Tag: frankford cdc

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Guest Editorial from Santi Long

If you’re from the Frankford area of Philadelphia, you know how much of a 360 the neighborhood has done. The stable, family oriented, supportive, pleasant , strong, one of a kind neighborhood has been drained of its substance. Frankford originals can vouch for the many avenue activities year round, the best cheer leading team for a neighborhood high school, anticipation for football season confident in the Pioneers and Chargers, Post 224 Day and even Annual Frankford Day!

 

Unfortunately the positives the neighborhood upheld so respectfully seems overpowered by the negatives nowadays. The evident change in dynamic; many killings, parks not being safe, the avenue now filled with street fights, new faces, and togetherness that has turned into gossip, only emulates how outsiders visualize the neighborhood.

Believe it or not the neighborhood is still filled with many talents, young entrepreneurs and recognizable aspects but without the help of the community, Frankford will forever be “just another hood” in Philadelphia. One way to begin prevention is the unanimous mindset to put forth change. We may not get back the fruit man who would drive around yelling “straaaaawberries” through a blow horn or the Salvation Army reopened but a minor change can be a major step into a new direction.

The Frankford CDC (Community Development Corporation) is a non-profit corporation who is trying to raise money for finishing renovation on their building located on Paul Street. Not only are they guaranteeing a cleaner enhanced looking environment but a next door center for community activities, a fresh feel building for operation and community improvement.

Despite reaching out for contributions the company is reported to have “tremendous progression” and has made very important connections with established company’s and individuals who have the power to boost the neighborhood one step at a time.

If you want to take part in improving Frankford, CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND CONTRIBUTE! Update posts will be visible to monitor the money being made as well! Anything is a step closer to where we as community should be. Help the cause, don’t just wait to watch!  Let’s build Frankford back to new.

https://www.crowdrise.com/frankford-community-development-annual-capital-campaign/fundraiser/bobsmiley

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Low Life Thieves Steal Sign for the Second Time

Sometimes you have to tell it like it is.  There is no excuse for being a bum.

The Frankford CDC reports that the “Welcome to Frankford” sign, which was installed in Womrath Park, was stolen for a second time this past weekend.
womrath-sign

The sign is part of the Destination Frankford wayfinding signage project, meant to replace the old signs along the El and to mark gateways to the Frankford neighborhood. This particular sign was originally installed in November, only to be stolen several months later.

It was finally replaced last week, on Thursday, September 22, and by Monday, September 26, it was gone again. Given the cost of fabrication, installation, and replacement ($7,700 initially and $3850 for replacement), they are unable to replace the sign at this time.

welcome-to-frankford

Gateway sign at the Frankford Transportation Center

The gateway sign at the Frankford Transportation Center is still in place and the CDC will be replacing the street name signage on the El structure as soon as  arrangements with the City and SEPTA are finalized.

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Frankford CDC Awarded Grant for Transportation Study

Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development awarded the Frankford CDC a grant of $132,755 from their Multimodal Transportation Fund to go toward a transportation study of the transit-oriented development site near the Frankford Transportation Center.

The Frankford CDC is pleased to announce that in July 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development selected the CDC as one of 103 awardees from across the state for a grant from their Multimodal Transportation Fund. The award of $132,755 will go toward a transportation study of the area around the Frankford Transportation Center, SEPTA surface employee parking lot at Griscom and Pratt Streets, and the parcel at Frankford Avenue and Pratt Street where SEPTA is currently constructing their ancillary control center and employee facilities.

This study will be a crucial part of the Frankford CDC’s pre-development work on a transit-oriented development project. SEPTA’s Board issued a Finding of Special Opportunity this past fall giving permission for their employee parking lot and part of the parcel fronting Frankford at Pratt Street to be used for a development including a new fresh food market and small retail. SEPTA is currently drafting an RFP, with input from the Frankford CDC, that will be modeled after the 69th Street project.

Please feel free to reach out to Ellie Devyatkin at the Frankford CDC by phone (215-743-6580) or email (edevyatkin@frankfordcdc.org) with any questions.

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Frankford Business and Professsional Association: Taking Care of Your Business

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Heather Hanowitz, PIDC, addresses the April 2016 meeting of the FBPA

Bob and I have been to the last two meetings of the Frankford Business and Professional Association (FBPA) and I have been duly impressed with the content and resources of the bi-monthly programs. This is an organization that is serious about business and yours in particular! The FBPA meets bimonthly at Aria Frankford and I expect they need to be thinking about larger space because the meetings are overflowing. Today’s economy is so volatile that I’m convinced we have to be able to create our own jobs and our children will, too! Thus, connecting with others and learning what resources are out there is critical to your success. The FBPA is “a membership-based coalition of stakeholders that strive to stimulate economic development and provide support to the local business community of Frankford”.1 Members are business owners, entrepreneurs (a growing group), community organizations (Keep the Faith in Frankford), the service industry, religious leaders and neighborhood residents. That’s quite a coalition! You fit in this group!

April’s meeting agenda:

  • A presentation by Heather Hanowitz, Vice President, Market Manager, Commercial Business for the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, (PIDC), whose motto is “Driving growth to every corner of Philadelphia”. Well, we have a nice long stretch of avenue and we’re ready. There are workshops for legacy businesses – family businesses passing on to the next generation and working capital and equipment financing monies at relatively low interest rates – 6.25%. In 2014, PIDC reports that they financed area businesses with over $1 billion.
  • Alice G. Dungee-James, MCA, Assistant Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) in Philadelphia explained how to do business with the City through contracts and bids for work and selling your goods and services. Do you know what the city spends and all the different types of materials and services they buy? There’s a good chance the city needs what you have and you want a piece of that pie!! To get started, here’s the link – and if you’re a woman, a minority or disabled, there is no registration fee. City Registration Process! Once you’re certified and registered, the City’s department refers to the this list for procurement purposes. Ms. Dungee-James was very informative and her contact information is on the registration link if you need help. Alice also gave us two tips:
    • Here’s the list of agencies that will certify your business. It pays to shop around, it was mentioned New Jersey charges $100.00
    • It’s important to know your NAICS code for your industry because procurement (buying) orders are based on that code. It’s a good idea to put that code on your business cards.
  • We also heard from Jonathan Synder, Senior Manager, Commercial Corridor regarding the Storefront Improvement Program. Jonathan was “pitch hitting” for Giana Lawrence who had a scheduling conflict. I was really impressed with the transformation of some of these buildings. The program will reimburse you up 50% for exterior improvements that you make up to $10,000 for a store front and $15,000 for multiple addresses or a corner store. Your property must be between 1200 – 3100 Frankford Ave. and 4000-5300 Frankford Ave. There is also an InStore Program that is a “loan forgiveness” plan loaning you the money for equipment and supplies to expand your existing business or adding another location. Their latest online application states 4000-5300 Frankford Avenue businesses are eligible. 6200-8500 Frankford Avenue in Mayfair is eligible, too, if you would like to pass that on. Several Avenue businesses have taken advantage of this program. Once you’ve decided to apply, you’re assigned a Relationship Manager who will walk you through the process. If you want to take advantage of these programs, don’t do any work until you’ve been approved for it. Giana’s contact information is on the website.
  • The new 15th Police District Captain, Anthony Luca, along with Officer Matt Crosson, Community Relations, and Officer Sean Kennelly, who just received a PDAC award for his work solving crimes with a focus on burglaries. There was much discussion regarding loitering that businesses much cope with, recent robberies at fast food restaurants. The Captain responded that if 911 calls are not getting responses after several calls, ask for a supervisor. I know that the city establishes a priority response system and what you are calling about might not demand the quickest response. So you’ll have to use your judgement. But this is good to know for the times that require immediate response and it’s not happening.
  • The FBPA is hosting a Spring Networking Mixer on May 19, 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Historical Society of Frankford. For more information , contact Ileana Garcia at igarcia.fcdc@gmail.com
  • There will also be a 3 mile fun run fundraiser in October to benefit the Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club and avenue businesses. More details will be forthcoming.

These are terrific ways to increase your business and your profits. Wouldn’t it be better for you to be there in person hearing about it? Membership is $60 annually and we would love to see join!

 

 

 

 

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New Members Join Frankford CDC Board

Frankford CDC wants to give a warm welcome to our two newest team members to help our community and organization grow even faster and stronger.

hakimHakim Singleton attended Delaware Valley College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting.  He worked for Citizens bank as a personal banker where he led the Center City Philadelphia region in total banker scorecards for three consecutive quarters and produced over $6 million dollars of mortgage volume and later as a Senior Loan Officer.  He also worked with Wells Fargo as a Home Mortgage Consultant until transitioning into his new position as a Loan Officer with Supreme Lending.
mollyMolly Skilton is the Vice President of Community Development Lending at Citizens Bank and has over 15 years of commercial banking experience. Prior to joining Citizens, Molly was with various banks in eastern and western Pennsylvania. Molly holds a degree in finance that was attained at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, her time is spent with family, traveling and volunteering.
The board is also composed of Gary McLaughlin (Chairman), Philip Balderston (Vice President), Michael Galdi (Treasurer), Nidia Mezalick (Secretary), Sandra Barry, Dr. Ayesha Imani and Brett Hart.