Whereas, When Curt Chinnici, a gay man, bought his home on Shackamaxon Street in 1995, he was not well accepted, however he persevered and over the following 27 years became a major force in his neighborhood, regarded by nearby residents as a model neighbor, helpful and outspoken about his beloved Fishtown; and
Whereas, Curt could be seen throughout the community lending a hand to his neighbors, organizing garden lots, speaking against development that was wrong for Fishtown, never expecting anything in return; and
Whereas, The consummate historian and preservationist, Curt transformed his block by not only renovating his 1860’s townhome, but restoring it to its former glory filling it treasures and lush, Victorian décor that transports a visitor to another time; and
Whereas, Curt was born in 1965 and sadly passed away in June 2023. He was a teacher in the Delaware County School District for 34 years; and
Whereas, Curt’s passing was a huge loss for the neighborhood, so his neighbors came together to rename the street in his honor for the years he dedicated to his block; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 1200 block of Shackamaxon Street from Girard Avenue to Thompson Street, also be named “Robert ‘Curtis’ Chinnici Way” to honor the life and contributions of Curtis Chinnicci to Shackamaxon Street and the Fishtown community.
End