The Wesolowski family of Mayfair enjoys a meal at the newly renovated Burholme Golf and Family Entertainment Center. Photo/G. E. Reutter

The humidity was high, temperature scorching and sun blistering on this July afternoon but it couldn’t keep the crowd away from the grand opening of the Burholme Golf and Family Entertainment Center at 401 Cottman Ave.

“This is good for the neighborhood and generates funds for the park system,” Deputy Mayor Michael DiBerardinis said at the opening. continue reading »

This is a follow-up story to our  coverage in “District 172: The Politics of Change after State Rep. John Perzel,” a collaborative effort with Philadelphia Neighborhoods funded by J-Lab.

If any assumption was ever made about the Northeast, by any Philadelphian, it would be its position as a younger brother to Center City Philadelphia, not unlike Philadelphia in comparison with New York. However, Mayfair Civic Association President Joe DeFelice said that was an image his neighborhood aimed to defy.

One year ago, after and extreme fundraising effort, DeFelice met with NEast Philly to discuss the renovation and reopening of the Mayfair Memorial Playground. At the time, Mayfair was struggling with the recent political changes caused by the indictment of Pennsylvania House 172nd District’s Rep. John Perzel. The indictment, coupled with a downturned economy, forced the district into a difficult era.

State grants, which were freely given in previous years, dried up. Pennsylvania voted in a Republican governor and a Republican majority who created serious budgetary constraints. In the 172nd District freshman Rep. Kevin Boyle was elected in 2010. continue reading »

Al Taubenberger at the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. File Photo/Morgan Zalot

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with comments from incumbent Pa. Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-172nd).

State Rep. Kevin Boyle has already announced his re-election bid for the 172nd Legislative District.

And if Al Taubenberger accepts the endorsement the Republican City Committee has offered, the two will square off in the general election.

Taubenberger, of Burholme, told NEast Philly today he’s still considering the endorsement and weighing whether he’ll run. We spoke with him after the Public Record reported he’d already decided to enter the race. continue reading »

From left, Northeast GOP candidates for city council-at-large: Al Taubenberger, Denny O'Brien, Joe McColgan. Photo by Pamela Seaton.

With the fall election season underway seven City Council At-Large candidates came together recently at the WHYY studio for a political debate that, considering the stakes of the upcoming election, was a testament to measured, thoughtful politics. With seven participants in attendance – five Republicans and two Democrats – the debate covered everything from Occupy Philadelphia to the transparency of government to specific questionable activities of each candidate.

Three of the candidates – Dennis O’Brien, Al Taubenberger and Joe McColgan – have certain characteristics in common: they’re all Republicans and they all come from the Northeast. They all have a specific plan that stems from their experience in their home districts, whether it be education reforms or plans for rejuvenating local businesses. continue reading »

The Somerton Civic Association met for its regular monthly meeting Tuesday to discuss a variety of issues within the community. The first issue addressed was the recent resignation of the association’s vice president, Michael Smith. The board encouraged members to step up and put themselves in the running for the position. Whoever is elected will serve until June 2012, when elections for the entire board will take place. “We would love to see some new blood,” Pat Cantwell remarked.

The board also thanked everyone who participated in the Community Day event last month. The only issue with the event was that the members wished they had more time to plan the festivities. It was noted that if there is a Community Day in 2012, it would be held in the beginning of October.

Officer Rich Simon spoke to the association about recent criminal activity in the area. In the last month there have been 11 burglaries, either physical or attempted.

“Keep your windows and doors locked. Be vigilant,” warned Simon. One patron expressed concern about the delayed response time of police officers to the area when called.

“It took 2 ½ hours for an officer to respond to my call,” said the upset community member, who would not go into specifics of the issue. Another issue brought to attention was the sighting of teenagers partying around the Red Lion Bridge on nights and weekends. Simon urged community members to document any incidents by calling 911. A complete video of Officer Simon’s report is available below. continue reading »

Essay contest winners and their parents celebrate with Mayor Michael Nutter and GNPCC President Al Taubenberger. Photo courtesy of Rising Sun Plaza.

Rising Sun Plaza honored 16 Northeast students last lost month in its annual My Mom’s/Dad’s the Greatest Essay Contest . Students ranging in age from 8 to 18 were chosen for their creativity and originality in essays acknowledging their parents’ dedication by supporting their belief that their mom or dad is the greatest.

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PGW President and CEO Craig White is the keynote speaker at Thursday's conference.

TD Bank and Community Integrated Services are cosponsoring the first-ever Northeast Small Business Conference this Thursday at the Community College of Philadelphia’s new Center for Small Business Education Growth and Training [map].

The day-long conference includes breakfast and lunch, as well as panel discussions and workshops to help small business owners during tough economic times. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. A full schedule and details are below. continue reading »

Eight of Philadelphia’s City Council-at-large candidates were at last Wednesday’s Holme Circle Civic Association meeting. We’ll be interviewing them over the next few weeks, but below are their short introductions of themselves. continue reading »

L to R: City Councilman Brian O’Neill, State Rep. Brendan Boyle, Sen. Stack, Cranaleith Director Sister Mary Trainer, RSM (in the driver’s seat), Sister Christine McCann, RSM (President of the Sisters of Mercy, Mid-Atlantic Community), former state Rep. George Kenney, Cranaleith Board Member Tom Trainer, and Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce President Al Taubenberger

State Sen. Mike Stack joined former State Rep. George Kenney on April 15 to present a significant state grant that will help expand the Cranaleith Education and Conference Center.

The $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant will go toward the $3.3 million project to renovate the existing barn into a welcome center and construct a conference center, a lodge with overnight accommodations and a chapel. Stack and Kenney each secured $500,000 in RACP funds. continue reading »