NorthCamden.Org » Planning

6000 Red Tulips To Be Planted On State Street!

Father Jeff — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:21:08 +0000

6000 Red Tulips will be planted the last week in October between the 700-300 blocks of State Street. This project is being organized by the State Street Fellowship–a group of organizations and community members who have come with the express purpose of betting these four blocks and to learn how to better work together. In conjunction with groups of volunteers from Campbell Soup.

An informational gathering was held this past Saturday at the future home of the Hopeworks C.R.I.B. and over 50 people were present, expressing interest in the bulbs, having their front porches painted, adding weather stripping to their front doors and helping with some painting of the 8 abandoned homes on the block.

Keep watching! Can you imagine what these four blocks will look like in April when 6000 red bulbs shoot forth?!!!!

Here are some pictures from our Saturday gathering:

North Gate Park Updates

Father Jeff — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:09:57 +0000

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With the meeting last week in Council President Fuentes office regarding North Gate Park, I thought it would be good to get some information out here. First, a schedule for repairing the park was presented (click here to see the schedule North Gate Park Renovation Schedule.) The schedule calls for the park to be completely refurbished by mid May. There were many concerns about the status of this schedule as it wasn’t clear how much the renovations will cost or where the money is coming from. Furthermore, the ongoing issues about park oversight were discussed. What made North Gate such a great park for so many was that there was 24/7 security present. This was great for helping to create a welcoming enviroment where many could enjoy the park. However, in the plans for the park, there is no discussion about this. It was clear from the discussion that Fairshare Housing needs to be in this discussion, as they ran the park so well for many years. Their presence and stewardship is missed!

I have uploaded images of North Gate Park below. It is hard to believe, even with full funding, that the proposed schedule can adequately address all the concerns in the park. Last summer the park was open and without a concerted effort by many, I fear the park will not be open this summer!

It seems to me the priorities need to be:

Sitdown with Fairshare Housing and see about continuing their stewardship of park
Securing funding for park rehabilitation (especially if there is money for Point Park then let’s make sure that North Gate gets completed)
Having the park opened for the summer
Speaking with one voice for North Camden—there are a lot of groups who seem to be acting here—DCCB, SOW Steering Committee, Ad Hoc groupings, etc.

Point Park Update

Father Jeff — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:45:39 +0000

[[Show as slideshow]]I attended a meeting last week in Council President Fuentes office that dealt with the conditions of North Gate Park. At the meeting, it was disclosed that the city is considering putting $110,000 into the park at Point and Erie. I have to say that I was surprised by this as the park is in terrible condition, surrounded by many abandoned homes and lacks any security/park oversight plan. I took some pictures and have uploaded them below. With all the discussions about North Gate Park, I am not sure why this park is being emphasized or how the park priorities are being made. The Point Street Park will take a major effort—it is surrounded by abandoned homes and is in complete disrepair. Furthermore, the whole security issue is present here. How will park oversight be conducted?