Belmont

Belmont is a West Philadelphia neighborhood that is adjacent to Fairmount Park and the entranceway to the famous Belmont Mansion.

At one time, Stephen Smith lived at 1050 Belmont Avenue and amassed a tremendous fortune in the lumber and coal business. With $250,000 donated in 1867, he established the Stephen Smith Home for the Aged which is still operating today. It was also the site of temporary housing for the Pullman Porters.

On the corner of 40th and Lancaster Avenue there is a block long mural dedicated to the many historical aspects of the Belmont Community.

Today, Belmont is comprised of African Americans and has a median income of $20,527 according to statistics from 2009. Most residences are larger row homes with 2 to 3 bedrooms with a number being abandoned. The Belmont Improvement Association is working diligently on upgrading the neighborhood.

Since this is a lower income neighborhood, public transportation is important. Trolley lines run along Girard Avenue and Lancaster Avenue. The restored historic trolley from the 1940s runs along Girard Avenue from Kensington along the Delaware River to points south. Lancaster Avenue routes take you directly to Center City. Bus routes crisscross to points further west.

Known as a “food desert” because there are no supermarkets in walking distance, urban gardens have begun to sprout. Former members of the University of Pennsylvania Urban Nutrient Initiative have begun growing fresh fruits and vegetables on Preston Street. Their harvest includes: kale, collards, mustard greens, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and herbs. These bags of fresh foods are available for local residents to purchase.

The first time I ever set foot in Belmont was in the summer when the heat was so terrible stepping outside made you instantly sweaty. I had gone to Belmont to observe a class at a charter school located in the neighborhood. The school was not air conditioned and the children were clearly agitated by their surroundings.

Belmont is a rundown area with many homes abandoned and boarded up. Along the main streets people stand outside of barber shops and corner stores. If you’re new to the area they can tell and acknowledge it with a head nod.

The predominantly black neighborhood seems almost forgotten by the rest of the city with its overgrown lots and crumbling architecture. Public transportation still runs through the area, you can take a bus or the trolley. But driving isn’t all that difficult either, there isn’t much to do as far as a night life so parking is ample. I wouldn’t walk around the Belmont and honestly can’t think of a reason why you would need to walk through it.

Belmont has a reputation of having a lot of instances of crime, mostly robberies and assault. Most of my friends who have worked in the area have advised being cautious and not hanging out there when it gets dark, thus I wouldn’t take the chance.