By Rowan Arthur

Tioga Station, sat atop the intersection of Kensington Avenue and East Tioga Street, is one of the quieter stations on the El. But the small businesses and rowhouses that surround the station tell the story of what Philadelphia is, at its core.

The neighborhood is extremely tight-knit, one where you cannot enter a shop or turn a corner without hearing laughter, music, and the slight hum of a conversation. In Kensington, everyone seems to know and love each other.

“ We get to know people. We know their issues. They know our problem. It’s like more of a family type environment,” said Khat Yiv Lim, the co-owner of Shawn’s Bar and Deli, which has been an integral part of this section of Kensington since opening in 2010.

But this community is changing because of rapid, new development. In just a few short years, there’s been an increased police presence and gentrifying blocks that have pushed longtime residents away. While some in the community welcome the changes and investment, others cite concerns.

Many residents said that now is the best time to embrace what the neighborhood has to offer, believing that this period of change and development could be the beginning of a new dawn in Kensington. New, trendy shops like Càphê Roasters and Table for 3 have quickly become staples in the area, drawing attention from both longtime residents and newcomers alike. 

Clarissa, a cashier at Table for 3 and lifelong Kensington resident who declined to give her last name, said the Vietnamese coffee shop ”is bringing a lot of people around, so their customers are interested in coming over here, [which is] helping us get some business as well,” she said.

Alexis Manivanh, co-owner of Revere Spa and Wellness Center, which opened in 2019, said the mix of shops and restaurants is benefiting the neighborhood.

”I feel like with us being here with all these other businesses, we’re kind of changing the area a little bit,” she said.

Some community members, however, said they view the influx of new people and businesses as a double-edged sword. There are benefits to these changes in the neighborhood, like greater business diversity, cleaner streets, and increased safety. But people in the neighborhood are concerned that when the new comes in, the old — the heart and soul of the community — is being pushed out. They said it’s already happening.

“ There’s nothing wrong with fixing up the community, but keep the people that are from the community in that community,” said Jose, a customer at JR’s Barbershop who declined to give his last name. 

“Instead of trying to rebuild the community and move in people that don’t even belong here, support the small businesses. … The small businesses [are] what keeps the community going,” he said.

Manivanh said the most significant improvement to the area created by new businesses and development has been the increased safety and accessibility for families.

“Before, kids couldn’t even go to the park because of how many people were struggling with addiction in the open,” she said. “Now, there are more events, more toy drives, and more spaces where kids can actually play outside.”

Harrowgate Park, directly underneath the Market-Frankford Line stop, used to be a frequent hub for people with addiction to stay in, driving out young kids and families from using the space. But with the recent work of community organizers and invested residents, the park is now a safe haven where children can play, families can gather, and the community can thrive. The park stands as a testament to the power of community-led revitalization, proving that significant improvements don’t always require external development.

Tru, a local rapper, activist, and father of two, said that before the clean up of Harrowgate Park, he would have never allowed his children to visit just a year ago. Now, “kids can play at the park again,” he said.

As the neighborhood continues to evolve, community members hope that Kensington’s rich history and strong sense of identity can peacefully coexist with a careful balance of the new opportunities brought by development. 

“I grew up here. This is my home,” Clarissa said. “My dad, my mother, they got married around here… so it’s kind of hard to leave. I know everybody around here, and I’m seeing new faces. The change is kind of keeping me here — I don’t want to leave yet. Not yet.”