State Rep. Jared Solomon held a news conference on Monday to declare the Castor Avenue Renaissance is “here to stay.”
The news conference took place outside On Charcoal, a Colombian restaurant at 6516 Castor Ave. (at Greeby Street).
Solomon was joined by David Caycedo, one of the owners of the 9-year-old establishment.
Other businessmen on hand were Orlando Jacome, owner of Tio Pepe, at Castor and Fanshawe Street for 15 years; Antowine Harris, owner of Murano, a deli that has been at Castor and Magee avenues for a decade; and Larry Karaournias, owner of the New Olympia House, a diner at 7242 Castor Ave.
Magaly Hernandez, of the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association, manages local business corridors, including the one on Castor Avenue.
“We have so much to offer,” she said.
Speakers pointed to, among other things, the lighting and trees at Murano and the outdoor dining at Murano, On Charcoal and Tio Pepe.
“Outdoor dining is for us here on Castor Avenue,” said Solomon, adding that it isn’t only for neighborhoods such as Center City and Northern Liberties.
Solomon said he and his wife often order takeout from On Charcoal and like the soup. He’s also a fan of the breakfast at Olympia House.
Jacome, of Tio Pepe, said a supermarket and convenience stores would add to the avenue.
Solomon, who took office in 2017, said he’s been focusing on commercial corridors for four years. He’s tried to make them safe, secure and clean, and tried to bring anchor properties.
The lawmaker played a role in bringing the 2nd Police District to Castor Avenue following its move from a location in the 15th district. In addition, state money helped the corridors hire a manager and street-cleaning firm, along with buying banners and BigBelly trash cans.
Other points of pride on Castor Avenue, he said, include the Toben Center, a jobs and education hub, and PATH, which offers behavioral health and intellectual disability services and is building a new headquarters at Castor and Cottman avenues.
Solomon said he was happy to see Castor Avenue continue to sustain its gains through the pandemic and is looking forward to more growth. ••
