SOSNA News - January 2003

Tourism Projects | NAC Corner | Strategic Planning Update | School Closures | Housing Counseling News | FYI | Holiday Turkeys & Toys | Seconds on South

Printing for this issue of the Newsletter was made possible by a gift from Joeph N. Reilly Real Estate, 1725 South Street, 215-735-9933

TOURISM PROJECTS PLANNED FOR AREA

A number of tourism projects are being planned for our neighborhood with the intention of jump-starting the tourism industry in the area. Many area groups are involved in the effort.

Marian Anderson Exhibit
SOSNA and the Marian Anderson Historical Society are collaborating on an exhibit on the life and legacy of Marian Anderson, the first large-scale exhibit in our neighborhood devoted to the world-famous contralto and icon of the civil rights movement. The exhibit would be shown in the lower lobby of Graduate Hospital. Graduate has committed to host the exhibit, provided funding were obtained from other sources to pay for installation, insurance and security.

"Graduate Hospital offers secure and disabled-accessible space and is centrally located,within walking distance of key tourist sites in the area," said Eve Lewis, the SOSNA NAC director.

History Project
"The Marian Anderson Exhibit is a companion project to SOSNA's History Project," said Alan Mandel,the SOSNA Treasurere. Mr. Mandel wrote a proposal last year to survey key historical and architectural sites in the area. The Philadelphia Foundation awarded SOSNA a $6,000 grant for the study, but that sum will cover only about 25% of the needed funds. SOSNA has been contacting other foundations for the additional funding needed for the projects.

Other Area Groups Active
The Brandywine Workshop Arts Center at 730 S. Broad Street, along with the South Street West Business Association, Tindley Temple and Clef Club, have been working on a tourism project for at lests a year. Allan Edmunds of Brandywine, who founded Jubilee Village, has been especially active in promoting tourism in the area.

NAC CORNER BY EVE LEWIS

2003 brings hope of peace and prosperity. The Newsletter keeps you informed of wht's happening in our neighborhood. Stop by and pick up a few for your neighbors.

Like many organizations in 2002, SOSNA was forced to make personnel changes based on budgetary constraints. Ms. Ann Hoskins-Brown is no longer on staff; however, she continues to participate as a member of SOSNA. We will miss Ann and wish her all the best in the New Year.

STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE

On December 4, 2002 the Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) made a presentation on Existing Conditions at the SOSNA General meeting. The meeting, held at St. Anthony's Senior Residence, 2317 Carpenter Street, was well attended and very informative. A Transportation and Parking team meeting was held at the SOSNA office in December. To date this is the only team meeting that has been held.

The Strategic Plan is scheduled for completion in 2003. A Strategic Planning meeting of all interested parties will be held this month to establish next steps. SOSNA has received several strategic planning applications from new members and residents interested in participating in the planning process. In addition, a series of service area briefings will be held to insure maximum participation. We will continue to provide updates to keep you informed.

CLOSURE OF PHILADELPHIA SCHOOLS

The School Reform Commission will hold public hearings regarding the closure of four Philadelphia schools, two that directly impact the SOSNA service area; E. M. Stanton, 1700 Christian Street, and Durham, 500 South 16 Street. Public hearings will be held on January 13th at E. M. Stanton and January 14 at Durham. Registration for each hearing will take place at 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. and the meting will run from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

HOUSING COUNSELING NEWS BY LUZ HARPER

As of January 17, 2003 neither the $800 grant provided to first-time homebuyers to assist with settlement cost nor the free home inspection will be available. This should not discourage you. There are alternatives! Contact the SOSNA Housing Counseling Office, 65 South 17th Street (corner of Bainbridge and 17th Street). Call 215-546-0699 to schedule an appointment.

SOSNA HOLIDAYS INCLUDE TURKEYS AND TOYS

SOSNA once again distributed 300 holiday turkeys to needy area residents. Graduate Hospital paid for the turkeys, continuing a tradition of more than ten years. Most of the turkeys were delivered to seniors at the Scottish Rite House and Scottish Rite Tower on the 1500 block of Fitzwater, and to St. Anthony's Senior Residence on the 2300 block of Carpenter Street. Many thanks to all the folks who worked on turkey day including Eve Lewis, Marion Jones, Gloria Gaston, John O'Brien, John Kojak, Alan Mandel and those Block Representatives who delivered to the Seniors on their Block. Thank you, Graduate, for your continued support! In addition, SOSNA distributed toys to area children donated by SOSNA Board Members and Friends of SOSNA.

FYI

• The 13th Amendment to the South Central Urban Renewal Plan was passed by City Council at the December 2002 City Council Meeting. It includes 24 properties proposed for condemnation for various purposes.
• January 8, 2003 - SOSNA General Meeting at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 17th and Fitzwater Streets
• January 23, 2003 - Sheriff's Tax Lien Sale with a number of properties in our area. Contact the Office of the Sheriff for additional information.

SALE

Seconds on South, the SOSNA Thrift Shop, 1635 South Stret. Half price on all winter clothing - all sweaters $2.00. Proceeds from the Thrift Shop support special SOSNA community programs and expenses.

HEATING BILLS GOT YOU DOWN? CALL SOSNA at 215-546-0699 for LIHEAP

Published by South of South Neighborhood Association,Inc., Douglas C. Norman, Executive Director; Eve Lewis, NAC Director; Luz Harper, Senior Housing Counselor

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SOSNA is the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the area from South Street to Washington Avenue, Broad Street West to the Schuylkill River, funded by the Office of Housing and Community Development to provide citizen input into their redevelopment process in our community. SOSNA is a registered nonprofit corporation exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Site contents copyright SOSNA except where indicated.