin Square are an example of this. In order to have your DNC experience go as smoothly as possible, make sure to leave extra time in your plans for traffic and public transport delays, large crowds of citizens and delegates walking to the convention area, and protesters potentially showing up in parts of the city that were not originally expected to see that type of behavior. •

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ust on the outskirts of Northern Liberties, between 6th and 7th on Girard, is the Fine Fare grocery store. Exciting right? Of course not, well that is until you go inside. And by inside I don’t mean to the iced tea reach-in coolers and Ramen Noodle aisles, I mean deep inside — like behind the walls. Back there you’ll find an 1890s era theatre, known as then as the Girard Avenue Theatre (Eventually just the Girard Theatre by World War II).

But, dude, first grab one of those Artic Splash Iced Teas because it’s like a thousand degrees back there. Oh, and wait, you can’t actually go back because it’s private property and all so you’ll get arrested. We got like special permission or whatever, so, yeah, anyway. The first hint that something is different about this store is a strange, curved, intricately decorated wood thing that protrudes into the space from the ceiling. Shoppers have asked about it for years. It probably has one of those “theatre” names that a Scripp’s Spelling Bee contestant could knock out with with two or three questions about language-of-origin and a definition. But I’m not a homeschooled 13-year old from Virginia, I’m from Philly, so I call it a theatre balcony chumpy-jawn. Also, spelling is not my thing. You should have seen how badly I butchered “intricately” earlier in the paragraph. I almost broke Spellcheck.

Current owner, Siyam Ameed, picked up the property from his father in 2009. His father has owned the store since about 1980. It has been a grocery store since the early 1960s. So as a boy Ameed was an amateur urban spelunker. He was perfect to lead our crew through the dark and dusty halls, up rickety ladders, down dusty steps, and across creaky catwalks.

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016 One could surely believe another presence was around. This space totally had a ghost-hunting vibe to it. As we were heading up steps to the theatre control area I saw a human-like, female form in front of me. Most likely just a dust swirl, but I shot about a dozen photos with my iPhone, flash on and flash off. Only one pic remained after our visit though. Oooooh, spooky! My Siri crapped her pants and is not even talking to me anymore. When we finally finagled our way into the control room I totally expected find my photographer pulling a mask off somebody saying, “And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling Spirit News staffers!” Zoinks! Unfortunately Fine Fare doesn’t sell Scooby Snacks. Just looking out over the seats though was like looking at a ghost. It doesn’t take long to imagine people sitting in the seats and other performing for them. I found an article from 1895 in Household News magazine written by Henry Hanby Hay. With a name like that you just know he’s a theatre expert, who would never utter the word “jawn.” He wrote: “I found that there was a theatre in Philadelphia with a trained stock company; and that this theatre could, and did, give me Shakespeare (yes, three weeks of Shakespeare at a time), Shakespeare well acted and well staged; that this theatre was large, handsome and convenient; that it has a fine crush-room, many free conveniences; in short, that it was a place of high ideals and low prices.” The performing arts beat writers of the New York Times were quite familiar with the Girard, referring to it as one of “the principal theatres in Philadelphia,” among other notables like The Walnut Street Theatre and the Chestnut Street Theatre. While many of the performers and shows were wellknows during the run of the theatre, even some of the staff were notable. George Zottman was a bouncer and known as “The Strongest Man in the United States during 1890s.” He allegedly could lift the “entire stock company in an exhibition of strength,” according to the New York Times, which actually published his obit. It seems that at that time the theatre biz was in a slump due to high ticket prices. The NYTimes noted that at “George Holland’s now well-established enterprise, at the Girard Avenue Theatre … good plays are offered at low prices.” The writer then held it up as a model for the business moving forward, even in New York City. But while Off-Broadway took off in New York in the 1950s, the Girard started to falter. As neglected as the setting is the character is still there. A go-getting developer could turn the space into an awesome venue for local shows. That’s one of the reasons Ameed is listing the place for sale. Ray Caceres, a realtor whose office is across the street is actively trying to sell it. “I got people from New York looking at it now,” Caceres said. “One idea is to keep it as a theatre.” Ameed would be happy if that happened but he’s not putting any conditions on the sale. “Everything is included, the property, the business, all of it,” Ameed said, citing living a long drive from his North New Jersey home every day as his primary reason for moving on. Ameed also had more to show us. There were bathrooms for spectators, dressing rooms for performers, and ancient mechanical equipment to explore. Some of which required climbing on trash piles left by a guy who had rented out a portion of the theatre a few years ago. “Is it safe?” one of our crew asked Ameed. “It’s safe-ish,” he joked. “The guy was paying his rent so we weren’t worried,” Ameed said, but then the man’s business began to fail. The man left a large amount of debris. “We were just like, ‘what the …’” In a top floor room, which could have been office space for management or perhaps somewhere for performers to just chill, we could do anything but as it was at least 120 degrees. But the fine wood designs we found in the doorway were worth the sweat.

After climbing the abandoned stairway to the upper level we stood a couple stories up overlooking the main stage. No railings, no light, no room for error. Standing on a 125year old solid-wood balcony, one member of our crew remarked at how a doorway to another area reminded him of the “Death Star’s garbage disposal” from Star Wars. “There’s like a frickin’ monster in there.”

That the theatre kept much of it’s character is more remarkable when you learn that it was “gutted” by a major fire in 1903. A traveling group was performing “The Minister’s Daughter.” All of their costumes were destroyed. Perhaps tragedy was avoided by a prepared staff as an adjacent horse stable in 1902, which killed several hors-

es, gave management insight in how to keep large crowns calm and orderly. Random show advertisements were strewn about in rooms or in some cases still hanging on walls. One read, “Miss Selma Herman in The Angel of the Trail,” which was from the very early 1900s. Another poster, likely from the end of the theatre’s run, was touting a film version of one of the Floyd Patterson vs Ingemar Johansson bouts as “better than ringside.” Those two boxers fought three times from 1959 to 1961 with the Heavyweight Championship belt changing hands twice.

In a lower level room we found several rooms with writing on them. One intriguing note was signed “Walt Chambers, May 1897.”

Even Ameed was surprised when we closed a door and saw a sign from a stage employee’s union advertising a “Show and Ball” to benefit their relief fund to be held on April 23, 1928 at the Academy of Music. “Wow, in all these years, I’ve never seen that before,” he said.

The space is so cavernous and dark that every walk on a catwalk or climb up a ladder could reveal something new for years. It would just depend on where you focused your attention. Hopefully the next owner will focus their attention on the treasures still hidden and the big one right in their face. •

Fishtown hawk PHOTOS BY ROMAN BLAZIC For the past few months, Fishtown residents have been captivated by a hawk that has taken roost atop St. Laurentius. Keep an eye out for it, and see it’s awesomeness for yourself!

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016 COMMUNITY

CALENDAR N E W S @ S P I R I T N E W S . O R G • 1 4 2 8 E . S U S Q U E H A N N A AV E • 2 1 5 . 4 2 3 . 6 2 4 6

m eet ing s NKCDC OPEN OFFICE HOURS NKCDC is hosting open office hours in the 19134 zip code at two locations. They will be at the Firm Hope Baptist Church on Tulip and Auburn Streets every second Wednesday of the month from 4-7PM. They will assist you with signing up for benefits like SNAP, connecting to housing counselors for any housing needs, rent and property tax rebates, food referrals, health insurance and safety or quality of life issues in your community. For further information contact Tess at tdonie@NKCDC.org or 215-427-0350 x 139. AL-ANON AT HOLY NAME CHURCH HALL Meetings are held every Monday night from 7-8PM at Holy Name Church Hall at 701 Gaul Street. Anything shared at a meeting stays there and everyone is welcome to attend. Al-Anon meetings are free, anonymous and confidential. Wednesday July 20, 4-8PM The City of Philadelphia has received federal funding to improve American Street between Girard and Indiana Avenues. Learn about the project and offer your input at an open house event held at Pan American Academy (2830 N. American St.). Wednesday July 20, 6PM EKNA CRIME, SAFETY & INFRASTRUCTURE MEETING EKNA’s Crime, Safety and Infrastructure committee will hold its monthly meeting at Liberty Choice (1839 N. Front St.). Sunday July 24 and 31, 12 PM Join Arcadia Commons at the Kern Street Park (2500 Kern Street) to learn about the animals that live all around us. Meet some of local animals that call our neighborhood home. Free capes and patches for the first 20 children. NETWORKING MEETINGS Philadelphia Mastermind Group – Every Friday, 8-9:30AM, B2B Networking at Front Street Café (1253 N Front St.) HAPCO/DIG/GPAR – 2nd Thursday of the Month, 12:001:30PM. Lunch & Learn, real estate meetup at the Greater Philadelphia Association of realtors (341 North Delaware Avenue, Suite 200) DIG/HAPCO – 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:30-8:30PM. Philly Riverwards Sub-Group, Diversified Investors Groups meet up at Front Street Café (1253 N Front St.) For more information contact Joe Scorese 215-290-5108 or jscorese@firstrust.com.

events Wednesday, July 20th, 5:30-7:30PM PLAY-DOUGH AND PIZZA PLAY DATE! At the Fishtown Rec, join Friends of Adaire as we host our first play date for preschoolers/kids entering kindergarten in 2017 and 2018. We’ll have time for art and food, and hopefully some outdoor fun! We'll bring play-dough and toys, but feel free to bring your favorite play-dough toys to share! Please RSVP (and include food allergies) to Kate Hughes & Denis Devine at friendsofadaire@gmail.com Wednesday, July 20 AMERICAN LEGION POST #152 CASINO TRIP Trip to Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. Tickets are $26, you get $25 back. Bus leaves from Post #152 (3524 Thompson Street) at 11:30AM. We will leave Resorts at 7PM, be back in the neighborhood by 8:30PM. For more info, call Walt at 215-426-1056 Saturday, July 23, 7PM PEARL E. GATES' PRIDE AND PATRIOTISM! Pearl loves you guys so much that she is returning one more time! Squeezing into a pantsuit just before the DNC arrives, Ms. Pearl wants to show you her pride and patriotism as only she can at Church of the Atonement: 1542 E. Montgomery Ave. Admission $10, includes: 1 card for each regular game, plus tea/coffee and a dessert. Additional cards, special game cards, 50/50 tickets and food available. BYOB. Funds go to support By My Side and the Orlando Victim's Fund.

Saturday, August 6, 6:30-8:30 PM TWILIGHT GARDEN TOUR AT GREENSGROW The evening at Greensgrow Farm (2501 East Cumberland St) will include curated, small group tours of the nursery that are designed to inform and inspire you. Enjoy seasonal fruit, locally made cheeses and refreshments. Philadelphia Brewing Company and Rowhouse Spirits will be serving beer and spirits made just blocks from the farm. Jazz pianist, Patrick Fitzgerald will play throughout the twilight. Tickets are $35. For tickets or more information, contact events@greensgrow. org. Sunday, August 7 EIGHTH ANNUAL 2ND STREET FESTIVAL The 2nd Street Festival, held between American and Green Sts. will feature over 150 vendors and food trucks. Additionally, the bars and restaurants along 2nd St. will be serving beer and cocktails in outdoor tents. Art Star will host its Craft Bazaar on the block between Fairmount Ave. and Green St. Thursday, August 25, 8PM CAT-A-STROPHE AT THE PAPERMILL THEATER Cat-A-Strophe is coming to Philadelphia August 25: A new play written by playwright Yoel Wulfhart will premier at the Paper Mill Theater. Cat-A-Strophe is what would happen if Samuel Beckett, Dario Fo and Hannoch Levin cowrote a sitcom. Tickets are $15. For more information, contact the Papermill Theater at thepapermilltheater@gmail.com. Saturday and Sunday September 10-11 COMMUNITY GARDEN DAYS AT GREENSGROW Join local gardeners at 2501 East Cumberland St. to learn more about community gardening and managing a nursery. Come out and meet other local gardeners.Come out this fall weekend to get goods for your community garden. Community Gardeners will receive 10% off of purchases made for their community garden. Your garden must be preregistered to receive the discount at the time of purchase. Discount applies to nursery items only–produce and other food items are not included. For more information, info@greensgrow.org. June 28-August 4 SUMMER PROGRAMS AT BEACON Join us at Beacon this summer from 6/28-8/4 in the yard for two fun programs: Open Yard on Tuesdays from 12-2pm (games, reading, fort-making & more) and Garden Hour on Thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm (urban gardening education). Both programs are free, drop-in, non-religious, and open to all (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult). Questions? For more info , email info@thewordatbeacon.org or call 215 423 6216. July 14-August 27 LOCAL COLOR Local Color: Cut Paper Collages, a solo exhibition of artist Joseph Opshinksy’s work, will be on display at the Hall in Crane Arts (1400 N. American St.). Receptions will be held on July 14 and August 11 from 6-9PM. June 27-September 1 WINDOW BOX AND PLANTER CONTEST Once again the FNA is holding a window box and planter contest to reward the best flower boxes helping to keep the neighborhood green and beautiful. The contest entry deadline is September 1st. Submit entries to beautification@fishtown.org, or to FNA’s Facebook or Instagram page with the tag #FNAFlowerBox. Be sure to include a photograph and the address. Mondays 6:30-7:30 PM ST. MICHAEL’S LABYRINTH On Good Friday during Holy Week this year, St. Michael’s Church at Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street opened their doors to walk the labyrinth that was installed on the second floor in the sanctuary of their church. Monday evenings from 6:30 until 7:30 the doors are open on Trenton Avenue for anyone who would like to experience the labyrinth. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, and there is plenty of literature available that offers suggestions for your walk. You are also welcome to bring a journal or do art in that allotted time. Come one Monday and meet Yvonne Walker who will answer any questions you might have on the labyrinth and take the walk to bring

faith, hope and love into your daily life. Contact St. Michael’s Church at 215-423-0792. Thursdays POWERS PARKS FARMER’S MARKET Come attend the Farmers’ Market on Thursdays from 3-7PM at Powers Park (Ann & Almond Streets). Fresh food available from local farms and kitchens. More information (vendors, etc.) is available on the Powers Park Conservancy Facebook page. 2016 CAMPBELL SQUARE EVENTS While every effort will be made to reschedule events cancelled by bad weather, we cannot guarantee that alternate dates will be scheduled. Please call John at 267-886-8799 or Susan at 215-426-3766 on event dates for possible cancellations, or check us out on facebook at Friends of Campbell Square. July 27th, Weds. Dusk-FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Aug. 17th, Weds., 7-9PM BIG HOUSE BAND Sept.9th, Friday, 7-9PM DOO WOP NIGHT (tentative) Sept. 18th, Sunday, 8AM-l:30PM FALL FLEA MARKET Interested in volunteering? We want YOU! For example, help with scheduled gardening and maintenance at Campbell Square on Wednesday nights, 6:30-7:30PM, Spring/Summer park events and all year round! Thursday July 21, 8-10PM ANIMAL HOUSE AT SCHMIDT’S COMMONS Bring your own blanket or chair and enjoy a screening of Animal House at Schmidt’s Commons. The screening begins at 8PM. Note: Animal House is an adult-themed movie. Viewer discretion is advised. Sunday July 24, 11AM-12PM GROUP WORKOUT Join personal trainer, Erik Strassman, in the Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons for a FREE group workout session. All fitness levels welcome. Focus on quality of movement. Sign up at: theecoachstrassman@gmail.com. Sunday July 24, 7:30-10PM PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERT AT SCHMIDT’S COMMONS Musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra perform in various chamber-sized groups in at Schmidt’s Commons. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Free Neighborhood Concert Thursday July 28, 7-10PM DNC WATCH PARTY The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons hosts a DNC watch party on Thursday, July 28th at 7:00pm. Watch the grand finale on our Jumbotron. Bring your own chair/blanket and enjoy special dishes and discounts outside. Friday July 29, 8-10PM THE GOONIES AT SCHMIDT’S COMMONS Bring your own blanket or chair and enjoy a screening of the Goonies at Schmidt’s Commons. The screening begins at 7PM.

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016 Tuesday August 2, 5:30-8:30PM NATIONAL NIGHT OUT (CRUZ REC CENTER: 6TH & MASTER) Join officers from the 26th District for a night of community food. There will be food, games, activities and music for the whole community. There will also be a moonbounce.

children FISHTOWN LIBRARY EVENTS Scott Prior’s Snake Party! Tuesday, July 19th at 2PM Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Presents: Understanding Credit Tuesday, July 26th at 6PM LEPRECHAUNS SIGN UPS Leprechauns Sports Association is now accepting registration for Football and Cheerleading. This is open to boys ages 5-14 and girls age 6-14. The clubhouse will be opened Wednesday nights from 6-8 pm and Saturday mornings 10 am-12 pm.. The clubhouse is located at 2973 Gaul Street 19134. For more information call 215-423-6309 Check out our website http:// leprechaunsysa.wix.com/leps#!blog/chi3, or find us on facebook.https://www.facebook.com/Leprechauns-Sports-Association-347773417784/ SIXERS NEIGHBORHOOD BASKETBALL LEAGUE Hancock Rec has more openings for players in their SNBL league held at Moffett Elementary School. For more information please contact Coach Larry @215-685-9877, or come to Moffet to register on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-6PM.

SENIOR EXERCISE CLASSES Exercise classes for people 50 and older will be offered at St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St. Class schedule will be Enhance Fitness on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM, Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 9:30AM, Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 10AM, and Line Dancing on the first and third Friday of every month. For more information call 215-426-9799.

sign ups BRIDESBURG REC CENTER (4625 RICHMOND ST) Zumba – Classes are Mondays and Thursdays from 7-8PM, and the cost is $4. Beach Photos - Beach photos by <rs. Gooden will be taken in early June. Save the Gas! Beach photos will be taken at the Rec in an air conditioned room. Bridesburg Nursery School - Boys and Girls ages 2-4 as of September 1, 2016. 2’s Mon. and Thurs., 3’s Thurs. and Fri., 4’s Mon. and Wed. Food Pantry - Please donate nonperishable food and clothing for needy in the neighborhood. Drop off donations at the Rec weekdays from 9AM-9PM. Scrapbooking – Scrapbooking group meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:30PM. The cost is $5 per class and everything will be supplied except a book and photos. For more information call Miss Jackie at 215-685-1247. CIONE SIGNUPS Summer Camp for Cione Playground is now full. We are no longer taking applications.

Wednesday PRESCHOOL STORYTIME AT RICHMOND LIBRARY This program is intended for children ages 1-4 and their caregiver. Siblings are always welcome. Daycares should call for separate appointments. Richmond Branch of the Free Library, 2987 Almond Street. For further information call 215-685-9992.

faith Wednesdays FIRST PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE STUDY GROUP A Bible study group meets at First Presbyterian Church, 418 E. Girard Ave at 7PM . Come and bring a friend for informative, exciting and lively open discussions. As always, everyone is welcome. Thursdays ST. ANNE WEEKLY NOVENA St. Anne weekly Novena Thursday evening service, 7:30PM Church of Saint Anne, Memphis St. and Lehigh Ave. Tuesdays PRAYER MINISTRY First Emmanuel Prayer Partners Church, 711 W. Girard Ave. Prayer Ministry is looking for Prayer Partners. Everyone is Welcome to come pray with us. For further information call 215-456-9974.

seniors Sundays SUNDAY BINGO St. Anne Church will host bingo on Sundays in the Social Hall, Memphis and Tucker streets. Doors open at 4PM; bingo starts at 6PM. Cost is $12. Call 215-739-4590 for more details. LUTHERAN SETTLEMENT HOME EVENTS Lutheran Settlement House Senior Center, 1340 Frankford Ave. Computer Classes: Level 1: Tuesdays from 9-10AM and Thursdays from 12-2PM. Level 2 Classes take place on Mondays from 1-3PM and Thursdays 2-4PM. Dancercise with Rita, Mondays at 9AM and Tai Chi with Milt on Wednesdays at 12:30PM. For further information call 215-426-8610. Fridays ART WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St., is offering an art workshop for people age 50 and older. “Clay Creations” will meet weekly on Fridays, from 12:30-2 PM Participants will learn about the art of hand building to create pots and other clay forms. Those interested should register in advance. For more details call 215-426-9799.

Email, call or drop off your calendar event to The Spirit. news@spiritnews.org 215-423-6246 1428 E. Susquehanna Avenue

Page 13 Arts and Crafts for Kids – Meetings for 5-12 years old. Arts and crafts have no cost and takes place every Wednesday from 6-7PM. Zumba – Adult classes are on Fridays from 7:30-8:30PM, and the cost is $5 per class. Chess Club – For beginner to advanced players of all ages. Meetings take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:308PM. PORTSIDE ARTS Summer Arts Pass at Portside Arts Center Purchase you children, teen or adult Summer Art Pass and get access to multiple classes and workshops throughout the summer of 2016! www.portsideartscenter.org/summer-arts-pass For more info call (215) 427-1514 or http://www.portsideartscenter.org/ FREE ENGLISH & CITIZENSHIP CLASSES Can you or someone you know benefit from English as a Second Language (ESL) or Test for Citizenship Classes? The Richmond Library at 2987 Almond St. presents free English and citizenship classes. Tuesday and Thursdays from 6-7:30PM at the Richmond Library. For more information, call the Library at 215-685-9992. WALKING CLUB The Playgrounds and Rec Centers in Parks and Recreation District 2 are starting a Walking Club. Exercise as you wait at your child’s program. There is no cost to sign up, and the first 100 participants get a free t-shirt. Stop in and sign up at the Bridesburg Rec Center at 4601 Richmond St. For more information and to register, call the Center at 215685-1247.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016 COMMUNITY

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215.423.6246 The deadline is Friday at 5pm for display ads, and Monday at 12pm for classifieds. All advertisements must be paid for in advance.

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Missing ID Found Claire Alexandra Kuehnel, from Cali. and previously Mass., lost her ID that was found on Dauphin St. on Sat., July 16th. Ms. Kuehnel's purse was with ID was found on the sidewalk and has been turned into the 26th Police District. Please call 215-686-3260

FAIR HOUSING

YOU HAVE A NICE SET OF WHEELS BUT CAN’T FIND A PLACE TO PARK THEM.

Landlords must allow you to make reasonable accommodations to ensure full use of your apartment. Telling you that you can’t install grab bars and ramps is against the law. You can fight back. If you suspect unfair housing practices, contact HUD or your local Fair Housing Center. Everyone deserves a fair chance.

FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW!

610-604-4411 - FJCSP.COM FOR SALE Moving Sale - Everything Must Go! -Guinea Pig - 3 years old -Water Turtle -Washer and Dryer Refrigerator -Christmas Decorations -Plastic Yard Chair and Table -Plants -Antique Grandfather Clock (doesn’t currently work) -China Closet -Record Player -Large Ornate Tapestry Call Harriet Lucas 215-739-7966

Huge Yard Sale Saturday, July 23 Located at the corner of E. Thompson and East Albert Streets, Fishtown 8AM-4PM

Club Charter For Sale Call 267-3257112 Ask for Joe

JUNK CARS Up to $1,100 cash for cars or trucks with bad engines or transmissions. $550 CASH for any complete junk car or truck with or without title. Call 215-669-1000

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Page 15

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 20, 2016

letter to the editor Speaking up for a safer, greener American Street Kensington residents have gotten used to a blur of change in our streets. Every time you blink, another block is undergoing demolition or construction. As the neighborhood transforms, it can be easy to feel that we have no say in the transformation. But opportunities to speak up do exist. One example is the city's $15-million project to improve American Street (between Girard and Indiana). A safer, greener American Street is long overdue, and now is our chance to weigh in. The city is holding two public open houses to get input on initial plans for the project: July 20, 4-8 p.m., at Pan American Academy Charter School, 2830 N. American St., and July 26, 4-8p.m., at Crane Arts, 1400 N. American St. Announced improvement plans include landscaping, better lighting, shorter pedestrian crossings, wider sidewalks, and buffered bicycle lanes. The community's presence at these open houses is necessary to keep the best proposed improvements and to add others—from traffic calming features to public art. I hope to see you there!

Is there something going on that’s a little funky in your neighborhood? Anything you want us to look into? Have something juicy you want to leak? Know of something fun or interesting going on that you think we should know about? We rely on sources like you for news that effects our neighborhoods. No tip is a bad tip. Drop us a line at news@spiritnews.org.

-Joshu Harris •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 2, 2016 W R I T T E N B Y PAT R I C K C L A R K

awesometown

FISHTOWN DEVELOPMENT RECEIVES PLATINUM LEED CERTIFICATION

wesometown, the newest mixed-income housing project by developer Postgreen Homes, is now officially LEED Platinum Version 4 certified. The collaboration between Postgreen and the New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) has been in the works since early 2014. One of the primary goals set by Postgreen was to be awarded LEED Platinum certification. The development earned the certification through its utilization of green roofs, triple pane windows, roof terraces, super insulated walls and roofs, Energy Star HVAC, and more modern eco-capabilities. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is the primary ratings system for design, construction, maintenance, and operation of buildings in the world. Awesometown’s platinum rating is the highest possible rating, placing it among the most eco-friendly developments in the US. Even more impressive is the fact that Awesometown is the first LEED for Homes v4 Platinum project not just in Philadelphia, but in all of Pennsylvania. “Most builders and developers are choosing not to adopt the new version of LEED yet as it is stricter and more difficult to attain the highest level of certification,” Chad Ludeman, President of Postgreen Homes, explained. “We've hit LEED Platinum in the past, but this one is that much more special and definitely was a challenge.” The NKCDC played a large part in Awesometown’s creation by providing financial support to qualified buyers in four of the development’s 14 units. Postgreen and the NKCDC had the shared goal of wanting to bring mixed-income housing to Fishtown in order to prevent gentrification from displacing longtime residents. The market-value properties of Awesometown are priced at $420,000 and include the eco-friendly build quality provided by Postgreen along with modern design and appliances. "We were honored to have the opportunity to help an organization like the NKCDC push the envelope of sustainability and mixed-income housing in Fishtown,” Ludeman

said. “Delivering higher quality homes to average income homes in Philadelphia has always been core to our vision and the partnership with the NKCDC helped us further that mission in way we never could have on our own." Awesometown is being developed in two Phases. The first phase is the development of the homes located at 425-39 Moyer Street and the second phase is made up of

the homes at 434-40/444-46 Thompson Street. Phase 1 is completed and the owners have moved in on the Moyer Street side of the development. According to Kevin Gray, the NKCDC director of real estate development, Phase 2 is under construction and should be fully occupied by the end of the year. •

Awesometown housing development on Thompson Street in Fishtown/ Patrick Clark