The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of August 19th

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.

Welcome to the August 19 edition of The Eastwick Bulletin. This week, we share a new public investment in nearby Bartram's Garden that will expand educational and mobility connections for Southwest Philadelphia. We also pause to acknowledge a tragic act of violence in Eastwick and identify constructive ways residents can support a safer community. Finally, families will find back-to-school opportunities, library programs, public-safety gatherings, and a special extension for the Nature In Focus Photography Contest.

🌟POSITIVE UPDATE: New State Investment Supports Learning, Mobility, and Green Space at Bartram's Garden

We are encouraged by Pennsylvania's recent $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant to Bartram's Garden, announced on August 12 by State Representative Regina Young. The investment will support an Ecosystems Education Center, a redesigned main driveway and Bartram's Mile Trail with a pedestrian sidewalk and designated bike lane, and restoration of the pedestrian bridge connecting Bartram Village to the garden.

For Eastwick residents, Bartram's Garden is a valued Southwest Philadelphia destination for outdoor recreation, education, riverfront access, and community events. The planned improvements will help strengthen safe, multi-modal access and create more opportunities for young people, families, and neighbors to learn directly from the natural systems around them. The grant also supports a stronger physical connection between Bartram Village and the garden, a meaningful step toward making this public resource more accessible to the communities it serves.

This investment in a nearby community asset is distinct from the flooding and public-safety issues addressed elsewhere in this issue. EFNC will continue to share opportunities for Eastwick residents to participate in educational, environmental, and community programs throughout Southwest Philadelphia.

📰 LOCAL NEWS FROM THE GLOBE TIMES: Bartram Village Redevelopment and Southwest CDC

A Globe Times clipping shared with EFNC reports that the Philadelphia Housing Authority has selected Gilbane Building Company to carry out demolition and redevelopment work at Bartram Village after a public-safety emergency declaration. The clipping describes a redevelopment plan for the 22.2-acre site that would include affordable and mixed-income homes, and it states that current Bartram Village residents will have the right to return once redevelopment is complete. The image above is the site-plan rendering published with that local-news report.

Because this material is a copied local-news clipping, the rendering and project details are included here for community awareness rather than as an independent construction-status update. Residents should confirm the latest schedule, resident-relocation details, and redevelopment milestones directly with the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

🚨 URGENT COMMUNITY CONCERN: Eastwick Mourns Recent Violence and Calls for Community Safety

Eastwick is grieving following the August 16 shooting near the 7300 block of Elmwood Avenue and South 73rd Street. According to Philadelphia Police information reported by local news outlets, Officer Alhassane Barry, a 29-year-old off-duty Philadelphia police officer assigned to the 12th District, was killed. A second man was injured, and the investigation remains active.2 3

We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Barry's family, loved ones, colleagues, and all neighbors affected by this violence. This incident does not define Eastwick. It does reinforce the need for sustained, community-centered safety efforts. Residents deserve streets, businesses, homes, and public spaces where everyone can move freely and safely. EFNC encourages neighbors to look after one another, share verified information responsibly, and participate in the local forums where concerns can be raised directly with public-safety leaders.

If you have information or video related to this case, Philadelphia Police ask that you contact the Homicide Unit, call 911, or leave an anonymous tip at 215-686-TIPS (8477).2 For non-emergency neighborhood concerns, use Philly 311. Residents can also attend the 12th District PSA #4 Police Community Meeting at Cobbs Creek Library on August 25 at 6:00 PM, listed below, to discuss public-safety priorities with local officers.

📅 UPCOMING EVENTS

📷 FEATURED: Nature In Focus Photography Contest Deadline Extended to August 31

Friends of Heinz Refuge has extended the Nature In Focus 2026 Photography Contest deadline to Monday, August 31, 2026. The extension recognizes that construction at the refuge has affected the availability of waterfowl to photograph and gives more neighbors a chance to participate.

Entries are welcome from photographers of all ages and experience levels. Wildlife photographs are optional. Participants are encouraged to submit nature photographs from John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, including photographs taken at the refuge in prior years. Cash awards are available for adult and child winners, and contest proceeds support the experiences and programs offered at the refuge.

Visit fohrefuge.org/nature-in-focus-2026 for full submission instructions and contest details. For questions, contact Friends of Heinz Refuge at 267-973-2641.

🎒 Book Bag Giveaway - Saturday, August 22

The 12th District Community Relations will host a free Book Bag Giveaway on Saturday, August 22, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the 12th Police District, 65th and Woodland Avenue. Families can receive book bags, snacks, free haircuts, and free braiding while supplies last. This is a valuable local opportunity to help students prepare for the new school year.

👮 Coffee with Cops at McDonald's

Join your neighborhood Philadelphia Police officers for coffee, conversation, and community connection every last Tuesday of the month at McDonald's, 60th & Woodland Avenue, at 9:30 AM.

The next upcoming date is Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Remaining 2026 dates include September 29, October 27, November 24, and December 29. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your local officers in a relaxed, friendly setting. For more information, call 215-686-3122.

🚔 12th District Police Community Meetings: July - December 2026

The Philadelphia Police Department's 12th District invites all residents to attend their regular Police Community Meetings, held throughout the district at multiple locations. All meetings begin at 6:00 PM.

Upcoming August meetings are as follows:

These meetings are your opportunity to voice concerns, learn about public safety initiatives, and connect directly with the officers who serve our neighborhoods. For more information, call 215-686-3122 or scan the QR code on the flyer to find your PSA.

💡COMMUNITY RESOURCES

📸 SEND US YOUR PHOTOS

We love seeing Eastwick through your eyes. Please send photos of neighborhood gatherings, gardens, local wildlife, community volunteers, and positive Eastwick moments to [email protected]. Include a brief description and photo credit. Selected images may be featured in a future bulletin or EFNC social media post.

🗣️ FUTURE TOPICS: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

What stories, concerns, opportunities, or local events should EFNC cover next? Please send your suggestions to [email protected]. Your feedback helps keep The Eastwick Bulletin useful, accurate, and grounded in what matters to our neighbors.

🤝 ABOUT EFNC AND JOIN OUR BOARD

EFNC advances environmental justice, community advocacy, and sustainable development in Eastwick. We welcome residents who are interested in contributing skills in social media, event planning, computer skills, grant writing, communications, and community outreach. To learn more about joining our Board of Directors, visit eastwickfnc.org or email [email protected].

📢 SHARE THE WORD

Please forward this bulletin to neighbors, friends, and family in Eastwick. Encourage them to subscribe at eastwickfnc.org so our community can stay informed, connected, and ready to act.

Until next time,
The EFNC Team