Community Development

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COVID-19 Update: The planning and start of implementation for the $5 million+ redevelopment of the Park is moving forward even during the crisis. We are still aiming for construction to begin in 2021 for all or the first phase of the improvements. We continue to work closely with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Councilman Squilla on this major effort.

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Mifflin Square Park and Neighborhood Planning and Organizing Project SEAMAAC's Mifflin Square Park Engagement, Planning & Implementation project seeks to build community power and prosperity by improving and implementing physical and operational changes for Mifflin Square Park with broad resident engagement; strengthen business and shopping on 7th Street, preserving affordable housing; and ensuring that current residents have a say in the neighborhood's development and benefit from it.

By building local capacity and community stewardship of the Park and surrounding area the program strives to establish a strong neighborhood coalition with an emphasis on supporting businesses and merchants along the South 7th Street Commercial Corridor.

To learn more about this project or to see how you can get involved, visit: mifflinsquareplan.org/

If you’re looking for ways to get involved in the work that is going on in Mifflin Square Park then a great way is to sign-up for a park and corridor clean-up. These clean-ups are monthly and we’re always looking for volunteers to help make our park a beautiful and welcoming space for everyone! Register here now.


COVID-19 Update: In the wake of the pandemic, all retail stores have been impacted, some worse than others. SEAMAAC’s response has been to successfully support many of the local businesses through processes to obtain financial support through the City and others.

This is challenging for any small businesses and even more so for immigrant businesses, which make up almost all of the stores. We have launched a creative Gift Certificate Program that is promoting local businesses, especially restaurants, who will receive funds now even if they are not yet reopened. https://7thstreetshops.square.site/.
We also have raised some funds to create an incentive for purchasers and are promoting the program beyond the neighborhood.

Our mission is to help create a vibrant South 7th Street Commercial Corridor that represents the strength and diversity of our community as a safe and welcoming place for everyone to shop, dine and do business.

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Our current major strategies focus on:

Organization: Build a stronger network among volunteers, supporters and businesses. Work towards greater community pride and increased visitation. Create opportunities for merchants to be engaged and work more collaboratively.

Promotion: Attract more local customers as those from the outside to increase revenues on South 7th Street. Work collaboratively to create collective promotion and marketing of the South 7th Street Commercial Corridor.

Design: Improve the commercial corridor's appearance with better lighting, sidewalks and more inviting storefronts and signage.

Safe, Clean & Green: Build South 7th Street as a safe and clean place where people feel invited to live, shop, stroll and do business.



Corridor Design Plan Drafts

Corridor Vision
Streetscape Elements
Branding



COVID-19 Update: SEAMAAC, with partnership support from PHS and the Neighborhood Garden Trust, continues to work with 150 total, primarily immigrant and refugee, gardeners who are beginning the growing season now. This will supplement the food they purchase with healthy, culturally appropriate vegetables.

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SEAMAAC, working in partnership with the Neighborhood Gardens Trust and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, oversees the Growing Home Community Gardens. Established in 2010 on the 700 block of Emily St and the 500 block of Mercy St in South Philadelphia, the goal of the gardens is to address nutritional deficiencies seen in newly arriving refugees, afford newcomers with the opportunity to grow culturally relevant crops, and to root people in their new neighborhoods.

SEAMAAC is actively working to engage both the immigrant and native born community in this shared space, highlighting the rich diversity of South Philadelphia.

Contact: [email protected]