News & Events

At the Fairmount CDC our mission is to foster appropriate and beneficial development while preserving the neighborhood’s essential character. We do this through a number of avenues including community events, working with small business owners, and neighborhood projects. We just wrapped up a project on the 2900 Block of Harper Street and here’s what Block Officer, Suzi Nash had to say…

It started with a small grant from the CDC to the residents of the 2900 block of Harper Street. The grant was to buy flowers and planters to beautify the street and give the residents a task they could do as a community. The neighbors came out of their homes, met one another and planned an excursion to a neighborhood nursery. That was the first of many gatherings for the folks in the 2900 block of Harper. They now hold monthly meetings, regular street cleanings and host block parties.

At one of the early planning meetings with the CDC, neighbors from the Fairmount/Brewerytown area were asked for ideas to improve the Fairmount/North of Poplar corridor. One idea that frequently came up was to find a way to connect to Fairmount Park. It is one of the largest urban parks in the country and though this gem is only blocks away from us, many of us don’t utilize it as much as we would like. To this effect, the 2900 block coordinated with Vicky Kramer of the Mann Music Center to plan a neighborhood outing to see a concert and enjoy a picnic under the stars. For those of you not in the know, lawn seating at the Mann for the Philadelphia orchestra is only $10. The block assembled a group of 17 residents and friends and plenty of food and spirits. In addition to awarding tickets to an upcoming concert to the neighbor with the best basket, Ms. Kramer also invited neighbors back to attend the Planet Earth concert.

The neighbors had a great time and it was a good chance for old neighbors to have fun together and for new residents to bond with their block mates. Harper Street newcomer Crystal Cheatham stated, “This is honestly the coolest block ever! I really haven’t felt this welcome in a new setting since high school.”

The block looks forward to continued interaction with the CDC and Rebecca Johnson, who has been instrumental in a number of community bonding efforts and community improvements for the residents of Harper Street and all throughout the Fairmount/Brewerytown area. Next on the list for Harper Street-exploring the Waterworks Museum and Shofuso: the Japanese House and Garden.

Suzi Nash

Block Officer

2900 Harper Street