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Beautification Projects Taking Root In Old City

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A beautification effort to two blighted lots in Old City appears to be taking root as additional projects are being considered.

It looks like one giant lot, but it's actually two -- 240 Market Street and on the back side 245 Elbow Lane.

Since the summer, the trash has been cleaned up, the ground is now level and grass-covered. A wooden split rail fence protects it.

"There would be people using the lot as a bathroom," says Joeb Itzkowitz Executive Director of the Old City District. "The 7-11 wall as a bathroom. there would be drug activity on the lot. And part of that came from the way the lot was maintained."

 

Itzkowitz says it's a simple beautification effort.

"I was able to get an agreement with the owner to let us simply fence it in, plant some grass and a few bushes at the front."

He says there are more projects being considered and a master plan for redevelopment of public space is also in the works which is expected to be completed by the end of next moth.

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