The appeal of the historic designation of 559 Righter Street was heard in Common Pleas Court on February 16th. The historic designation was upheld by the judge, meaning the appeal by the Barnes family to overturn the historic designation was denied. The Amos Barnes House, built circa 1850 of Wissahickon schist with Gothic stylistic touches, sits at the five-way intersection of Ridge Avenue, Hermit, and Righter streets. Full details of the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s nomination can be found here.
News & Events
21st Ward Town Watch Training
There will be a Town Watch training on February 20th at 7pm at the 5th District. The 21st Ward Town Watch is actively looking for members. The overall responsibility of the group is to observe, document, and report. By being the “eyes and ears” and reporting concerns to the 5th District, they take a major part in assisting with crime prevention. For more information, please email the 21st Ward Town Watch at tw21stward@gmail.com.
Wissahickon Presbyterian Church
Wissahickon Presbyterian is an historic 7,500 square foot stone church located on Ridge Avenue. The church is seeking a colocating entity for an income generating and synergistic partnership. For additional information, including pictures and site plans, check out their new website: wissahickonpresbyterianchurch.com
WICA Needs Your Support!
Support the critical work WICA does for our neighborhood. Become a new member or renew your membership today for only $10! This can be done online using PayPal or in person at a General Membership meeting. All memberships must be renewed at the beginning of each year.
Visit the Membership Page for more information.
Demolition Moratorium Update
On December 14, 2017, the Demolition Moratorium was read and passed by City Council. On December 20, 2017, Mayor Kenney signed the bill. The moratorium will take effect for one year and will prevent both demolition and construction on designated historically significant properties.
Wissahickon Gateway Public Outreach Results
Over 500 people told the Philadelphia City Planning Commission what they want to see at the Wissahickon Gateway, which includes the Wissahickon Transportation Center and Train Station, Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Valley Trail. See what the public said: Wissahickon Gateway Public Outreach Results
Ridge Ave Demolition Moratorium Public Hearing
On Tuesday 12/5/17, The Committee on Rules of City Council will hold a Public Hearing at 10:00 AM in City Hall, Room 400, to hear testimony on Bill 17082. This is the much anticipated Ordinance to establish a temporary Demolition Moratorium (entitled ‘Historical Preservation’) with respect to properties in the area of Ridge Ave between Wissahickon Creek and Northwestern Ave.
Written testimony from the 21st Ward RCO’s (Registered Community Organizations) will be entered into the record and we expect two representatives from our groups will be permitted to speak.
HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! All you have to do is attend! We want to fill the seats! Your attendance will speak volumes to City officials. Councilman Jones has walked along The Ridge with RCO representatives and understands our concerns. We are most grateful to him and his staff for drafting this ordinance.
See you there!
Henry Avenue Safety Improvement Project Open House
PennDOT is hosting an open house on Wednesday, November 29th at 7pm to provide an update on the upcoming Henry Avenue Safety Improvement Project. The open house will be held in the Downs Auditorium at Jefferson University – East Falls Campus at 4201 Henry Avenue. Visit PennDot.gov for details.
LaNoce Park Fall Service Day
Join us on Saturday, November 4th 9am-12pm to help clean, green and LOVE LaNoce Park. All are welcome to intend – invite your neighbors! Supplies are limited so please bring work gloves, rakes, brooms, clippers, and shovels. Thank you to our sponsor Wissahickon Bar & Bistro.
21st Ward Town Watch Training
There will be a Town Watch training on November 1st at 7pm at the 5th District. The 21st Ward Town Watch is actively looking for members. The overall responsibility of the group is to observe, document, and report. By being the “eyes and ears” and reporting concerns to the 5th District, they take a major part in assisting with crime prevention. For more information, please email the 21st Ward Town Watch at tw21stward@gmail.com.
What is WICA?
