Northwood Civic Association last week welcomed Jackie Ng, a community outreach specialist with the Water Department, and Sarah Clark Stuart, trails and transportation manager at the Department of Streets.
Ng discussed her department’s efforts on stormwater, specifically managing it so it does not overwhelm the sewer systems, causing pollution.
Ng handed out literature showing where green stormwater infrastructure projects are planned in the Northwood area. Projects consist of tree trenches, rain gardens, bumpouts and subsurface storage.
One woman did not like the planned stormwater bumpouts, labeling the ones already installed near Abraham Lincoln High School as “nothing but trashpits.”
Ng encouraged people to visit water.phila.gov/projects, where residents can sign up to follow specific projects. For information, they can call the customer hotline at 215-685-6300.
Stuart distributed a brochure on the streets department’s planned project for a Frankford Creek Greenway, from Ramona Avenue to Delaware Avenue, connecting the Tacony Creek Trail to the Delaware River Trail. Phases 1 and 2 are complete, with Phases 3 and 4 to come. Design will continue through next year, with construction resuming in 2027.
The goal of the project is to provide safe access to open space and recreational opportunities without the use of a motor vehicle. Womrath Park, Piccoli Playground and Tacony Creek Park will all have direct trail connections.
Stuart was joined by Rich Montanez, deputy commissioner of transportation at the streets department.
In other news from the June 17 meeting:
• The Emerald Tavern, 4690 Castor Ave., is closed due to a series of violations. Neighbors had complained about noise and parking issues. The site is the former Pat’s Cafe.
• The civic association is planning to place 41 banners along Castor Avenue, from Orthodox Street to Sanger Street, that read, “Welcome to Northwood.”
• About 40 people from a church in Minnesota will be visiting St. James Lutheran Church, Castor Avenue and Pratt Street, in late July to take part in community service projects. Food donations are being accepted. Contact Kim at 215-743-1828 or [email protected].
• The Frankford Community Development Corporation, 4667 Paul St., will present Painting with Chet from 6-8 p.m. on July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. Call Carmen at 215-743-6580 to register.
• State Sen. Tina Tartaglione will hold four community picnics in the summer. The schedule is Tuesday, July 29, at Bridesburg Recreation Center, 4625 Richmond St.; Thursday, July 31, at Mayfair Recreation Center, 2990 St. Vincent St.; Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Wissinoming Park, 5773-5945 Frankford Ave.; and Thursday, Aug. 7, at Norris Square Park, 2100 N. Howard St. Times are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children must be present to receive a backpack. There will be free refreshments, a DJ, back-to-school giveaways, games and face painting. Call 215-291-4653.
• The nonprofit Delivering Services with Love, 1900 Orthodox St., will host a summer camp for youths 18 and under weekdays through Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free lunch will be offered. Visit DSWL.org or email [email protected]. ••
