Is it Profit Over People?

Dear Eastwick Friend,

Welcome Back to the EFNC Newsletter!

Every Sunday, we bring you updates and insights on Eastwick and beyond. In our first four-week series, we’re connecting the devastating Southern California wildfires to Eastwick’s own challenges—where environmental disasters often stem from policies that put profit over people.

This week, we ask: Who pays the real price? From wildfire-prone developments to flood-prone neighborhoods like Eastwick, communities bear the burden while corporations benefit. How can we push for change?

Let’s dive in.

Letter #2: Is it Profit Over People?

When the Cobbs Creek Golf Course redevelopment project was announced in Philadelphia, it was marketed as a revitalization effort—one that would restore a historic landmark, attract new golfers, and bring economic benefits to the surrounding area. But for many residents of Eastwick, the project wasn’t about economic opportunity. It was about survival.

Hundreds of trees—some of them decades-old, deeply rooted in the ecosystem—were removed in the name of progress. And just as community members had warned, the result was increased flooding, soil erosion, and the destruction of critical natural barriers that once protected the area. The removal of these trees has left many wondering: when did development become more important than the people who call these places home?

The situation in Cobbs Creek mirrors the disaster unfolding in Southern California, where wildfires—driven by unchecked urban sprawl, climate change, and corporate interests—have turned communities into smoldering wastelands. In both cases, people are left to pick up the pieces while policymakers and developers profit from destruction.

Environmental Devastation in the Name of Development

The redevelopment of Cobbs Creek Golf Course has been framed as an environmental restoration project. The Cobbs Creek Foundation, which leads the effort, claims that the project will repair three miles of waterways, create new wetlands, and improve stormwater management. But their first step? Destroying hundreds of trees that served as natural flood control and wildlife habitats.

This pattern of destruction is not unique to Philadelphia. Across the country, communities are watching as profit-driven decisions strip away environmental protections. Southern California’s wildfires provide a clear example of how corporate and government neglect fuel disaster. Over the past decade, insurance companies have quietly withdrawn from wildfire-prone regions, leaving residents with rising premiums or no coverage at all. Meanwhile, utility companies, real estate developers, and fossil fuel corporations continue to engage in practices that increase fire risks without being held accountable.

As wildfires rage through California, the question remains: who pays the price? It’s not the corporations who fail to mitigate environmental risks. It’s the families who lose their homes. The seniors displaced by disaster. The ecosystems erased in an instant. The same question can be asked in Philadelphia—who truly benefits from the Cobbs Creek project, and who suffers the consequences?

Fighting Back: What Can We Do?

We cannot allow profit-driven decisions to dictate the future of our communities. Eastwick residents have long fought against exploitative development, from resisting floodplain housing projects to advocating for environmental justice. The Cobbs Creek project, and similar developments across the country, prove that the fight is far from over.

Here’s how you can take action:

• Stay Informed. Follow updates on the Cobbs Creek redevelopment and other local projects that impact your community. Learn who is making the decisions and what their motivations are.

• Demand Transparency. Ask city officials and developers for clear environmental impact reports before projects begin. Push for accountability when promises aren’t kept.

• Support Environmental Advocacy Groups. Organizations like the Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition (EFNC) work to protect communities from harmful development practices. Get involved in their initiatives.

• Speak Up. Attend community meetings, write to your local representatives, and use social media to raise awareness about these issues. The more voices speaking out, the harder it is to ignore the impact of these decisions.

This isn’t just about Cobbs Creek. It’s not just about California’s wildfires. It’s about a larger system that prioritizes corporate gains over human lives and environmental stability. It’s time to push back and demand a future where people and ecosystems come before profit.

Will we let history repeat itself, or will we stand up and fight for a different outcome? The choice is ours.

From the Archives

This week we take a look back at articles from the Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition that show how prioritizing profit over people impacts communities and ecosystems:

1. "City Seeks End to Troubled, 60-Year Eastwick Urban Renewal Effort"
   
   This article discusses the city's initiative to conclude a prolonged urban renewal project that led to the displacement of residents and environmental concerns. It highlights the community's desire to be involved in future decisions to prevent past mistakes. Read full article here.
   

2. "Eastwick Sees End to Largest Urban Renewal Deal in U.S. History"
   
   This article reports on the conclusion of a massive urban renewal agreement that had significant social and environmental impacts on the Eastwick community. It reflects on the historical context and the community's resilience in facing these challenges. Read the full article here.
   

3. "Eastwick Urban Renewal Agreement Ends, New Chapter Begins for Community"
   
   This article marks the official end of the nation's largest urban renewal agreement, which had long affected the Eastwick community. It signifies a turning point, offering the community an opportunity to pursue environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable development. Read the full article here.

Thank you for reading! We’d love to hear your thoughts about our first series. Please reply directly to this email to share any feedback.

Until next time,

The EFNC team