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NAME: Alex Brenard

Tell us a little about yourself:

I have lived in the Callowhill neighborhood area for 1.5 years. Initially, my fiancé (Melissa) and I were renters in the Old Shoe Factory building on 12th and Wood. But when that lease expired in November of 2020, our love for this part of town drove us to purchase our first home together in the Beaux Arts building (13th & Callowhill St.). I work in the service industry as the manager & head barber at Blind Barber's Philadelphia location in Center City. As a barber, I am in daily contact with all of the various walks of life Philadelphia has to offer; through these interactions I've learned that Philadelphians are an awesome group of hardworking, passionate, and caring people... people I would love to continue to serve through civic engagement on the CNA board. Further, as a successful barbershop manager, I am in charge of all aspects of running a profitable and efficient business. I believe I can also put these professional traits to use as a CNA board member.

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What do you like most about the neighborhood?

Many things... Walking our dog, Olive, to The Rail Park (a true Philly gem) where she'll inevitably run into one of her furry friends. Breakfast burritos from Cafe Lift. The whole block outside of Elixr smelling of roasting coffee beans. The G-Ma pie at Wood Street Pizza. Smiling faces sitting outside Love City enjoying top-notch craft beers. Seeing rock climbers, climbing shoes hanging from backpacks, walking to The Cliffs... there is so much energy in this neighborhood, and so much potential. It's an exciting place to be and I'd be thrilled to contribute even a little bit towards its continued positive growth.

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What do you think needs improvement?

A dedicated trash club to patrol the neighborhood for litter on a bi-monthly basis (every other Sunday morning, for instance). Participation could be generated via offering participants vouchers for free coffee, pizza, beer etc. etc. from local Callowhill businesses. Secondly, we all love the brick built factory-style buildings scattered around the neighborhood. These industrial roots are part of what makes Callowhill so appealing to current & future residents. But those roots also leave much to be desired as far as public green space. Therefore the continued expansion of The Rail Park would be a major improvement to the neighborhood. I'd help work towards this expansion as much as possible, in whatever ways I can.

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Which position interests you?

General Board

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Which committee/s would you be interested in?

Green and Clean, Community Engagement, Zoning/Design/Planning

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NAME: Robert Cheetham

Tell us a little about yourself:

Robert Cheetham is the founder and CEO of Azavea, a geospatial software and analytics firm that employs 65 people and has been in the Callowhill Neighborhood since 2002. Robert has a Masters in Landscape Architecture and Regional and worked in local in Japan and Philadelphia for several years. Prior to founding Azavea, Robert served as software developer and data analyst for the Philadelphia Police Department, the University of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia. Current projects include work in data visualization, climate change, green infrastructure, urban forestry, and stormwater. He has been on the CNA board since 2006.

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What do you like most about the neighborhood?

About the neighborhood itself, I likes the gritty, industrial fabric; unsettled, unfinished state; potential for significant positive change; the recent increase in investment and business growth.

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What do you think needs improvement?

The elements of the neighborhood that could use improvement include trash/graffiti; design, in particular, monitoring and holding owners accountable for zoning agreements; harassment of building projects by construction unions; Reading Viaduct rehabilitation.

 

Which position interests you?

General Board

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Which committee/s would you be interested in?

Zoning/Design/Planning

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NAME: Vincent DiMaria

Tell us a little about yourself:

I’ve owned a condo and lived in Callowhill for about 7 years. I’m a practicing architect who is very interested in zoning, construction and city planning. I would like to continue my role as Zoning Co-chair.

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What do you like most about the neighborhood?

I love the unique architectural character of Callowhill and the variety and scales of buildings. It feels very different from other Philadelphia neighborhoods, yet it is very close to Center City. It’s exciting to see more people visiting and moving to our neighborhood. It’s also very promising to see new buildings, businesses and the Rail Park open in recent years.

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What do you think needs improvement?

I think the trash and unmanaged vacant lots in our neighborhood are a big challenge to residents and visitors. With new residents moving in, I would like to see more community engagement and neighborhood pride. I think that CNA can and should have a big role in helping to facilitate this community involvement.

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Which position interests you?

General Board

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Which committee/s would you be interested in?

Zoning/Design/Planning

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NAME: Kelly Edwards

Tell us a little about yourself:

Hi! I’ve been working in the neighborhood for past 5 years and really enjoy the history, character and potential of Callowhill. The neighbors here love their community and it’s always so fun to work on new projects from neighborhood clean ups to welcoming new businesses to the area.

 

Which position interests you?

General Board

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Which committee/s would you be interested in?

Green & Clean

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NAME: Jeremy Montgomery

Tell us a little about yourself:

Since becoming the President/CEO at Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission in Nov. 2018, I immediately fell in love with the people and composition of the Neighborhood.  Although I live very close in Old City, as a board member, I strive to elevate the Mission as a 'good neighbor' as we serve Philadelphia's homeless, hungry and hurting. Naturally, we at the Mission don’t cause nor create homelessness, yet we strive to be continually viewed by our neighbors here in Callowhill as a SOLUTION to addressing it.  Serving as a board member has allowed the Association to intentionally and strategically work together with us here at the Mission to address and hopefully eradicate homelessness in this neighborhood. And also it increases volunteer opportunities, and crafting strategic initiatives together with the Association to actively engage with our efforts has been a joyful venture for me.

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What do you like most about the neighborhood?

I like the diversity – the people & resident as just darn good and enjoyable to know. Given the neighborhood nonprofit at which I work, I thoroughly appreciate how much the residents and businesses here value and view our work to serve Philly’s homeless and hungry as an asset, not as a problem/liability.  I also like its proximity to Center City, yet it has a distinct and unique neighborhood-feel.

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What do you think needs improvement?

As for improving the neighborhood, I enjoy personally participating in the efforts to address the need to improve the neighborhood's cleanliness and overall safety/security.  Enhancing the reputation and appearance as a great place to live, work, dine, and socialize would be an improvement. Therefore, more tasty restaurants and eateries would be nice.

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Which position interests you?

General Board

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Which committee/s would you be interested in?

Community Engagement

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NAME: Julia Shaw

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am the Deputy Director of Asian Arts Initiative and have been working there for 5 years. We are a community institution and property owner and have invested in projects that help create positive change in the neighborhood. I am a mother of three kids and have lived in Philadelphia for over 20 years.

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What do you like most about the neighborhood?

Callowhill's unique character and location. Moving from a largely industrial to a more residential neighborhood over the years has shaped a multi-faceted neighborhood that now sees residential, commercial, light industry, lots of adaptive reuse ,and features so much interesting architecture. Centrally located it also connects so many key areas of the city, particularly the commercial core of Chinatown.

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What do you think needs improvement?

TPotential to increase connectivity and resident investment in the neighborhood. Working together in truly representative and inclusive community decisions.

 

Which position interests you?

General Board

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Which committee/s would you be interested in?

Community Engagement, Membership/Volunteer Coordination