The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of April 16th

Serving the residents and neighbors of Eastwick, Southwest Philadelphia, since our founding. The Eastwick Bulletin is published weekly to keep our community informed, connected, and empowered.

A Message from the Coalition

Welcome to mid-April, Eastwick! This week brings significant news on two fronts that directly impact our community's future: flood resilience and economic development. The City is preparing to release its comprehensive Eastwick Flood Resilience Strategy, which will detail the backup plans needed since the levee proposal was scaled back. Meanwhile, the Bellwether District has secured a major new tenant backed by Bill Gates, promising hundreds of new jobs. As always, we have your guide to navigating these changes and a full calendar of spring events, including this Saturday's Spring Fest at Bartram's Garden.

COMMUNITY CONCERN: Flood Resilience Strategy Release Expected Soon

The City of Philadelphia's Office of Sustainability, in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies, is preparing to release the new Eastwick Flood Resilience Strategy in the coming weeks. This comprehensive plan is critical for our neighborhood's future safety.

As residents know, the Army Corps recently scaled back its proposed Cobbs Creek earthen levee from 15 feet to 8 feet to avoid pushing floodwaters into neighboring Delaware County. While this change addresses regional concerns, it leaves Eastwick vulnerable to major 100-year storm events.

Because the lower levee will not solve the flooding problem entirely, the upcoming Resilience Strategy will focus heavily on "redundancy" and backup solutions. According to Korin Tangtrakul from the Office of Sustainability, the strategy will emphasize nature-based stormwater management projects designed to absorb floodwaters before they reach homes. The plan is also expected to outline options for voluntary home buyouts for the most severely impacted properties.

The Coalition will provide a full breakdown of the Strategy as soon as it is released. Residents with immediate questions can contact the Eastwick community navigator at [email protected] or call (267) 846-2149.

POSITIVE UPDATE: Bellwether District Secures $450M Nuclear Medicine Facility

Major economic development is accelerating at the Bellwether District, the 1,300-acre former refinery site in South Philadelphia. TerraPower Isotopes, a nuclear medicine company backed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, recently announced plans to build a $450 million manufacturing facility on the site.

This is a significant win for the local economy. The 250,000-square-foot plant will manufacture actinium-225, a rare radioactive isotope used in targeted alpha therapy for cancer treatment. The project is expected to create 225 full-time, good-paying jobs over the next three years.

TerraPower Isotopes is the second major tenant to sign on at the Bellwether District, joining canned beverage manufacturer DrinkPAK. Mayor Cherelle Parker praised the development, noting that it will strengthen the city's advanced manufacturing and life sciences sectors while expanding economic opportunity for nearby neighborhoods like Eastwick.

NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRESS: Cobbs Creek Restoration Reaches 50% Mark

The $9.1 million restoration of Cobbs Creek and the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course is making steady progress. The creek restoration work, which began in 2023, is now roughly 50 percent complete. Crews have successfully excavated the stream and rerouted the flow to help mitigate flooding in the surrounding areas.

When finished, the project will feature 25 acres of new floodplain wetlands and 49,000 newly planted native trees and plants. The restored 18-hole Olde Course is currently on track to reopen to the public in the spring of 2027.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Free Yard Tree Giveaways Continue

TreePhilly's spring tree giveaways are still underway! Residents can register to pick up free shade, flowering, and fruit trees to plant on private property.

Upcoming Giveaways:

• May 2: Maplewood Mall (Reserved for 19138 & 19144) | Register by April 29

• May 9: Dell Music Center (Citywide) | Register by May 6

• May 16: Tioga-Hope Park & Garden (Reserved for 19129, 19132, 19140) | Register by May 13

To register for a tree, email [email protected] or call 215-683-0217.

Breath of Fresh Air: Free Air Purifiers & Air Quality Training

The Breath of Fresh Air program provides free air purifiers and air quality education training to residents in South and Southwest Philadelphia, including Eastwick. Philadelphia residents suffer from air pollution and asthma rates much higher than the national average. This pilot program aims to improve air quality and community health.

How to Apply for a Free Air Purifier:

• Visit: https://forms.gle/QqfCCNq2KYWe2iyn8

• Or email: [email protected]

Youth Leadership Opportunity (Ages 18-23)

Interested in becoming a community advocate? The program offers paid training in air quality advocacy. Apply at: https://forms.gle/QWrMwrRDSLYtYiZA

UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendar

Here is a look at what is happening in and around Eastwick over the next two weeks:

COMMUNITY SAFETY: Eastwick Watchful Eye Town Watch Tips

The Eastwick Watchful Eye Town Watch recommends these simple steps to keep wildlife away from your home and stay safe:

Neighborhood Alert: Skunks & Raccoons

• Reduce Attractants: Secure trash with tight-latching lids, bring pet food indoors at night, keep compost covered, and remove brush piles and tall grass.

• Block Entry Points: Seal gaps under porches, decks, sheds, and steps using 1/4-inch hardware cloth. Check for animals before sealing openings.

• Prevent Close Encounters: Install motion-activated lights, make noise before entering dark areas, and walk pets on a short leash after dusk.

• Humane Deterrents: Use peppermint oil or citrus peels, and motion-activated sprinklers or lights.

ONGOING COMMUNITY RESOURCES

• Social Services at Eastwick Library: Every Thursday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, a licensed social worker is available for open office hours at the Eastwick Library. No appointment is needed. Residents can receive free, confidential help finding, navigating, and connecting to relevant community and government resources.

• Nature Walks & Volunteer Programs at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge: The refuge offers a variety of walks and nature programs suitable for the whole family year-round. Check the event schedule at the Visitor Center kiosk (Wed-Sun, 9 AM-4 PM) or visit their Facebook page @JohnHeinzNWR for the latest April activities.

KNOW YOUR RESOURCES

Whether you need help with flooding, environmental concerns, or connecting to city services, these contacts are here for you:

ABOUT THE EASTWICK FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS COALITION

The Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition Inc (EFNC) brings together community stakeholders to plan and advocate for an environmentally, economically, and socially just Eastwick. We believe that every resident deserves a safe, healthy, and thriving neighborhood, and we work alongside our neighbors, partner organizations, and city agencies to make that vision a reality.

Until next time,
The EFNC Team