You read it correctly. Realtors AGAINST selling Real Estate. It is unusual, we agree, but sometimes you just have to say NO to development in order to embrace progress.
We are talking about saying NO to selling and developing a piece of land located at Emerald Street and Dauphin Street in the East Kensington neighborhood close to Fishtown. This parcel of land if sold will be developed into a townhouse. That alone is not the problem. The issue is that this land is located smack dab in the middle of a community park and green space! Developing this parcel will destroy the best use for this land which is a public park that serves, beautifies, and unites the community.
We were speaking to local Realtor and President of the EKNA Jeff Carpinetta when he mentioned a project he is working on that is close to his heart. Saving Emerald Park. Jeff explained to us his efforts to save the appropriately named Emerald Park and we understood that we to had an ethical and moral responsibility as fellow professionals and community activists to lend a helping hand. We invited Jeff to speak to our entire office about saving Emerald Park at our most recent RE/MAX Access office meeting. Many of our agents work, live and or participate in this thriving community in some capacity. So, we opend the floor for Jeff to speak and educate us about what we can do to help.
The plan is for EKNA to buy the lot from the private seller. So far the EKNA has raised a little over $17,000 for the purchase but they need about $15,000 more to close the deal. Our RE/MAX Access office donated $1,000 toward the cause. Like the dazzling green gemstone, this green space is equally precious in the hearts and minds of this community. We encourage others to donate to Save Emerald Park even if it is $5. No donation is too small. Let our friends and neighbors in the East Kensington community know we hear their outcry and support their cause to protect this cherished green space.
Related:
[photo via Save Emerald Park Facebook]
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Not familiar with the area, but anytime there is a patch of land, people want to develop it (especially in tight quarters). We had the same thing happen in our area during the building boom. Hope this section can be perserved. Those oasis are priceless.
Chris and Stephanie... thank you so much for taking a stand. In any urban environment, green space is precious!
Chris and Stephanie, some of the local businesses, I hope, have helped. Having more green space than buildings, we don't seem to have that problem.