President’s Letter

Be the Change You Want to See

By Eleanor Ingersoll, QVNA President

Hello Neighbors,

It’s good to see and feel that the summer season is finally upon us. It was a busy first half of 2022 for QVNA. But what exactly were the projects? I’m so happy you asked. QVNA advocated and negotiated for the community on large land-use projects; continued our highly respected community zooms on the most pertinent, neighborhood-impacting issues with electeds, officials, and city leaders; and continued delivering on one of our favorite objectives: supporting like-minded neighbors who organize to improve Queen Village for everybody.

Zoning has been a focal point for the neighborhood since the introduction of four new projects—three of them being by-right. Sam Olshin, QV Zoning Committee member, did a great overview of the situation in our spring issue at qvneighbor.info/by-right-development.

One of those projects, the mixed-use development of the EZ parking lot at Passyunk and Bainbridge, has satisfied the required clearances and approvals from the city planning commission. It involves two retailer spots as well as 157 apartments, but there will be no public parking at the location.

While neither community input nor approval was required for this project, through persistence, the development team was open to discussing elements of a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) negotiated in 2018 by QVNA and South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) for a different version of the project. I am very happy to report that there will be supportive funds coming to both Meredith and Nebinger Elementary Schools, funds for maintenance of Bainbridge Green, and funds for SSHD to offer business outreach and support during construction.

That brings me to the even happier news—new life is being breathed into Bainbridge Green. Our hat is off to neighbors around the 400 block of Bainbridge who have banded together for the passion project of managing this unique strip of trees, plantings, and seating. You can read the full story—and even volunteer for the next clean-up. Check out the story on page 4.

The neighborhood should also be set to see some other changes around shared community spaces—the theme of community meetings in 2022. How will changes to the state liquor law, Act 81, affect the neighborhood? How will streeteries and cafes be implemented and managed? How will construction along the waterfront roll out? All topics that brought neighbors and officials together on Zoom to exchange plans and take questions. If you missed them, you can check them out on YouTube.com/queenvillage.

We were especially proud to host a town hall with Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, our first in-person community meeting since February 2020, to discuss changes to neighborhood policing. A pandemic-plus was undoubtedly the adoption of so many rescue animals. Now, the reinvigoration of the neighborrun Mario Lanza Dog Park (more on page 9) provides a refreshed spot for these new fur-parents to meet! QVNA works diligently with the park’s volunteers there to improve amenities and grow their network and donations.

As you can see, there are so many ways that QVNA supports the neighborhood, and so many ways you can get involved: on single issues or strategic initiatives that make Queen Village such a connected and neighbor-driven civic group. What’s next for the second half of 2022? Well, subscribe to our weekly eNews (qvneighbor.info/enews) so you don’t miss a single event, community meeting, or call to action (qvna.org/volunteer).

Get to know your neighbors, love Queen Village—it’s that easy.

See you around the neighborhood,