So it is ashame the guy decided to cut down the tree in front of the house…thereby diminishing that “wonderful” tree canopy. 

When the price comes down? The area is underpriced compared to other areas if you ask me.

I was recently looking at renting an apartment on Tasker owned by Frank, so I’d guess he’s rehabbing this one as a rental as well.

Borda owns a bunch of rentals within a few blocks of the restaurant. If history holds, he’ll replace that lovely tree with … concrete.

Pretty sure you need a permit to take down a street tree like that.  But maybe the building permit allows you to cut it down?  Unclear why it had to be cut down for a scaffold though.   

that looked like an established, healthy tree. what a shame.

judging by the cinderblocks’ proximity to the other houses’ bricks, i’m guessing this might end up being a stucco special?

Borda owns a number of investment properties

 $400,000 for a house that needs to be entirely updated is not underpriced in this neighborhood or anywhere in South Philly for that matter.

Hello Guys Everything is an investment . I will be living on 13 st. a few days a week
so i can enjoy my Music, wine ( Opera & Jazz) some neighbors and not have to rush home to Chalfont Pa. Most of you people don’t realize i am from 10 & Tasker all my life and chose to invest & rehab many homes which were sold to professional people.
But most of you guys just choose not to invest in you neighborhood . But are GREAT to
criticze the people that do.

Might we add, Mr. Borda, that we really enjoy your tomato pie.

Mr. Borda:

I don’t think most of the commenters criticized you personally. I think it’s great you’re rehabbing houses in a great neighborhood. I wish more people would. I also love the food at your restaurant.

However, you also have removed several street trees over the past several years. (I know of four.) I think that’s a shame, and clearly other people do too. Residents want trees, especially young South Philly residents who are also investing in their neighborhood. They want to see leaves and green, not concrete and brick.

I hope you continue to find houses to renovate and invest in. But I hope that you also reconsider your policy of ripping out healthy trees and not replacing them. As a local guy, maybe you’ll find that your neighbors appreciate it.

Agreed. Thanks for investing in the neighborhood. As a young homeowner on the other side of the tracks, I can say I wish we had more of the already beautifully established trees that exist east of Broad. Trees add value to a property as much as fancy counter tops. Please understand this is constructive criticism, not negative. Again, we applaud your investments!