MARC - Major Artery Revitalization Committee

The Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC), Verizon, Councilman Bobby Henon, State Representative Michael McGeehan, members of the Tacony Police Athletic League (PAL) and the City of Philadelphia’s Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP) kicked off spring by collaborating to beautify Levick Street, a major thoroughfare in Northeast Philadelphia.

On Saturday, April 21, the Levick Street corridor, one block west of State Road, was cleaned and greened. Verizon generously provided the funding for this initiative, which included cleaning, painting, mulching and planting of trees and flower beds. The project is a strong compliment to the recently renovated “Welcome to Philadelphia” mural that greets visitors entering Philadelphia from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge.

On April 14, the Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) participated in another Philly Spring Cleanup.

Volunteers cleaned Torresdale Avenue, near the Tacony Library, and made landscaping improvements to Russo Park at Cottman Avenue and Edmunds Street.

The Holmesburg Recration Center hosted MARC's annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 8, 2011.

The Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) held their annual Holiday Wreath Workshop at the Holmesburg Recration Center on December 5, 2011. Attendees received instruction and materials to create their own live wreath for the holidays.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) dedicated the 9/11 memorial at Division 39, located at 7229 Tulip Street.

The Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) hosted their annual fundraiser on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at Curran's Irish Inn, 6900 State Road.

October 28, 2010 - Due to the time constraints attached to federal stimulus dollars that were awarded to other organizations to complete various projects throughout the City, the Torresdale Avenue Project (TAP) was delayed. Since it is not being funded by stimulus dollars, the Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) had to patiently wait out the process before continuing with the second phase of construction.

"We are happy to report that TAP is back on track," said MARC President John Byrne.

The initial phase increased the lighting on the avenue. With new, shorter lamp posts called "pedestrian poles" in the Tacony business district, more light has been shed on the avenue's sidewalks and storefronts. This design promotes safety and security at night.

The second phase, which tentatively includes street furniture; sidewalk, intersection and crosswalk improvements; will go out to bid in late 2010 or early 2011 with work to begin in the spring. MARC and Urban Engineers have completed the historic review process that is required by the federal funding. MARC must now finalize the scope of the project. Once complete, Urban Engineers can submit the environmental clearance approval and get the preliminary scope approved to finish the plans.

Mayor Michael Nutter, along with State Representative Michael McGeehan (D-173), City Councilman Jack Kelly (R-At Large), State Representative John Sabatina Jr. (D-174) and City Councilman Bill Green (D-At Large), praised MARC's work during their 2nd annual fundraiser.

For a picture gallery of this event, click here.