The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of April 22nd

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

Happy Earth Day, Eastwick! This week, we are celebrating our community's deep connection to the environment while continuing to advocate for our neighborhood's safety and resilience. The City is moving forward with its Eastwick Flood Resilience Strategy, and we are seeing positive momentum in local economic development. As the spring weather warms up, there are countless ways to get outside and connect with neighbors, from Earth Day workshops at Bartram's Garden to volunteer opportunities at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

COMMUNITY CONCERN: Navigating the Flood Resilience Strategy and Preparing for 2027 Flood Risks

The City of Philadelphia's Office of Sustainability continues to develop the comprehensive Eastwick Flood Resilience Strategy. This strategy is essential for our neighborhood, especially following the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' decision to scale back the proposed Cobbs Creek earthen levee from 15 feet to 8 feet.

Because the revised levee design will not provide complete protection against major 100-year storm events, the upcoming Resilience Strategy focuses on creating multiple layers of defense. The plan emphasizes nature-based stormwater management projects that can absorb floodwaters before they reach our homes. Additionally, the City is exploring options for voluntary home buyouts for properties that face the most severe and repeated flooding.

Preparing for 2027 Flood Risks The Coalition is pushing OOS to get affected communities as ready as possible for 2027, which faces an increased risk of flooding due to forming super El Niño patterns over the Pacific Ocean. These patterns are expected to bring significant atmospheric moisture and warmth to the Atlantic.

To address these imminent threats, residents are asking OOS for specific, actionable information regarding:

• Flood Notifications: Clear, timely alert systems for residents

• Evacuation Routes: Visible street signs directing safe evacuation

• Refugia Stations: Designated safe havens during active flooding

• Home Buyouts: Concrete ideas and timelines for voluntary buyout options

The Coalition remains committed to ensuring that resident voices are central to this process. We will continue to monitor the strategy's development and share updates as soon as they are available. Residents with immediate questions can contact the Eastwick community navigator at [email protected] or call (267) 846-2149.

POSITIVE UPDATE: Economic Momentum in the Lower South District

Economic development in and around Eastwick is gaining momentum. Last week, Mayor Cherelle Parker convened the Lower South District Economic Opportunity Roundtable, bringing together business and government leaders to discuss the area's future.

A major focus of these discussions is the ongoing redevelopment of the 1,300-acre Bellwether District. Following the recent announcement that TerraPower Isotopes will build a $450 million nuclear medicine facility on the site, city officia

ls are pledging to fast-track permits for large employers with complex development plans. This initiative aims to entice more companies to the area, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the local economy. The Coalition is actively monitoring these developments to ensure they benefit Eastwick residents.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Photo Competition, Free Trees & Air Purifiers

Nature In Focus 2026: Photo Competition & Exhibition

The Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) is hosting the annual Nature In Focus Photo Competition and Exhibition. This is a fantastic opportunity for photographers of all ages to showcase their work and compete for cash prizes.

Competition Details:

• Submission Period: May 15 through July 31, 2026

• Location: All photos must be taken at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

• Age Divisions: Kids (under 12), Teens (13-18), and Adults

• Fees: Kids and teens submit free. Adults: $30 for first three photos, $10 each additional photo. FOHR members receive first three photos free with coupon.

• Prizes: 14 cash prizes awarded across all three divisions. Top photos will be displayed at the annual exhibition at the Refuge Visitor Center.

• Submit Online: Visit fohrefuge.org/nature-in-focus-2026 for full details and to submit your photos.

This is a wonderful way to celebrate the natural beauty of the John Heinz Refuge while supporting the Friends of Heinz Refuge. Whether you are an experienced photographer or just starting out, we encourage you to participate!

TreePhilly Free Tree Giveaways

As part of the City's commitment to urban greening and environmental resilience, TreePhilly continues to offer free trees to residents. 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

Save the Date! Eastwick Community Day Mark your calendars for May 9th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Eastwick Regional Playground. Join us for a day of community celebration! Interested in volunteering? Email [email protected].

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 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