"The blocks [where drug dealing takes place] never closed," said Christine Russo, 38, who's been using heroin for seven years. Please give today. They draw a diverse crowd: tight-pantsed hipsters and long-time residents alike enjoy the delicious food in equal measure. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in late December 2019, heroin abuse in Kensington worsened. [33] Such a phenomenon is happening across Kensington, causing long-term residents to be priced out. Construction is slated to start this week on Arguto Court, an adaptive reuse project featuring office space and a cafe. Drawing from community informed strategic plans, they build relationships and provide support business by business. WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. Along with having a high rate of drug overdose deaths, 80% percent of Philadelphias overdose deaths involved opioids2 and Kensington is a big contributor to this number. Jason Meyer watched from his wheelchair as city personnel tried to clean up the chaos near Kensington and Allegheny avenues on Wednesday morning. Using proceeds from the sale of the Hope Farm estate (present day Port Richmond), which included three enslaved people named Abraham, Hannibal, and Phillis, Palmer purchased what was called the Fairman Estate, located along the Delaware River in the Northern Liberties Township (area just north of the City of Philadelphia on the . Local news should be free and accessible, which is why we ask readers like you to support our work rather than charging a fee to see it. But Gladstein said many people remain shelter resistant for various reasons and the number of emergency beds near Kensington where people actively use drugs is limited. Streets of Philadelphia, Kensington Ave Story, (Short Clip #53) Monday, Sept 6, 2021. Philadelphia officials developed what they call the "encampment resolution" process in 2017 after the city swept a . Kensington Avenue in North Philadelphia is infamous for drug abuse and prostitution. Kensington's river ward identity puts it in contrast with the neighborhoods to its west. Opioid abuse has skyrocketed in the United States over the last two decades, and Philadelphia is no exception. However, sensationalizing poverty, fetishizing small businesses, and minimizing the collective efforts of a community on the rise are the cheap tactics of bad journalists. A Google search for " Kensington Avenue Philadelphia " yields horrendous images of sad-eyed people slumped over in varying poses of despair. The increase in violent crime, homelessness, and out-of-control drug use in Kensington are far greater threats to residents of Philadelphia. The shooting happened on the 3100 block of Kensington Avenue around 5:30 p.m. City data supporting those numbers was not readily available. It was a scene that rivaled the aftermath of a storm, its victims caught up in forces that leave many hungry, homeless and hopeless. Emerald Street, Tulip Street, Kensington Avenue, Frankford Avenue . Harrowgate is the furthest north, bordering Juniata and named for Harrowgate Park. At least four people were transported to the hospital and about eight vehicles were involved in the crash. With the promise of rent subsidies and financial technical assistance from Shift and partners, nine new businesses will be opening shop on Kensington Avenue by this summer. Some even offer free samples. Things just got worse, and more violent, the more we arrested people.. August 18, 2021 / 5:22 PM / CBS Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- City officials broke up a homeless encampment in Kensington Wednesday afternoon, with outreach teams tearing down the. "PR," age 41, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted at trial of all counts with which he was charged, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute crack and heroin, arising from his leadership role in supplying a drug . The School District of Philadelphia operates public schools. Those of us who work and have worked in this community are routinely disappointed by these narratives, and the merchants on Kensington Avenue have their livelihood betrayed by them. In 2017, officials moved to raze a large-scale encampment known as El Campamento that had long existed, hidden out of sight along the Conrail train tracks. These merchants do not need your pity, they want your business, and they deserve to be taken seriously. Commercial revitalization in the form of businesses a community has use for is a powerful weapon. All About Max Winkler. Heriza became interested in Kensington after seeing a 2018 article in the New York Times magazine about the drug epidemic in the neighborhood. Nine years later and were still talking about it. Official estimates vary as to how many people are living on Kensingtons streets. Streets of Philadelphia, Kensington Ave. Story. Addicts say. Kensington, Philadelphia - Wikipedia In his first budget, the Mayor worked closely with City Council to fund bold anti-poverty initiatives. The majority of the neighborhood is renter occupied, 55.6% overall, and up to 66.3% in one tract. Here's what Kensington's community organizations need from you He once lived in the infamous Emerald Street encampment in Kensington, and saw how its closure in 2019 just shuffled people to other areas. Many of these residents dont have homes. Most dangerous street in PhiladelphiaKensington Philadelphia Drug \u0026 Crime ProblemsViolent crime and drug abuse in Philadelphia as a whole is a major problem. The number of drug overdose deaths in the city . Gun shots are heard at night. Read more ALEJANDRO A. ALVAREZ / Staff Photographer by Alfred Lubrano Published Aug 5, 2021 Nobody rousts or arrests the line of addicts nodded out in full view in the gutter. For too long, Kensington residents have resorted to other neighborhoods to shop. Kensington is home to a large population of Hispanic Americans, mainly Puerto Ricans and Dominicans, and African Americans. That camp was cleared, and another formed. Longtime neighborhood residents, business owners, and some elected officials have been pushing Mayor Kenneys administration to fix the untenable living conditions especially those brought by widespread homelessness. But Meyer, a 35-year-old whos spent years bounding between rehab and the streets as he battles his addiction, said it felt like deja vu. The drug overdose rate in Philadelphia is also concerning. Neighborhood residents have raged against City Hall for years over the litany of woes from drug dealing to missed trash collection. A recent piece chronicles the authors adventures day drinking in forgotten Philadelphia. Stop writing about Kensington Avenue like its Mordor. Philadelphia deadly stabbing near Kensington park on 4th Street under Even more concerning are the fetishizations of the corridor, which go something like this: Yes its bad, but it can be fun to visit because its bad. Violent crime and drug abuse in Philadelphia as a whole is a major problem. I also undertook strategies to address chronic issues of blight and vacancy. Mattresses lie in the mud along the railway where prostitutes trick, and rapes and assaults are common. This is a regional problem that Kensington is very graciously dealing with., Nice to see you. Despite research on the positive effects of these sites, the Trump administration blocked them from being established. During the hunt for the strangler, the area was flooded with cops. However, heroin and fentanyl is without a doubt the most popular drugs. Knowing Kensington Avenue like I do, I am distressed by its predominantly negative and fetishized depiction in the media. Watch on Most dangerous street in Philadelphia Kensington Philadelphia Drug & Crime Problems Violent crime and drug abuse in Philadelphia as a whole is a major problem. Some people cleared from the street sought out permanent housing or treatment, he said but most of the population wouldnt leave an area where they had easy access to drugs. Eight months ago, the Kensington Strangler was stalking and murdering addicted prostitutes who worked the Avenue. Most encampment residents had moved out from the former site before Wednesday morning. The citys unrelenting heat wave has left them worse for wear, their exposed skin coated in a glaze of sweat, their tank tops and shorts smeared with street grime. Underpass: Drug Stories from Kensington, Philadelphia - LensCulture Kensington Hospital for Women, 128-40 Diamond Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA. Peter Woll & Sons, Curled Hair & Bristles, 173 W. Berks Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA. Second Associate Presbyterian Church, 1523-25 N. Front Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA (185254). "You can't buy, use, and recover in the same neighborhood," Bingham said. Kensington's Recovery Plan - The Philadelphia Citizen Disinvestment and general neglect has led to high abandonment in some sections of the neighborhood, catalyzing several grassroots actions from its residents. [Meta] Sticky Comment. Ever since the strangler, addict Will Sims says, we do everything out in the open and the cops are cool with it. Several other addicts out here concur: The reason for all the bustle is that Kensington Avenue has become a drug-bust-free zone. You cant walk down the sidewalk, he said. We talk about our favorite travels in Europe, as well as travel anywhere in the U.S. and the rest of the world. When we can make the right connection for people, its really successful, Gladstein said. "[12][13][14], Deindustrialization eventually took hold in the neighborhood in the 1950s, leading to a significant population loss, high unemployment, economic decline, and abandoned homes. Well probably have a detail stationed [there], Alexander said. Multiple people were injured after a messy crash in the Kensington section of the city. In 2017, the city cleared it out in an attempt to begin to tackle the cyclic issue of homelessness and drug use. More by Max Marin. People are hanging out everywhere, turning tricks and working petty hustles. Look, he says, junkies got rights, too. Multiple people injured after a messy crash in Kensington - 6abc Clifton Mills, Building 4, 1809-11 N. Howard Street, Kensington (185263). Crack houses and shooting galleries were raided because women could easily get raped and killed there. You can do that in Amsterdam, Will Sims says, comparing hard-ass Kensington with what he perceives to be the touchy-feely Netherlands, but this is Philly, and Philly aint Amsterdam.. Zombie Infested Shithole: Streets of Philadelphia, Kensington Avenue Youre out there talking to junkies with a couple ounces of drugs in them who cant be trusted to make a lucid statement.. ", "Philly, Conrail near deal on cleanup of Kensington drug encampment", "Mother Jones leading a protest, circa 1903", "Today in labor history: Mother Jones leads march of miners' children", "Kensington: A Lot Of Heart Has Gone Into Revitalizing A Community", "Kensington: Rise and Fall of the Housing Market", "Kensington: Artists Make New Homes Amongst Longtime Residents", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: Clifton Mills, 1833 N. Howard Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: Clifton Mills, 1809-11 N. Howard Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: The Columbia Works, 155-59 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: The Decorating Plant of Gillinder & Sons' Franklin Flint Glass Works, 1700-06 N. Howard Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: Frankford Avenue Baptist Church, 2437-49 Frankford Avenue, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: Harbisons' Dairies, 2041-55 Coral Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Kensington's historic milk bottle flashing refurbished look", "Kensington's giant milk bottle gets historic designation", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: Kensington Hospital for Women, 128-40 Diamond Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: Peter Woll & Sons, Curled Hair & Bristles, 173 W. Berks Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places: Second Associate Presbyterian Church, 1527 N. Front Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: The Star Carpet Mills, 1801-03 N. Howard Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Philadelphia Register of Historic Places Nomination: Weisbrod & Hess' Loading Room, Condenser & Storage/Boiler & Wash House, 2117 E. York Street, Kensington, Philadelphia, PA", "Gentrification disproportionately affects minorities", "How Fishtown, Philadelphia Became America's Hottest New Neighborhood", "Philly residents in areas affected by overdoses want a say in talks over a supervised injection site", "SEPTA To Indefinitely Close Somerset Station In Kensington To Develop Safety & Security Strategy, Repairs", "Kensington protests closing of SEPTA's Somerset El station, a lifeline for a battered neighborhood", "SEPTA closing Somerset Station temporarily to fix elevators, confront safety concerns", "SEPTA to Reopen Somerset Station on Monday, April 5 | SEPTA", "Safehouse drops South Philly plans, looks to Kensington after judge suspends launch", "Safehouse vows to take more community input on supervised injection site plans", "Kensington neighbors dismayed by ruling on supervised injection site", "Who We Are - NKCDC - Community development should benefit residents", "Three Catholic schools closing in Bucks County", "As the pandemic surges, 'no one deserves what's brewing in Kensington. McPherson Square is the heart of Kensington. Max Winkler is an American director, writer and producer and is also the son of legendary actor Henry Winker. Yet the city has promised zero tolerance for encampments before, and the crackdowns have not yielded a long term solution. Last year alone, Kensington Avenue was approved for over ten SIP grants to renovate commercial facades, which, when complete, will literally change the face of the corridor. This number is shockingly low compared to the overall Philadelphia average of $122,113 but is still better compared to previous years. What happened to Kensington, Philadelphia? Are most of the - Quora At least four hurt in eight-vehicle pileup on Kensington Avenue in Answer (1 of 3): Kensington is the dark side of Western Industrialized society. [32], Kensington's high percentage of low income renters puts its residents at risk of displacement from gentrification. Overnight, people are getting stabbed. [58], In 2022, multiple gunmen fired approximately 40 rounds into a crowd from a black vehicle near Kensington Avenue and East Allegheny hitting nine people. Eight months ago, the Kensington Strangler was stalking and murdering addicted prostitutes who worked the Avenue. Streets of Philadelphia, Kensington Ave - Stormfront Streets of Philadelphia, Kensington Avenue, What happened today, Aug, 2021. City housing officials say 300; police estimated over 650 people this summer. link to Whatever Happened To Natalie Raitano. Looks not far from K&A, the intersection of Kensington and Alleghany Ave. Kensington was featured in Nat Geos 2013 docu-series, Drugs Inc. in the episode about Philadelphia. Last month, the city announced plans to clear out two of the larger encampments: one just north of K&A, the other about a mile south on Lehigh Avenue. Looking to be close to Center City by both car and transit, young white collar workers have been moving to cheaper neighborhoods around downtown. [41] However, some residents and many harm reduction advocates in the area are supportive.[35][42]. City Managing Director Tumar Alexander, who oversees the police response in Kensington, said there will be a zero tolerance policy for new encampments on the two targeted blocks. Before the Act of Consolidation, 1854, the Kensington District included portions of the neighborhoods known today as Olde Kensington, East Kensington, West Kensington, and Fishtown, with its northern border at Lehigh Avenue. Kensington has several medium and small sized parks and playgrounds which offer a variety of uses for visitors. Philadelphia's most dangerous street.Problems with Drugs and Crime in Kensington Ave, PhiladelphiaIn Philadelphia as a whole, violent crime and drug abuse are major issues. Additionally, there is a large population of homeless individuals. In addition to having a high rate of drug overdose deaths, 80% of Philadelphia's overdose deaths involved opioids, and Kensington is a significant contributor to this figure. Philly's Kensington is a zombie apocalypse ignored by Biden on city visit More recently fentanyl is being replaced with an animal tranquilizer called Xylazine or Tranq. On March 21, 2021, SEPTA indefinitely closed the Somerset Station of the Market-Frankford Line (MFL). Violent crime and drug abuse in Philadelphia as a whole is a major problem. Kensington Blues is a photography series by Jeffrey Stockbridge, 36, that documented the struggles and the dark reality of local residents. Philadelphia Kensington Avenue, What happened on Monday, June 28 2021. kimgary 263K subscribers Subscribe 24K Share 3M views 1 year ago Most dangerous street in Philadelphia Kensington. Anything else is tantamount to poverty porn and disrespectful to the people who dedicate their lives to making Kensington Avenue a better place. City workers clear two encampments on Kensington Avenue - Inquirer.com The median yearly income of the neighborhood is $28,368, ranging from $18,516 to $77,979. Opioid abuse has skyrocketed over the last two decades in the United States and Philadelphia is no exception. The super brief history is Kensington was a thriving industrial area of factory workers until deindustrialization happened which left the neighborhood impoverished and jobless. The Walmart of Heroin: Update on Drugs in Kensington Between the two encampments targeted on Wednesday, half a dozen other spots continue to grow. Because of the high number of drugs in Kensington, the neighborhood has a drug crime rate of 3.57, the third-highest rate by neighborhood in Philadelphia.3 Like a lot of the country, a big part of this issue is a result of the opioid epidemic. Representatives from these organizations economic development teams work hand in hand with business owners, residents, developers, and other stakeholders to strengthen the business community. Streets of Philadelphia, Kensington Avenue, What happened today, Aug, 2021. kimgary 267K subscribers Subscribe 5.3M views 1 year ago Show more 1.9M views New Orleans Tourist Traps and Things to. Some merchants, like Widdy Darts, a 108-year-old dartboard manufacturer, have been that way for a long time. Kensington, as most long-term residents view it, refers generally to the area consisting of Kensington, East, or Lower Kensington, West Kensington, and Harrowgate. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. When officials shut down the four bridge encampments between 2018 and 2019, Gladstein said 65% of people went into housing, and of those, more than half remain in housing today. [10] Initially, employment focused around the nearby waterfront and the activities of fishermen and ship- and boatbuilders. Parents will walk their children to the bus stop, even if it can be seen from their front door, and wait there with them until the bus comes. Johnson knowseven with a colorful awning and bright lightingher cafe might not get a lot of consumer street traffic. Construction has started on Penns Landing park over I-95 highway trench. While the moniker Killadelphia implies gangland warfare, Kensington is plagued by another culprit: the drug trade. Help in Kensington - State of Emergency Streets of Philadelphia, Kensington Ave Story, Here's What Happened Today, Tuesday, Sept 7, 20 . Xany bars are 2mg Xanax pills, the strongest dosage, often used with Suboxone to give users a heroin-like half-consciousness. Even Dr. Oz took the time to show us a Kensington Avenue as a hellscape. These articles tell an intentional narrative, one which has no room for hope. McKinney, of the New Kensington CDC, said the successful rehousing services touted by officials during these clearouts 10 people here, 20 people there are modest in the scope of the crisis. [10], By the mid-19th century, Kensington became one of the leading centers of the textile industry, particularly in carpet. If you arrest a violent serial killer like the strangler, you know you made a difference. According to NeighborhhoodLink, an online source for demographics, geography and economic statistics, the average house value in the 19125 zip code of Kensington is now at $43,500. Philly police release video, photos of person they say cut fiber-optic Its a scene that will look familiar to viewers of HBOs The Wire, an episode of which, titled Hamsterdam, showed Baltimore police effectively legalizing drugs within an established zone of an infested neighborhood. The United States Post Office operates the Kensington Post Office at 1602 Frankford Ave.[47] The U.S. Kensington Avenue is infamously regarded as 'the largest open-air drug market on East Coast' In 2019, the city removed four encampments in the area that was known to be frequented by drug. While Kensington is still the centralized location in Philadelphia for buying and using drugs, some community members, like Bingham, don't believe the neighborhood is the ideal place to get treatment and maintain recovery.