Breaking news from West Frankford Town Watch:

Around 10:15 Thursday, police became involved in a pursuit when they heard gunshots near the 1500-block of Bridge Street in Frankford. They came upon a group of males, one of whom had a gun. Despite warnings from the officer, the male, whose name and age have not been released, refused to show his hands. continue reading »

Three of the original Safety Ambassadors and their supervisor, with Mayor Michael Nutter and Frankford Services District Executive Director Tim Wisniewski during the program's announcement in June, posing on Frankford Avenue near Orthodox Street. Photo by Bill Achuff. Click to enlarge.

The Safety Ambassadors Program in Frankford is growing, despite one source of its revenue remaining uncertain at the month’s end.

Last week, a two-person ‘detail’ team and another two ambassadors joined the revived program that patrols the Frankford Avenue corridor. Where the now six  Safety Ambassadors walk the avenue — escorting patrons, talking to shop owners and maintaining a consistent uniformed presence — the detail team will work to remove graffiti, trash and grime.

“We are making an impact on the avenue for very little cost to the businesses that are trying to survive there,” said Tim Wisniewski, the Frankford Civic Association treasurer and executive director of the Frankford Special Services District, which is funded by assessments totaling between $70,000 and $80,000 on the businesses that are within the 4100- and 5300-blocks of Frankford Avenue, from Adams Avenue to Bridge Street.

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Friday -- It was reported over the weekend that Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz’s office was threatened Wednesday. Northeast resident Jesse Keel, 44, called Schwartz’s office Wednesday to report a problem. When he felt the answer he received wasn’t helpful, Keel reportedly threatened the congresswoman. Though he was discharged from a hospital, Keel will now undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he can stand trial. continue reading »

Frankford Arsenal will be home to a 500,000-square foot shopping center.

When the Frankford Arsenal reopened in 1984, neighborhood groups insisted the compound’s history — dating back to the War of 1812 — be preserved.

Now with plans for a 500,000-square foot shopping center, developers insist the Arsenal’s historical structures will remain intact. continue reading »

Community leaders in Frankford announced this week a weekend event called Take Back the Night.

On Friday, July 23, District Attorney Seth Williams, along with Frankford residents, business owners and neighborhood organization leaders, will walk from the Frankford Terminal at Bridge and Pratt streets to the Margaret-Orthodox stop along the El to “reclaim the streets of Frankford. continue reading »

UPDATE: Four people were hospitalized, including a 21-year-old male, who was shot in the neck and face. He remains in critical condition at Aria Health-Torresdale, while three others were treated for non-life threatening injuries at Aria Health – Frankford.

West Frankford Town Watch President Mike Mawson called a few minutes ago with breaking news:

Six people were shot at a bar at Bridge and Darrah streets in Frankford. While the conditions of the victims remain unknown, three were transported to Aria Health, and three were taken to Aria Health-Torresdale. There’s no word yet on how the incident unfolded.

Twenty children were taken to the hospital Friday afternoon following a bus accident.  A sedan rear-ended the school bus the children were on on their way home from school at Castor Avenue and Benner Street. None of the children had life-threatening injuries, but were treated at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Aria Health-Frankford and Einstein Medical Center. continue reading »

The Sanctuary Salon's models applaud the work of their hairstylist, Tiffany Bryant.

Hairstylists Tiffany Bryant, Lisa Woodley and Chanta Barrett put the finishing touches on their models’ makeup and hair behind a big curtain last Saturday night right before their models took the stage. Soon thereafter, the youthful participants strutted down the aisles and onto the runway at the second annual Hair Fashion Show.

The event, which was held at 2154 Bridge St. in Frankford, featured three local salons that hoped to demonstrate their professional work and creativity.

Lisa Woodley, a third-generation hairstylist and owner of North Philadelphia’s LSW Hair Designs, enjoyed participating in this year’s show. Woodley expected the event to have a positive impact on business.

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to come out and see a salon showcase their work,” Woodley said. “This will help us get more clients.” continue reading »

Fifteen years ago, the Thriftway at Bridge and Pratt streets in Frankford installed a fence at the front of the store.

At the time, the poles were used as a way to deter customers from walking off with shopping carts, but now, several wheelchair-reliant Frankford residents are protesting.

A crowd gathered outside the supermarket Tuesday, demanding that the locked gate, which is operated by a guard, be left open at all times to allow for better access for wheelchair-bound shoppers. continue reading »

Police are investigating a fatal accident that left a pedestrian dead last night.

According to a report from Action News, a pedestrian was struck at the intersection of Bridge Street and Summerdale Avenue around 7 p.m. when he walked into an oncoming vehicle’s path. The driver remained at the scene, and the victim was pronounced dead when authorities arrived.

The incident appears to have been accidental.