‘Philly Rising’ raises hope for Frankford

By John Loftus

Times Staff Writer

Ask people what their neighborhood needs from the city and their answer could be boiled down to one word: More.

Of everything.

But Deputy Managing Director John L. Farrell asked some Frankford residents last week to list specifically what they want to improve their neighborhood — while also stressing that city officials involved in the new Philly Rising program, which focuses on the delivery of neighborhood services across the city, will try to get those things without spending more money.

Everybody has heard often enough that the city is broke, he said. Farrell explained that he'll try to pair existing resources with people willing to volunteer to make things happen in their communities.

"You know what's better for your neighborhood better than we do," he said during his attendance at the Northeast EPIC Stakeholders meeting on March 31.

The goal of Philly Rising, Farrell added, is to bring lasting change to city neighborhoods, especially those with a demonstrated need.

"You make it happen," he said, noting that the only requirement is "motivated people willing to do some creative thinking."

As an example of this partnership, Farrell related how Philly Rising brought together an organization that donated some used computers to an adult education center in North Philly, which also benefited from local volunteers who were recruited to help staff it.

People who attended last week's EPIC Stakeholders meeting at Aria Health's Frankford campus had plenty of suggestions for community improvement:

• Attract more businesses to Frankford Avenue.

• Bring health education to children.

• Reopen the New Frankford Y, a community center that closed in 2009.

• Deliver more after-school programs.

• Help residents learn about the benefits they're entitled to and how to get them.

• Provide a place for teens to hang out and also get help with homework.

• Create more sports programs for youths.

• Prepare grant applications to seek private funding for local programs.

• Provide more street lighting.

• Pursue stricter zoning-code enforcement.

Now that he has a list of needs, Farrell told those at the meeting, he will arrange strategy sessions to help make those things happen. Those sessions will be soon.

"I'm not patient," he said.

The next Northeast EPIC Stakeholders meeting, scheduled for Thursday, April 28, will serve as a political forum for City Council and city commissioner candidates. The 5:30 p.m. session will be in the second-floor meeting room of Aria Health's Frankford campus, 4900 Frankford Ave.

Reporter John Loftus can be reached at 215-354-3110 or jloftus@bsmphilly.com