About

History of the BAWP
What we've accomplished
What we're working on now
Long Term Goals

HISTORY OF THE BAWP

The Business Association of West Parkside (BAWP) was formed in 1987 to serve the needs of businesses located in the Commonwealth designated Enterprise Zone. The Enterprise Zone designation has ended, but the BAWP has grown and continues to serve this business community.

A Board of Directors that includes the owners/directors of local businesses, City representatives, and the president of the Parkside Association of Philadelphia (our local community group) governs BAWP. Our unofficial motto is “A Celebration of Business, Community, and Government Cooperation.” We believe strongly that a solid community requires the full participation of businesses and residents as well as government representatives.

The BAWP is a 501 (c) 6 organization. Our Federal Tax ID # is 23-2750956. We are registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations (#29679)

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What we’ve accomplished

The BAWP was instrumental in West Parkside becoming a State Enterprise Zone. We were also involved in the establishment of the Philadelphia-Camden Empowerment Zone and its inclusion of West Parkside.

We have worked tirelessly on transportation issues to ensure safe and easy access to this area. We have also worked with the Streets Department to improve traffic flow and safety, as well as created safety corridors for schools. The BAWP continues to work closely with the police and fire departments to keep up with issues of concern in the neighborhood.

Our organization has helped eliminate blight and improve sanitation to create a better environment for businesses and residents alike. We have helped beautify the area, from getting the bleachers removed on Parkside Avenue, to seeing through the installation of the Philadelphia Stars Negro League Memorial Park.

We have strong alliances with neighborhood organizations such as the Parkside Association of Philadelphia, with whom we work closely to foster goodwill and cooperation between businesses and residents—with an emphasis on our shared vision for West Parkside.

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What we’re working on now

Current projects include:

Facilitating access to contract information for our members.
Assuring West Parkside voice is heard on local and state areas of concern.
Addressing safety, lighting and blight at the 52nd & Lancaster overpass.
Working with the Fairmount Park Commission and being active members on the Centennial District Steering Committee to ensure West Parkside benefits from proposed growth and development extending from the Art Museum.
Staying involved in the development of the 52nd Street shopping center and helping determine appropriate and best use of land. Active members of the Oversight Committee for the construction process.
Continued upkeep and maintenance of the Philadelphia Stars Negro League Memorial Park.
Creating heightened security and addressing dumping issues along Merion Avenue.

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Long Term Goals

The BAWP is excited about the future of West Parkside and will continue to advocate for its members as well as for the development of the area. Our long-term goals include:

Zoning. Continue with opposition to Christian Stronghold move into Industrial Park and advocate for businesses that produce jobs and tax revenue for West Parkside.
Taxes. Develop ways to deal with the Business Privilege Tax, use and occupancy tax, net profit and gross profit taxes –and the impact on small businesses in Philadelphia.
52nd & Lancaster. Develop action plans for the intersection including the train overpass and traffic flow issues.
Signage. Work on greater visibility and orientation for every area of West Parkside. Residents and visitors should be able to easily orient themselves to the Zoo, the Mann, the Please Touch, Horticulture Center, etc.
Merion Avenue. Continue to work on clean-up and handling of illegal activity.
Insurance. Address issue of insurance companies either not offering insurance in certain areas or charging exorbitant prices for health, liability and property insurance.
Care and upkeep of publicly owned property. Hold Amtrak, the City, and others accountable for maintenance of public property.
Minority participation in City contracts. Develop a positive approach to enable effective minority participation and enable greater access to City contracts.
Police and safety. Address response issues, request visible patrols and greater presence in the area.
Government bureaucracy. Learn ways to get through it and find allies who can help navigate.
U.S. Postal Service. Set up structure for oversight in this area and work on better mail delivery to businesses.
Development of more commercial properties along Parkside Avenue to create a thriving commercial corridor.

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