Updated 04/05
Need a roundup of the local news impacting Kensington?
Kensington Voice is publishing weekly news updates to increase community information. There will be a monthly roundup in our print newspaper, too.
Here’s this week’s roundup below.
WATER ADVISORY: On Sunday, the City of Philadelphia sent out a public safety alert recommending Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) customers use bottled water starting at 2 p.m. due to a chemical spill in the Delaware River. However, the recommendation to avoid drinking tap water was a precautionary measure since contaminants hadn’t been found in the water supply yet. A few hours later on Sunday, the City changed the recommended start time to 11:59 p.m. on Monday. City officials provided an update to the public at 5 p.m. on Monday and then again Tuesday morning. According to PWD, the tap water is safe to drink and use at least through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday due to the ongoing water quality testing and the water treatment process. The public will be notified of any changes immediately. PWD expects that the risk of contamination will be gone by Wednesday or Thursday. For more updates, go to www.phila.gov or visit our newsroom friends at Billy Penn.
MCVEIGH FESTIVAL: McVeigh Rec Center is hosting a spring festival this Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. Residents will get to see the design of the new building as part of the City’s Rebuild program. There will also be activities, including art, gardening, and a video booth for sharing stories about the old building. For more information, contact Erin Farrell at efarrell@impactservices.org.
NORRIS SQUARE PLAN: Norris Square Community Alliance is presenting the Norris Square Neighborhood Plan during a community meeting this Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. The meeting will be at The Children’s Center at 2011 N. Mascher St. There will be childcare and refreshments.
KV NEWSROOM: Impact Services and NKCDC put together a series of community-driven projects along Kensington and Indiana avenues. You can read about the Health & Wellness Corridors here.
24TH POLICE DISTRICT: This Wednesday at 6 p.m., you can attend a Town Hall Meeting with the new 24th Police District Captain Christopher Bullick. There will be a discussion on abandoned vehicles, crime, and other quality-of-life concerns. The event will take place at the Commonwealth Campus Athletic Center at 3254 Tulip St.
FREE ACTIVITY: McPherson Square Library will have a Chicken Storytime by the playground on April 14 at 2 p.m. (previously scheduled for April 6) in partnership with Hart Lane Farm’s Jessica Shoffner.
LAS PARCELAS MURAL: Norris Square Neighborhood Project and Mural Arts are collecting community feedback for the Las Parcelas Mural Project. The project is scheduled for this spring. You can fill out the community survey here.
KV NEWSROOM: If you’re confused about Kensington’s $7.5 million from the opioid settlement or the “Kensington Plan,” you’re not alone. We spent weeks clearing up the confusion between the City, Impact Services, and NKCDC. To read our comprehensive breakdown, click here.
PLAY CAPTAINS: Fab Youth Philly is hiring teens ages 15-19 to work as Play Captains this summer from July 10 to Aug. 17. The pay rate is $11/hr with a schedule of Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 1:30-7:30 p.m. Play Captains will work with other teens at playgrounds or Parks & Rec’s Playstreets locations. They will lead arts & crafts, games, and more. To apply, click here. For adults looking for summer jobs, go to Fab Youth Philly’s jobs page.
NEIGHBORHOOD GARDENS: It’s time to mark your calendars for some gardening. Iglesias Garden’s monthly “Second Saturday Workday” is on April 8, 12-4 p.m at 425 Arlington St. Norris Square Neighborhood Project’s monthly garden cleanups are every 4th Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers meet at Las Parcelas at 2248 Palethorp St. The Emerald Street Community Farm (1937 E. Dauphin St.) hosts farm days every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to sundown.
KV NEWSROOM: Ceiba’s coalition of Latine community-based organizations are engaging and informing North Philadelphia voters of all ages. Click here to learn about the coalition’s work and upcoming events.
Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Editors: Siani Colón Designer: Zari Tarazona
