Re: [UC] From today's edition of METRO
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Developing situations: Place for parents, patients by solomon d. leach / metro philadelphia NOV 12, 2008 UNIVERSITY CITY. Families visiting the University of Pennsylvania or either of the university’s hospitals could soon be taking solace in a new extended-stay hotel in University City. Campus Apartments, a campus-housing developer, and Hersha Hotels plan to start construction on a 10-story Hilton Homewood Suites at 40th and Pine Streets early next year. The project got a $2 million loan last week from the state’s Building Pennsylvania program, which invests in development that will create good-paying construction jobs. The project still needs approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustments as it seeks to adapt the David Leas Mansion, but has already gotten the thumbs up from the Planning Commission and conceptual approval from the Philadelphia Historical Commission. “With all the extended stay demand generated by the health system, Penn and [Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania], that’s why we’re developing this property where we are,” said Tom Lussenhop, a partner in Hersha. The 115-room hotel, which will feature spacious rooms with kitchens, is pushing ahead despite the economic downturn because it depends on business from the hospitals and universities, which is year-round, Lussenhop noted. Some neighbors complained the hotel would steal scarce parking from residents, while others feared the owners might turn the building to a rental property if the hotel failed. Developers said neither of those would happen, pointing to a deal with three parking garages in the area for 75 spaces and a long lease with Hilton. John Farnham, head of the Historical Commission, said the hotel would fix up the aging building, which was considered an excellent Colonial house. notice how carefully the article talks about so many of the issues -- EXCEPT the hotel's massive size and scale in a residential area. and how nicely the article echoes monday's dp article: http://tinyurl.com/5b6f86 Economy doesn't halt construction Experts say demand for education makes planned apartments feasible in U. City By: Shawn Aiken Posted: 11/10/08 Shaky economic times and a tumultuous housing market have not prevented new properties from springing up throughout University City in recent years. Since 2006, a number of mixed-use, luxury apartment complexes have come to call West Philadelphia home. With more construction on the way, it may seem like the area isn't feeling the pinch of the global financial crisis. Experts cite demand for education, faith in the Nutter administration and the desirability of the area as reasons for continued development in University City. Hub I, located on 40th and Chestnut streets, was completed in 2006 for $23 million. In 2007, the $71-million Domus complex, located on 34th and Chestnut streets, was up and running. And the Radian on 39th and Walnut streets was finished this past August for $50 million. Over the next year, construction on Hubs II and III will begin on Chestnut Street near the original Hub. Costs for Hub III are projected at about $19 million, while costs for Hub II have not yet been released. Wharton Real Estate professor Albert Saiz attributed much of the construction in the area to positive trends the city has experienced over the last 10 years. At the national level, with the general rise in incomes, there is increasing demand for living in high-amenity, dense areas, Saiz wrote in an e-mail. He said young people and empty nesters are the most likely candidates to pursue living in the area. Central cities with cultural, historic, and recreational amenities, such as Philadelphia, are faring well demographically and economically all over the USA, he wrote. Saiz added that renewed optimism about Mayor Michael Nutter's administration has drawn many in the business and civic community to the area, making for a greater demand in housing. University City is a desirable place to live and work, and the stability of the market is indicative of the stable demand fundamentals, said Paul Sehnert, Penn's director of real-estate development. Still, Sehnert said he did not consider the area immune to the problems that have recently plagued the national housing market. He cited the cancelation or postponement of several high-profile projects in Center City - such as Donald Trump's planned 45-story Trump Tower - as evidence that Philadelphia has been affected by national housing problems. But Saiz said he saw education as a major reason for the large investment in the area to build luxury complexes, despite the economy. Demand for college and Masters education is very strong and growing, he wrote. In fact, enrollments in some master's programs is countercyclical: When the economy is not very good, people go back to grad school. .. UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN You
[UC] Save Kingsessing Library rally is Saturday, 2 p.m. at the library
In a message dated 11/11/08 8:02:21 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: http://www.savekingsessinglibrary.com/ Rally on Saturday Frank Thanks for finding this, Frank. I'm sending it to the other listservs also. That's 2 p.m. at the library, at 51st St. just south of Chester. If you are coming from a distance and don't want to walk, take the #13 trolley to 51st St. - Melani Lamond Melani Lamond, Associate Broker Urban Bye, Realtor 3529 Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104 cell phone 215-356-7266 - office phone 215-222-4800 #113 personal fax 215-386-1345 This e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify us by replying to the original message at the listed e-mail address. Thank You. ** Get the Moviefone Toolbar. Showtimes, theaters, movie news amp; more!(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1212774565x1200812037/aol?redir=htt p://toolbar.aol.com/moviefone/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown0001)
[UC] Libraries and other unkind cuts
Friends: What's happening in Philadelphia, in terms of the budget, is soon going to play itself out on a national level. So some considered thinking, as opposed to different people's perfectly legitimate gut reactions about what should and shouldn't be trimmed, slashed, or eliminated, might be useful individually and collectively. I'm not sure where I stand on libraries or other specific services right now -- I'm an avid reader, but I tend to buy rather than borrow books (fortunately, they're cheap at the Second Mile Bookstore across the street from my office). And, in the past 10 or so years, I've certainly seen my research and professional reading shift from books to the Internet, so I see some of the traditional importance of libraries diminishing. Also, in the particular case of libraries and their impact on opportunities for school-age children, I wonder whether there might be some cost-effective compromise alternatives such as moving book collections into mini-libraries in the schools themselves rather than maintaining them separately. Be that as it may, the larger issue is to prioritize where cuts -- the fact of which is hardly an issue given the current global economic situation -- should be made. We can all say that city council members, the mayor, commissioners, and so forth should take pay reductions or reduce their staffs. But that's a cheap shot. And, while some people work for the city because out of a feeling of social responsibility, and others because it's a cushy job, the fact is that to attract competent people the pay must be competitive with other ways to make a living. So, what should take hits of various amounts? Schools? Libraries? Trash collection? Snow plowing? The police? The district attorney? The fire fighters? LI? The various welfare service agencies? The human relations commission? The historical commission? The city planning commission? Common Pleas Court? The Septa contribution? City Council? The Water Department? PGW? ... etc ... There are good arguments to maintain any of these (even ones I personally can live without). How would you prioritize them? Something to think about before getting passionate about one -- say libraries -- and not thinking about the broader implications. And, something to think about before the new president takes office and starts getting the same flack being sent to Mayor Nutter for doing what he has to do and making hard choices (that we elected him to make) that are calculated to displease at least somebody -- and possibly everybody. Al Krigman Left of Ivan Grozny **Get the Moviefone Toolbar. Showtimes, theaters, movie news more!(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1212774565x1200812037/aol?redir=htt p://toolbar.aol.com/moviefone/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown0001)
Re: [UC] From today's edition of METRO
Is this true? Frank On Nov 12, 2008, at 08:16 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tom Lussenhop, a partner in Hersha
[UC] FOUND: female pitbull (46thSpringfld)
from craigslist:female pitbull found - West Philadelphia (4600 Springfield Ave., Philadelphia)Reply to:[EMAIL PROTECTED][?]Date: 2008-11-11, 9:44PM ESTSweet female pitbull found at corner of 46th and Springfield in West Philadelphia on November 10th. She is white with brindle spots. She has a collar but no tags. Please contact me if she's yours.
[UC] RE: [UC-Announce] Email me for a copy of the Stop the Closure of 11 Libraries petition; then get signatures!
Yes! Please email me a copy of the petition. Thanks for making this so easily available! Cindy Cassel -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 3:33 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; univcity@list.purple.com; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [UC-Announce] Email me for a copy of the Stop the Closure of 11 Libraries petition; then get signatures! Yesterday I stopped into the Walnut West branch of the Free Library and picked up a copy of the petition, which I've scanned. I can't attach it to an email to these entire lists, but I can send it individually to anyone who wants it. My suggestion is that we go out on our blocks and get as many neighbors as possible to sign copies of it, as quickly as possible, probably within the next 7 daysand then give them all to Beth Ann Johnson of the Friends group to hand in together. Will you help out? Neighbors, or folks who work in University City, or anyone you run into who lives ANYWHERE in the city, can sign. Email me and I'll send you the scanned petition. It has a space for you to write in Library Branch. Not sure what the intention was here - folks signing at Walnut West are writing Walnut West - but it seems that it would be more useful to write in the name of the library closest to you, which is slated to close. So, if you live or work in Powelton, write Durham. (Full name: Charles L. Durham Branch. See it online at http://libwww.freelibrary.org/branches/branch.cfm?loc=DUR) if you live or work in other parts of University City, write Kingsessing. (see it online at http://libwww.freelibrary.org/branches/branch.cfm?loc=KNG) if you live or work in another area of the city, check yesterday's Inquirer for the locations of the branches to be closed, and write in the one closest to your area. Beth Ann Johnson is cc'd above - please email her with any questions, and cc the rest of us if you think it's something we'll all need to know more about. When the petitions are completed, please drop them off to me any time, through the mail slot at either my house, 1006 S. 46th St. (stone house between Springfield Baltimore) or my work office in Powelton, address shown below. Or call me (cell # below) and I'll call pick them up. I'll check with Beth Ann to see if they can be dropped off directly to her mail slot also. Please help! It's not hard to get a few signatures; think of how many we could get, if everyone on these listservs got just one page (16 signatures, in addition to signing it yourself)or more! - Melani Lamond In a message dated MONDAY, 11/9/08 2:54:48 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: READ today's Inquirer. the mayor not only intends to close Kingsessing library but also 10 others, all in poor neighborhoods. I have already attended one meeting with the Friends of the Free Library. We will fight for all libraries. The intent is not just to close, but also seal the buildings and land. Permanently our city's neighborhoods all be poorer for thisand who is to say that next year they will not want close 11 more Walnut West Library already has petitions in house awaiting your signatures. Other libraries will have them soon. Do that in addition to calling/writing city council and the mayor. Beth Ann Johnson Friends of Walnut West Library Melani Lamond, Associate Broker Urban Bye, Realtor 3529 Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104 cell phone 215-356-7266 - office phone 215-222-4800 #113 personal fax 215-386-1345 This e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify us by replying to the original message at the listed e-mail address. Thank You. ** AOL Search: Your one stop for directions, recipes and all other Holiday needs. Search Now. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1212792382x1200798498/aol?redir=htt p://searchblog.aol.com/2008/11/04/happy-holidays-from-aol-search/?ncid=emlcn tussear0001)
[UC] This Sunday: Ionic Bonding - An evening of drums and saxophone duos @ Gojjo Bar and Restaurant
SCIFIPHILLY @ GOJJO Sunday, November 16, 8pm (DJ hi-res starts spinning at 7pm) IONIC BONDING: An evening of drums and saxophone duos benefiting Neighborhood Bike Works Sam Belkowitz Hilary Baker Ricardo Lagomasino Dan Scofield Julius Masri guest George Korein Aino Soderheim Kevin Diehl Terry Lawson Eugene Lew Matt Lee Toshi Makihara Jon Barrios Scott Verrastro Elliot Levin Alex Maio Thomas Razler Ian Ash Matt Merewitz Dan Pell Heath Watts Andrew Rogers Alex Ullman Eli Litwin Dave Fishkin Mike Pietrusko Maxfield Gast Dave Flaherty Drew Ceccato Tony Catastrophe Jon Thompson Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Avenue Only $5 http://ionicbonding.hungrymonsters.net/ http://neighborhoodbikeworks.org/ http://www.scifiphilly.com/ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.9.0/1779 - Release Date: 11/10/2008 7:53 AM
[UC] From today's edition of METRO
Developing situations: Place for parents, patients by solomon d. leach / metro philadelphia NOV 12, 2008 UNIVERSITY CITY. Families visiting the University of Pennsylvania or either of the university’s hospitals could soon be taking solace in a new extended-stay hotel in University City. Campus Apartments, a campus-housing developer, and Hersha Hotels plan to start construction on a 10-story Hilton Homewood Suites at 40th and Pine Streets early next year. The project got a $2 million loan last week from the state’s Building Pennsylvania program, which invests in development that will create good-paying construction jobs. The project still needs approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustments as it seeks to adapt the David Leas Mansion, but has already gotten the thumbs up from the Planning Commission and conceptual approval from the Philadelphia Historical Commission. “With all the extended stay demand generated by the health system, Penn and [Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania], that’s why we’re developing this property where we are,” said Tom Lussenhop, a partner in Hersha. The 115-room hotel, which will feature spacious rooms with kitchens, is pushing ahead despite the economic downturn because it depends on business from the hospitals and universities, which is year-round, Lussenhop noted. Some neighbors complained the hotel would steal scarce parking from residents, while others feared the owners might turn the building to a rental property if the hotel failed. Developers said neither of those would happen, pointing to a deal with three parking garages in the area for 75 spaces and a long lease with Hilton. John Farnham, head of the Historical Commission, said the hotel would fix up the aging building, which was considered an excellent Colonial house. **AOL Search: Your one stop for directions, recipes and all other Holiday needs. Search Now. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1212792382x1200798498/aol?redir=http://searchblog.aol.com/2008/11/04/happy-holidays-from -aol-search/?ncid=emlcntussear0001)
