Last week I talked about what would be “The mother of all battles.” As in, try to tell a mother (or father) that they no longer live in a certain Philly School Catchment. Or try to tell a homeowner that their property is no longer in a certain catchment.
No one knows how far this will go, but the School District of Philadelphia is reviewing catchment boundaries over the next four years.
This week, I was interviewed by WHYY for its excellent piece on how the School District’s plan may impact real estate. I stated that it is too early to for this news to have an immediate effect on real estate. It is far from a sure thing that SDP will even want to change any boundaries, and if they do, as I stated last week, it will be an epic battle of parents and property owners (and the politicians that represent them) against the school district. EPIC.
Nevertheless, I will now discuss this possibility with every buyer (and seller) this could affect.
Here’s one interesting slant that has not yet been discussed. Would all parents and property owners oppose shrinking the boundaries for the most desirable catchments? It may come down to where in the catchment you are located. For example, the closer you are to the school or the geographic middle of the catchment area, the odds of a boundary change affecting your home are small. But the closer you are to the edges (and especially if you are on an edge that is closer to an adjacent catchment’s school) or if you are located in a gerrymandered jut-out, the dicier it could seem.
I am now preparing to list a home on the 4200 block of Pine in the Penn Alexander catchment, about a block from the school and not close to any other schools. A boundary realignment that would make PAS less crowded (and mitigate the lottery) would actually be an advantage for this home. Not the case for homes that are further out. Just an interesting sidebar to a complex and fascinating situation—and one that is likely not to get resolved quickly.
Stay tuned to Around the Block and be sure to visit the City Block Team blog. A lot more on this story to come.
It starts in Wash West and ends at Penn’s Landing. The annual Pride Parade (this year commemorating #Stonewall50) struts through the gayborhood and Midtown Village and then heads to Old City and finally to the Riverfront for a big bash at
The Great Plaza, where party-goers can dance and watch talented acts of all kinds. This parade and festival are a proud part of our city’s heritage. Break out your rainbows for Sunday, June 9th. Wristbands for festival entry are a reasonable $15. Learn more about the route and wristband purchases here.
In Rittenhouse
Happening today through Sunday (11 am – 7 pm), it’s the much-loved Rittenhouse Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show. Did you know it’s the oldest outdoor art show in the country (started in 1928). Admission is free and artists hail from all over our region. Expect inspirational works in watercolor, sculpture, oils & acrylics, mixed media and more. I love walking this show every year.
In South Philly
If you’ve never been on a Mural Arts Tour here is a cool way to start. The new “Immigrating South Tour” is a visual depiction of South Philly’s rich heritage and it’s eclectic immigrant communities of past and modern day. Saturday, 6/8 tickets: $28 – $32. Meet at PAFA at 10:00 a.m. More info and ticket portal here. I really love the mural pictured here, “Parts Per Million” and it is featured on this tour. Photo: S. Weink for uwishunu.com.
In Mt Airy
There’s nothing like breaking bread with friendly folks. Wednesday marked this season’s first Go Mt. Airy Supper Sessions on Germantown Avenue. If you missed it, Supper Sessions happen the first Wednesday of each month now through October. The 7100 block of Germantown Avenue (Philadelphia’s historic commercial corridor) bustles with people hanging out and dining in the streets. Expect food trucks, a DJ and activities for the kids. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Photo: Mt Airy CDC
Spotlight Property of the Week
4834 Cedar Avenue
JUST LISTED IN UNIVERSITY CITY
FIRST OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
5 Bed | 3 Bath | $525,000
Cedar Park twin with extraordinary, original detail. Built in 1905, it is rare to find this level of intact original character. From the sublime woodwork to the bespoke chandeliers, to the floors, pocket door, leaded glass, high ceilings, plaster medallions, doors, windows, gorgeous fireplace and mantle, ornate fretwork, wainscoting, moldings. Just spectacular and historical.
Beautifully landscaped, serene brick patio plus a covered front porch and front garden. All in a beautiful University City block lined with mature trees.
5 bedrooms; a big, bright family room; a comfortable den; and 2 full baths. Plus a large semi-finished basement with a third bath and two entrances could be fit-out as a spacious guest suite.
On a lovely block in the Lea School Catchment. Close to Clark Park and its fabulous Farmers’ Market, Cedar Park, many restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, the University City Swim Club, Mariposa Food Co-op, and so much more. Near HUP, CHOP, Penn, Drexel, University of the Sciences. 13 minutes to Center City by car or bike and plenty of convenient SEPTA options (one block from the Green Line trolley).
Coming Soon in University City
The following properties are not yet listed on the MLS – but they will be in the weeks ahead!
That means as an ATB newsletter subscriber, you know about these opportunities before the general public.
4200 Pine Street, #108A
with On-site Parking
University City
4 Bed | 3.5 Bath
$1,075,000
518-520 Woodland Terrace
with Parking
University City
$1,500,000 for both or
$750,000 per property
513 South 41st Street
University City
6 Bed | 2 bath Zoned Duplex
$675,000
4300 Spruce Street, Unit B203
University City
2 Bed | 2 Bath
$386,000
This Week’s Featured Listings:
2004 Delancey Street
with 2-Car Parking
Recently Reduced
Rittenhouse Square
6 Bed | 4 Full Bath | 2 Half Bath
$4,195,000
109-11 Pine Street
with Garage Parking
Recently Reduced
Society Hill
4 Bed | 3.5 Bath
$1,700,000
502-504 S 41st Street
University City
9 Residences | 8-car Parking
$1,650,000
264 S 9th Street
with Garage Parking
Wash West
4 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$1,625,000
713 N 6th Street
Northern Liberties
Quadruplex
$1,050,000
276 S 23rd Street
with Parking
Recently Reduced
OPEN HOUSE: SUN 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Fitler Square
4 Bed | 3 Bath
$1,025,000
612 W Upsal Street
with 2-Car Parking
Just Reduced
Mount Airy
6 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$825,000
1119 S 46th Street
University City
Triplex $650,000
4834 Cedar Avenue
JUST LISTED/SPOTLIGHT PROPERTY
FIRST OPEN HOUSE: SUN 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Cedar Park
5 Bed | 3 Bath
$525,000
322 S 46th Street
JUST LISTED
FIRST OPEN HOUSE: SUN 1 – 2:30pm
Garden Court
7 Bed | 2 Bath
$450,000
2024 Spruce Street, #6
OPEN HOUSE: SAT 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Rittenhouse Square
1 Bed | 1 Bath
$485,000
1908 Cambridge Street, #A
Recently Reduced
OPEN HOUSE: SAT 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Francisville
3 Bed | 3 Bath
$465,000
229 S Farragut Street
Walnut Hill
Duplex
$410,000
870 N Pennock Street, #B
with Garage Parking
OPEN HOUSE: SAT 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
Compass is endorsing a bill that would ban LGBTQIA housing discrimination nationwide. It’s called the “Equality Act” and Compass stands by its overarching goal “to help everyone find their place in the world.”
The Equality Act
would make it illegal for anyone in the country to discriminate against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Just a quick reminder that I’m always humbled by and appreciative of your referrals. If you have a friend or family member that is in need of expert real estate representation, please send them my way. Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block. See you next week.
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