Author: Gil

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Frankford Transportation Center Transit-Oriented Development

From the Frankford Community Development Corporation:

The Frankford Transportation Center Transit-Oriented Development at Frankford and Pratt is on schedule to begin demolition and construction later this year! You can look forward to 132 affordable apartments, ranging from studios to 3-bedroom units; a new supermarket; and a 40,000 sq. ft. City health center.

On June 5, 2025, Philadelphia City Council voted to approve funding of the health center project up to $21 million! We want to thank our councilperson, Quetcy Lozada, for her unwavering support of this project and sponsorship of the bill.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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It’s Easy to See

IT’S EASY TO SEE

I’m not mad and I’m not upset; this is a day I will never forget.
Dinner for two, late movie shows, long walks on the Avenue.
I’m lost without you, and it’s easy to see, I’m lost without you.
Long walks in the rain, playing games kicking sand, one on one shooting Hoops in the high school gym.
I’m lost without you, and it’s easy to see, I’m lost without you.
Will you ever come back to me. Movies make me so sad, when all I can do is stare at the screen, and think of you, and visions of us walking hand and hand down Lovers Lane, shooting stars up over our head.
These are the things I will always miss and never forget.
What I need is one last tender kiss, this is one of the things I will surely miss.
I’m not mad and I’m not upset, I’m just lost – without you.

BY LENNY JAYNES

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Memorial Day 2025

We wrote these books to keep the memory of their sacrifice alive.

“Frankford Heroes, 3rd Edition: Small town patriotism in a big city neighborhood“ by Robert F. Smiley and Richard W. Johnson

click on image to order

“Heroes of Frankford High School” by Robert F. Smiley and Patricia M. Smiley

Click on image to order

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Pete Specos

Pete Specos, who served so many in our area in so many different capacities, passed away on April 16,2025.

I met Pete Specos in December 2009 while reporting for the Frankford Gazette. At the time, I knew him simply as “the zoning guy” for the Frankford Civic Association. But as I looked back through the archives and found sixteen pages filled with Pete’s name and contributions, I realized just how much more he truly was — not just to our community, but to everyone whose life he touched.

Pete was a pillar of civic life in Frankford. He didn’t just show up — he gave, tirelessly and humbly, day after day. His work with the Frankford Civic Association was only the beginning. He served with heart and conviction through the Philadelphia Police PDAC, Keep the Faith in Frankford, and countless other community efforts that were rarely seen but always felt.

What made Pete truly special was the joy he found in giving. Whether it was preparing spaghetti for Dining with Dignity at St. Mark’s, firing up the big hot dog grill for the Mayfair parade, or transforming his home into a beacon of Christmas spirit with a dazzling light display each December — Pete gave with enthusiasm, energy, and love.

His Christmas lights didn’t just brighten his block — they lit up hearts. That was Pete. If every person gave just a tenth of what Pete gave, the world would be a far better, kinder, and more compassionate place.

Pete Specos was a good man — a generous man — and Frankford will not be the same without him. But we are better for having known him, and his legacy of service and joy will live on in the streets he walked, the lives he touched, and the community he loved.

Rest in peace, Pete. You lit up more than just the sky — you lit up our lives.

A memorial Service for Pete will on Saturday, May 17,2025 at St Marks Church. 4442 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19124.The service will start at 11:00 am followed by a pot luck luncheon in the church Hall. The parking lot entrance is on Griscom ST. The Church entrance is on Frankford Ave.

Condolences may be sent to: Helen McCollum, 4287 Orchard St, Philadelphia, PA  19124

 

Bob Smiley