The week after the city of Philadelphia released a series of reports evaluating the impact a Sixers arena would have on Center City, New Jersey has put forth its own proposal for why the team should come across the Delaware River, complete with millions in tax credit incentives.
The offer comes as the Sixers’ current landlord, Comcast Spectacor, reportedly floated its own new proposal for their tenant’s desired real estate spot — to turn a portion of the Fashion District mall into a biomedical innovation hub.
Team officials said they will take NJ’s offer seriously, even as they have been working “tirelessly” over five years to keep the team in the city. Continue reading …
August was rough, but your favorite baseball team righted itself with a strong finish and entered September with a 7-game lead in the NL East (and scored a dramatic, 10-9 win last night). But the big goal is a first-round bye in the playoffs. Hittin’ Season’s John Stolnis weighs in on whether they’ll be able to get there. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A Pa. auditor said a state agency mismanaged funds paid for Medicaid-funded prescriptions, a claim that was quickly disputed by officials. [AP]
• The Philadelphia Gas Commission voted to approve new regulations that restrict the ability of the public to participate in the city-owned Philadelphia Gas Works’ budgeting process. [WHYY]
• City officials say they’ll take street safety issue to the community next, frustrating some safety advocates. [NBC10]
• The Philadelphia Parking Authority is changing the pricing structure for residential parking permits and instituting a flat rate for all residents, as well as a three-vehicle limit. [WHYY]
• The deal to sink the SS United States off the Florida coast as a man-made reef appears to be in limbo as deadline nears. [Inquirer$]
• “[The coffee shop scene] is very high-brow. We wanted to not do that.” Two sisters, from Jamaica by way of Brooklyn, have opened a coffee shop in West Philly that prioritizes community, and good coffee. [Tribune]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
• Emerging Leader Fellowships continues a focus on preventing gun violence in Philadelphia. [The Stoneleigh Foundation]
• Why gun violence spikes in Philadelphia in the summer. [Axios]
• Back to school: Community day provides kids with school supplies, valuable lessons in non-violence. [FOX29]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 23: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 5 fatalities, vs. 29 with 6 fatalities the week prior. [Philly Police]
- 756: Shooting victims as of August 30 were down 39% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 183: Year-to-date homicides, down 38% vs. last year’s pace; down 21% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
12 p.m.: Mayor Parker will join city officials to provide a final assessment of the One Philly, United City Citywide Cleaning Program, at Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP) Office in Northeast Philly.
1:30 p.m.: Parker will then join the Philadelphia Housing Authority and other officials to announce PHA’s $24 million deal to purchase Brith Sholom House, at 3939 Conshohocken Avenue.
ON THE CALENDAR
✏️ Thursday, Sept. 5: South Philly Drink and Draw
Newbold Exchange again hosts this monthly community drawing opportunity. Bring paper, a tablet, a pile of napkins or show up empty-handed and basic supplies will be provided along with the nude model and complimentary beer, courtesy of Philadelphia Brewing Company. $10 tickets. (7 to 9 p.m.)
🦅 Friday, Sept. 6: Eagles Pep Rally at the Philly Zoo
Celebrate the Eagles’ opening day with a pep rally on Impala Lawn, wearing your favorite Eagles paraphernalia to enjoy lawn games, music, and Bird meet-and-greets. Plus, enter to win a signed Eagles football! Included with $20/$25 Zoo admission. (9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
📕 Friday, Sept. 6: East Kensington Mini Zine Fest
Check out 15 zine artists while enjoying live music and projection art at OG Pizza, brought to you by Weirdo Odd Fest, Fireball Prints, and East Kensington Arts Committee. (6 to 9 p.m.)
💃🏽 September 5-29: Philadelphia Fringe Festival
The 27th annual festival brings over 1,000 performances and 312 shows to venues across Philly throughout the month. Ticket prices vary. See the full lineup of events here.
Catch up on the previous week
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