State Rep. Joe Hohenstein (D-177th dist.) last Friday made two big announcements during a news conference at a newly constructed warehouse at 4501 Richmond St.
Hohenstein announced that the Bridge Clinic, a veterinary care nonprofit based in the Frankford Arsenal, will operate a new dog park on Buckius Street, east of Richmond, on land donated by Bridge Industrial.
Hohenstein also announced that Bridge Industrial, the developer of 4501 Richmond, awarded $264,000 in grants to a number of neighborhood groups, as part of a community benefits agreement.
“This is your commerce, your community, coming together,” Hohenstein said.
Neighborhood organizations receiving grants are:
• Bridesburg Recreation Center – $50,000
• Bridesburg Boys & Girls Club – $50,000
• Riverfront North Partnership – $25,000
• Bridesburg Community Development Corporation/Business Association – $25,000
• Bridge Clinic/Dog Park – $24,000
• American Legion Post 821 – $7,500
• VFW Post 2 – $7,500
• United Veterans of Bridesburg/Memorial Day Parade – $7,500
• Stars and Stripes, Bars and Pipes – $7,500
• Boy Scout Troop 120 – $5,000
• Bridesburg Cougars athletic club – $5,000
• Bridesburg Home and School Association – $7,500
• Cat Collaborative – $5,000
• Bridesburg Community Food Pantry – $5,000
• AIDS Fund Philly – $7,500
• All Saints and St. John Cantius senior groups – $10,000
• Aqua String Band – $2,500
• Ferko String Band – $2,500
• Polish American String Band – $2,500
• Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans – $7,500
“It’s a great day in Bridesburg, isn’t it,” said state Sen. Tina Tartaglione.
Tartaglione has been in office for 29 years, but is new to representing Bridgesburg. She said she hopes to use the upcoming state budget negotiations to benefit the neighborhood.
City Councilman Mike Driscoll said Bridesburg’s challenges include traffic, waterfront access and large trucks on the roads, but said the commitment from Bridge Industrial will help in many ways.
“I’m thrilled they were able to bake in a collaboration with the community,” he said.
The dog park is intended to keep owners from walking their pets in the recreation center, tennis courts and cemetery. It will be run by the Bridge Clinic’s Michele Miller and Chase Miller, a mother and son.
“This is right up our alley,” said Chase Miller
Yvonne Stephens, a dog owner and president of the Bridesburg Community Action Alliance, thanked Jim Marshall, vice president of development at Bridge Industrial for his company’s generosity.
So did Joe Slabinski, a funeral home director, president of the Bridesburg CDC and vice president of the Bridesburg Business Association.
“Welcome to Bridesburg,” he said. “We’re happy that you’re here.”
Marshall said Bridge Industrial was happy to assist the neighborhood.
“Bridesburg has a strong identity and even stronger leadership,” he said.
Refreshments at the news conference were provided by iKnead Coffee. ••
