NKCDC.ORG - ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wednesday, May 02, 2012 14:52:00 -700

VISTA JOB DESCRIPTION

Community Stabilization and Green Communities

PROGRAM BRIEF

Community-based nonprofit works with area businesses and residents to create thriving commercial corridors and build healthy communities through real estate development and economic development activities.

NKCDC BACKGROUND

NKCDC has been working with a number of local, state, and national organizations around economic and real estate development for more than 15 years. NKCDC partners with organizations whenever and wherever it can and actively seeks out new partnerships to address local concerns, and complement initiatives, working together through strong and regular communication channels. Furthermore, as a NeighborWorks America member, NKCDC has developed additional partnerships, tying into national priorities and best practices as well as many tools to address these needs in the community. NKCDC has a holistic approach to community development.

We are part of a national program in which VISTAs will be placed at community-based organizations (NeighborWorks Organizations or NWOs) around the country. Working together through NeighborWorks America, more than 150 VISTAs will build on a 30 year track record of working with communities to spur reinvestment and bring program expertise, research, and infrastructure support to maximize and replicate successful strategies. The VISTAs will generally build the capacity of NeighborWorks organizations (NWOs) to stabilize communities, advance environmental sustainability, engage residents, and protect and build personal and community assets in low- and moderate-income communities.

JOB FUNCTIONS

VISTAs will build capacity for and support/coordinate neighborhood condition surveys, vacant property identification; develop new and important partnerships with city-wide partners; engage community through special events and promotions; support business development and expansion through City and private incentives and programs; and identify new resource streams to address community stabilization through neighborhood catalyst projects and programs. In addition, VISTAs will support systems that mobilize residents and volunteers on community strengthening projects. Working closely with staff and community, VISTAs will create and support systems that build the capacity of NKCDC to impact more households.

Data Collection & Analysis
1. conducting surveys (neighborhood, land use, litter index, street conditions)
2. analyzing survey data,
3. managing data collection,
4. creating graphic representations of data using ArcMAP,
Event Planning
1. conducting marketing & outreach (including lots of social media),
2. recruiting resident volunteers,
3. assisting with promotional materials for businesses and events,
4. organizing logistics and day-of activities,
Sustainable Business Development
1. researching city & private incentives and programs
2. creating referral packets
3. distributing information on programs

4. Real Estate Development

assist with management of scattered site rehabilitation programs
real estate focused grant writing and research
interface with city program administrators, funders and residents

VISTAs will receive specialized training and will interact heavily with VISTAs from other markets in the implementation of successful strategies nationally.

NKCDC seeks an outstanding individual to provide 1 year of service through Americorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). Our VISTA volunteers will receive a small monthly living allowance made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NKCDC is a community-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen the physical, social, and economic fabric of the community by being a catalyst for sustainable development and community building. Our AmeriCorps* VISTAs will function as a core part of our organization devoted to bringing low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

Data Collection & Analysis
1. conducting surveys (neighborhood, land use, litter index, street conditions)
2. analyzing survey data,
3. managing data collection,
4. creating graphic representations of data using ArcMAP,
Event Planning
1. conducting marketing & outreach (including lots of social media),
2. recruiting resident volunteers,
3. assisting with promotional materials for businesses and events,
4. organizing logistics and day-of activities,
Sustainable Business Development
1. researching city & private incentives and programs
2. creating referral packets
3. distributing information on programs

This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time volunteer for an entire year beginning September 4, 2012. Compensation is paid directly to VISTA’s in the form of a living allowance from AmeriCorp* VISTA. At the end of the term of service, an education award or cash stipend may be provided. For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA, see http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/programs/americorps_vista.asp.

Training and Qualifications

U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age
Responsible, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple on-going projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Relevant non-profit or community development experience
Computer skills required (MS Office products proficiency helpful)
Other language skills a plus
Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment and follow-through
Maintains regular and timely attendance
Thrives in a fast-paced work environment

Applications will be accepted until June 4, 2012.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Shanta Schachter, Deputy Director

New Kensington Community Development Corporation

2515 Frankford Avenue

Phialdelphia, PA 19125

215.427.0350 x107

sschachter@nkcdc.org

www.nkcdc.org

Wednesday, May 02, 2012 14:49:00 -700

VISTA JOB DESCRIPTION

Green Communities – Green Community Building

PROGRAM BRIEF

Community-based nonprofit works to advance environmental responsibility and sustainability for residents and communities that are served by planning community education programs that inform residents about environmental issues in the community and organizing community-based forums for evaluating environmental issues and solutions.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

NKCDC has been working with a number of local, state, and national organizations around community development for more than 20 years. NKCDC partners with organizations whenever and wherever it can and actively seeks out new partnerships to address local concerns, and complement initiatives, working together through strong and regular communication channels. Furthermore, as a NeighborWorks America member, NKCDC has developed additional partnerships, tying into national priorities and best practices as well as many tools to address these needs in the community. NKCDC has a holistic approach to community development. Understanding that there are many factors which can make a bad situation worse, NKCDC proposes to continue addressing neighborhood stabilization through economic development, housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, energy assistance, community organizing and engagement, and vacant land strategies. NKCDC has recently embarked on a new campaign to address many of these issues together: Sustainable 19125. Working with residents to strengthen social ties, increase capacity, and gain access to resources on a block by block basis, NKCDC has developed tools to engage, save homeowners money, and help others to work together for this common mission. Quick and easy access to these tools will be the primary focus for families in need. We are part of a national program in which VISTAs will be placed at community-based organizations (NeighborWorks Organizations or NWOs) around the country. Working together through NeighborWorks America, more than 150 VISTAs will build on a 30 year track record of working with communities to spur reinvestment and bring program expertise, research, and infrastructure support to maximize and replicate successful strategies. The VISTAs will generally build capacity to reduce the number of foreclosures, stabilize communities, and protect and build personal and community assets in low- and moderate-income communities.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Work within the Sustainable 19125 Initiative to plan community education programs that inform residents about environmental issues in the community and organize community-based forums for evaluating environmental issues and solutions. This initiative will provide tools to help homeowners reduce their living costs through neighborhood conservation, sustainable living, and healthy eating while developing or strengthen financial education and personal asset building programs. They will help develop partnerships and collaborations, recruit volunteers to assist with services, promote food justice around food desert issues, and coordinate and promote education programs, community-based forums, and workshops to support the programs. Working closely with staff and the community, VISTAs will create and support systems that build the capacity of NKCDC to impact more households. Tasks may include conducting neighborhood surveys; community outreach; developing evaluation tools, educational, and workshop materials; recruiting resident volunteers; building collaborations and partnerships; or managing data collection. VISTAs will receive specialized training and will interact heavily with other markets in the implementation of successful strategies nationally.

AmeriCorps* VISTA Volunteer

Green Communities – Green Community Building

Philadelphia, PA

NKCDC seeks an outstanding individual to provide 10 weeks of service during the summer through Americorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). Our VISTA volunteers will receive a small monthly living allowance made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NKCDC is a community-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to support families and communities impacted by the current mortgage foreclosure crisis. Our AmeriCorps* VISTAs will function as a core part of our staff devoted to bringing low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

The VISTA will conduct activities such as recruiting and training volunteers for outreach to families at risk of foreclosure, developing training manuals, scheduling classes or raising program resources. The VISTA will connect closely with other volunteers that are part of this national program to reduce the number of foreclosures, stabilize communities affected by foreclosures, and protect and build personal and community assets in low- and moderate-income communities.

This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time employee for a one year period beginning September 4, 2012. Compensation is paid directly to VISTA’s in the form of a living allowance from AmeriCorp* VISTA. At the end of the term of service, an education award or cash stipend may be provided. For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA, see http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/programs/americorps_vista.asp.

Training and Qualifications

U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age
Responsible, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple on-going projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Relevant non-profit or community development experience
Computer skills required (MS Office products proficiency important)
Other language skills a plus
Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment and follow-through
Maintains regular and timely attendance

Thrives in a fast-paced work environment

Applications will be accepted until June 4, 2012.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Shanta Schachter

Deputy Director

New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC)

2515 Frankford Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19125

215.427.0350 x107

sschachter@nkcdc.org

www.nkcdc.org

Wednesday, May 02, 2012 14:48:00 -700

VISTA JOB DESCRIPTION

Resident Engagement – Community Leadership

PROGRAM BRIEF

Community-based nonprofit works to minimize the impact of foreclosure on low-income families and communities, and to build healthy communities by developing resident leadership and strengthening resident-led associations.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

NKCDC has been working with a number of local, state, and national organizations around community development for more than 20 years. NKCDC partners with organizations whenever and wherever it can and actively seeks out new partnerships to address local concerns, and complement initiatives, working together through strong and regular communication channels. Furthermore, as a NeighborWorks America member, NKCDC has developed additional partnerships, tying into national priorities and best practices as well as many tools to address these needs in the community. NKCDC has a holistic approach to community development. Understanding that there are many factors which, combined, can make a bad situation worse, NKCDC proposes to continue addressing neighborhood stabilization through economic development, housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, energy assistance, community organizing and engagement, and vacant land strategies. NKCDC has recently embarked on a new campaign to address many of these issues together: Sustainable 19125. Working with residents to strengthen social ties, increase capacity, and gain access to resources on a block by block basis, NKCDC has developed tools to engage, save homeowners money, and help others to work together for this common mission. Quick and easy access to these tools will be the primary focus for families in need. We are part of a national program in which VISTAs will be placed at community-based organizations (NeighborWorks Organizations or NWOs) around the country. Working together through NeighborWorks America, more than 150 VISTAs will build on a 30 year track record of working with communities to spur reinvestment and bring program expertise, research, and infrastructure support to maximize and replicate successful strategies. The VISTAs will generally build the capacity of NeighborWorks organizations (NWOs) to reduce the number of foreclosures, stabilize communities affected by foreclosures, and protect and build personal and community assets in low- and moderate-income communities.

JOB FUNCTIONS

VISTAs will build capacity for and support/coordinate neighborhood condition surveys, vacant property identification; develop new and important partnerships with city-wide partners; develop resident leadership; strengthen a nascent resident-led association to become a formalized civic association; and identify new resource streams to address community stabilization through neighborhood catalyst projects and programs. In addition, VISTAs will support systems that mobilize residents and volunteers on community strengthening projects. Working closely with staff and community, VISTAs will create and support systems that build the capacity of NKCDC to impact more households. Tasks may include conducting neighborhood surveys, community outreach, event planning, recruiting resident volunteers, building collaborations and partnerships, develop resident leadership capacity, or managing data collection. VISTAs will receive specialized training and will interact heavily with VISTAs from other markets in the implementation of successful strategies nationally.

AmeriCorps* VISTA Volunteer

Resident Engagement – Community Leadership

Philadelphia, PA

This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time employee for one year beginning September 4, 2012. Compensation is paid directly to VISTA’s in the form of a living allowance ($469 biweekly) from AmeriCorp* VISTA. At the end of the term of service, an education award or cash stipend will be provided. For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA, see http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/programs/americorps_vista.asp.

Training and Qualifications

U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age
Responsible, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple on-going projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Relevant non-profit or community development experience
Computer skills required (MS Office products proficiency helpful)
Other language skills a plus
Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment and follow-through
Maintains regular and timely attendance

Thrives in a fast-paced work environment

Applications will be accepted until June 4, 2012.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Shanta Schachter

Deputy Director

New Kensington Community Development Corporation

2515 Frankford Avenue

Phialdelphia, PA 19125

215.427.0350 x107

sschachter@nkcdc.org

www.nkcdc.org

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 16:30:00 -700

VISTA JOB DESCRIPTION

Resident Engagement – Community Leadership

PROGRAM BRIEF

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

NKCDC has been working with a number of local, state, and national organizations around community development for more than 20 years. NKCDC partners with organizations whenever and wherever it can and actively seeks out new partnerships to address local concerns, and complement initiatives, working together through strong and regular communication channels. Furthermore, as a NeighborWorks America member, NKCDC has developed additional partnerships, tying into national priorities and best practices as well as many tools to address these needs in the community. NKCDC has a holistic approach to community development. Understanding that there are many factors which, combined, can make a bad situation worse, NKCDC proposes to continue addressing neighborhood stabilization through economic development, housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, energy assistance, community organizing and engagement, and vacant land strategies. NKCDC has recently embarked on a new campaign to address many of these issues together: Sustainable 19125. Working with residents to strengthen social ties, increase capacity, and gain access to resources on a block by block basis, NKCDC has developed tools to engage, save homeowners money, and help others to work together for this common mission. Quick and easy access to these tools will be the primary focus for families in need. We are part of a national program in which VISTAs will be placed at community-based organizations (NeighborWorks Organizations or NWOs) around the country. Working together through NeighborWorks America, more than 150 VISTAs will build on a 30 year track record of working with communities to spur reinvestment and bring program expertise, research, and infrastructure support to maximize and replicate successful strategies. The VISTAs will generally build the capacity of NeighborWorks organizations (NWOs) to reduce the number of foreclosures, stabilize communities affected by foreclosures, and protect and build personal and community assets in low- and moderate-income communities.

JOB FUNCTIONS

VISTAs will build capacity for and support/coordinate neighborhood condition surveys, vacant property identification; develop new and important partnerships with city-wide partners; develop resident leadership; strengthen a nascent resident-led association to become a formalized civic association; and identify new resource streams to address community stabilization through neighborhood catalyst projects and programs. In addition, VISTAs will support systems that mobilize residents and volunteers on community strengthening projects. Working closely with staff and community, VISTAs will create and support systems that build the capacity of NKCDC to impact more households. Tasks may include conducting neighborhood surveys, community outreach, event planning, recruiting resident volunteers, building collaborations and partnerships, develop resident leadership capacity, or managing data collection. VISTAs will receive specialized training and will interact heavily with VISTAs from other markets in the implementation of successful strategies nationally.

AmeriCorps* VISTA Volunteer

Resident Engagement – Community Leadership

Philadelphia, PA

This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time employee for a 10 week Summer period beginning June 11, 2012. Compensation is paid directly to VISTA’s in the form of a living allowance from AmeriCorp* VISTA. At the end of the term of service, an education award or cash stipend may be provided. For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA, see http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/programs/americorps_vista.asp.

Training and Qualifications

U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age
Responsible, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple on-going projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Relevant non-profit or community development experience
Computer skills required (MS Office products proficiency helpful)
Other language skills a plus
Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment and follow-through
Maintains regular and timely attendance

Thrives in a fast-paced work environment

Applications will be accepted until April 25, 2012.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Shanta Schachter

Deputy Director

New Kensington Community Development Corporation

2515 Frankford Avenue

Phialdelphia, PA 19125

215.427.0350 x107

sschachter@nkcdc.org

www.nkcdc.org

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 13:39:00 -700

VISTA JOB DESCRIPTION

Resident Engagement – Youth Engagement

PROGRAM BRIEF

Community-based nonprofit works to minimize the impact of foreclosure on low-income families and communities, and to build healthy communities by sponsoring community building activities that enhance relationships among neighbors and spur organizing efforts leading to positive community change.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

NKCDC has been working with a number of local, state, and national organizations around community development for more than 20 years. NKCDC partners with organizations whenever and wherever it can and actively seeks out new partnerships to address local concerns, and complement initiatives, working together through strong and regular communication channels. Furthermore, as a NeighborWorks America member, NKCDC has developed additional partnerships, tying into national priorities and best practices as well as many tools to address these needs in the community. NKCDC has a holistic approach to community development. Understanding that there are many factors which, combined, can make a bad situation worse, NKCDC proposes to continue addressing neighborhood stabilization through economic development, housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, energy assistance, community organizing and engagement, and vacant land strategies. NKCDC has recently embarked on a new campaign to address many of these issues together: Sustainable 19125. Working with residents to strengthen social ties, increase capacity, and gain access to resources on a block by block basis, NKCDC has developed tools to engage, save homeowners money, and help others to work together for this common mission. Quick and easy access to these tools will be the primary focus for families in need. We are part of a national program in which VISTAs will be placed at community-based organizations (NeighborWorks Organizations or NWOs) around the country. Working together through NeighborWorks America, more than 150 VISTAs will build on a 30 year track record of working with communities to spur reinvestment and bring program expertise, research, and infrastructure support to maximize and replicate successful strategies. The VISTAs will generally build the capacity of NeighborWorks organizations (NWOs) to reduce the number of foreclosures, stabilize communities affected by foreclosures, and protect and build personal and community assets in low- and moderate-income communities.

JOB FUNCTIONS

VISTAs will build capacity for and support/coordinate neighborhood condition surveys, vacant property identification; develop new and important partnerships with city-wide partners; work with the youth engagement committee of a nascent resident-led association to plan and implement youth activities and workshops; and identify new resource streams to address community stabilization through neighborhood catalyst projects and programs. In addition, VISTAs will support systems that mobilize residents and volunteers on community strengthening projects. Working closely with staff and community, VISTAs will create and support systems that build the capacity of NKCDC to impact more households. Tasks may include conducting neighborhood surveys, community outreach, activities and workshops planning, recruiting resident volunteers, building collaborations and partnerships, develop resident leadership capacity, or managing data collection. VISTAs will receive specialized training and will interact heavily with VISTAs from other markets in the implementation of successful strategies nationally.

AmeriCorps* VISTA Volunteer

Resident Engagement – Youth Engagement

Philadelphia, PA

This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time employee for a 10 week Summer period beginning either June 11, 2012. Compensation is paid directly to VISTA’s in the form of a living allowance from AmeriCorp* VISTA. At the end of the term of service, an education award or cash stipend may be provided. For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA, see http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/programs/americorps_vista.asp.

Training and Qualifications

U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age
Responsible, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple on-going projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Relevant non-profit or community development experience
Computer skills required (MS Office products proficiency helpful)
Other language skills a plus
Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment and follow-through
Maintains regular and timely attendance

Thrives in a fast-paced work environment

Applications will be accepted until April 25, 2012.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Shanta Schachter

Deputy Director

New Kensington Community Development Corporation

2515 Frankford Avenue

Phialdelphia, PA 19125

215.427.0350 x107

sschachter@nkcdc.org

www.nkcdc.org

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 13:32:00 -700

VISTA JOB DESCRIPTION

Green Communities – Green Community Building

PROGRAM BRIEF

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

JOB FUNCTIONS

AmeriCorps* VISTA Volunteer

Green Communities – Green Community Building

Philadelphia, PA

Training and Qualifications

U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age
Responsible, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple on-going projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Relevant non-profit or community development experience
Computer skills required (MS Office products proficiency important)
Other language skills a plus
Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment and follow-through
Maintains regular and timely attendance

Thrives in a fast-paced work environment

Applications will be accepted until April 25, 2012.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Shanta Schachter

Deputy Director

New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC)

2515 Frankford Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19125

215.427.0350 x107

sschachter@nkcdc.org

www.nkcdc.org

Sign Up for Philadelphia Recycling Rewards

Friday, November 18, 2011 15:51:00 -700

Download our brochure and Summer 2011 newsletter!

Thursday, June 09, 2011 20:33:00 -700

Download our brochure! (5MB PDF)

Download the Summer 2011 edition of Inside NKCDC

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 13:54:00 -700

It’s not every day that visitors to the Pennsylvania Convention Center witness firsthand a community’s efforts to transform a vacant trash-strewn piece of land into a colorful community garden. But for visitors to this year’s Philadelphia International Flower Show, that’s exactly what was on display.

Through a partnership with the city’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), NKCDC showcased “From Blight to Blossom” at this year’s flower show, which took place the week of March 6th. Representing neighborhood revitalization, sustainability, and community partnerships, the exhibit recreated the transformation of a vacant lot in Kensington through simple gardening techniques undertaken by neighborhood youth. The exhibit, which featured hand-painted flower pots and a stepping stone path, was paid for by the Flower Show as part of it’s Backyard Challenge Entry Program. Children from Pop’s Playground worked with NKCDC to paint the stepping-stones, and students from H.A. Brown Elementary School’s OIC after-school program decorated the flower pots with colorful hand-prints.

According to Paul Chrystie, Director of Communications at OHCD, this exhibit was created to tell the story of how simple greening techniques can be used in inner-city neighborhoods, and to inspire others. “The benefits of greening aren’t just aesthetic and environmental, they’re also economic,” Chrystie explains. According to a 2005 study conducted by Wharton Professor Susan Wachter, the greening of vacant land in NKCDC’s service area has resulted in a 30% increase in value of adjacent lots.

NKCDC and OHCD have a long and successful partnership, including the support of NKCDC’s Vacant Land Management program through the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)’s Philadelphia Green Program. Together with PHS, who each year organizes and hosts the Flower Show, NKCDC has transformed hundreds of vacant lots into green space since the program’s inception in 1995.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 12:53:00 -700

During the spring and summer months of 2010 students at H. A. Brown Elementary School oversaw the transformation of a derelict lot across from their school into a beautiful garden. Through an ongoing service-learning project with the Philadelphia OIC Out-of-School Time Program, NKCDC and Delaware Valley Earth Force, students at Brown became stewards of the garden at Sergeant and Jasper Streets.

The corner lot, which was once a garden not long ago, had fallen into disrepair. Trash and weeds had taken over, creating an eyesore for the community. Brown students celebrated Earth Day this year by planting vegetables and perennials in newly created raised beds. “It was neat to see their faces when they dissected seeds and realized there was a little plant inside that would grow,” says Zoe Lloyd, NKCDC Vista Volunteer. Over the following weeks students also painted a mural and anti-litter signs and made a rock garden. Throughout the project students learned about the environment, horticulture and where our food comes from.

“Turning an empty lot into a community treasure was really our theme for this project,” says Aisha Dennis of Philadelphia OIC. “With all the hands-on work these kids did, I really think that is exactly what they made here.” A special Garden Party took place at H.A. Brown on June 3rd, where students performed a “Grow Green” skit they created in celebration of their new garden. With school out for the summer, community members and students from the neighborhood tended the garden until students returned in the fall.

This project has been made possible by support of Woods Brothers, the NKCDC Garden Center, Memphis Taproom, Bella Sera and Quick Stop.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 12:30:00 -700

Throughout the summer of 2009 the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program engaged dozens of city youth in creating a streetscape mural along the 2100 block of Norris Street. Students used glass, ceramic, and paint to create a collection of vignettes that guide pedestrians from Front Street to Frankford Avenue. This Mural Corps educational art project focuses on telling the story of the water cycle and the Delaware Estuary, tying in the neighborhood’s riverfront history as well as its commitment to sustainability.|

The Norris Street Passage streetscape mural is part of the Big Green Block program of Sustainable 19125, a broad and innovative partnership among community residents, businesses, and numerous other partners to make 19125 the greenest zip code in Philadelphia. The Big Green Block focuses on green infrastructure projects in the block bounded by Front Street to Frankford Avenue from Norris Street south to Palmer, creating a green block which can viewed as a national model in regards to sustainability.

In 2008 Norris Street neighbors partnered with NKCDC and Interface Studios to help create a master plan for their block. In addition to this streetscape mural, other elements within the plan which have already become a reality include new trees with water retention boxes, solar lighting, and a LEED-certified high school which is currently under construction.

Photos by NKCDC and the Mural Arts Program. For more great images of the students working on the project please visit the Mural Corps Blog. For more information on Sustainable 19125 and the Big Green Block, please visit www.sustainable19125.org.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 12:14:00 -700

ArtRacks is an economic development initiative to promote biking, local artists and local businesses. Part beautification, part economic development, these functional pieces of public art add to the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor experience.

Bicycle Icon Rack @ Johnny Brenda's, Frankford and Girard
Designed and manufactured by Bob Phillips

U-Lock @ Circle Thrift, 2233 Frankford Avenue
Designed by Kelly & Greg Nangle of Outcast Studios

Truck Parts Rack @ Frankford and Belgrade
Designed and manufactured by Leo Razzi

The Serpent Rack @ The Walking Fish Theate, 2509 Frankford Avenue
Designed by Melinda Merinsky and Andrew Brehm

Chain Ring Rack @ Palmer Park, Frankford and Palmer
Designed and manufactured by Peter Gard

The Growing Rack @ Jump Start Printing, 1867 Frankford Avenue
Designed by Sandra Webberking

Chair Rack at the NKCDC Garden Center, Frankford and Berks
Designed by Drew Allan, manufactured by Diversified Metals

19th Century Bike Rack @ Eagle One Credit Union, 2303 Frankford
Designed and manufactured by Chris Wheeler and Vince Marshall

The Bench Rack @ Atlantis Lost Bar, 2442 Frankford Avenue
Designed by Micah Hanson

T-shirts are available!
All sizes available (Men's up to 2XL, Women's up to XL)
Proceeds from sales goes towards future rack maintenance.

New Kensington CDC thanks the William Penn Foundation for funding this program.

Farm to Families - Fresh, Affordable Weekly Produce!

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 11:41:00 -700

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 11:21:00 -700

In February 2011 NKCDC hosted its second annual Energy and Housing Fair at the Kensington CAPA High School. Hundreds of Fishtown and Kensington residents braved bracing winds to come to the new school and learn about saving money and saving the environment .

Sustainable 19125, an initiative of NKCDC, helped organize this year’s Energy and Housing Fair, in partnership with New Kensington’s Housing Counseling Department, the Office of Housing and Community Development and Kensington South NAC. Jamie Reese, a project coordinator for Sustainable 19125, commented “Our goal is to make this greenest neighborhood in Philadelphia. Events like this are important for us because they help us get the word about how simple sustainable actions, like installing a CFL bulb, not only help the environment, they also help you save money.”

The fair featured over 30 vendors, including green energy providers, local banks and green construction companies. Activities were provided for kids, including a recycling relay, recycling bins were given out, and tours of the school were offered. Free workshops were provided throughout the day.

Sustainable 19125 partnered with New Kensington’s Housing Counseling Department to offer free weatherization workshops throughout the fair. Participants received a bag of weatherization supplies and hands-on training to use them. “The weatherization workshops are always a big hit,” Reese noted, “because you not only get great information, you also get free stuff.” Support for the workshop was provided by the Energy Coordinating Agency and the Philadelphia Office of Housing and Community Development.

Additionally, PGW offered workshops on their online bill analyzer. The bill analyzer allows customers to review their gas usage and see where they’re wasting gas. (The analyzer can be found at https://www.pgworks.com/index.aspx?nid=327). Concilio provided workshops on lead and preventing lead poisoning in children. Bioneighbors, a Philadelphia green contractor, led workshops on green roofs.

Students were on hand throughout the day to lead tours of the new school. The school, which opened in September, features a number of surprising green innovations. Its insulation is made out of old pairs of jeans. It’s heated by a geothermal system: 96 wells in the backyard keep the school a comfortable temperature year round. And it features 5 green roofs, rooftop gardens which absorb rain water.

All this adds up to a LEED platinum certification. LEED, a system of certifications offered by the United States Green Building Council, measures how sustainable a building is, in term of the amount of energy it uses, the amount of water it preserves and air quality. Platinum is the highest certification. The Kensington CAPA high school is the first school in the state to achieve a platinum certification.

“It’s really fitting for this fair, which is all about cutting down energy consumption, to be in this school, since this school is a model for how you can do that” Reese noted. “It’s also a window between Fishtown and Kensington. We hope the school can help bring the neighborhoods together a little bit.” Toward that end, Sustainable 19125 partnered with Kensington South NAC, which works in West and South Kensington.

Additional partners included the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, PECO, the Office of Housing and Community Development, New Kensington CDC’s Housing Department, Kensington CAPA high school, Josh Kleiman, a photography instructor at CAPA and coordinator of student tours, volunteers from the neighborhood and, finally, CAPA students who led the tours.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 10:25:00 -700

KANAC and community leaders regularly hold large cleanup events with student volunteers from YouthBuild Philadelphia. These cleanups, which take place every month, result in tons of trash being removed from the 19134 area!

Cleanup locations include Frankford and Sterner, Frankford & Silver, Frankford & Lehigh, Frankford & Emerald, and Birch & Jasper.

“We were so happy to have students from our area pitching in to clean up the neighborhood,” says Ade Fequa, KANAC Coordinator.

For more information on these organizations or to plan a cleanup in the 19134 zip code, please contact the KANAC office at 215-426-6862 or stop by the office at 2423 E. Allegheny Avenue, Monday - Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 09:56:00 -700

Frankford Avenue has long been home to mixed-use structures, where businesses flourish on the first floor and people live above the storefronts. As Frankford Avenue begins it's renaissance, there has been a renewed interest in turning these ground-floors into commercial spaces once again.

This once abandoned eyesore adjacent to the NKCDC Garden Center was beautifully renovated in 2005 with two affordable apartments on the 2nd and 3rd floors and a commercial space on the first. NKCDC was the first organization in the State of Pennsylvania to complete this pilot program using the Multi-Use Incremental Finance Funding Initiative (MUFFI) through PHFA.

Monday, June 06, 2011 20:25:00 -700

Foreclosure Prevention

NKCDC may be able to assist you to prevent foreclosure. We will walk you through the steps to keep your home. Below is some information on steps which may be necessary based on the state of foreclosure. We encourage you to act immediately if you receive any notices.

Deliquency Notices

Act 6 Notice/Notice of Intention to Foreclosure
Notice is sent when you are 60 days behind in your mortgage payments. Call your mortgage company to try to make a repayment plan (forebearance agreement). Sometimes this notice is attached to the Act 91 Notice.

Act 91 Notice
Notice is sent when you are three (3) months deliquent, advising you to apply for a HEMAP loan.

Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP)
Administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Assistance Agency. Homeowner must be at least 90 days deliquent on their mortgage payment and have received an Act 91 Notice. Default must have occurred through not fault of the homeowner plus client must be a good prospect for repayment.

Loss Mitigation Program
Forebearance Agreement/Repayment Plan
Allows additional time to repay past due payments.

Partial Claim
The loan must be at least 4 months but no more than 12 months deliquent. The loan may not be in foreclosure.

Loan Modification
Extends the term of your mortgage; may lower your interest rate or monthly payment.

Refinancing
Getting a new loan to extend the term of your mortgage or lower your interest rate.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Allows you to repay past due payments through a 3 to 5 year plan. Your must resume making your regular mortgage payments and make a monthly payment to the court. There is a filing fee and a trustees fee.

Consider Selling Your Home
If you have equity in your property, selling your home prevents it from going to Sheriff Sale.

Monday, June 06, 2011 20:00:00 -700

THINKING ABOUT A FACE LIFT?

1. Building Permits

- NEED to posses a permit to begin construction!

- Some resources

General overview: http://www.phila.gov/li/index.html

Building permit application:http://www.phila.gov/li/81-3.pdf

Different requirements for repairs vs. new construction: http://www.phila.gov/li/checklist_v2.pdf

- Assume it will take 2-3 trips to the Municipal Services Building

1401 J.F.K. Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19102

- First time: ask what is needed to obtain the permit
- Second time: go back with what is needed
(e.g. your business license, title)
- Third time: go back with extra patience

2. Check availability of city "bonuses"
- Tax abatements:
http://brtweb.phila.gov/brt.apps/OnlineApps/abatement_rules.aspx

- Facade improvement grants/rebates:
Contact Angie Williamson at 215-427-0350x111 or awilliamson@nkcdc.org for details and to apply

3. Find a contractor that's the right fit for you
- Ask around for recommendations
- Get several estimates and evaluate the following:
Price
Availability
Is the contractor licensed with City?
Is the contractor insured? (CGL w/owner named as additional insured & workers' comp.)
Get in writing what the contractor will do for the proposed fee
Compare estimates

4. Contract: DO NOT SETTLE FOR MERE DESCRIPTION OF WORK!!!
Some considerations:
-Who supplies what (i.e. owner and contractor may divide various materials)
-Work must be done in workman-like manner and in compliance with all laws
-Contractor should get permits, inspections
-Contractor should have all licenses
-Provide proof of CGL and workers' comp w/owner named as additional insurance
-Schedule of payments (hold back, waiver of liens)
-Schedule of work
-Adequate oversight
-Indemnity: the right to receive compensation from another for a loss paid.

5. During the Project
- Be careful about letting your payments get ahead of the work
- Be nice to your building inspector(s)

Friday, June 03, 2011 14:15:00 -700

The Frankford Avenue Theater & Arts Center

FRANKFORD & SUSQUEHANNA AVE.

NOTE: This rendering has taken artistic license on adjacent buildings and on the concept itself. There are no plans to change facades or uses for these buildings. The Arts Center facade shown here is a conceptual, preliminary design and is subject to change.

I SAW A PICTURE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT. IS THIS A DONE DEAL?

No, this is not a done deal. This is a preliminary concept and design and is subject to change. While we would like to create a community asset and support corridor development along Frankford Avenue, we are still looking at the feasibility of design, cost and impact.

WHAT IS A BLACKBOX THEATER?

A black box theater is a relatively recent innovation, consisting of a simple, somewhat unadorned performance space, usually a large square room with black walls and a flat floor. Such spaces are easily built and maintained, and are home to plays and other performances with very basic technical arrangements: limited sets, simple lighting effects, and an intimate focus on the story, writing, and performances rather than technical elements. The setup of a black box allows for a versatile space that can host a variety of theatrical, musical, and artistic performances.

CAN THE MONEY BE SPENT ON OTHER PROGRAMS OR INITIATIVES?

Funding for the black box theater will primarily be drawn from State and local funding dedicated to the arts as well as individual or corporate donors. These funds do not usually overlap with funding which may be available for other traditional community development initiatives such as land use, housing, community organizing, planning or the environment. Our desire was to lobby for arts funding to be spent in this neighborhood rather than in other parts of the city or state.

THERE ARE SO MANY VACANT BUILDINGS AROUND. CAN AN EXISTING BUILDING BE RETROFITTED INSTEAD?

To be able to attract professional theater and performance companies, it has been suggested that the building needs to be designed from the ground up as a black box theater. There are a number of theaters in Philadelphia that have been retrofitted but initial interviews with theater groups have indicated that retrofits generally don't meet the needs for a large variety of different types of performance events and these spaces were often insufficient for their needs.

CAN'T IT REMAIN PERMANENT OPEN SPACE?

While we initially greened these lots to stabilize the neighborhood and improve curb appeal, we recognized that one day these lots would be built on. We believe that a stable, sustainable community depends on access to employment, services and goods within walking distance. We also believe that Frankford Avenue is at a critical juncture in its development and felt that a catalyst of this nature would guide the type of development that occurs here. This project proposal is part of our commitment to the economic development and job creation in this community.

Friday, June 03, 2011 14:02:00 -700

The weeHouse - Modular Housing for Kensington

NKCDC has provided the groundwork for a commissioned theoretical project that places rendered weeHouse developments on existing vacant lots within the community. Presented with the challenges facing CDCs, Alchemy Architects (designer of the weeHouse) provides real design solutions for mixed-use, single and multi-unit dwellings.

Alchemy Architects, NKCDC, and Diamond & Associates participated in a Q&A session as part of A Clean Break and Design Philadelphia on the afternoon of Saturday, October 18th, 2008. Representatives from each organization discussed their unique modular programs and successes with this chosen method of construction, particularly as an affordable and environmentally-friendly solution to land vacancy and community revitalization.

Managing the vast number of vacant parcels in our service area is a critical role of NKCDC. Along with refurbishing existing structures, NKCDC seeks to provide additional low and middle-income housing opportunities within the neighborhood. Pursuing design innovation while meeting the criteria for government subsidy for these projects is both a goal, and constant challenge.

Existing Notions About Modular Housing

In consideration of modular housing as a solution, the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations lists the following as perceived challenges within the city:
• physical restrictions given Philadelphia’s narrow streets/ and site accessibility
• planning constraints between remote manufacturers and local architects/
• building codes
• real cost equivalent to stick building
• reduction of local union labor

While benefits could be seen in:
• time saving / year-round construction
• relevance to green building: efficiency, quality, waste reduction
• long-term maintenance savings due to energy efficiency
• a departure from traditional affordable housing styles

The Report (Budget PDF)

With these preconceptions in mind, the creative programming of NKCDC set the stage for a commissioned report that envisions a multi-unit weeHouse development (known as the not-so-weeHouse) on an urban infill site within this Kensington neighborhood. Completed by real estate development consultants and advisors, Diamond and Associates, the analysis compares Alchemy Architect’s projected pricing for both a ten-unit and forty-unit development to traditional stick built construction. The two sizes are intended to highlight the efficiencies of the weeHouse in quantity and how those efficiencies would be impacted by Philadelphia’s affordable housing guidelines.

Alchemy Architects presents two possible design options that consider the standards for acquiring government subsidies, including size and accessibility.

The results of the report found that in both cases, the overall cost savings of the weeHouse is estimated to be approximately 20%. The cost savings are reflected in these key areas:
• $112 vs. $180 (current comparable projects) per square foot for stick built of the basic structure which for this analysis, includes labor
• a reduction in construction contingencies and financing charges due to the compressed timeline of the efficient and predictable nature of the fabrication and installation process; this is estimated at half assuming a six month loan period vs. twelve months for stick built

In this comparison the fees associated with stick built construction come in lower than modular construction. This is attributable to the total associated architect design and supervision fees, factory costs and state sales taxes. For Alchemy, this breaks down to include factory-related engineering and construction costs and taxes on materials.

The findings of the analysis are not far from the initial knowledge of modular presented by PACDC, which begs the question of why are the advantages of modular rarely incorporated into new development?

Apples to Apples?

Aside from an acknowledged savings of 20%, doubt remains as to whether present-day affordable housing in Philadelphia can really be compared to the quality of Alchemy’s designs. In addition to the design aesthetic, cost per square foot for these units still manage to include upgrades like LED bulbs, skylights, Spray foam insulation and in-floor heating, resulting in long-term maintenance and energy cost savings. Furthermore, communities may benefit from a departure the traditional affordable housing styles, removing the associated stigmas placed on these developments.

Is there a misunderstanding as to the breadth of modular building? And is it a particularly unfair assessment considering the current building trends, which are of no cost benefit?

Realities

One of the biggest challenges to the integration of prefab and modular by CDCs and housing agencies are related to perceived union labor issues. The reduction of work completed on site may threaten union workers, although should not be a deal-breaker. The use of union labor may be guaranteed by manufacturers, many of which can be found in the eastern Pennsylvania area. Even with the installation of finished modules, union labor can be employed for laying the foundation, running all plumbing and electrical hook-ups, equipment operation, and exterior and interior ‘button up’ of the boxes. However, the initial costs savings produced by modular construction may be reduced by an increase in labor expenses though the unique design and quality of construction for affordable housing opportunities would remain.

Currently, funding will require more creative investors. The 40+ unit scenario is more likely to attract subsidies due to the increased programmatic efficiencies of Alchemy’s weeHouse as the number of units increases. In addition to funding, admittedly, there is a general lack of knowledge within the Philadelphia development community with regard to modular construction. At present, inexperience is a primary limitation to developing, building and investing in this method. Over time, and with a willingness to adopt new strategies, programs like Alchemy Architects’ weeHouse can evolve into an accepted option for innovative housing that proves beneficial in its ease and cost-efficient process.

Friday, June 03, 2011 13:58:00 -700

NKCDC intends to partner with local sustainable developer, Postgreen Homes, to develop a project that will involve the redevelopment of a former PA State recognized Brownfield (which has been cleaned and remediated per Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection standards) into a national model of non-profit/for-profit green development partnerships. The project will incorporate various elements energy efficiency and green building technology including pourvous pavement, rain barrels, green roofs and a storm water manatement system that will serve as a case study and model for the new environmental strategies being proposed the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD).

The overall goal of the initiative is to provide quality affordable, workforce housing to residents that is both sustainable and energy efficient, but also effective in transforming blocks and increasing the level of economic vitality in the neighborhood.

The Moyer Green Homes will be a mixed income development project consisting of 14 single-family town homes. Of the 14 homes, 4 of the units will be sold at 100% median income, the subsidy of which will be provided by the sale of the remaining 10 homes. This project is in line with NKCDC mission as the organization continues to work with residents to stabilize and reuse blighted property, attract small businesses to the area and create housing opportunities.

Postgreen project specs and site plan

Friday, June 03, 2011 13:26:00 -700

2446 Coral Street, Philadelphia PA 19125

By Subway - Take the Market-Frankford Line to York-Dauphin Station (during rush hour, be sure to catch an A Train or a train making all stops. The B Train will not stop at this station). When you exit the station onto Front Street, make an immediate right turn onto York Street. Walk 2 blocks, then make a left onto Coral Street. Walk 3 blocks - the Coral Street Arts House will be on your left.

From I-95 North - Take the Girard/Lehigh exit. Follow the signs to Aramingo (stay left). Turn Left onto York St. at the Exxon. Go down York until you reach Emerald. Turn Right at Emerald, go a few blocks, Turn Right on E. Cumberland St. and the next street will be Coral where you will turn Right. You will then see Coral St. Arts House - parking on the street.

From I-95 South - Take the Girard/Lehigh exit. Go down Girard until you reach Frankford Ave. (Johnny Brenda's bar will be on your right.) Turn Right. Go down Frankford almost a mile until you come to a huge intersection. Go Left on York St. & continue until you reach Emerald. Turn Right at Emerald, go a few blocks, turn Right on E. Cumberland St. The next street will be Coral where you will turn Right. You will then see Coral St. Arts House- parking on the street.

Mapquest map to Coral Street Arts House

NKCDC Wins PACDC Blue Ribbon Award

Friday, June 03, 2011 12:32:00 -700

NKCDC recently received the 2011 PACDC Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Community Development! As the winner the "Large CDC" category, NKCDC was recognized for its organizing efforts around the Big Green Block.

Read about the PACDC Awards Gala

Download PACDC's Annual Magazine highlighting NKCDC's vacant land efforts.

Friday, June 03, 2011 12:01:00 -700

Kensington Area Neighborhood Advisory Committee (KANAC)
2423 E. Allegheny Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134

Office Hours
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday

By Subway

Take the Market-Frankford Line to Allegheny Station. Take the Route 60 bus from the intersection of Kensington & Allegheny heading eastbound towards Westmoreland Loop & Richmond St-NE. A 4 minute ride will take you to Gaul Street - 2423 E. Allegheny will be several yards from the corner on the north side of the street.

By Bus
Route 60
Route 89

By Car

From Center City - Take 95 North to the Allegheny Ave / Castor Ave exit (exit #25). Turn left at E. Westmoreland Street, then take another immediate left at Richmond Street. Take first right onto Allegheny Avenue and go .4 miles. 2423 E. Allegheny will be on your left, just past Gaul Street.

From Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, and other points north - Take 95 South to the Allegheny Ave / Castor Ave exit (exit #25). Turn right onto East Allegheny Ave and go .5 miles. The KANAC office will be on the right side of the street between Gaul and Chatham Streets.

From South Philadelphia, Delaware County, and other points south - Take 95 North to the Allegheny Ave / Castor Ave exit (exit #25). Turn left at E. Westmoreland Street, then take another immediate left at Richmond Street. Take first right onto Allegheny Avenue and go .4 miles. 2423 E. Allegheny will be on your left, just past Gaul Street.

From Camden, New Jersey, and other points east - Take 76 West towards 676 West via the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Once you've crossed over into Pennsylvania, follow signs to I-95. Merge onto 95 North via exit # 351 towards Trenton. Take 95 North to the Allegheny Ave / Castor Ave exit (exit #25). Turn left at E. Westmoreland Street, then take another immediate left at Richmond Street. Take first right onto Allegheny Avenue and go .4 miles. 2423 E. Allegheny will be on your left, just past Gaul Street.

From Manayunk, Montgomery County, and other points west - Take 76 East toward Center City Philadelphia. Follow signs to 676 East via exit #344. Take 676 East towards I-95. Take 95 North to the Allegheny Ave / Castor Ave exit (exit #25). Turn left at E. Westmoreland Street, then take another immediate left at Richmond Street. Take first right onto Allegheny Avenue and go .4 miles. 2423 E. Allegheny will be on your left, just past Gaul Street.

From the Airport

Take the R1 Regional Rail line to Market East Station, Central Philadelphia. Once at the station, follow signs to the Market-Frankford Subway Line. Take the Eastbound train towards Frankford Terminal, getting off at Allegheny Station. Take the Route 60 bus from the intersection of Kensington & Allegheny heading eastbound towards Westmoreland Loop & Richmond St-NE. A 4 minute ride will take you to Gaul Street - 2423 E. Allegheny will be several yards from the corner on the north side of the street.

Mapquest map to our office

Friday, June 03, 2011 11:47:00 -700

NKCDC
2515 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19125

Office Hours
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday

By Subway

Take the Market-Frankford Line to York-Dauphin Station (during rush hour, be sure to catch an A Train or a train making all stops. The B Train will not stop at this station). When you exit the station onto Front Street, make an immediate right turn onto York Street. Walk 3 blocks, then make a left onto Coral Street. Walk 4 blocks, then make a right onto Cumberland Street. Two blocks ahead will be an intersection with Frankford Avenue - we are located across the street from Father & Sons Pizza.

By Bus
Route 5
Route 39

By Car

From Center City - Take Broad Street north. Make a right onto Girard Avenue. Go 1.3 miles and make a left onto Frankford Avenue. Go 1.1 miles until you reach the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Cumberland Street. We are on the right across the street from Father & Sons Pizza.

From Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, and other points north - Take 95 South to the Allegheny Ave / Castor Ave exit (exit #25). Turn right onto East Allegheny Ave and go .8 miles. Make a left onto Frankford Ave. and go 1.0 miles. We are on the left side of the street approaching Cumberland Street, across from Father & Sons Pizza.

From South Philadelphia, Delaware County, and other points south - Take 95 North to the Girard Ave / Lehigh Ave. exit (exit #23). Merge onto Delaware Avenue, following the signs to Aramingo Avenue. At the second light make a left onto York Street. Go .5 miles until you reach Frankford Avenue, then make a right. We are two blocks ahead on the right, just past the intersection with Cumberland Street.

From Camden, New Jersey, and other points east - Take 76 West towards 676 West via the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Once you've crossed over into Pennsylvania, follow signs to I-95. Merge onto 95 North via exit # 351 towards Trenton. Go 4.7 miles to the Girard Ave / Lehigh Ave exit (exit #23). Merge onto Delaware Avenue, following the signs to Aramingo Avenue. At the second light make a left onto York Street. Go .5 miles until you reach Frankford Avenue, then make a right. We are two blocks ahead on the right, just past the intersection with Cumberland Street.

From Manayunk, Montgomery County, and other points west - Take 76 East toward Center City Philadelphia. Follow signs to 676 East via exit #344. Take 676 East towards I-95. Take 95 North toward Trenton, getting off at the Girard Ave / Lehigh Ave. exit (exit #23). Merge onto Delaware Avenue, following the signs to Aramingo Avenue. At the second light make a left onto York Street. Go .5 miles until you reach Frankford Avenue, then make a right. We are two blocks ahead on the right, just past the intersection with Cumberland Street.

From the Airport

Take the R1 Regional Rail line to Market East Station, Central Philadelphia. Once at the station, follow signs to the Market-Frankford Subway Line. Take the Eastbound train towards Frankford Terminal (during rush hour, be sure to catch an A Train or a train making all stops. The B Train will not stop at this station). Get off at the York-Dauphin Station. When you exit the station onto Front Street, make an immediate right turn onto York Street. Walk 3 blocks, then make a left onto Coral Street. Walk 4 blocks, then make a right onto Cumberland Street. Two blocks ahead will be an intersection with Frankford Avenue - we are located across the street from Father & Sons Pizza.

Mapquest map to our office

Sustainable 19125 Video

Friday, February 18, 2011 00:00:00 -700

SUSTAINABLE 19125 is a collaborative vision for greening the 19125 zip code. This initiative is led by NKCDC with support from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Visit www.sustainable19125.org for upcoming events, and an interactive green mapping tool!

Recycling Bins Available!

Saturday, February 05, 2011 00:00:00 -700

You can pick up your recycling bin from either of our office locations:
(one per household):

NKCDC Office – 2515 Frankford Avenue – Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm

KANAC Office - 2423 E. Allegheny Avenue - Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm

Also, be sure sign up for RecycleBank! When you sign up with RecycleBank and put this sticker on your container, you will earn points for your recycling efforts and trash reduction efforts. These Points can be redeemed for rewards like groceries, gift cards and so much more at national and local retailers like Shop Rite, Reading Terminal Market, The Constitution Center” and many others. It also describes how you can set up your account early and receive 100 bonus RecycleBank Points. You can set up your account by going to PhillyRecyclingPAYS.com or calling 888-769-7960.

Neighbors Inform Plan for Lehigh / Somerset Area

Friday, February 04, 2011 00:00:00 -700

In a blighted neighborhood faced with above-average rates of poverty and violent crime, it isn’t every day that neighbors get together to create a long-term vision for the revitalization of their neighborhood.

But that’s exactly what’s taking place for the residents living around the Somerset El stop. NKCDC is partnering with Kitchen & Associates and the Community Design Collaborative to create a community-led neighborhood plan for residents living in the area bounded by Lehigh Avenue to Somerset Street, from Kensington Avenue to Frankford Avenue. A task force comprised of community blockcaptains, representatives from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, the city’s Commerce Department, NKCDC staff and others have been working to identify focus areas for future projects and programming in this area.

A community meeting was held on the evening of Tuesday, January 11th, where over 20 neighbors from this targetarea came out to discuss the strengths and challenges within their community. Neighbors were encouraged to dream big, creating lofty visions for vacant land and abandoned buildings in the area. “We have all this vacant land which could be used for gardening,” says Wilma Richardson, a block captain from 1800 E. Somerset Street. Many great ideas have emerged from the community discussions, including the need for new businesses, employment opportunities, and recreational facilities.
“There is actually quite a lot of potential in this area, given its proximity to so much mass transit,” says John Theobald of Kitchen & Associates. Neighbors are helping to guide any potential development which might take place in the area, including the rehabilitation of a vacant mill or the creation of a greenway along the Conrail Viaduct. “Given current conditions these projects are a long way off,” says Kevin Gray of NKCDC. “This plan, however, is the first step in making any of this a reality.

For more information on this community-led planning process contact Gray at 215-427-0350 x 106 or kgray@nkcdc.org

The Compost Coop - Join Today!

Thursday, February 03, 2011 14:21:00 -700

This spring, Philly Compost and Sustainable 19125 put their heads together to bring easy, affordable composting to 19125. We’ll be launching the Coop and hosting our first meeting of the membership on May 12th at the Garden Center (Frankford and Berks) at 7:30.

But before then, we wanted to write and tell you a few more details about the program: how it will work,when it’s going to get off the ground and how you can get involved. And we wanted to unveil the winning logo, designed by Melissa Colossi and Ryan Tymbal of Tymbal Art. Check out their website to find beautiful hand-made clothing! Thanks to everyone who submitted!

The Compost Coop is designed to be easy — to help you compost your food scraps even if you don’t have the time or energy or space to compost on your own. Three days a week, you can drop off your food scraps at our specially built facility, at the Garden Center (Frankford and Berks). We’ll be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4-7pm and Saturdays from 12-3pm.

Our facility includes a state-of-the-art composter, the Earth Tub, donated by Philly Compost: imagine a moon-lander full of dirt and food-scraps. Philly Compost provides compost pick ups for households and businesses around Philadelphia — they’re working toward a zero-waste future, for Philadelphia and for the world.

The Earth Tub will be sheltered by a structure, built by Greensaw Design, a sustainable carpentry company. They build gorgeous furniture out of salvaged wood, and they donated their time for this project. We’d like to thank them for their invaluable help — and encourage you to check out their projects!

Join the Compost Coop today! Working memberships are only $25 a year — that’s $2 a month. (Non-working memberships are $50 a year) Send us an email and we’ll get you signed up!

Sustainable 19125 featured in Hunter Urban Review

Monday, January 10, 2011 00:00:00 -700

Sustainable 19125, the community-led initiative to make our zip code the greenest in Philadelphia, has been featured in Hunter College's Urban Review. Read it here!

Monday, August 23, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Sunday, August 22, 2010 00:00:00 -700

What could be better than a relaxing summertime concert by the water? How about six of them! NKCDC, Fairmount Park, PECO Excelon, and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) teamed up to host Waterfront Wednesdays, a series of six free concerts in Penn Treaty Park throughout the summer.

Musical acts ranged from rock, folk, jazz and salsa. While representing a wide range of genres, each musical act shared local ties to the neighborhood - whether it was the John Clark Little Big Band from Fishtown or Charanga from Kensington. Each family-friendly show drew hundreds of neighbors to Penn Treaty Park each week, celebrating local musicians and public access to the waterfront.

Waterfront Wednesdays builds off the momentum taking place to further beautify Penn Treaty Park. Since 2007 NKCDC, the Friends of Penn Treaty Park, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and others have been working on a series of waterfront plans to guide future development and help bring people to the water’s edge.

This concert series was presented in conjunction with the Friends of Penn Treaty Park, Fishtown Neighbors Association, Fishtown Area Business Association, RBC Financial Group, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Philebrity.com, and the Fishtown Star, and was made possible by support from the William Penn Foundation through DVRPC’s Take Me to the River program.

Photos by Ari Kleit, Peter Prusinowski, and Kenny White.

http://www.penntreatymusic.com

Mother's Day Tree Pit Planting on Huntingdon Street

Sunday, August 22, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Over 20 Huntingdon Street neighbors, children, and mothers helped clean & plant flowers in tree pits between Kensington & Frankford Avenue this past Mother's Day.

This project, which was done in conjunction with the state Elm Street Program, was made possible with the support of Philly Tree People and Weed & Seed. For more information please contact Kevin Musselman at kmusselman@nkcdc.org.

Sunday, August 22, 2010 00:00:00 -700

NKCDC and Norris Square Neighborhood Project partnered in designing benches for residents catching the number “5” and “54” SEPTA buses at Frankford & Somerset. Nine students designed and painted the benches, which were previously located further south on Frankford Avenue but are being replaced for the current PennDOT streetscape improvements.

The new designs on the benches are the students’ interpretation of “Living Sustainably”, with green themes encouraging neighbors to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Each group designed and hand painted each bench. For more information on this project, please contact Jennifer Brodie at jbrodie@nkcdc.org.

Kensington Farms Project

Sunday, August 22, 2010 00:00:00 -700

What was once an unkempt lot strewn with bricks and litter will soon become Kensington Farms, a community-led project to introduce urban gardening and nutrition education to surrounding neighbors.

The lot is located next to the Fresh Start Foundation, a drug-treatment and social services center based in Kensington. Volunteers from Fresh Start, who have periodically maintained the property over the years, were out in full force during the City-wide Spring Cleanup to grade the lot with fresh soil. NKCDC, Fresh Start, and community leaders are now working to create raised beds to be filled with corn, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, and various herbs. Soil testing has been done on the land, but all growing will be done in raised beds.

"We want to assure neighbors that the food is safe,” explains Ade Fequa, the Kensington Area NAC Coordinator. In addition to Fresh Start volunteers, the farm team intends on identifying a handful of community ambassadors to regularly water and tend to the plants. Several neighbors have enthusiastically stepped forward, including Pastor Ronald Dawkins from Saved By Grace Church. Fruits and vegetables will be sold to Fresh Start, with the potential to partner with the Kensington Food Co-op in the future. The pilot project will last for 12 months, at which point neighbors and NKCDC staff will determine the overall sustainability of the farm.

This project is funded through a Community Leadership Institute grant offered by NeighborWorks America. For more information contact Jennifer Brodie at jbrodie@nkcdc.org.

A Greener Neighborhood Unveiled

Friday, August 06, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Review Rewards for Recycing

Friday, August 06, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Pop's Skate Park: 1 Year Anniversary

Friday, August 06, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Renovating the Frankford Ave. streetscape

Thursday, July 15, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Jim Kingsmill - Volunteer Service Award

Thursday, July 15, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Free Gardening Workshops at NKCDC Garden Center

Wednesday, July 07, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Horatio B. Hackett 5th Graders Adopt Lot

Monday, June 28, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Peggy Weinman

Friday, June 25, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Frankford Avenue Streetscape Improvements

Friday, June 25, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Neighbors, business owners, and city officials gathered on the morning of Friday, November 12th at the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School (2030 Frankford Avenue) to celebrate the completion of the Frankford Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project. The first phase of improvements, which stretches between Palmer and York Streets, includes benches, street trees, Big Belly recycling bins and trash compactors, and distinctive artistic street signage.

Guest speakers at the Grand Finale celebration, including the Tango Studio’s Meredith Klein and Nic Darling of Postgreen, spoke of the diverse and organic community of artists and businesses who have made the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor their home.

“Many in the city look to Frankford Avenue as an example of a thriving and exciting commercial corridor,” said Andy Frishkoff, Director of Neighborhood and Economic Development at the Commerce Department and newly appointed Executive Director of Philadelphia LISC.

Bus shelters for the intersections of Palmer Street and Dauphin Street, which are currently being built by local metalworkers Outcast Studios, will be installed later this spring.

This project was funded through the Hometown Streets Program with support from the City of Philadelphia’s Commerce Department’s ReStore Corridors program. The design work and community collaboration, a process which began with community meetings dating back to 2004 were led by planning design firm Group G and engineering firm, Orth-Rodgers and Associates. For more information on upcoming improvements please contact Angie Williamson at 215-427-0350 x 111 or awilliamson@nkcdc.org.

Summer Workshop Series!

Monday, June 07, 2010 00:00:00 -700

The Caterpillar Theater on Frankford Avenue

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Donated to NKCDC by Interface Studios, the Caterpillar was a pre-fab theater originally built as a demonstration piece for Design Philadelphia’s “A Clean Break” exhibition, which took place in October 2008. The theater was comprised of a larger stage area and five open, 8’ x 8’ seating frames. Several special concerts and events took place at The Caterpillar throughout the summer and fall of 2009, often in conjunction with First Fridays on Frankford Avenue.

For more information on The Caterpillar or booking a performance at the space, please email info@nkcdc.org.

NeighborWorks Plants! on Norris Street

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 00:00:00 -700

The 2100 block of Norris Street, situated between Front Street and Frankford Avenue, just got a whole lot greener! NKCDC, the 26th Police District, Fresh Start Foundation, and neighbors planted 15 trees at the corner of Trenton and Norris this past Saturday, June 6th as part of NeighborWorks Plants!, a national event sponsored by NeighborWorks America.

The previously treeless intersection, which currently has a small corner garden managed by neighbors, has now been transformed into a tree-lined oasis. In total over 40 volunteers came out to plant red maples, eastern redbuds, paperbark maples, and honeylocust trees. Also planted in the middle of the lot was a large concrete flower container, featuring different types of herbs for use by the neighbors.

"It was a great day," says Marlene Buck of NKCDC. Officers from the 26th District and community members worked together to transform this lot into a pleasant tree lined pocket park in just 3 hours." Jacelyn Blank, an East Kensington resident and cofounder of Philly Tree People, was happy to see so many volunteers digging in the dirt. "It's great to see so many people working together on something so positive," she says.

According to NeighborWorks, a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide support to community-based revitalization efforts, the goal of this national event was to use plants to beautify communities around the nation. This event builds off additional projects which are taking place around Norris Street, transforming this pedestrian connector from Frankford Avenue to the Berks El Station into a safe and beautified walkway. Additional support for this project has been given courtesy of North Philadelphia Weed & Seed.

Frankford Avenue Streetscape Improvements

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 00:00:00 -700

Neighbors, business owners, and city officials gathered on the morning of Friday, November 12th at the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School (2030 Frankford Avenue) to celebrate the completion of the Frankford Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project. The first phase of improvements, which stretches between Palmer and York Streets, includes benches, street trees, Big Belly recycling bins and trash compactors, and distinctive artistic street signage. Bus shelters for the intersections of Palmer Street and Dauphin Street were built metalworkers Outcast Studios.

Guest speakers at the Grand Finale celebration, including the Tango Studio’s Meredith Klein and Nic Darling of Postgreen, spoke of the diverse and organic community of artists and businesses who have made the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor their home.

“Many in the city look to Frankford Avenue as an example of a thriving and exciting commercial corridor,” said Andy Frishkoff, Director of Neighborhood and Economic Development at the Commerce Department and newly appointed Executive Director of Philadelphia LISC.

This project was funded through the Hometown Streets Program with support from the City of Philadelphia’s Commerce Department’s ReStore Corridors program. The design work and community collaboration, a process which began with community meetings dating back to 2004 were led by planning design firm Group G and engineering firm, Orth-Rodgers and Associates. For more information on upcoming improvements please contact Angie Williamson at 215-427-0350 x 111 or awilliamson@nkcdc.org.

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