The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of April 29th

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

Spring is in full bloom in Eastwick, and our community is buzzing with activity. This week, we celebrate the return of beloved community traditions and look ahead to May's major milestone: Eastwick Community Day on May 9th. As we head into the warmer months, we continue to advocate for flood resilience, environmental health, and economic opportunities that benefit all Eastwick residents. Whether you are volunteering at Bartram's Garden, attending community events, or staying informed about our neighborhood's future, there are countless ways to stay connected and engaged.

COMMUNITY CONCERN: Preparing for 2027 Flood Season with Urgency

As we enter late spring, the Office of Sustainability is intensifying efforts to finalize the Eastwick Flood Resilience Strategy, with completion expected in the coming weeks. Given the anticipated 2027 El Niño patterns that could bring increased atmospheric moisture and severe weather to our region, the Coalition is emphasizing the need for immediate community preparedness.

The strategy addresses multiple sources of flooding that impact Eastwick: coastal surge from the Delaware River, stormwater overflow from intense rainfall, and river flooding from Cobbs Creek. With the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' scaled-back 8-foot levee design providing limited protection against major storm events, the city is prioritizing nature-based solutions, including green infrastructure and stormwater management projects.

Residents continue to advocate for concrete action items that OOS should prioritize:

• Flood Alert Systems: Real-time notifications when flooding is imminent

• Evacuation Route Signage: Clear, visible markers directing residents to safety

• Community Refugia Stations: Designated safe shelters during active flooding events

• Home Buyout Program: Transparent timelines and eligibility for voluntary property acquisitions

The Coalition remains committed to ensuring that resident voices shape this strategy. For questions or to share your concerns, contact the Eastwick community navigator at [email protected] or call (267) 846-2149.

POSITIVE UPDATE:  Investing in Eastwick Residents Through Job Training and Community Benefits

As the Bellwether District continues its transformation, the developer has made substantial commitments to ensure that Eastwick and Southwest Philadelphia residents directly benefit from economic growth. These commitments go beyond job creation to include workforce development, education, and community investment.

Workforce Development and Job Training The Bellwether District developer has committed nearly $2 million to workforce development initiatives in partnership with more than 30 Philadelphia-based nonprofits. A Career-Connected Learning program has already engaged over 1,500 School District of Philadelphia students, providing paid internship opportunities for young people in the community. This program creates pathways for local youth to gain skills and experience in growing industries.

Supporting Education and Local Hiring The developer has established a $250,000 scholarship program in partnership with Community College of Philadelphia, specifically for residents living in the five zip codes surrounding the Bellwether District. Additionally, construction and professional services contracts prioritize local hiring, with goals of 50% minority-owned businesses, 5-8% women-owned businesses, and 50% local workers on construction projects. To date, construction activities have supported approximately 630 full-time equivalent jobs with higher-than-average wages.

Community Investment Beyond employment, the developer has committed $100,000 in philanthropic support for environmental nonprofits including Bartram's Garden, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation. The developer is also a founding member of Everybody Builds, a nonprofit coalition dedicated to diversifying Philadelphia's workforce pipeline, with a $300,000 commitment.

These investments demonstrate how major development can create opportunities for Eastwick residents while strengthening our community's environmental and educational institutions.

Immediate Job Creation and Infrastructure Investment Beyond the planned TerraPower Isotopes facility, companies are already operating at the Bellwether District. DrinkPAK, a canned beverage manufacturer, has begun operations and is creating over 170 long-term jobs. The city is investing $10 million in infrastructure upgrades to support transportation flow and event operations across the Lower South District, ensuring that growth benefits the entire region.

The Coalition continues to monitor implementation of these commitments and advocate for maximum community benefit.

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 featuring food, fun, and flood resilience activities with your neighbors. Community partners will be on hand to share resources and information. Interested in volunteering or registering a table? Email [email protected].

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

COMMUNITY SAFETY: Spring Wildlife Safety Reminders

As the weather warms and wildlife becomes more active, the Eastwick Watchful Eye Town Watch reminds residents to take simple precautions to coexist safely with our animal neighbors. Spring is a season of activity for skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife as they forage for food and establish dens.

Simple Prevention Steps:

• Secure Trash: Use animal-proof containers or store trash indoors until pickup day

• Remove Food Sources: Bring pet food indoors at night and keep compost covered

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps under porches, decks, and sheds; seal with hardware cloth

• Install Deterrents: Motion-activated lights and sprinklers discourage wildlife from approaching your home

• Pet Safety: Walk pets on a short leash after dusk and keep them indoors at night

For complete wildlife safety information and recommendations, contact the Eastwick Watchful Eye Town Watch or visit the Free Library of Philadelphia Eastwick branch for additional resources.

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.

Breathe Philly Air Quality Monitoring Network: Philadelphia launched the first-in-the-nation Breathe Philly network to bring real-time air quality data to every neighborhood. Monitor air quality in Eastwick and stay informed about pollution levels that may affect your health.

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