The newly formed group met for the first time and discussed future initiatives.
The newly formed Holmesburg Coalition held its first meeting earlier this month, with Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion CEO John Cambridge welcoming leaders from various community groups.
Cambridge, who heads the coalition, pointed to the City Planning Commission’s Philadelphia2035 growth plan, labeling it “fantastic.”
Cambridge also noted that neighboring Mayfair is benefiting from a business association and a Business Improvement District and Upper Holmesburg will soon see development on the former Liddonfield Homes housing project.
“We need a BID. We need a business association,” he said.
Among those in attendance were representatives of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the city Department of Commerce, Holmesburg Civic Association, the Boy Scouts, the state Department of Community and Economic Development, the police department, local elected officials and banks.
Sandi King, the longtime commerce department business service manager in the Northeast, seems excited by the coalition’s potential.
“I am extremely committed to this area. I need partners,” said King, encouraging calls to her office at 215–683–2100.
The Holmesburg Coalition will meet again on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. at the Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion. ••
