July 5–12, 2001

naked city

Border Lines

Another in a series on the look and texture of Philadelphia neighborhoods.

by Kass Mencher

Bella Vista

Louie Schley, 9, waiting for brunch outside Morning Glory Diner, 10th and Fitzwater.

Where: Bainbridge Street to Washington Avenue, Sixth to 11th streets.

	Bob Brady’s 2nd Ward Democratic Club at Seventh and Fitzwater.

Who lives there: A highly civic-minded citizenry, including multi-generation Italian-American families and other longtime residents; more recently arrived Vietnamese and Cambodian immigrants; and an ever-increasing number of young professionals, including a number of artists and theater people.

Parade of Saints, part of Bella Vista Festa, May 20.

What it looks like: Tidy rowhomes and tree-lined streets tucked between the circus of South Street and the hustle and bustle of the Ninth Street Market, encompassing Bainbridge Street’s antique shops, Bob Brady’s Democratic HQ, Cianfrani Park’s flora and fauna, lots of good little restaurants and the smell of Sarcone’s bread.

	Katie McFadden and Samantha Evans, both 9, cool their heels outside Anastacia’s Antiques on Bainbridge Street.

Why it’s a good place to live: "Everyone respects everyone here," says Richard Felder, who’s lived in Bella Vista most of his life.

Sunday morning, the 600 block of Kenilworth Street.

Jack O’Neill and Jack O’Neill III (7 months) enjoying mussels outside The Butcher’s Café, Ninth and Christian, during the Bella Vista Festa.			Richard Felder.

Editor’s Note: Kass Mencher’s Border Lines series has been cited for an award in the 2001 Alternative Newsweekly Awards competition. Winners will be announced at the national convention in New Orleans in July.