SOSNA News Letter

At the Triangles: Tonight, Light Up the Night BBQ; August 13, SOSNA Dines Outside Returns Events Light Up the Night - National Night Out at the Triangles The SOSNA Safety Committee is thrilled to announce the fourth annual Light Up the Night event on Tuesday, August 5th. This year we are partnering with the South Square Town Watch and the South of South Town Watch to celebrate National Night Out at the Grays Ferry Triangles (23rd & South Streets/Grays Ferry) from 5:30-8:00pm on the 5th. This family-friendly, community event is being held  to raise awareness about safety and crime prevention in the neighborhood, to get to know your neighbors, and to strengthen police-community partnerships. We will have fun, family-friendly activities, a neighbor meet and greet, and the Poi Dog food truck. Schedule: 5:30 PM Join us for a kid-friendly Family Dance Party with the Christian Street YMCA 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Meet and greet neighbors and local Police Officers from the 17th District Learn about local community groups such as SOSNA, the Friends of Chester Arthur, and the St. Charles Borromeo Church, who will be providing free soft pretzels Visit with the Philadelphia Fire Department, who will be bringing a firetruck* *Dependent on emergencies 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Join the South Square Town Watch and the South of South Town Watch for neighborhood Group Patrols (open to anyone), leaving from the event at 8pm Events SOSNA Dines Outside at the Triangles - Part III August 13 SOSNA is once again taking Dines Out Outside at the Grays Ferry Triangles. Join us on  Wednesday August 13 at 7:30 PM at the pedestrian plaza at 23rd and South Street for SOSNA Dines Out(side), a great dinner with proceeds benefiting SOSNA and the Triangles Plaza! This event is an extension of the monthly SOSNA Dines Out gatherings (previously held at Ants Pants, Robertos, Kidari, Balkan and So Crepe), where SOSNA's Economic Development Committee picks a restaurant for a group of 20-30 neighbors to dine in order to bring attention and provide feedback to the restaurant. This time around, there are a few twists: 1. We will be dining outside (under the lights!) at the wonderful public, pedestrian space that is the Grays Ferry Triangles at 23rd and South Streets and Grays Ferry Avenue. 2. We will have several restaurants each preparing a dish/course for us to enjoy 5-course meal. Featured restaurants this time include Cafe Ynez, La.Va Cafe, Magpie Artisan Pies, Miles Table and Pumpkin Restaurant! 3. The cost of the dinner - $30 per person - will benefit SOSNA and the Triangles Committee, as the participating businesses have graciously agreed to donate their respective dishes to the cause.  You will be asked to pay in advance.  We have space for 25 diners. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE - SPACE IS LIMITED!  http://sosna.ticketleap.com/dinesoutside3/ News Now Accepting Registrations for the 2014 Streetscape Contest The SOSNA Streetscape Contest recognizes neighbors who beautify our community by planting and tending greenery on the front of their homes or businesses. There is no entry fee and prizes are awarded in multiple categories: 1. Container gardens2. Window boxes3. Tree pit gardens4. Greenest blocks Entries due FRIDAY AUGUST 15, 2014 at 7 PM!!!  Email g.k.thompson AT gmail DOT com indicating your name, address, email, phone number, and categories in which you would like to compete.  Judging to take place August 16-20, 2014. Judges evaluate entries on suitability of plants (max 15 points), suitability of containers or plantings (max 10 points), horticultural practices (max 10 points), maintenance (max 25 points), and design/overall impression (max 40 points) for a total possible 100 points. News Public Notice from CHOP: Planning Underway for Site Prep and Demo From CHOP . . . Dear Neighbor, Planning is underway for site preparation and demolition of 700 Schuylkill Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104. We are committed to keeping our neighbors fully informed throughout this process. To that end, the following actions will be taking place: - A team of 6-10 individuals from Brandenburg Contractors will be on-site for the first phase of demolition activities. - The contractors will park only on the worksite. - Contractor structures will be built and placed on the property (i.e. decontamination trailer, similar to shipping container). - Construction equipment on-site will consist of: man lifts to access building perimeter, bobcats, and a potential crane for short-term [0.5-1 day] loading of equipment on the roof, etc. - Contractors will be wearing Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators to protect themselves from debris. - Most abatement is non-friable material. All abatement will be done in accordance with municipal, state, and federal law. - Worksite hours of operation will be in accordance with local municipal ordinances: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on weekends. News Want Reduced Property Taxes? Apply for Homestead Exemption by September 13, 2014 Did you not get the Homestead Exemption last year to help reduce your property taxes? You can apply again this year by September 13, 2014 to get as much as $400 taken off your real estate tax bill.  IF YOU RECEIVED THE EXEMPTION LAST YEAR YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY.  As of tax year 2015, properties with the 10-year tax abatement can no longer receive this exemption. You can apply online. You can apply over the phone (the fastest way) by calling 215-686-9200. Or pick up a paper application at the SOSNA office, 1901 Christian Street. News Coming Soon - September 10 - SOSNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS! SOSNA will be soliciting nominations from neighbors for candidates for the SOSNA Board of Directors. Nominations will be accepted at the September 10, 2014 General Membership Meeting. Details about the elections procedure and serving on the Board are below. The Elections will take place Wednesday October 8th! SOSNA BOARD QUICK FACTS: Events SOSNA OFFICE CLOSED - Committee Meetings Still Happening As Scheduled The SOSNA office will be closed starting August 4 and will re-open on August 25.  All Committee meetings will occur as scheduled, unless otherwise noted. Please check southofsouth.org/events for an up-to-date listing of our monthly meetings. If you need immediate assistance, contact Councilman Kenyatta Johnson's office at 215-686-3412. Or email SOSNA here and we'll get back to you at our earliest convenience. All voicemails left at the SOSNA office will be returned after August 25th.  We apologize for this inconvenience. Have a great summer!