West Central Germantown Neighbors (WCGN) has received a grant for its new pocket park project coming to 6100 Germantown Ave.

The property, which is owned by the city, is currently a vacant lot with abandoned cars on it.

On Aug. 10, WCGN received $10,000 through the District Attorney’s Office violence prevention microgrants. The grants focus on neighborhood beautification and revitalization as a method of crime prevention. WCGN was one of 26 organizations to receive a grant through the program.

The money derives from “the lawful and appropriate use of civil asset forfeiture and is distributed and audited by the Philadelphia Foundation,” according to a news release from the DA’s office.

“August marks 59 consecutive months of declines in violent crime in Philadelphia, and while we have a lot more work to do, these 26 organizations represent a big part of the solution by providing boots-on-the-ground resources and support to our communities,” said District Attorney Larry Krasner in the release. “Neighborhood beautification and blight reduction not only improves the quality of life, but it strengthens the sense of community that enables neighborhoods to thrive. These organizations should be applauded for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communal spaces accessible.”

The lot, which sits at the corner of Walnut Lane and Germantown Avenue, has been vacant for over 20 years. WCGN previously used the space as a community garden.

The property eventually reverted to the city and was paved over. Since then, it has become a spot for illegal dumping and abandoned cars.

“Once we discovered that it had been a property that we had controlled in the past, we approached the commissioner of public property and asked whether they would reinstate the contract for control of the site, which he did,” Julie Stapleton Carroll, vice president of WCGN, told the Local. “Our primary goal is to dig up the concrete and replace the aging sidewalks that are really dilapidated there and unsafe. We are also going to be applying for a Philadelphia Water Department grant to help that and help stormwater management.”

Carroll says they aim to start pulling up the concrete this fall. With WCGN gathering community input, the park will feature raised planter beds, permeable pathways, and benches.

By adding benches to the park, WCGN hopes to provide a place to sit for riders of the 65, 81, and 23 SEPTA bus routes, which all stop at that intersection.

Krasner “said during the press conference that these grants have proven to be successful in prevention of crimes,” Emily Demarest, a committee member for WCGN, told the Local. “I think that this fits nicely into that beautification. Feeling more confident in your neighborhood, not looking at a dump site, and having more pride in your community will pay dividends.”

While the work will likely begin this fall, the timeline and design are not finalized. WCGN is hoping to raise more funds for the project.

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