About Philadelphia's East Kensington

You read it correctly. Realtors AGAINST selling Real Estate. It is unusual, we agree, but sometimes you just have to say NO to development in order to embrace progress.

We are talking about saying NO to selling and developing a piece of land located at Emerald Street and Dauphin Street in the East Kensington neighborhood close to Fishtown. This parcel of land if sold will be developed into a townhouse. That alone is not the problem. The issue is that this land is located smack dab in the middle of a community park and green space! Developing this parcel will destroy the best use for this land which is a public park that serves, beautifies, and unites the community.

We were speaking to local Realtor and President of the EKNA Jeff Carpinetta when he mentioned a project he is working on that is close to his heart. Saving Emerald Park. Jeff explained to us his efforts to save the appropriately named Emerald Park and we understood that we to had an ethical and moral responsibility as fellow professionals and community activists to lend a helping hand. We invited Jeff to speak to our entire office about saving Emerald Park at our most recent RE/MAX Access office meeting. Many of our agents work, live and or participate in this thriving community in some capacity. So, we opend the floor for Jeff to speak and educate us about what we can do to help.

The plan is for EKNA to buy the lot from the private seller. So far the EKNA has raised a little over $17,000 for the purchase but they need about $15,000 more to close the deal. Our RE/MAX Access office donated $1,000 toward the cause. Like the dazzling green gemstone, this green space is equally precious in the hearts and minds of this community. We encourage others to donate to Save Emerald Park even if it is $5. No donation is too small. Let our friends and neighbors in the East Kensington community know we hear their outcry and support their cause to protect this cherished green space.

Related:

Save Emerald Park!

[photo via Save Emerald Park Facebook]

A section of Emerald Park in East Kensington has been placed up for sale. The lot, which runs in the middle of the park, is to be developed into a townhouse, if the community cannot save it. The East Kensington Neighbors Association is asking that folks help them to purchase the lot and preserve Emerald Park.

You can donate today by emailing EKNACommunity@gmail.com or via the Paypal link on the EKNA website. Any amount helps!

[photo via EKNA]

In case you missed the East Kensington Neighbors Association Meeting, resident Lori Winkelman fills us in on what was discussed -- from the latest in real estate, festival happenings, and even a moment of appreciation for the local police district:

The most recent real estate development news is that US Construction will begin building a total of 21 new, 3-story, luxury homes along Trenton Ave., infilling along Susquehanna and Trenton Ave. They have the approval of our local zoning board to move forward with the project and building  is slated to begin right away. The homes will be in the $350-400,000 range.

Also in development news: The G-8 developers are completing the retrofit on  2045 E. York St., which went on the market 19 days ago for $264,000.  Neighbors are also saying that G8 is breaking ground on the last remaining corner of Amber and Susquehanna.

In other news, the  Trenton Ave.  Arts Festival will be on May 21st from 12-5pm.  In the past it has attracted over 4,000 visitors and artists/vendors from as far away as Canada. They are gearing up now and looking for food vendors, musicians and artists as well as volunteers. Anyone interested should contact Krista or Zak at eknaartsfest@gmail.com or 484-432-6703.

EKNA plans for 11 community clean-up events during 2011, and a member will be tracking all 311 complaints and streamlining resident requests to expedite the city's response time. Check out EKNA's Facebook Page for photos of clean-ups and other events.

The Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia had such a successful partnership with EKNA this past year with the unveiling of their first mural in our neighborhood that they are continuing the partnership this year and intend to continue to enhance public art in the neighborhood. EKNA will be officially registering to become a non-profit this year and has a number of plans on the table ranging from continuing to manage and maintain Emerald Park, to developing and selling a community cookbook, and maybe adding another festival in the fall geared to children and families.

It was vastly encouraging when our local police officers arrived to the meeting to take down complaints and concerns, and there were ZERO! I have been to those meetings where there is a list a mile long, but the residents for the first time ever said, "Keep up the good work, your presence is improving our neighborhood!"

I nearly fell out of my chair. :)

-Lori Winkelman

Lori currently has a home for sale at 1932 E. Arizona Street in the East Kensington/Fishtown area, which was featured last week on our Arizona Video Tour.  Check out the videos below!

The Arizona Video Tour:

The Arizona Video Tour: The Living Room at 1932 E. Arizona Street

The Arizona Video Tour: The Kitchen at 1932 E. Arizona Street

The Arizona Video Tour: The Loft at 1932 E. Arizona Street

The Arizona Video Tour: The Bedrooms at 1932 E. Arizona Street

The Arizona Video Tour: The Updated Bathroom at 1932 E. Arizona Street

What's new with PostGreen Homes? Check in with the modern-and-green construction masterminds (Skinny Project, Avant Garage) as they'll be previewing the Two Point Five Beta Project in East Kensington on January 6, 2011, from 3 - 8 PM. They'll also introduce their new company, Hybrid Construction, premiere their new kitchen line, and announce their first South Philly project. Refreshments will be served. Sounds like an exciting start to the year for the team at Postgreen.

This New Construction project is already sold out, but we welcome this inspired addition to the growing community of East Kensington.

You can RSVP for the Tour on the Facebook event page.

Two Point Five Beta

2061 E. Amber St.

Philadelphia, PA

[image via PostGreen]

My newest homeowner was gracious enough to film a video testimonial after her settlement this week. You can watch it here: http://www.raquelsellsphillyhomes.com/2010/11/meet-my-newest-homeowner-maryelis/