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 |
Eastwick is 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
Eastwick has a controversial history of urban renewal:
- 1950s-60s: Largest urban renewal project in the U.S. at the time
- Displaced thousands of residents (many African-American)
- Razed existing homes for planned development
- New construction never fully materialized as promised
The Eastwick urban renewal project was initiated by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority in the 1950s with the goal of transforming the low-lying, flood-prone area into a model suburban community. However, the promised shopping centers, industrial parks, and extensive housing developments were never fully realized, leaving much of the cleared land undeveloped for decades. The displacement of the existing community, which included established African-American homeowners and renters, remains a significant example of the harmful impacts of mid-century urban renewal policies on minority communities.
Flood Issues
The neighborhood continues to face significant flooding problems:
- Low-lying area near streams and wetlands
- Repeated flooding events
- Ongoing discussions about buyouts and relocation
- Environmental justice concerns
Eastwick's location in a floodplain adjacent to Cobbs Creek and Darby Creek has resulted in recurring severe flooding, particularly following major storm events. In recent years, flooding has caused extensive property damage and raised 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 residents face difficult decisions about leaving their homes and community.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Adjacent to Eastwick:
- 1,000+ acre urban wildlife refuge
- Freshwater tidal marsh
- Bird watching
- Nature trails
- Environmental education
- One of the few urban wildlife refuges in the U.S.
Character
Housing
- Mix of housing types
- Some public housing
- Single-family homes
- Flood-prone areas
Community
- Working-class families
- African-American community
- Environmental challenges
- Airport employment nearby
Public Safety
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.
Living in Eastwick
- Affordable housing
- Near airport
- Wildlife refuge access
- Flood risk in some areas
- Environmental concerns
Getting There
- SEPTA Regional Rail: Eastwick Station (Airport Line)
- SEPTA buses: 37
- I-95: Nearby access
- Close to Philadelphia International Airport