On October 12, 2018, the Philadelphia Historical Commission passed the Ridge Avenue Thematic Historic District designation.This is great news for the ongoing preservation of our neighborhood’s unique character. The initiative seeks to protect historically significant buildings and structures along Ridge Avenue from the Wissahickon Creek to the Montgomery County line.
News & Events
A letter from State Rep. Pam DeLissio regarding the recent tragedy in Manayunk
Dear Neighbor,
To a one, I believe we are all terribly saddened and appalled at the murder/suicide that occurred in Manayunk this past week involving a 7-year-old little girl and her biological father. I know only what I have read in the paper and I am aware of much commentary on social media. In particular, citizens are questioning the process and the decisions made by the judge in this matter. (more…)
Wissahickon Gateway Plan
The City Planning Commission adopted the Wissahickon Gateway Plan on July 18, 2018. The plan’s goal is to make it easy to connect to buses, trains, sidewalks, bike trails, and shops at the Wissahickon Gateway. The next steps will be:
- – SEPTA to hold meetings about the design of the Wissahickon Transfer Center with the public and community groups later this year.
- – Parks & Recreation to seek money for trail design and construction
- – Philadelphia City Planning Commission to work with community groups and property owners to make sure new development is consistent with a shared vision.
Wissahickon War Memorial: History & Future
One hundred years ago the Wissahickon Businessmen’s Association, along with the Rexton Boys Club and other supporters, moved the Wissahickon War Memorial to it’s current home on Rochelle Avenue, across from the train station. The original wood memorial had been located at the corner of Osborn Street and Manayunk Avenue. Funds were raised for the permanent Memorial in existence today. The time has come to once again raise funds for the preservation of the Memorial.
Wissahickon War Memorial: Memorial Day Weekend Planting
This Memorial Day Weekend please consider helping to honor our fallen soldiers by assisting with the planting of the flower beds at the Wissahickon War Memorial on Rochelle Avenue across from the train station. Phil Moyer, the primary caretaker of the Memorial for many years, will be working Friday evening 5/25 and Saturday 5/26. If anyone could help with preparation, planting, and mulching, it would be greatly appreciated.
May General Membership Meeting at Wissahickon Presbyterian Church
The next General Membership meeting is May 9, 2018 at 7pm. This month’s meeting will be held at the Wissahickon Presbyterian Church at 5245 Ridge Avenue.
Matt Wysong, the North/Northwest Senior Planner from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, will present the final Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO) draft.
Per WICA’s Bylaws, nominations for the election of officers will be made – President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer – all of whom shall be elected at the June meeting.
Philly Spring Cleanup – April 14th 9am-noon
Spring has sprung and the cleaning season has begun! Take part in the 11th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup at these locations:
- Daisy Field – 5000 Hermit Lane
- LaNoce Park – 5119 Rochelle Avenue
- Retta Street Wooded Area – 3551 Retta Street
The City is supplying us with a limited number of tools, gloves, and debris bags. We encourage you to bring your own supplies if you have them available. Although not required, volunteers can register at www.philadelphiastreets.com
Barnes House Historic Designation Upheld
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.
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
What is WICA?
WICA is the Civic Association representing the Philadelphia, PA neighborhood between East Falls and Manayunk at the gateway to the park where the Schuylkill River and the Wissahickon Creek merge.