February 18: LOOP deadline today | Two 84 bus crashes | Greensgrow to Baltimore Ave | Gayborhood history | Rock salt damage | Stanley’s in Roxborough

Good morning Streeters. What’s another 2 or 3 inches more snow? We’re already at the third snowiest winter on record.

Today is the deadline for Longtime Owner Occupants Program, tax relief for property owners whose taxes tripled due to the Actual Value Initiative. The LOOP program is for property owners who have owned and lived in their property for 10 years, and caps the assessment for eligible homeowners for 10 years.  If you’re late in applying, the city must have your paperwork in hand today so bring it in person to an Office of Property Assessment office (Curtis Center, 601 Walnut St.; Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd.; mini-city halls at 22nd and Somerset Streets and 9239 Roosevelt Blvd).

Two 84 buses were involved in separate crashes yesterday, the Inquirer reports. Both times other vehicles hit the SEPTA buses.

West Philly Local has the details on Greensgrow’s new West Philly outpost: the former home of Elena’s Soul, which was wrecked by fire in 2012. Greensgrow, the urban farm/nursery/food hub based in Kensington, will take over the lot at 49th and Baltimore for the next two years. During that time Elena’s owner Algernong Allen will consider redevelopment alternatives. Meantime, Allen said: “The Greensgrow deal not only provides a valuable resource to the urban greening community, but will also add more pedestrian traffic to Baltimore Avenue, attractiveness to the block, and even a few jobs for our local economy.”

Bob Skiba recount’s the Gayborhood’s fascinating history for Hidden City Daily, as the 50th anniversary of LGBT rights demonstrations of 1965-69 draw near and the Library Company’s new exhibit, “That’s So Gay,” opens.  

The tons of rock salt that used to treat roads and sidewalks this winter are likely damaging our rivers. NewsWorks reports that the Water Department is working with other city agencies on best practices, such as pre-treating roads with a brine solution, to reduce the amount of salt saturated runoff.

The backbone of every neighborhood commercial corridor is formed by small businesses. NewsWorks visits a family-owned stalwart on Ridge Avenue in Roxborough, Stanley’s Hardware, where shoppers buy local and get good customer service and convenience in return.

The Buzz is Eyes on the Street’s morning news digest. Have a tip? Send it along.
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