The territory served by the North Central Special Services District sits within the Cecil B. Moore neighborhood. Historically, this community was home to a vibrant jazz scene. From the 1940s to the 1960s, Columbia Avenue was referred to as “The Golden Strip.”  Jazz clubs lined the avenue and launched the careers of many Philadelphia jazz musicians and singers. 

Columbia Avenue was renamed in the 1970s to honor the life and legacy of Cecil B. Moore, a North Philadelphia lawyer and civil rights advocate. Moore studied at Temple University, led the fight to integrate Girard College, was president of the local NAACP chapter and served on the Philadelphia City Council.

The North Central Special Services District neighborhood continues to evolve. The past decade has witnessed the growth of Temple University and increased student interest in living near campus. As a large concentration of Temple students choose to reside west of Broad Street, a healthy balance between short and long-term residents can be difficult to achieve. The district aims to mitigate student impact and address long-term residents’ concerns regarding trash and noise. The district will develop and implement strategies to create connections among all residents to promote a cleaner and safer community respectful of all individuals living in the area.