The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of April 8th

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 the second week of April, Eastwick! As the weather warms, our community is buzzing with activity. This week, we have an important update that could save many residents money: Philadelphia has officially joined the FEMA Community Rating System, unlocking a 15% discount on flood insurance policies starting this month. We also have a packed calendar of spring events, including the highly anticipated Spring Fest at Bartram's Garden and important community workshops focused on climate resilience. Thank you for staying engaged and working together to build a stronger, more resilient Eastwick.

POSITIVE UPDATE: 15% Discount on Flood Insurance Now Available

We have some welcome financial news for Eastwick homeowners. As of April 2026, Philadelphia has officially joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Rating System program. This achievement secures a 15% discount on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies for eligible residents across the city.

The Community Rating System is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the NFIP. By taking proactive steps to reduce flood risk, the City of Philadelphia has earned this discount for its residents.

What you need to know: If you currently hold a National Flood Insurance Program policy, you should contact your insurance agent directly to ask about applying this 15% discount to your premium. The discount goes into effect this month, making now the perfect time to review your policy. For those who do not currently have flood insurance but live in flood-prone areas of Eastwick, this discount may make coverage more affordable. You can learn more about the program at floodsmart.gov.

COMMUNITY CONCERN: Flood Resilience Strategy Update

The City of Philadelphia's Office of Sustainability continues to work with the Flood Mitigation Council of Eastwick (FMCE) to develop the comprehensive Eastwick Flood Resilience Strategy. This community-driven effort, which began in the fall of 2024, aims to draft a plan to reduce current and future flooding impacts from Darby and Cobbs creeks, coastal waters, and storm sewer overflows.

As we reported last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has scaled back its original 15-foot levee proposal to an 8-foot design due to concerns about pushing floodwaters into neighboring Delaware County. While the shorter levee would offer protection against smaller storms, it would not prevent flooding from major 100-year storm events.

Because of this limitation, the other measures being explored in the Flood Resilience Strategy are more important than ever. The City and the engineering firm Arcadis are currently evaluating:

• Storm sewer improvements: Expanding drainage infrastructure to remove water faster.

• Voluntary buyouts and relocation: Offering interested homeowners the option to sell flood-prone properties, which would then be returned to natural use.

• Nature-based solutions: Restoring wetlands to absorb more floodwater naturally.

The final strategy will combine the measures that work best for Eastwick. The Coalition will continue to monitor this process closely. Residents who want to get involved directly can email [email protected].

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: Bellwether District Development

Progress continues at the Bellwether District, the 1,300-acre former refinery property that is being redeveloped into a hub for logistics, e-commerce, and life sciences. The developer is currently in the early stages of building an industrial complex that will eventually consist of approximately 14 large structures over the next decade.

The project represents a significant economic shift for Southwest Philadelphia, transforming a site with a long history of environmental challenges into a modern, sustainable development. The first major tenant, DrinkPAK, was announced earlier this year and is expected to bring over 170 jobs to the area. The Coalition is tracking this development closely to ensure that the promised economic benefits, including job opportunities, reach Eastwick residents.

NATURE & COMMUNITY: Spring Fest at Bartram's Garden

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18! Bartram's Garden is hosting its annual, rain-or-shine celebration of spring, and this year's Spring Fest promises to be an incredible community event.

Running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the free, family-friendly festival features something for everyone. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia will be on-site offering free, walk-up bike rentals and helmets for both kids and adults to ride the Bartram's Mile Trail. The day will also include a medicinal herbs plant walk, a historic archives show and tell, and live music featuring a solo vibraphone performance.

Whether you are looking to buy plants for your garden, participate in volunteer-powered tree planting, or just enjoy a beautiful spring day by the river, Spring Fest is the place to be.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Free Yard Tree Giveaways!

TreePhilly, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy, is giving away free shade, flowering, and fruit trees for residents to plant in their yards or on private property.

URGENT DEADLINE THIS WEEK: Cobbs Creek Parkway Event (Reserved for 19139, 19142, 19143 & 19153)

• When: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM

• Where: Cobbs Creek Parkway & Thomas Avenue

• Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (THIS WEDNESDAY!)

Upcoming Citywide & Regional 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, scan the QR code on the event flyers, email [email protected], or call 215-683-0217. Get your free tree and help green our community!

🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendar

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

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.

Spring Trail Clearing at John Heinz: The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge continues its spring trail restoration work. Volunteers are needed to assist with invasive plant removal and trail maintenance. Call (215) 365-3118 for shift availability.

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