The Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) acting on behalf of the Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) accepted the bid of Seravalli, Inc. to construct the first phase of the Torresdale Avenue Project (TAP).

The initial phase increases the lighting to the avenue. With new, shorter lamp posts called “pedestrian poles” in the Tacony business district, more light will be shed on the avenue’s sidewalks and storefronts. This design promotes safety and security at night. Hanging flower baskets on the lamp posts will also serve to beautify the landscape. Work is set to begin this summer and the second phase, which includes intersection and crosswalk improvements, will go out to bid shortly after.

“It’s exciting that after years of the concept and design process we will finally break ground on $2 million worth of improvements to Torresdale Avenue,” said MARC President John Byrne. “We really must thank our elected officials – Councilwoman Joan Krajewski (D-6), state Representative Michael McGeehan (D-173), and Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz (D-13) for their help in securing the funding for this project.”

On Thursday, May 22 at Curran’s Irish Inn, 6900 State Road, 6pm-10pm, MARC celebrates this and other achievements, such as the new SEPTA Loop at Cottman and Torresdale avenues, with their third annual fundraiser. Join the festivities, including food, drinks and door prizes. Tickets are just $30 and the proceeds will be used to improve the community.

MARC is a non-profit community revitalization organization in Tacony, Wissinoming, East Mayfair, Holmesburg and East Torresdale. For more information, please contact 215-332-MARC or visit www.marc-cleansweep.com.

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Edward J. Vassallo
Director of Media & Public Relations
Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC)
www.marc-cleansweep.com

I saw a picure of those lightposts on your website. They look AWESOME !!

I'll try and make it to Currans on thursday, although unfortunately right now I have work scheduled. If I can move it around I'll be there. Thanks for the heads up.

Imagine all the new bright lighting that will be shed upon all the nail salons, dollar stores, chinese rest. and pizza joints. Congrats to all the pols mentioned it sure beats the hell out of adressing trivial problems like crime, drugs, out of town landlords and riverfront development.

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RE-ELECT DAVID OH COUNCIL AT LARGE 2011

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Actually, studies show the increased lighting decreases crime and drug-related activity. This is why MARC chose lighting as the first phase of the Torresdale Avenue Project.

The added light will also highlight some of the $100,000 worth of facade improvements that MARC made to 22 local businesses.

Thank you for your input and I hope to see concerned neighbors, such as yourself, at the fundraiser to support further revitalization efforts throughout the community.

__________________
Edward J. Vassallo
Director of Media & Public Relations
Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC)
www.marc-cleansweep.com

I dissagree

I think that by adding these things it will show these thugs that the peope in Mayfair DO care that they want to keep the area nice. It's once you abandon the area and give up that these undesireables creep in. Once we get a good flow going, we can chase these salons and pawn shops right on outta here.

I agree. The lights look very nice. Appearance counts, IMO.

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I know your intentions are good, but you must be very naive if you think putting up nice lamp posts and flowers are going to do a damn thing to help the neighborhood. It will look good for a couple of weeks, maybe even months, but the monsters that slowly are creeping up the ave will have their way with them. The future seems pretty bleak for Torresdale ave to me... after watching it's continuous decline over the past decade or so. All those lights will do is give the prostitutes a little more light to do their work. Sounds fab...

Ok Ok, I know many of you will disagree and bash my post.

I don' think anyone here want ot bash anyone. I think we're all here because we care about the area and want to see it improved.

We're all aware of the problems creeping into the neighborhood, and I think that by dressing the neighborhood up it'll make the current neighbors think twice about leaving once they see that they aren't alone in their fears and that someone IS doing something !! Hopefully the realtors will see it as well and think twice before renting out and selling to trash.

You can't just sit around and wait for it to take care of itself. I applaud the idea and welcome it with open arms. I love the brick crosswalks as well. I think they look awesome !!

Whether you think this will help the neighborhood or not, doing nothing absolutely won't. And, MARC's not about to give up.

Thank you for your input and I hope to meet concerned neighbors, such as yourself, at the fundraiser to support further revitalization efforts throughout the community.

Remember, it's Thursday, May 22, 6pm-10pm at Curran's Irish Inn, 6900 State Road. The admission donation is only $30. If you need directions or a ride, just let me know.

__________________
Edward J. Vassallo
Director of Media & Public Relations
Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC)
www.marc-cleansweep.com

Is there a list of the stores along Torresdale Ave. anywhere?

The only stores I know of on Torresdale are DiNofa's (excellent, btw) and Smith's hardware. What else is down there?

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United we stand. Divided we fall.