Thursday, September 24, 2020

CCRA Newsletter

  Center City Residents' Association | 1900 Market St, FL 8, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Call Us Today:
215.546.6719
Weekly E-Newsletter
News And Updates
Pearl Properties Commercial Building at 113-121 S. 19th St.
 
Virtual Meeting Information
Pearl Properties public meeting will be holding a live stream instead of an in-person meeting given the CDC's guidelines on gatherings on:
 
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, 7 pm EDT
 
Access the meeting: https://tinyurl.com/y2y2db65
Join by phone for audio
 646 558 8656 - Conference dial-in number
 Meeting ID: 862 0504 8913
Passcode: 986498


Public comments will be accepted before, during and after the presentation, thru email until October 8. Email public comments regarding this development to: centercity@centercityresidents.org with "Pearl Properties" in the subject line.
 
The presentation will be recorded and after the link is established (a few hours after the presentation is concluded) it will be circulated.
Useful Links
Our Sponsors:
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
Utilize A Questionnaire To Improve Our Public Spaces

CCRA has prepared the linked Sidewalk Conditions Survey to elicit reports as to observed instances of offensive and/or threatening behavior on the sidewalks of Center City West. 

We are distributing the survey to our membership and to  residents of high rises between Broad Street and 20th, which have been participating with CCRA members in a "Sidewalk Conditions" initiative. Use can also find the link under "Useful Links" in the enewsletter. The goal: to obtain data as to the time, location, and nature of any problematic public space activity. The data will be used to educate and inform City officials as to neighborhood concerns in Center City West. 
Op-Ed article regarding the homeless encampment

Read an Op-Ed piece, written by Dennis J. Boylan, President of our neighboring Logan Square Neighborhood Association, regarding the homeless encampment on the Parkway. Since Sunday, a man has been stabbed within the encampment. 
Two new merchants join CCRA's Member Merchant Program
The Bake Shop on 20th
If you haven’t yet experienced the mouth-watering treats in this cozy little spot at 269 S. 20th Street, now’s the time to check them out. Pick up a sticky bun, dive into a babka, or treat yourself to a hand pie. This small batch bakery specializes in recreating tastes from your childhood using treasured family recipes. Mention CCRA and you’ll get an extra little goodie to accompany the treat you just purchased. And get to know Lisa and Mark Cosgrove, proprietors of The Bake Shop. They love getting to know CCRA members.
Branzino Italian BYOB
Located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square at 261 S. 17th Street, Branzino serves mouthwatering modern Italian cuisine in an expansive Center City townhouse. The private garden is lovely. The food is full of flavor and exquisitely presented. The staff is warm and accommodating. You can find their menu here. Prepare yourself for a great evening. CCRA members are invited to enjoy a whole branzino with lemon caper butter, normally $30, but priced at $18 for all CCRA members. DINE-IN ONLY. Offer valid any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening through December.
Computer Use at PCI Library to be allowed at limited capacity 

Beginning on Tuesday September 29, the Philadelphia City Institute Library on Rittenhouse Square will allow the public to use computers during limited hours with advance appointments only.

Appointments can be made at the front door or by calling 215-685-6621.
Hours for computer access each week will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sessions will be limited to 30 minutes, and only three appointments will be made at a time.

To see all current services offered by PCI, click here
STOP

SafeTravel in Our Philadelphia (STOP) committee was formed to look into the late night ATV and motorcycle activity in Center City. Board Member Dawn Willis has been appointed to represent CCRA on the committee. We will keep you posted on any updates.  

Please sign this petition to help voice your concerns and save the quality of life in Center City. 
Coventry Deli located on 2000 Market Street temporarily closes until 2021
Community Info and Events
COVID-19 Updates
City continues to be in a "modified" green phase




Visit our special COVID-19 page on our website for more news and info.
Voting by mail?

View the City's illustrated mail-in ballot guide. The guide also explains how to apply for a mail-in ballot, how to fill it out with your choices, sign it, seal it, and deliver it to the Philadelphia County Board of Elections.

To check on your registration, visit here.
Last week to complete the 2020 Census 
You (and everyone you know) can fill out the census at www.2020census.gov 
Census Facts: 
  • Did you know, completing the 2020 Census takes just 10 minutes, and will have an impact on the city for the next 10 years?  
  • If just one person is missed in the 2020 Census count, Philadelphia could face the loss of $21,000 in federal funding over the next ten years. If an undercount happens, the city’s capacity to meet the needs of its residents will be seriously impacted.    

Take action to improve your community and complete the Census! 
 
Secrecy envelopes for mail-in ballots will cause electoral chaos, Pa. election official warns

Philadelphia’s top elections official is warning of electoral chaos in the presidential battleground state if lawmakers there do not remove a provision in Pennsylvania law that, under a days-old court decision, requires counties to throw out mail-in ballots returned without secrecy envelopes.

Fashion District Marks One-Year Anniversary 

Buffeted by a months-long pandemic shutdown, the Philadelphia Fashion District celebrated its first anniversary this past weekend. Formerly housing the Gallery, the entertainment and shopping destination reopened its doors in July with safety protocols.

 
One Liberty Place Observation Deck Suspends Operations

The view from the 57th floor of the Observation Deck at One Liberty Place is for the moment a memory, as One Liberty announced that it has suspended operations on the popular deck. Whether it will resume operation is to be determined.

 
Shop Center City Saturdays This Fall

Support the businesses and people who create Center City’s unique shopping, dining, and social experiences. Shop Center City Saturday on September 26; help restore jobs. It’s an entire day of specials from places like Benjamin Lovell Shoes and DFTI; to re-openings at key retailers like Boyd’s; and free gifts and giveaways from Ritual Shoppe and Reading Terminal Market. Plus, fuel up with free fries from Shake Shack Center City. 

Check the website often for the most up-to-date list of participants.
 
CCRA Merchant Member Discount Program

Support our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a discount (described here) to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card and personal identification.

Rittenhouse Hardware, 2001 Pine St. (215-735-6311)
The Bake Shop on 20th, 269 S. 20th St. (215-644-9714)
Ursula Hobson Fine Art Framing, 1528 Waverly St (215-546-7889)
Veda Indian Bistro, 1920 Chestnut St (267-517-2001)
Alimentari Restaurant at Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St, 2nd Floor 
Astral Artists - Use promo code "CCRA" to receive a $10 flat rate on all tickets to their concerts.
Branzino Italian BYOB, 261 S. 17th St, (215-790-0103)
Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St, (uses separate card, see info here)
Dom's Shoe Repair, 203 S. 20th St (215-972-0098)
East West Acupuncture, center city office closed, but you can use the 10% discount at her Narberth office (415-758-1057)
Eye Candy Vision, 218 S. 20th St (215-568-3937)
Home Helpers Philly, 1835 S. Broad St., Ste 2 (215-334-2600)
Good Karma Cafe, 331 S. 22nd St, (215-546-1479)
Jason Matthew Salon, 1735 Chestnut St, 2nd Fl (215-665-8030)
Koresh Dance Company, 2002 Rittenhouse Sq St. (267-687-1769)
Nature's Gallery Florist, 2124 Walnut St (215-563-5554)
NextMove Dance - Get $10 off Dance Performances with your CCRA Membership. Members use promo code SAVE10.
Philly Foodworks - Use the code "CCRA" when signing up for home delivery and receive a $20 discount on delivery charges.
Raven Lounge, 1718 Sansom St. (215-840-3577)

1900 Market St, Fl 8
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.546.6719