BY JENNIFER HERNANDEZ ON MARCH 5, 2024

Kensington Avenue, once a prosperous neighborhood in Philadelphia, is now plagued by drug-related issues, notably opioid addiction.

Although some business owners have been able to adapt and find ways to cope with the challenges posed by opioid use in Kensington, many others still struggle to overcome its devastating effects. In 2022, over 1,400 people died from drug overdoses in the city, an 11% increase from the previous record-high. Individuals facing addiction are seen scattered on sidewalks, injecting themselves, or passing out with fleas covering their wounds from xylazine— an animal tranquilizer. There are currently 99 vacant properties in the commercial corridor.

Sunny Phanthavong and Dionicio Jimenez, Kensington business owners of Vientiane Bistro and Cantina La Martina, respectively, said they face several difficulties that impinge upon their daily operations. These challenges include higher insurance premiums, missed trash pickups, homeless encampments, and drug use outside their establishments. In particular, Sunny said that she must frequently clean up used needles and drug paraphernalia that litter her storefront, as well as regularly confront individuals under the influence of drugs. Despite these challenges, both owners actively seek ways to adapt and persevere.

“There are moments when there’ll be someone outside who is high on their drugs, slouching out front, and we will have to ask them to leave,” said Phanthavong. “Some of them usually leave without a problem. And some will say, ‘You don’t have the right to tell me what to do.’”

“Working in a restaurant or owning a restaurant is tough. It’s difficult,” said Jimenez. “But here in Kensington, our area is more unpredictable. We never know how it’s going to be.”

Despite their perseverance, businesses face two significant challenges: a decrease in customers and health and safety concerns related to the open-air drug market. 

To effectively address these issues, it is imperative to determine the most efficient strategies to combat the opioid crisis and lawlessness in Kensington. As suggested by Jimenez, one such strategy is for city officials and prospective business owners to foster a relationship with the community. By doing so, individuals can become aware of everything happening in the neighborhood, not just drug-related activities and crimes, to discuss and address the needs of the entire community.

Will Kensington business owners receive any assistance?

Since 2023, several efforts and programs have been initiated to improve the cleanliness of Kensington Avenue. 

“[People] walk through syringes and human feces and in front of folks who are openly dealing drugs and consuming drugs and who not only are consuming drugs but who are also suffering from a lot of other health issues and open wounds. Our kids have to go through that every day,” said Councilmember Quetcy Lozada in an interview with NPR.

Lozada led a 24-hour cleaning program in Kensington aimed at helping businesses in the area. The Sanitation Division of the Streets Department crew worked to clean up the streets and sidewalks along the avenue. As a result, the impact of these efforts can be seen at establishments like Vientiane Bistro, which has reported a reduction in “drug baggies” and trash in front of their restaurant.

In 2023, Mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker discussed her plans to address the opioid epidemic in Kensington during a private discussion with recovering drug users. 

“A whole lot of people are going to be upset if I become the mayor because cleaning up Kensington in a very visceral, tangible, and a physical way is essential,” said Parker during the private discussion. “Stopping and shutting down the open-air drug market and ensuring that open-air use on the street is not allowed... And we will have a police department who will make sure that it enforces the law.”

During the initial month of her mayoral term, Cherelle Parker declared a public safety emergency in Kensington. She directed the newly appointed Police Commissioner, Kevin Bethel, to develop a comprehensive plan to address public safety concerns, including open-air drug markets. Additionally, she approved legislation to tackle the city’s significant issues with crime and drug addiction. These initiatives were similar to Lozada’s, who proposed a bill on January 25th requiring businesses and restaurants along East Lehigh Avenue, Kensington Avenue, D Street, East Tioga Street, and Frankford Avenue to follow a curfew. Lozada has also advocated for a more robust law enforcement response in the neighborhood.

“I want to strongly commend Council member Quetcy Lozada for her legislation, and we look forward to working with her as these bills move through Council’s legislative process,” Parker said last month. “The purpose of the legislation introduced is to address the kinds of social ills – open-air drug markets, illegal drug activity, nuisance businesses – that erode quality of life in neighborhoods across our city, including Kensington.”

The proposed legislation requires quarterly reports commencing this fall on the frequency and locations where first responders administer naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication.

Additionally, the reports must include information regarding individuals who have received the opioid antidote more than once.

“For too long, Kensington has borne the scars of drugs and blight,” Bethel said in a statement. “It’s our charge to turn the tide, and to lead this effort, I’m excited to announce the creation of a new position within the department: Deputy Commissioner of the Kensington Initiative.”

Parker appointed Pedro Rosario as the first Latino Deputy Police Commissioner to lead the Philadelphia Police Department’s public safety approach in the city. According to Rosario, who has been working in Kensington for three decades, the neighborhood has not been given enough attention for a long time. He believes that with the current leadership, the community is finally moving in the right direction to prioritize Kensington.

Despite efforts to revitalize the area, the prevalence of drug use and related issues continues to hinder economic growth and stability.

“Older businesses on this Ave [are] our motivation because they have been here for a very long time,” assured Phanthavong. “And that shows their resilience through the ups and downs of everything, the good and bad times. So that’s what made us stay strong to be here.”

The owners of Vientiane Bistro aim to change the narrative of restaurants in Kensington by providing a safe and positive place for the residents to come and dine without worrying about traveling downtown—they can enjoy “the same or even better quality food here,” Phanthavong assured. 

All stakeholders must have a collaborative and comprehensive approach to address these challenges.

“There are very dedicated children in Kensington who want to excel, but this is a new experience for them, and they are eager to change that,” said Jimenez.