Upper Holmesburg residents study Holy Family University's early plans for the redevelopment of Liddonfield. Photo/Shannon McDonald

Of the 20 proposals awaiting consideration from the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the one from Holy Family University for the redevelopment of Liddonfield has the support of the Upper Holmesburg community.

If it wasn’t the speeches from Sr. Francesca Onley of HFU, 6th District Councilman Bobby Henon, developer John Parsons, Upper Holmesburg Civic Association President Stan Cywynski or UHCA board member Paul DeFinis, it was the applause and cheers from the 50-plus residents in attendance that proved the neighborhood is ready for a change.

Planning for Liddonfield’s future began early last year when the UHCA started working with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission to revitalize the neighborhood according to Philadelphia2035 goals.

“We were very practiced in our process, and that just may be our saving grace,” DeFinis said of his hopes that the effort Upper Holmesburg has made will be enough for the PHA.

With the help of politicians at the city, state and federal levels; a petition 4,000 signatures long; and support from the Holmesburg, Holme Circle, East Torresdale, Tacony and Morrell Park civic associations; the UHCA now waits to hear if the PHA will enter an agreement with Holy Family.

If that’s the case, John Parsons of BSI Construction (Island Green Country Club), outlined what he stressed are conceptual plans his development company has for the Liddonfield property at Torresdale Avenue and Megargee Street. continue reading »

Image/Google Maps

Fresh off the announcement that Fox Chase Cancer Center will merge with Temple University Health System, Holy Family University has announced its own partnership with the cancer treatment center.

With the start of the new year, the university will offer an exclusive RN-to-BSN program for FCCC staffers who want a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. continue reading »

It’s the day after Thanksgiving, which means it’s time for a NEast Philly tradition: our 12 Days of NEastmas holiday song.

This song, which first ran on Nov. 27, 2009, after we felt the Northeast really needed its own carol, has become a tradition.

You can click below for an instrumental version of the song, with our original NEast-y lyrics.  continue reading »

Sen. Stack (second from left) presents a $1.3 million grant to Holy Family University. With him are (L to R) Holy Family student Matthew Reese, Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Stephen Medvec, and President Sister Francesca Onley. Photo provided by the office of Senator Mike Stack.

From the office of Sen. Mike Stack:

State Sen. Mike Stack yesterday presented a significant state grant to Holy Family University.

The $1.3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital grant will go toward funding the recently completed structural improvements at the university’s library, including replacing windows, heating and air conditioning system and costly interior lights in order to become more energy efficient and reduce electric bills. continue reading »

Bruce Conner, front, with (L to R) Frank Hollingsworth, Lou Iatarola, Sam Katz, Jack McCarthy, Nancy Morozin and Rev. Paul Andel at the screening of Katz's documentary on Jan. 18. Photo by Hillary Shemin.

Holy Family University announces the establishment of the Bruce Conner Memorial Scholarship for History. The scholarship honors the memory of Bruce Conner, an alumnus of Holy Family University (class of 1976) and celebrates his passion for history, particularly local history. It will be awarded annually to one or more students majoring in history who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students involved in local history initiatives and activities.

Initial funding for the scholarship is being provided by the Trustees of Lower Dublin Academy, a local charitable organization established in 1794 to support educational activities. Friends of Bruce Conner and of Northeast Philadelphia history are encouraged to donate to the scholarship fund as well. continue reading »

Greater Philadelphia Northeast Chamber of Commerce President Al Taubenberger tours a SEPTA hybrid bus. Photo courtesy of GNPCC.

The following is an advertisement for the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

The Greater Northeast PhiladelphiaChamber of Commerce Annual “Business is Blooming” Expo will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Holy Family University, Frankford and Grant avenues in the Campus Center gymnasium. The Expo is open to the public, and admission is free. This revives a GNPCC tradition that opens the Expo to the community, rather than just businesses.

The event is expected to bring together nearly 100 businesses and nonprofits who will display their goods and services from a wide variety of industries. Exhibitor tables are available at $350 for members, $599 for non-members. Mayor Michael A. Nutter will officially kick-off the Expo at 2 p.m.

“This is the best opportunity you will have to maximize your market share,” said GNPCC President Al Taubenberger. “We are working very hard to create the optimum event for all businesses to showcase their products and services. And with the public invited for the first time in many years, we think it’s going to be a very busy day for our exhibitors.” continue reading »

Friday — Two women in their early 20s died Friday morning in a single-car crash in Somerton. Melissa Lees, 22, of the 800-block of Barlow Street; and Caitlin Hennessey, 23, died when their vehicle lost control at Byberry and Worthington Roads around 2 a.m. The 20-year-old driver of the car suffered non-life-threatening injuries and faces DUI charges. continue reading »

Friday – Police raided Lawndale Coin and Collectibles Friday morning, as it’s an apparent front for stolen jewelry and metals. Authorities believe owner Robert Snyder has been receiving stolen goods there, including items from 55 burglaries for which the perpetrator  was arrested in October. Snyder insists the Rising Sun Avenue store conducts legitimate business. continue reading »

For 30 days, willing students at Holy Family University are giving up Facebook. A small percentage of the student body is taking up the “Facebook Challenge” as a way to determine just how — and how often — they’re using the social networking site. continue reading »

Sam Katz. Photo by Hillary Shemin.

As part of the Northeast Philadelphia History Network‘s event last night at Holy Family University, former mayoral candidate Sam Katz was on hand with a preview of his documentary, Philadelphia: The Great Experiment.

continue reading »