East Passyunk residents discuss the neighborhood’s evolution
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Frank Mattio of Frank's TV Repair opened up his shop on East Passyunk in 1947. Mattio says the repair business has been tough. People think,
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Noir restaurant and bar opened last June at 1909 E. Passyunk Ave., a location that has changed hands a number of times in the last few years. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Workers renovate the lot next to Le Virtu restaurant. Co-owner Francis Cratil says the lot will be used as an open green space for dinner and events, and will include an herb garden for the restaurant's kitchen. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Philip Mancuso makes fresh mozzarella in the back of his cheese shop, L. Mancuso & Son. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Philip Mancuso (left) pulls fresh mozzarella with sons Joe and Larry at L. Mancuso & Son cheese shop on East Passyunk Avenue. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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This statue at the junction of East Passyunk Avenue and Mifflin and 13th streets honors South Philly boxer Joseph Giardello. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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The building that housed the former King of Jeans clothing store is under construction and expected to become retail space and apartments. Some residents wonder what will happen to its iconic sign. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Edward Bok Technical High School at 9th and Mifflin streets is one of 23 Philadelphia schools slated to close at the end of the school year. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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First Communion dresses adorn the window at St. Jude Shop, Inc. on East Passyunk Avenue. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Mia's of Philadelphia at Moore Street and East Passyunk Avenue displays prom dresses in the boutique windows. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Mamma Maria's Italian Restaurant has been a neighborhood staple since 1992. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Vincent Orme (left) reads the South Philly Review at the fountain at Tasker Street and East Passyunk Avenue. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY).
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Paradiso chef and owner Lynn Rinaldi uses produce grown in the restaurant's rooftop garden on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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A woman walks down the East Passyunk corridor in South Philadelphia. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Urban Jungle specializes in urban landscaping and vertical gardens and green walls. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Pub on Passyunk East,
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Steve White, a cook at Pub on Passyunk East, moved to Philadelphia from Boston fewer than two years ago. He says the neighborhood bar is usually bustling with customers. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Chelsea DeRock practices her slap shot on a side street off of the East Passyunk corridor. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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Chelsea DeRock (right), with friend Craig Doughty, says that East Passyunk has become more culturally diverse compared to the Italian neighborhood she remembers as a young girl. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
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The property formerly known as Colombo's Restaurant sits vacant with windows boarded up at the corner of East Passyunk Avenue and Juniper Street. (Lindsay Lazarski/WHYY)
More than 20 people from South Philadelphia’s East Passyunk and Passyunk Square neighborhoods chatted with us Wednesday afternoon about their community. WHYY Urban Life Correspondent Elizabeth Fiedler led the discussion, which is captured below in tweets and photos.
We heard from business owners, long-time residents, newcomers, and even people from other neighborhoods who’ve witnessed similar developments in their own communities.
If you’ve got more to say about East Passyunk, or any neighborhood, consider sending us an essay.
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