Goodbye to ’05

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Also by Lorraine Gennaro

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The word "ordinary" can hardly define 2005. For example, the world experienced a record-breaking number of hurricanes, not to mention a slew of other natural disasters, gas prices soared to record highs, and Catholics said goodbye to their leader, Pope John Paul II.

The impact of these events stirred the emotions of South Philadelphians, many already dealing with local crises. Cuts in hours and staff at local libraries infuriated some, while flooded basements elevated the anger levels of others.

However, this community did what it does best during times of hardship: it banded together. Whether organizing relief efforts for last year’s tsunami victims or gathering food for the area’s needy, residents showed the world their true nature.

The year was not completely devoid of lighter – if not downright peculiar – moments. A whale and a former president made a stop or two in the area, each one placing South Philly on their itineraries. And who could forget how swept up the community was in Super Bowl fever?

So, take a journey back to a year that was anything but typical.

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January

A 9.0-magnitude earthquake in the Indian Ocean Dec. 26 sparked a tsunami that ravaged 11 countries. The local Asian community initiated its own relief efforts.

Police logged homicides at a steady pace across the city in 2004. Only about 6 percent of those reported occurred in South Philly.

A local opera singer reluctantly discontinued singing lessons from her home after the Department of Licenses and Inspection ordered her to do so.

Some City Council members and merchants rallied against the elimination of the business privilege tax, which they labeled as burdensome.

The community discussed renovations to the South Philadelphia High/Bok Tech athletic field, 12th and Bigler streets. The Neumann-Goretti athletic squads would be among the many to have access to this redesigned "super site."

The area lost two noteworthy individuals. Annie Cora Renfrow-Gary, who died at 112, was one of only a few dozen supercentenarians, or people who live to be 110 or older, in the United States. South Philly native G. Fred DiBona Jr., president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, died of renal cell cancer at age 53.

The District Attorney’s office initiated Gun Court as a preemptive strike against firearms violence on city streets.

Business boomed at sports bars, as the Eagles clobbered the competition and headed for the Super Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla.

A noteworthy buzz surrounded some potential candidates for a 2007 mayoral run. Among them were John Dougherty, the Local 98 business manager and treasurer of the city’s Democratic Committee; Councilmen-at-Large Wilson Goode Jr., James Kenney and Frank Rizzo Jr.; former City Controller Jonathan Saidel; and U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah.

Tensions between two biker gangs – the Hells Angels and the Pagans – erupted into a fatal shooting on the Schuylkill Expressway.

The Philadelphia Water Department proposed a 15.5-percent rate hike, angering residents on fixed incomes.

Responding to potential service cuts and elevated fares by SEPTA, state Sen. Vince Fumo introduced a bill to make a dent in the agency’s budget deficit.

Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard (now the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard) announced work on its fifth ship, while John Vena Inc., a staple at the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market since 1959, acquired a new facility near its existing site.

City Council authorized a task force to crack down on nuisance bars and troublesome stop-and-gos.

The city began transforming 20 libraries into "express branches" by eliminating morning hours and some staff at these locations. Library advocates fought the changes.

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February

Eagles fans far and wide arrived at Lincoln Financial Field to snag their coveted – and pricey – Super Bowl tickets. Despite the Birds’ loss, fans that ventured South for the game arrived home with memories to last a lifetime.

The Dixon Learning Academy, 22nd and Moore streets, celebrated 30 years in the childcare business with a top-to-bottom renovation of its building.

A two-alarm fire began at the Alphabet Academy, 1511 E. Passyunk Ave., forcing the evacuation of 59 children and 17 adults from the daycare. Fire officials soon labeled the blaze suspicious.

The Pan-Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia partnered with United Communities of Southeast Philadelphia to establish the first Pan-Asian Center, 101 Ellsworth St. The goal is to improve contact among the 13 ethnic groups the association serves.

The School District of Philadelphia announced its Small Schools Transition Project, a plan to offer students a total of 66 high schools and diverse educational options. Part of the project includes the transformation of middle schools into high schools. A handful of local schools would be affected by this plan.

Music mogul and local developer Kenny Gamble announced the relocation of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation from Manhattan to Philadelphia.

The flu-related death of a Bregy Elementary student sparks worry among parents. Fifth-grader James Pate was the only city resident to die of influenza at that time.

Some residents argued the renaming of West River Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. is a slight to the road’s namesake, Frank Palumbo.

Resident Richard Petrone Jr. and girlfriend Danielle Imbo mysteriously disappear after leaving a South Street nightspot. The story makes nationwide news.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority announced the construction of 275 market-rate houses on the former Passyunk Homes site.

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March

Talk of a smoking ban in public places began blowing its way across town. Introduced by Fourth District Councilman Michael Nutter, the bill prohibiting the action angered some bar and restaurant owners, while pleasing smoking critics.

Turning classrooms into living rooms, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced plans to convert the former St. John Neumann High School, 26th and Moore streets, into a senior residence.

Two community leaders took their place on Mayor John Street’s Gaming Advisory Task Force. Philadelphia is set to receive two of the 14 slot parlors approved by state legislators and their input is to optimize the effects of a South Philly venue.

After the SPC Corp., an auto-recycling facility, wanted to expand operations, community groups rallied to fight the proposal. The plan included the processing of tires and metal mixed with incinerator ash.

Community activists continued their fight against the reduction in hours and staff at local libraries. Their efforts include petitions and letters to city officials.

Plans to transfer Thomas Middle School, Ninth and Johnston streets, into a charter high school infuriated some parents. School district officials maintained the change was for the good of the students and the city, which will eventually house 66 high schools.

The Conswiller B. Pratt Apartment Building, part of the Greater Grays Ferry Estates at 3001 Moore St., was dedicated. The 72-unit facility represents a trend in public housing: the benefits of medical care and social activities without leaving home.

Sports journalist Bob Vetrone Sr., known as "Buck the Bartender" and "The Godfather of the Big Five," died at age 79 from natural causes.

Residents already squeezed for spots balked at a parking crackdown around Bregy Elementary School, 17th and Bigler streets.

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April

Local Catholics mourned the loss of Pope John Paul II, whose impact was felt deep in the heart of South Philly neighborhoods.

City and state officials try to get a handle on gun violence by organizing a task force and initiating ideas to limit gun sales. Local firearm supporters said these proposals were missing the mark.

The jig was up for seven women inside a Bella Vista home, who were arrested for running an alleged brothel at the site.

A plan to expand the Girard Academic Music Program, 22nd and Ritner streets, was not in tune with some neighbors, who complained of further parking restrictions. The school sought approval to construct a performance hall, new lunchroom and gymnasium.

A Walt Whitman Bridge billboard bearing a woman’s backside becomes the butt of controversy. The advertisement for a new bar at Harrah’s in Atlantic City was removed after complaints.

City Council and the court system act to spare library branches from further cuts in service.

Former President Bill Clinton makes an appearance at the Kvaerner Shipyard. He was in town with Gov. Ed Rendell to tout a $1 billion contract that will guarantee five more years of shipbuilding at the site.

Lt. Mike Chitwood, one of the city’s most high-profile officers, leaves his post to become police chief in Shawnee, Okla.

After waiting five years for government action, the Community Labor Refinery Tracking Committee filed a lawsuit against Sunoco Inc. The group claimed the refinery released excessive emissions.

Local real-estate agents weighed in on Mayor John Street’s proposal to repeal the 10-year property tax abatement on new housing. The incentive, Realtors claim, lures new residents to the area.

After emerging from financial hardships and a $1.8-million renovation, the Fleisher Art Memorial resumed classes.

The notorious "Frankenfish," a snakehead fish that tends to eat everything in its path, reappeared and reproduced in FDR Park’s Meadow Lake.

The Point Breeze community listened to a plan intended to transform their blighted conditions into a thriving epicenter of activity. The potential project included the creation of mixed-use facilities and technological, commercial, economic and brownfield development.

A beluga whale dubbed Helis was spotted in the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. After making his way out to sea, the animal returned. Officials believe a food source kept him in the area.

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May

The district attorney’s race brought incumbent Lynne Abraham and her opponent, Seth Williams, to the Hawthorne Cultural Arts Center, 1200 Carpenter St. The Democratic candidates spoke on the same night in advance of the primary elections, but never crossed paths.

A trial began for three individuals accused in the murder of 3-year-old Porchia Bennett, who was found dead inside her caretakers’ apartment. Jerry Chambers was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Chambers’ live-in girlfriend, Candice Geiger, and the victim’s mother, Tiffany Bennett, also were found guilty of various charges.

Getting a glimpse into their child’s future, parents toured Mastery Charter High School in Center City. The School Reform Commission approved the transformation of Thomas Middle School into a facility that would mirror Mastery’s building and curriculum.

Filitalia, an Italian language and cultural organization, opened an educational and social center for the public on East Passyunk Avenue.

Elderly women in the area received phony calls from a man posing as a doctor. The man, who scheduled physical exams at the victims’ homes, assaulted a 74-year-old in one instance. An arrest warrant was later issued for Christopher Donahue who was nabbed in Florida in July.

Politicians, including state Sen. Vince Fumo, convened at the Santore Library, 932 S. Seventh St., to suggest solutions to the city’s library cuts.

Construction began on a new recreation center at Columbus Square Playground, 12th and Reed streets, as the city announced plans to install sprinklers atop a paved pool at Smith Playground, 2100 S. 24th St.

David Strolle Jr. retired from South Philadelphia High School after serving as principal for 11 years.

Two deceased priests from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2319 S. Third St., were honored during a Memorial Day service.

Residents who passed out flyers during Election Day complained they did not receive compensation from a freelance Democratic organizer.

Developers sought out South Philly sites for two casinos, but residents stated their disapproval at community meetings.

Albert LaGrotta, a security guard at Veterans Stadium throughout its 32-year existence, died at age 86 after complications from hip surgery.

Volunteers from the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps banded together to spruce up parts of FDR Park.

Fourth District Councilman Michael Nutter drafted amendments to his smoking-ban bill in hopes of making it more palatable to Council members. However, voting on the measure was postponed.

Mayor John Street proposed to add $3.5 million to the library’s systems budget to offset the controversial cuts in staff and hours. He also vowed to restore $3.4 million to the city’s Fire Department, roughly half the amount the city originally intended to slash.

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June

Facing the prospect of losing a community garden at Broad and South streets to developers, volunteers fought back with petitions and a proposal to save the space.

Storms bringing heavy rain to the area once again flood residents’ basements. Many blame the city’s drainage system.

Resident Rob Kerwood was shot to death in his truck while in Southwest Philly. He left behind his mother, new wife and two children.

The city creates new angle-parking spots – and confusion for drivers – on Oregon Avenue.

Thomas Middle School held its final graduation, much to the chagrin of students, teachers and parents. The building will be transformed into a charter high school.

A fire on the 1600 block of Wharton Street claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl. Officials said her death had been the 10th child fire fatality since mid-May.

State Sen. Anthony Williams called a community meeting to discuss gun violence in and around the Wilson Park housing development.

Residents demanding more city involvement for flood damage in their basements stormed Broad Street during an impromptu rally.

Pleasing local activists, Sunoco Inc. agreed to a $285 million consent decree that will partly require the company to install new pollution control equipment at its local refinery.

Two residents were not keen on a new development at the former site of Trinity Christian Elementary School, 19th and Porter streets. They appealed the city-approved project.

The third floor of Annuniciation BVM Elementary School, 12th and Wharton streets, underwent renovations to house a center specializing in social service programs.

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July

Frank Jeffs, 51, of Southwest Philly, was charged with fatally shooting a young father of two in a road rage incident in Southwest Philly on May 5.

Police said Jeffs gunned down Rob Kerwood of Girard Estate while the victim sat inside his truck at an intersection after he allegedly cut Jeffs off.

A 17-year-old St. Joe’s Prep honors student was shot to death at Capitol and Tasker streets July 9. Richard Johnson’s 17-year-old cousin was wounded in the ambush. Johnson was killed one month before he was scheduled to attend St. Joe’s University on a full academic scholarship.

The Review headline "Pummeled at the pump" said it all. As gas prices reached record highs, drivers had no choice but to fill up with fuel and frustration.

The Water Department continued to drain its consumers by announcing increases this year, next year and in 2007. This followed a hike in water and sewage rates earlier this year.

City Council President Anna Verna was admitted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital July 7 for treatment of pulmonary inflammation. The 74-year-old’s hospital stay was kept quiet for two weeks at the request of her family.

City, state and military officials dedicated the Naval Home, now called Naval Square. Toll Brothers Inc., who owns the property at 23rd and Bainbridge streets, had begun selling the 345 townhomes and condos, ranging in price from $300,000 to $1 million.

Partners for Sacred Places, a nonprofit that promotes the active community use of America’s oldest and historic properties, organized the New Dollars/New Partners training program. The program teaches church leaders how to raise public and private funds for urgent repair work. Three local pastors took part in the initiative.

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August

In a story that made citywide news, a 24-year-old man was arrested and charged after beating his 26-year-old ex-girlfriend and leaving her on a sidewalk outside her apartment.

Keo Peo of the 2500 block of South Sixth Street was on probation for another case at the time of the Aug. 3 attack on the 1900 block of Ritner Street.

South Philly native and former high-profile Philadelphia police detective Mike Chitwood Sr. took over as superintendent of Upper Darby police. Chitwood spent 17 years as police chief in Portland, Maine, before relocating back to the area.

The Water Department and city officials began looking at ways to reduce occurrences of basement flooding. Floods in summer 2004 and June 6 of this year caused massive problems for many. The Water Department began installing a new sewer system at Snyder Avenue and Swanson Street in September to handle a greater capacity for water, as well as clean clogged sewer drains.

A state Supreme Court reinstated felony charges in connection with the collapse of Pier 34 in which three young women lost their lives May 18, 2000. The higher court overturned a lower court’s decision and ordered Michael Asbell and Eli Karetny to stand trial on criminal charges.

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September

Police arrested a North Philly man for pillaging 29 stained-glass windows from a historic Point Breeze church over a four-day period in mid-August. Detectives caught Louis Neal, 55, in the act inside the 19th Street Baptist Church, 1253 S. 19th St.

Sixteen area firefighters flew to the Gulf Coast to assist Hurricane Katrina victims. The 16 were members of the department’s Special Operations Unit, which is part of the Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Task Force I.

Residents weighed in on a report citing Philadelphia’s 6-percent residential recycling rate. At the advice of recycling and environmental advocates, the city controller’s office conducted the report.

Palumbo School, 11th and Catharine streets, was one of two locations Mayor John Street announced would house Hurricane Katrina evacuees. The school was equipped and ready to go, but no evacuees arrived as Philadelphia did not receive the number of people originally expected.

Founded 40 years ago, Housing Opportunities Means Everybody Shares, which provides housing, education and social services, hosted an open house to show off its new location at 1444 Point Breeze Ave.

A 16-year-old Point Breeze teen, Alante Manigault, was ordered to stand trial for the July 9 slaying of St. Joe’s Prep honors student Richard Johnson, also of Point Breeze.

Officials announced the Philadelphia Regional Produce Terminal and a new seafood market will move to the east end of the Navy Yard. The $100-million project will be completed by 2007.

The enforcement of laws regulating what time garbage can be placed at curbs had many confused and angry. Some residents and business owners received fines as a result of the enforcement.

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October

First it was the Water Department in July, now it was Philadelphia Gas Works’ turn to announce a rate increase. For PGW, it was the second hike in a matter of months. The company announced it filed a request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in September to raise its rates by 19.4 percent.

Sixteen local priests were named in a grand jury report alleging sexual abuse of hundreds of children. Two of the accused, previously assigned to Stella Maris, 10th and Bigler streets, remained in active ministry until Sept. 25, days after the report was issued.

First District Councilman Frank DiCicco introduced a bill that would make residents responsible for trash resting on 18 inches of road nearest the curb in front of their homes. Meanwhile Councilman-at-large Jim Kenney introduced bills that would waive the city’s wage tax and the city portion of real estate taxes for Reserve and National Guard members on active duty.

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November

The month got off to a macabre note when a landscaper trimming trees outside a decrepit house at 1542 South St. found the skeletal remains of a man. Police said the remains were of a squatter who had probably sought shelter sometime last winter.

A local couple and 25 of their neighbors on and near the 1500 block of South Stillman Street rallied to have the city rid their block of rodents and other environmental perils, such as mud seeping into homes.

The Water Department showed up the second week in November to fix their portion of a sinkhole that had been plaguing residents on the 600 block of South Second Street for months.

Violence swirled around South Philly High School.

Daniel Starling, an 18-year-old sophomore at the school, was ambushed by gunfire and killed Nov. 7 a few blocks from the institution. Three days earlier, a teacher and Hurricane Katrina evacuee was assaulted inside a classroom by two 17-year-old sisters who were later arrested.

Representatives from Wal-Mart and Home Depot set the record straight on rumors of possible closures. Origins unknown, the hearsay of both stores closing has been going on for more than a year. Neither will be shutting their doors, according to officials from both operations.

Residents from the 1700 block of Barbara Street went public with their concerns over a shelter being housed at a nearby hotel. The city-run temporary shelter is on three floors of the Best Inn, formerly Days Inn, at 2015 Penrose Ave.

Seven months after a community group filed a lawsuit with Sunoco, citing emission violations, the company responded. The Community Labor Refinery Tracking Committee and Sunoco agreed to a proposed settlement to resolve the committee’s lawsuit.

Residents and parishioners of Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 11th and Jackson streets, celebrated the 100th anniversary of their Catholic church.

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December

Displeased with the intended opening of an adult-entertainment venue on South Columbus Boulevard, Whitman Council and elected officials fought back.

Whitman Council members have been trying to block the opening of Crazy Horse Too since 2002. The club would be the East Coast version of a popular Las Vegas establishment.

The Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia opened its new South Center at 2416-18 S. Seventh St. Dec. 9. The larger space will better serve the growing Cambodian population in South Philly.

The valedictorian of the recent Police Academy class, Krista Dahl, 25, was assigned to the 17th Police District, 20th and Federal streets.

In other police news, Inspector Bill Colarulo of the Police Public Affairs Unit was promoted Dec. 19 to chief inspector. The South Philly native has been assigned to the Command Inspections Bureau.

Fels Community Center celebrated the holiday season with an intergenerational breakfast and a visit from Santa. The event was organized to connect children in Fels’ daycare with members of its older adult program.