Unveiling our Top Stories of the Year

Dec 25, 2023

This is David, publisher of the Fitler Focus.

It's been a remarkable month for us with an influx of new subscribers, and I'm thrilled to welcome each of you. As we approach the year's end, it seems fitting to revisit our most impactful stories from the past year.

So, without further delay, let's dive into the first installment of our year-end roundup, featuring the top stories that captured your attention.

Keep an eye out for the concluding part of this series next week, where we'll unveil the final five.

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#10: Fitler Groups Push for Taney Street Rename; City Council Hesitates

We covered the ongoing battle to change the name of Taney Street, which community groups say is named after Supreme Court Justice Roger B. Taney. Taney gave the majority opinion in the 1857 Dred Scott v. Sandford case, ruling that African Americans were not considered US citizens.

The comments on this one were enlightening. While the Fitler Square Neighborhood Association continues to push for the rename, commenters pointed out that there’s no hard evidence linking the street’s original naming to, specifically, Supreme Court Justice Taney.

#9: Local Producers Local Producers Report Encouraging Sales in Farmers Market Debut

This was the first year of the Schuylkill River Park Farmers market. We spoke with vendors to find out what worked well for them this year, and what they might want to change at next year’s market. We also highlighted the hyperlocal products on offer.

#8: A Heart-to-Heart with Longtime Fitler Realtor Pam Rosser-Thistle

We dove into what makes Fitler real estate unique in this profile of agent Pam Rosser-Thistle. Her personal connection to the neighborhood over many decades illustrates how our community has changed over the past 30 years.

#7: Fitler Square Finds a Champion in Ben Keys

Fitler Square has the rare distinction of being part of not just one, but two Registered Community Organizations (RCOs). These RCOs wield significant influence in the city, especially through their impactful recommendations on zoning matters.

We profiled Ben Keys, who serves as the president of our local Registered Community Organization, the Fitler Square Neighborhood Association.

#6: Proposal to Reverse 24th St Sparks Debate

A contentious plan to alter the direction of traffic on several blocks of 24th Street has sparked debate among neighbors.

Residents of Grays Ferry advocate for this change, believing it to be a crucial solution to alleviate traffic congestion. But some Fitler Square residents raised concerns about the reliability of the traffic studies cited in support of the proposal. They also questioned whether proponents have the appropriate jurisdiction to enact such a significant change.

While you wait for the final top 5 to be unveiled next week, here are some other stories you we think you might find interesting:

Greenfield Parents Plead for Traffic Solutions on 24th Street

We reported on a dangerous street crossing that many Fitler families have to make twice a day. Several weeks after we published our story, the City installed a stop sign at this dicey intersection.

Norman Rockwell's Son Shapes Fitler Square With Playful Monster Fountain

When you think of famed American artist Norman Rockwell, Fitler Square might not come to mind. But his son, a prominent sculptor in his own right, has left a mark on our neighborhood.