A meeting of the minds convened at The Common Place on February 6, 2019, to discuss the findings of a recent Southwest Philadelphia community study. The study was presented by Interface Studio, a Philadelphia based urban planning, and design firm. Among those who attended were representatives from The Common Place, Southwest CDC, CityLights Network, The African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), Bartram’s Garden, John Heinz Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), The Bartram’s Choice Initiative, Joanna McClinton’s office, and more.
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The purpose of the study was to help give community organizations, stakeholders, and partners a current snapshot of Southwest Philly neighborhoods. Interface Studio’s research identified 8 areas of focus in Southwest Philly: nutrition, education, early childhood care, crime, housing, employment, health, and business support. According to the study, of the almost 40 thousand people who live in Southwest Philly, the area boasts the highest concentration of African born immigrants in Philadelphia. The study also highlighted assets and resources like the green spaces at Bartram’s Garden and John Heinz Wildlife Refuge, future development and transportation modernization plans for the city, as well as what opportunities for collaboration exist among Southwest organizations. To this end, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, who was also present at the meeting, offered his active support of community efforts as a spirit of cooperation energized attendees.
To continue the momentum of community cooperation that was evident that afternoon, there will be a follow-up meeting sponsored by the CityLights Network at The Common Place (58th Street & Chester Ave) on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 9 am. The goal of this meeting is to foster understanding between community organizations, identify needs, and to discuss how to best align the efforts of community organizations and achieve the greatest positive impact in Southwest Philadelphia.
For more information on the study, click here. For more information about the upcoming meeting, contact The Common Place at 267-275-8238 EXT 304
