SOSNA Newsletter

Lots Happening at the Triangles: Music Series, Odunde, Councilman  Johnson Quality of Life Tour Dear neighbors: Hopefully by now you've been able to visit our great new public space at 23rd and South Street. Many great events will be taking place there over the summer, starting last night with our weekly music series - every Thursday evening we'll have live music and a food truck or two!  Here's the details for the concert on Thursday June 12. This Sunday is Odunde 2014! Check out the Odunde Festival website for information about all the events going on this weekend.  What is Odunde? Learn the history here. On Wednesday June 11th Councilman Kenyatta Johnson brings his Quality of Life Tour to the Triangles - 6 PM.  Details here. Events NextFab Hosts Event To Celebrate Work of Local Elementary School Students From our friends at NextFab Studios . . . Come Support Our Schools It’s Time To Gain Traction In Our Neighborhood On June 7th from 2-6 pm, NextFab will host an open house to celebrate projects which students made here and raise funds for makerspaces in Chester A. Arthur and Edwin A. Stanton schools. NextFab offered 7 week­long after school programs for ten students from each school. Both are located just a few blocks away from our facility. Parents, friends, and all members of our community are welcome to attend! Help us support and celebrate the accomplishments of these students. We encourage learning beyond the classroom and believe students achieve more when they are able to synthesize concepts and skills and think creatively. When: June 7th from 2 ­ 6 pm, 2.30 pm ­ unveiling of the Stanton and Arthur students' work Where: NextFab, 2025 Washington Ave., 19146 +1 (215) 921­3649 RSVP Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/235700206623676/ Please join us! Your contributions can help make a space where students can attend enriching classes during and after school, so they have the resources to express their creativity to the fullest potential. For questions, please contact Jonathan Tekac at jonathan.tekac@nextfabstudio.com Events ODUNDE 2014!!! The 2014 Odunde Festival takes place Sunday June 8 from 10 AM - 8 PM at 23rd and South Street! Full event details and schedule of events here. What is the Odunde festival? Events Councilman Johnson Quality of Life Tour at the Triangles MARK YOUR CALENDARS . . . Councilman Johnson, in conjunction with SOSNA, is going to hold another Quality of Life Tour at the Grays Ferry Triangles on Wednesday June 11 from 6-8 PM.  This tour allows citizens to connect with city agencies and services. The Councilman will be joined by representatives from the following agencies to hear your concerns and take your questions about all issues related to city government: News CHOP Update - ZBA Grants Variances This week the Zoning Board of Adjustment granted variances to CHOP paving the way for the hospital to build Phase 1 of its four-phase development at 700 Schuylkill Avenue.  On June 2, 2014, Councilman Johnson sent the ZBA a letter outlining his support for the variances being grant so long as the 5 key compromises he lists are met. (Full letter below) Those 5 key compromises are: CHOP will construct a pedestrian bridge providing river access during Phase 1 construction of the project. CHOP will build the garage in a manner that will enable commercial use upon completion of Phase 1 construction. CHOP will seek zoning relief for commercial use after the currnet variance is granted for Phase 1. CHOP will construct appropriate traffic calming devices on Schuylkill Avenue south of the site. CHOP will eliminate the previously proposed second curb cut on the South Street Bridge so that the project will include only one curb cut on the Bridge. CHOP will continue to engage the community during the construction and subsequent phases through the formation of a Neighborhood Advisory Committee consisting of stakeholders from the surrounding neighborhood. SOSNA was invited to appoint one person to this new Advisory Committee; Charlie Williams, near-neighbor to the project, a structural engineer, and long-standing member of the SOSNA Zoning Committee has agreed to serve.  We thank him and all members of the Committee, as well as CHOP and Councilman Johnson, for their hard work on this important project. Events Farmers Market - Christian Street YMCA New farmers market from the Food Trust will be at the Christian Street YMCA (18th and Christian Street) every Wednesday from 3-7 PM! Details and farmers listed here. Events Triangles Summer Music Series - Steve Giordano and John Swana Every Thursday night this summer come enjoy live music, good food and meet your fellow neighbors at the Triangles Summer Music Series.  On Thursday June 12, come see Steve Giordano and John Swana play, and eat food from Poi Dog! Events FoCA 50/50 Block Party