Community Displacement
On Saturday May 30, 2009, I took the opportunity to interview some of Wynnefield’s residents and store owners in order to get a first hand perspective of how the expansion of Saint Joseph University has been received. They all agreed that the development has been good for the community. Within the past ten years many of the current residents have seen home prices stabilized, which can be attributed to the improvements the university has made in revitalizing the neighborhood sequentially to remain competitive with other colligate institutions.
Ronald and Estelle freeman has owned and operated Village Electronics since 1974. They both remarked on the positive changes to the community. They added that the extra security has made the 5400 block of City Avenue a much safer place for students and pedestrians. The homeless or the three characters, (the former NBA player, the schizophrenic and old man) who once called the block home, now houses a new dorm, a coffee shop and book store. I asked about population displacement, they responded that to their knowledge, although the university did demolished some homes, the homeowners were fairly compensated since the land where the homes were built belonged to the college.
Credit was given to SJU for working closely with the Wynnefield Coalition. The university funds several outreach programs for the young people of the community, in addition to an annual summer camp and neighborhood block party. Moreover, they are responsible for establishing the City Avenue Special Services District Patrol. It’s a collaboration between the City of Philadelphia and the Township of Lower Merion to enhance the public and private sectors of the region extending west on City Avenue from the Schuylkill Expressway to 63rd Street and Wynnewood Road. From the creation of public safety initiatives to new strategies for development, the City Ave Special Services District is the go-to organization for any individual or business interested in becoming a part of what this exciting region has to offer. Funding for this service is an annual fee of $123.00 paid by all business owners including the St. Joseph University.
City Avenue Patrol
