Greater Bustleton Civic League

06/05/2026

Bustleton Events at Pennepack Baptist
No need to travel far. One of Bustleton’s most unique destinations is contributing to the city’s America250 festivity with a full weekend of their own events. The 338-year-old Pennepack Baptist Church, right here at 8732 Krewstown Rd. has plenty of historical significance to learn about and explore. Best of all, these events are all free.
· Friday, June 5th - What better way to spend a cool Friday evening in June than with a ghostly Cemetery Tour, starting a 6 PM, followed by a movie on Philadelphia history.

· Saturday, June 6, 12:00 to 3:00 - “Threads of History”, an educational program with a local artist teaching weaving on cardboard looms.

· Sunday June 7th , Pennepack Day. 11:00 AM - Communion Worship Service. At 1:00 until 3:00 PM Open House with a Cemetery tour to each of our Revolutionary War Hero’s gravesite to hear about their lives and sacrifices. At 3 PM the day concludes with a re-enactment of a traditional service performed during Revolutionary War times before heading into battle.

Also, by popular demand, LIVE Jazz is back on Wednesday, June 17, starting at 7:30 PM. Enjoy toe-tapping jazz favorites in this historic and acoustic church.

And looking ahead, our June community meeting takes place Tuesday, June 23, 7 PM at American Heritage. After our summer recess in July and August, we meet up next on Tuesday, September 22.

Enjoy your weekend.

Send a message to learn more

05/26/2026

Upcoming Agenda:

WEDNESDAY, May 27, 7 PM – Civic Design Review (CDR) PRESENTATION for 1685 and 1719 Fulmer Street. What is a Civic Design Review? https://www.phila.gov/2024-04-03-what-is-civic-design-review/
The VIRTUAL presentation is hosted by the applicant’s attorney at Klehr Harrison; Katherine Missimer, Esq. [email protected] 215-569-2700. The May 27 presentation can be accessed via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87485483122?pwd=Js1tkvW18uOnEdCcaBBpXuyXz7gZQc.1 Meeting ID: 874 8548 3122 Passcode: 318203. Or by phone at 309-205-3325
After the mandatory May 27 community presentation, a hybrid public hearing of the Civic Design Review Committee will take place at 1515 Arch Street, 18th Floor. This CDR Committee presentation has yet to be scheduled. Once scheduled, you will be notified and can view the presentation via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN X4z48ofCSkeVKdZP1G_WHQ #/registration

THURSDAY, May 28, 7 PM – GBCL Monthly Meeting – Community Room at American Heritage, 2060 Red Lion Road. If you want to attend virtually by Zoom go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5940908792?pwd=RjRvU1VaQ1Z6YTlGcDV4OVdrUVltQT09
If you want to simply join by phone, dial 646-876-9923 and when prompted, enter ID 594 090 8792, # sign, and then # sign again, passcode 934311.
We will have two (2) zoning presentations on May 28. 9708 Dedaker, is seeking a variance for an existing gazabo and shed. 9996 Haldeman, the Dunkin Donuts sense-of-body presentation we recently heard is seeking a variance to establish their business in a RSD-3, residentially zoned district.

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission's blog about the Civic Design Process.

05/01/2026

Our May community meeting will take place THURSDAY, May 28, 2026, 7 PM, in the Community Room of American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road.

Send a message to learn more

04/10/2026

02/25/2026

The GBCL gave Mayor Cherelle Parker a warm Bustleton welcome at our February membership meeting at the American Heritage Credit Union. We were honored to have her as our guest and welcome her return visit.

The Mayor is a busy person and members felt privileged that she traveled to the northeast to attend our meeting.

01/28/2026

January Community Meeting - Thursday 1/29, 7 PM

Hello neighbor,

As reported last month, our January community meeting is being held this month on Thursday the 29th in the Community Room of American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. Next month we are back to Tuesday’s; February 24.

Thursday’s meeting will include an area Police Report from Captain Steven O’Brian, several Bustleton related stories, and two zoning presentations and VOTEs. The two parcels requesting variances are 9533 Bustleton Avenue with an amended plan for only auto repair, and 1957 President St. for the creation of a surface parking space as the result of a garage conversion.

An agenda will be sent out prior to Thursday’s meeting. Also, in the event of any inclement weather, a meeting cancellation notice will be sent out by noon on the day of the meeting.

We hope to see you Thursday. And please remember, January is Membership Renewal month. Renewal Form is attached.

Thank you,
Greater Bustleton Civic League
215-676-6890
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01/12/2026

Bustleton Proud

09/14/2025

Greater Bustleton Civic League - Membership Meeting Tuesday, October 28, 7 PM

Hello neighbor,

The October agenda is full and growing. We have a number of Bustleton related updates to share, including on the UPS warehouse. We will have one zoning presentation requesting a variance.

We're excited to get our group back together. We will be sending out a meeting reminder and agenda before the meeting.

See you soon,
Greater Bustleton Civic League
215-676-6890

Welcome to the Greater Bustleton Civic League Meetings are at 7 PM on the fourth Tuesday of every month in the Community Room of the American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road.For the ZOOM option copy and paste: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5940908792?pwd=RjRvU1VaQ1Z6YTlGcDV4OVdrUVltQT09 UPS Wa...

06/30/2025

UPS Warehouse Update

Dear member,

At our June 24th membership meeting, a statement was read related to our appeal of the zoning permits issued for the proposed UPS warehouse at 1 Red Lion Road. For the benefit of those who couldn't attend, below is that statement:

Dear member,

After an exceptional, seven-year community effort, we regret to report that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has denied our appeal to present evidence and witnesses, in our appeal of permits issued for the 1 Red Lion Road warehouse.

It is important to note that the PA Supreme Court’s decision did not involve an evaluation of the underlying zoning issues concerning to the community.

At our 2021 appeal hearing of the issued zoning permits, the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment decided to exclude related documents and witnesses as ‘not relevant’, and denied our appeal. That decision was later upheld by the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas and then by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.

Regrettably, the PA Supreme Court’s order means that the decision issued by the Philadelphia ZBA will not be overturned, and we will not be given the opportunity to present additional evidence and witnesses that support our appeal.

While the GBCL is disappointed in the ruling, we accept the court’s decision.

To date we have not been informed of any changes to the developer’s original project plans. The basis for the community’s opposition to the proposed project is valid and also has not changed since the project was first announced in 2018.

The GBCL has a long track record of analyzing zoning projects. For a volunteer, neighborhood group to question a project of this scale and importance, took considerable community determination. This is a commendable effort we can all be proud of and another example of the Bustleton community’s history of involvement. Trust that the GBCL will continue to scrutinize developments in our community and voice concerns when it is warranted.

There are many community members to thank, and we are appreciative of all they have contributed. We can’t thank them enough. Other Philadelphia Registered Community Organizations benefited from those contributions and have expressed their appreciation. Our case also played a part in recent anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) legislation passed by city council.

The PA Supreme Court denial is a recent development, and we do not have answers to many of our questions. The story is still evolving and the GBCL will continue to monitor the case and keep the community updated as more is learned.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.

Thank you,

Jack O’Hara, President
Greater Bustleton Civic League
215-676-6890