Eastwick
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | Southwest Philadelphia |
| ZIP code(s) | 19153 |
| Named for | Geographic location (eastern section of the Neck) |
| Boundaries | Roughly I-95 to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Cobbs Creek to Delaware County |
| Adjacent | Elmwood, Philadelphia International Airport |
| Major streets | Island Avenue, Lindbergh Boulevard, Bartram Avenue |
| Transit | SEPTA Regional Rail (Eastwick Station), Airport Line |
| Landmarks | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, near Philadelphia International Airport |
Eastwickis a neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia near Philadelphia International Airport. The neighborhood is notable for its proximity to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and its complex history of urban renewal, displacement, and ongoing flood challenges.
History
Urban Renewal
The Eastwick urban renewal project, initiated by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority in the 1950s, became one of the largest urban renewal projects in the United States at that time. The project aimed to transform the low-lying, flood-prone area into a model suburban community with shopping centers, industrial parks, and extensive housing developments. However, the implementation displaced thousands of residents, many of them African-American homeowners and renters who had established roots in the community.
The promised development never fully materialized as envisioned. Much of the cleared land remained undeveloped for decades, leaving a stark reminder of the project's failures. The displacement of Eastwick's existing community remains a significant example of the harmful impacts of mid-century urban renewal policies on minority communities, reflecting patterns seen across American cities during this era of aggressive redevelopment.
Flood Issues
Eastwick's location in a floodplain adjacent to Cobbs Creek and Darby Creek has resulted in recurring severe flooding that continues to challenge the neighborhood. The low-lying area near streams and wetlands experiences repeated flooding events, particularly following major storm events, causing extensive property damage and raising concerns about the long-term viability of residential development in the area.
City and federal agencies have periodically discussed voluntary buyout programs to relocate residents from the most vulnerable areas, though implementation has been slow and contentious. Residents face difficult decisions about leaving their homes and community, while environmental justice advocates point to the concentration of flood risk in a historically marginalized neighborhood. The ongoing flooding discussions highlight broader tensions between climate adaptation strategies and community preservation.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Adjacent to Eastwick lies the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, a remarkable 1,000-acre urban wildlife refuge that serves as one of the few such refuges within a major American city. The refuge features freshwater tidal marsh ecosystems and provides crucial habitat for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. Visitors can access nature trails for bird watching and participate in environmental education programs that highlight the refuge's ecological importance.
The refuge's proximity to Eastwick creates a unique juxtaposition between urban development challenges and preserved natural areas, offering neighborhood residents direct access to green space and outdoor recreation opportunities despite the community's struggles with flooding and displacement.
Neighborhood Character
Eastwick is characterized by a mix of housing types, including public housing developments, single-family homes, and residences in flood-prone areas. The neighborhood maintains a working-class character with a predominantly African-American community that continues to grapple with environmental challenges while benefiting from proximity to airport employment opportunities.
The neighborhood has experienced public safety challenges common to many working-class Philadelphia communities, including property crime and vehicle theft. In recent years, local law enforcement has increased patrols in response to community concerns about crime in the area, though residents note that addressing underlying economic and environmental challenges remains crucial to long-term safety improvements.
Housing in Eastwick remains relatively affordable compared to other Philadelphia neighborhoods, attracting families seeking homeownership opportunities despite the documented flood risks. The community's resilience is evident in residents who have remained despite displacement pressures and recurring flooding, maintaining neighborhood institutions and social networks that have persisted through decades of change.
Transportation
Eastwick is served by SEPTA Regional Rail via Eastwick Station on the Airport Line, providing direct connections to Center City Philadelphia and Philadelphia International Airport. SEPTA bus route 37 provides additional public transit options within the neighborhood. The neighborhood's proximity to I-95 offers highway access for drivers, and its location near Philadelphia International Airport makes it particularly convenient for airport workers and travelers seeking nearby accommodations.