Philly Spring Clean Saturday, April 13th, 10am-2pmVarious locations in South Kensington; meet at 1301 N. 2nd StHelp clean around the neighborhood and meet your neighbors! If you have submitted a site to SKCP, be sure to stop by to pick up your bags, brooms and gloves. Otherwise, come by the office, and we’ll send you to a site that needs volunteers. Potluck lunch @ 6th & Thompson following the clean up! Bring something to share - even if it’s a blanket!

IN THIS ISSUE...

T O A P P E A L ?U n d e r s t a n d i n g A V I

S K C P C A L E n d A r

S p r i n g t i m e i n S o u t h K e n s i n g t o n !

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C o m m u n i t y Z o n i n g R e c a p

g r E E n i n g T r e e C a r e C l u bC o m m u n i t y L a n d C a r e L i t t l e F a r m e r s o f F i n q u i t aB e n s o n P a r k ’ s N e w F a c e

B E y O n d B A S K E T B A L L

I n t e r v i e w w i t h H a n c o c k R e c ’s C o a c h e s

S T E w A r d S O f S O u T h K E n S i n g T O n

E q u a l D o l l a r s

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S O U T H K E N S I N G T O N C O M M U N I T Y P A R T N E R S

S P R I N G S K C P - I N G

C A L E N D A RAll meetings held at SKCP’s

office unless otherwise indicated.

A P R I L 2 Housing and Financial

Literacy Workshop @ Concilio

6 Keepin’ it Local =$South Kensington

13 Philadelphia Spring Clean-up

16 Community Zoning Meeting

20 Earth Day Open House @ South Kensington Gardens10am-2pmCohocksink (Master + Mascher) La Finquita (Master + Lawrence)Tillmon (4th + Master)

Mulch DayHelp mulch neighborhood trees!

23 Finquita Farmers in Training beginsTuesdays/Thursdays4pm-6pm

M A Y5 La Finquita Farmstand

Opens for the season; 438 W. Master St. Sundays from10am-2pm

11 LOVE Your Park Events @Hart and Benson

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Celebrate Earth Dayw/ South Kensington GardensSaturday, April 20th, 10am-2pm

South KensingtonCommunity Gardens invite you to take a tour of their various green patches, find out about upcoming programs and events, lend a hand to prepare beds for planting, and participate in family-fun activities!

All ages are welcome.

HELP CARE FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD FOREST

Let’s Prune!Join our Tree Tenders on Saturday mornings this Spring to train and prune our neighborhood trees. Experience is welcome but not necessary. Tools, gloves and instruction will be provided. Locations will vary. Contact greening@southkensingtoncommunity.org or call 215-370-0099 for more info. Let’s Mulch!Mulch helps conserve water and control weeds, it keeps soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter, and helps your tree to look cared for (and hopefully respected by passer-bys).

For Earth Day, Saturday, April 20th, SKCP will offer free mulch and instruction on how to weed and properly mulch your tree pits. Mulch your street tree, take care of your whole block, or assist a crew in making deliveries. Location of the mulch pile TBA.Contact greening@southkensingtoncommunity or call 215-427-3463 for details.

COHOCKSINK GARDEN THOMPSON & MASCHER STREETS

LA FINQUITA MASTER & LAWRENCE STREETS

TILLMON GARDENMASTER & 4TH STREETS

TREES! Finquita Farmers In TrainingA Farming Experience forAges 8-12Begins April 23rdTuesday and/or Thursday, 4-6pmSign-up today! La Finquita (The Little Farm)’s Cliff Brown and Kim Giannone will lead a series in organic gardening, beginning with 12 youth, ages 8-12, in a hands-on, full-season curriculum.Students will learn to grow produce, with some delicious successes, disappointing failures, and lots of fun. Classes will take place in a 25x60 foot classroom which students collectively plan, plant, care for, and harvest. The course will also feature “turnaround” classes, where students near the end of the program share their newly acquired skills with adults in open workshops on backyard gardening, organic pest control, harvest, post-harvest handling, and meal planning. Interested students will have the opportunity to continue their involvement by assisting with the seasonal “Little Farm Stand”run on-site. For more info and an applicationcontact Natania at (215) 427-3463 or (201) 788-8158;email lafinquitask@gmail.com.

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BENSON PARK’S NEW ‘FACE’:Grant For “Playable Furniture” Awarded From PRA

Benson Park was awarded a grant from Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA)’s Percent for Art Program, entitled theFund for Art and Civic Engagement (FACE), which is intended to facilitate innovative works of public art and cultural programming that engage communities and inspire individuals to think about their surroundings in new & exciting ways.

Benson stakeholders- the SKCP Office, Public Workshop, Councilwoman Quinones Sanchez, and near neighbors- will collaboratively design and build playable park furniture--innovative seating for the park that provides places for adults to sit and young children to play.

Accommodating the needs of the various Benson Park users in the redesign of the park, especially given the tight budget for the renovation, has been a challenge. By working together to create seating that both encourages young children to explore and play while providing resting areas for the park’s adult users,

we will be improving the space with interesting, well-designed objects; respecting the scale and the desired uses of the space; and using the park to bridge the various cultures and generations within the community.

Gap financing will enable Benson Park to have a new “FACE,” which truly involves, defines, and unifies one of our invaluable public green spaces.“Benson’s New FACE” will serve as an early implementation phase of a larger redesign process funded by Councilwoman Quinones Sanchez, which has been in the planning stages for the past year and a half.

Schedule

April-May, 2013: Furniture Design planning meetings with Friends of Benson Park

May 11th, 2013: LOVE Your Park – Park appreciation and planting event. Help landscape the park, enjoy a selection of music from Benson neighbor and DJ Cookie Quinones, and celebrate a morning of hard work with an afternoon potluck and performance by Fuego Dance Company.

Late June, 2013 (after school is out): Begin building on site with neighbors

Late July, 2013: Celebratory event for project’scompletion

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SKCP AWARDED COMMUNITY LANDCARE CONTRACT FOR SPRING/FALL 2013

SKCP has been selected to participate in the City of Philadelphia’s Community LandCare Program through the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS). Beginning in April, 125 parcels will be mowed and cleared of trash, weeds and debris monthly.

The parcels were chosen from SKCP’s Vacant Land Database and ArcGIS map, which Director of Programs Natania Schaumburg developed over the past year. These tools have been incredibly useful in recording up-to-date information about individual vacant properties in the neighborhood.

Parcels were carefully selected for LandCare based on a variety of factors, including: current condition, accessibility, ownership and visibility. Priority was given to lots that have been a chronic nuisance to neighbors in recent years.Work crews comprised of local residents will be hired to maintain these parcels once a month until November, 2013.

Community LandCare provides training opportunities to members of work crews interested in learning marketable landscaping skills.The list of 125 parcels is currently available on our website. An online map will be hosted in the coming month so neighbors can see the parcels designated for LandCare, and can help monitor their conditions. We invite neighbors without online access to stop in to the office to view the map and to call the office with any questions.

UNDERSTANDING AVIThe Actual Value Initiative (AVI) is an attempt to solve what has been years of broken and inaccurate property value assessment in the city of Philadelphia. A campaign originally created under the Office of Property Assessment (OPA), AVI seeks to re-examine the market values of properties based on the following criteria: size, age, location, condition and usage.

The week of February 15th, the OPA sent out Notices of Proposed Valuation to property owners across Philadelphia. This is NOT a tax bill. Your property tax will be determined once a new tax rate is decided upon by Mayor Nutter and city representatives.

So if that’s not my Property Tax Bill, what is?As part of passing a budget this spring, council will have to adopt a new property tax rate that takes into account the new assessments. The more money covered by exemptions, the higher the property tax rate must go to raise the same total for the city. Within the city and council, there are different camps — some prefer avoiding exemptions in order to set the lowest rate possible. Others are pushing for more generous exemptions and a higher rate. (MacDonald, “New report for City Council backs up Nutter Administration property tax assertions.” WHYY; newsworks.org; April 11, 2013;).

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:-PASSED March 31st, 2013: First Level Formal Appeal to OPA**Al though the dead l ine has passed for homeowners who rece ived the i r l e t te rs in ear ly Februar y, i t i s ex tended for those who reve ived assessments l a te r.-June 30th, 2013: Property Tax/Rent Rebate for 2012-July 31st, 2013: Homestead Exemption-October 7th, 2013: Second Level Application Appeal to BRT

How can I project what my tax bills will be for 2014?To calculate your tax bills for 2014, take you property’s certified market value and multiple by the tax rate. As stated before, the tax rate is still undecided, but a projection has been made of 1.25% increase for those with Homestead Exemption and a 1.34% increase for those without. The easiest method for projecting your change in property tax is by using the AVI Calculator (online).

Is there a chance that my property value is wrong?Yes. OPA has been reassessing properties across the city for the past two years and there is a chance that an assessment is outdated. Furthermore, while most properties are compared to similar entities, individual neighborhood characteristics and other factors may have allowed for an inaccurate representation. Do not be afraid to question your projected property value.

What do I do if I believe my property value projection to be incorrect?If you can prove that the market value is too high or too low, or that the value might be accurate but inequitable, than you can formally appeal. (Deadline was March 31st for a first-level review of appeal through OPA - see above). Remember – your ability to pay your property tax cannot be taken into account when appealing your market value.

Are there alternative tax relief programs/ programs available for low-income and/or senior citizens to assist with real estate taxes?Yes. See Page 5.

(con’t on page 5)

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LEVEL II APPLICATION APPEAL TO BRTREAL ESTATE MARKET VALUE APPEAL FILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAX YEAR 2014

Submit to: Board of Revision of Taxes (that’s right -it’s the same old BRT - they still deal with appeals)

Deadline: Monday, October 7th, 2013

Where to get a form: Became available April 1st, 2013. You can download it athttp://brtweb.phila.gov/, stop in to SKCP and we’ll give you a copy, or call 215-686-4343 to have one sent to you.

Processing time: For oral hearings, BRT will notify you in writing of your scheduled hearing date approximately 30-45 days in advance.

Hearing: At the public hearing you will have the opportunity to present evidence, including photos, documents and witnesses, to support your opinion of your property’s fair market value.

If you have any questions concerning the appeal process, please contact the Board of Revision of Taxes at appealinquiry@phila.gov or by phone at 215-686-4343.

ATTEND SKCP’S SERVICE BRIEFING!MONDAY APRIL 15TH @ 6:30PM!FIND OUT IF YOU SHOULD APPEAL YOUR ASSESSMENT!ASK ALL YOUR QUESTIONS! (FREE!)EAT SPAGHETTI! (FREE!)

Find out more about filing with BRT and about what your new Property Value Assessment will mean for your taxes. Or just come for the free spaghetti (we don’t judge). More details on Front Page.

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION Homestead Exemption is just one of the tax relief systems provided through the city. If eligible, home-owners who own and live in their property can reduce the taxable value of their home by up to $30,000. Remember to do so by July 31, 2013. Stop in to SKCP to receive an application.

LOW-INCOME SENIOR CITIZEN TAX FREEZEEligible low-income senior citizens, who apply by October, can keep their real estate taxes in the next year and all future years from increasing, whether due to changes in assessments or tax rates. There is no need to reapply for the program as long as the financial situation and ownership status of the property does not change. Stop in to SKCP for an application for call (215) 686-6442 for more info.

LOW-INCOME AND LOW-INCOME SENIOR CITIZEN INSTALLMENT PLANS Eligible low-income persons and low-income senior citizens who apply by March of the current tax year can have their current year real estate tax payments split out over eight (8) monthly payments. Future years’ real estate taxes will then be split over the full year into 12 monthly payments. There is no need to reapply for the program as long as the financial situation and ownership status of the property does not change.

PROPERTY TAX/RENT REBATE PROGRAM AVAILABLE FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF PAThe Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The program expansion increased the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 (which excludes half of Social Security income) for homeowners and raises the maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500 to $650. The income limit for renters is $15,000.The deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2012 is June 30, 2013. To apply, you must request an application or call 1-888-222-9190.

PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Wednesday, January 23rd

110 W THOMPSON [VOTE] (8- YES with provisos, 0 NO) GENERAL VARIANCE REVIEW: New construction of a condo duplex[already under construction] on a corner lot. Residents, business owners, and property owners within 1/4 mile of the project are eligible to vote.

Wednesday, February 20th1437 GERMANTOWN[VOTE] (15- YES, 13-NO)GENERAL VARIANCE REVIEW: New construction of a single family live-work dwelling/work space with frontage on both Germantown and Cadwallader on a currently vacant lot. Residents, business owners, and property owners within 1/4 mile of the project are eligible to vote.

Wednesday, March 20th

1430 CADWALLADER [VOTE] (14- YES, 2- NO)GENERAL VARIANCE REVIEW: New construction of a 3-unit residential rental property on a currently vacant lot.

Residents, business owners, and property owners within 1/4 mile of the project are eligible to vote.

1220 - 26 N 5TH[NO VOTE]HIGH IMPACT PROCESS: New construction of a 17-unit condo development with ground floor commercial on a currently vacant lot. This is a preliminary meeting-residents, business owners, and property owners within 1/2 mile will be eligible to vote on this project in April: 1300 - 54 N 2ND [NO VOTE]HIGH IMPACT PROCESS: New construction of a 311-unit residential rental development with one commercial space on a currently vacant lot. This is a preliminary meeting-residents, business owners, and property owners within 1/2 mile will be eligible to vote on this project in April.

P L A N N I N G A N D Z O N I N G Community Zoning meeting ReCap

JanuaRy - maRCh

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Join The Stewards Of South Kensington!

Want to meet your neighbors and get involved in the community?

Join the Stewards of South Kensington, a group of volunteers who help SKCP fulfill its mission of connecting the community to resources, the land and each other.

Stewards help out at SKCP events, including greening projects and community meetings, and keep their neighbors informed about SKCP services and other resources.

Steward Socials are a chance for neighbors with a shared interest in their neighborhood’s health to get to know each other.

Earn Equal Dollars! =DTo say thank you for their contribution, we give Stewards Equal Dollars Community Currency. Equal Dollars is a non-interest bearing currency that rewards otherwise uncompensated services like volunteerism, skill-sharing, and charitable donations. Community currencies are used around the world as a way to keep money within communities.

Who should use Equal Dollars? Everyone! The more Equal Dollars in circulation, the more beneficial they become. They are an effective supplement to your income, and are non-taxable for individuals. Even if you are economically secure, by using Equal Dollars you contribute to the whole community’s prosperity.

Why should I use Equal Dollars?Because they are good for the community. They strengthen local businesses, foster neighbor-to-neighbor interaction and can break the cycle of poverty. And they are good for you because they add to your wealth.

How do I start using Equal Dollars?Sign up today! Drop in or call the SKCP office at 215-427-3463 and ask for Dan, or emaildanharvesterskcp@gmail.com.

Participating businesses currently include:Quince Café and Market; El Cafeito; Buzz Café M. London Furniture; Kiddie Kouture; Once Wed Again; Philly Kid Grafix; George’s Pizza; Trio’s Trattoria; Philly Homebrew Outlet (formerly Barry’s Homebrew)

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Beyond Basketball: Coaching at Hancock PlaygroundInterview by Daniel Harvester

Coaches Larry Vaughn and Donald Mason grew up playing basketball in Philadelphia. As lifelong fans of the game, the leaders of the Hancock Playground Basketball Program know the positive influence that athletics can have on a young person’s life.

Some graduates of their program have gone on to professional basketball careers; Maalik Wayns played for the Seventy-Sixers until he was picked up by the Clippers and Tony Chennault, guard for Villanova, is one of several Hancock alum competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)’s “March Madness.” But good coaching is not limited to athletic success. Rather, Coach Larry believes, “education is first, sports are second.” He inspects the report cards of all his players to make sure they are excelling in their academics, as well as on the court. Players are also taught to respect each other and their community. “The program builds character,

confidence, and sportsmanship,” Coach Don adds.

Serving as examples, Larry and Donald demonstrate a tremendous amount of respect for one another and work as a team to keep the program running strong. “He’s inside the lines, I’m outside the lines,” Larry explains, referring to their complimentary skills. Donald coaches players on the fundamentals of the game, while Larry handles scheduling, outreach and marketing, and travel arrangements when teams go on the road.

Their partnership dates back to the mid-1990s. Larry, who just turned sixty this March, has served as a mentor to young players since after college, when he helped kids in his neighborhood of Brewerytown organize an indoor basketball club during the winter. He convinced the principal of a local school to let the boys play in their gym a few nights a week, and asked a nearby grocery store to donate bottled water and snacks.

Coach Don, who grew up in Northern Liberties, played for a time in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) League and is a certified NCAA coach. Donald was coaching neighborhood kids without the support of an official league when he met Coach Larry, the newly hired Director of Hancock Recreation Center. Both were bothered by the lack of local opportunities for kids who wanted to play ball, and took it upon themselves to form a league.

In 1999, Coaches Larry and Don were awarded a contract from the Sixers Neighborhood Basketball League (SNBL), which has been renewed every year since. In addition to the SNBL, which runs November-March, Hancock hosts a

Summer Basketball League which culminates in a highly-anticipated Tournament. Last year’s Tournament , supported by the Stop the Violence Increase the Peace Foundation, featured a half-time show with dancers and musicians from local schools.

The coaches are extremely grateful for all the support they have received on their way to establishing the basketball program, including the SKCP office, which helped them write grants early on, the Penn Treaty Foundation, Hyperion Bank, George’s Pizza and SuperFresh.

Despite all of their accomplishments, the dedicated coaches continue to strive to improve Hancock’s Basketball Program with each season. “The things you do here are beyond nine to five,” Coach Larry says. “I can’t do it forever, but I’ll do it as long as I can.”

Spring Baseball ClinicApril 8th-12thHancock Rec Center147 W. Master Street

Hancock Recreation Center will be hosting a baseball clinic for children ages 7 to 14 years old. This co-ed clinic will include fielding, base running, hitting, catching, and other basic skills needed to play baseball. The clinic will be instructed by Coach Carlos Ortiz. Register your child now. Call 215-685-9886 or 9877 or come into Hancock Rec Center for more information. Ask for Coach Larry.

Coach Donald, left, and Coach Larry, right, know how to make a good team.

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The mission of the South Kensington Community Partners (SKCP) is to connect our community to resources and opportunities, the land, and each other. We act as, and encourage others to become, engaged stewards of the neighborhood. We advocate for responsible development that builds upon the physical, social, and economic fabricof the neighborhood.

SKCP’s neighborhood boundaries are West Berks Street to the north, North Front Street to the east, North Sixth Street to the west, and West Girard Avenue to the south.

The South Kensington Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) Service Area encompasses census tracts 127, 128, 129,130, 131, 132, 141, 142, 144, 156, and 157.

CORAL STREETS ARTS HOUSE 2446-68 Coral StreetLow-Income and Artist Housing Available Now accepting applications!Coral Street is a close community committed to the advancement of the arts for each indiviual and the community at large. Artists and non-artists are welcome to be a part of this special community. Income restrictions apply. For more information and an application, visit www.nkcdc.org

Want your ad here? 2,000 newsletter copies printed quarterly and delivered throughout South Kensington - and beyond! And you’ll be supporting SKCP, your favorite community organization!Contact 215-427-3463;info@southkensingtoncommunity.org