FDR Park tree clearing gets approval from zoning board
The Fairmount Park Conservancy can proceed in clearing 48 healthy, large trees at FDR Park in South Philly, to make way for several sports fields and courts.
Plan Philly’s Sophia Schmidt says the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment granted the nonprofit a special exception to remove heritage trees from the property in order to move forward with part of the $250 million renovation of the park that started in 2022. Continue reading…
Vote for your favorite “made in Philly” item
Philly got snubbed with only one nomination in last year’s “Coolest Thing Made in PA” contest hosted by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
While this year’s nominations are more evenly spread throughout the state, Billy Penn’s Sarah Frasca and Nathaly Suquinagua rounded up a whole list of Philly-made products that didn’t make the cut. Continue reading…
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RECAP: What else happened?
• The Pa. primary is among the next targets for a nationwide voting initiative that urges Democrats to cast ‘uncommitted’ write-in votes as a protest against President Biden’s handling of the war in Gaza. [Capital-Star]
• A package of four bills described by critics as anti-trans legislation was introduced in the Pa. state legislature last week. It includes protections for parents who refuse to use a child’s preferred pronouns or approve gender-affirming health care, including as part of custody disputes. [PGN]
• Concerns about how to escape a car submerged in water skyrocketed in the aftermath of the collapse of a major bridge in Baltimore. Experts advise getting out ASAP through the windows. [WHYY]
• As construction continues on the Penn’s Landing cap park over I-95, Philadelphians can get a glimpse of the eventual logo in new renderings. [PhillyVoice]
• Rain forecast for today has pushed the Phillies home opener to Friday. Gates will open at 12:35 p.m. and on-field pregame festivities will begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. [WHYY]
• Some cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Philly right now. Others are on the cusp of showing white blossoms that shift to a shade of pink as they mature. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will announce investments in workforce training programs Her office says the “Workforce Solutions Grant invests in programs from organizations that strive to elevate evidence-informed approaches to address specific challenges Black, brown, and other historically disadvantaged Philadelphia residents face when preparing for and entering the workforce.” (4:15 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🥚Easter comes early at the Chinatown Egg Hunts, complete with face painting, photo booths, games, and balloon-making. (1 to 4 p.m. Friday, March 29)
🛍️ The Trans Day of Visibility Market and Fashion Show kicks off at the William Way Center, celebrating art and community creativity. Free. (4 p.m. market, 6 p.m. show Friday, March 29)
🎶 Hundreds of new and classic records are at 48 Record Bar’s Pop-Up Vinyl Market, where music, drinks, and food welcome everyone. (12 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 30)
🌎 “Save Philadelphia from climate change” at Miniball 2024, a benefit cabaret concert with FringeArts. $10-$50 tickets. (8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30)
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