We acknowledge the challenges felt citywide with crime and safety, described in Thursday's editorial by Alson Alston, and echo the author's expectations for city services, ensuring every Philadelphian feels safe in their city. We are writing to represent Brewerytown's spirit and potential, and invite neighbors and visitors to join us. Strong neighborhoods are the result of residents, business and property-owners, elected officials, city government and nonprofit leaders working together. In Brewerytown, our goal is to see the neighborhood thrive as the most diverse, vibrant and ambitious community in Philadelphia.
This Saturday, September 9 is the eighth edition of Girard Avenue's monthly Second Saturday Stroll, highlighting local businesses providing special offers, deals and discounts. Stop by this weekend before or after visiting Strawberry Mansion Day; join us next month on October 14 or make plans for trick or treating on the avenue this Halloween!
Twenty new businesses have opened in Brewerytown in the last year - salons and spas, dance studios, a juice bar and fruit parlor, ice cream and sandwich shops, medical and child care centers, a portrait studio and vintage apparel boutique - joining the more than 80 existing storefronts, many woman- and minority-owned, that make up the West Girard Business District.
If you were last in the neighborhood for the music, food and art of the Girard Avenue Street Festival in May, come back soon for the return of SEPTA's historic Route 15 trolleys! Brewerytown welcomes guests and neighbors traveling home from a show on North Broad Street or biking the Schuylkill River Trail along Kelly Drive, those exploring Fairmount Park or visiting the nearby Philadelphia Zoo, Discovery Center and Smith Memorial Playground. The neighborhood is a short walk for anyone enjoying the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Eastern State Penitentiary museum, swimming and playing at the historic Athletic Rec Center, or shopping the farmstand at the Brewerytown Community Garden.
Brewerytown residents are working for their neighborhood. Earlier this year, in response to construction that closed Girard Avenue, community-members contributed more than $20,000 to Fairmount CDC’s Business Relief Fund in support of those affected. We are eager to meet more volunteers, visitors, plus potential and current business owners who want to be a part of this team. In partnership with many other neighborhood champions, we produce community-building events and entrepreneur training programs, collaborate with city leaders on lighting, corridor management and anti-litter efforts, and direct the Greater Art Museum Business Alliance. Visit fairmountcdc.org to connect with others helping build a safe, healthy, inclusive Brewerytown.
Are there meetings that the neighbors who want to volunteer can attend?