Grays Ferry traffic project sparks concern in Fitler Square
The state recently awarded the city a $1.6 million grant to help fund two related street improvement projects proposed at South Street’s Triangle Plaza. The uncontroversial part would make the temporary public space at South and 23rd Street/Grays Ferry Avenue into a permanent fixture by extending sidewalks.
The plan to improve pedestrian safety by reversing traffic flow on three blocks of 24th Street, however, faces opposition from residents of nearby Fitler Square, where daily peak-hour traffic would be diverted. BP’s Meir Rinde outlines the plans and how it would impact residents. Continue reading…
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Building a sustainable future for Philly theaters
Theaters routinely spend thousands of dollars on a stage set — it’s not unusual for the tab to top $50,000 for materials alone, not including labor costs. It doesn’t have to be that way, though, and two veteran Philadelphia stage construction pros from the Wilma and Curio theatres are on a mission to ensure a more sustainable future for local theaters.
The benefits, they say, span environmental, financial, and community-supportive goals. BP’s Jane M. Von Bergen spoke with them about their efforts and how it works. Continue reading…
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RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Supreme Court is weighing in on whether obstruction charges are warranted against some Jan. 6 rioters, including a Pa. man. [AP]
• The Philadelphia school district will stop shifting teachers around between schools after the academic year starts, a dreaded practice known as “leveling.” [Chalkbeat]
• An arrest warrant has been issued for Pennsylvania state Rep. Kevin Boyle for a violation of a protection from abuse order. [WHYY/6abc]
• A six-story apartment building is set to rise on the site of the former Kensington Food Co-op. [PhillyVoice]
• Philly is finally hiring a professional cleaning service to handle blood and other remains after outdoor shootings. The program launched this month in the 25th police district. [Kensington Voice]
• Mayfair’s Frankford Avenue corridor is temporary home to new street art from the sculptor Seward Johnson, founder of the Grounds for Sculpture, through mid-September. [CBS3]
• Delco wedding band Jellyroll (one word) is suing award-wining country music artist Jelly Roll (two words) for alleged trademark violations and “unfair competition.” [PEOPLE]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.• Philly is seeing a drop in poverty and violent crime statistics, but deep-seated issues remain, according to the latest Pew State of the City report. [WHYY]
• Mayor Parker announced a city settlement with ghost gun makers that would prohibit sales and marketing in Philly for four years. It also includes $1.3 million in compensation over that time, to be used for gun violence prevention and remediation. [WHYY]
• Less than 24 hours after a shooting at an Eid-al-Fitr celebration in West Philadelphia, Council members called for parents to be more engaged in getting guns out of homes. [Philadelphia Tribune]
• A new unit dedicated to prosecuting people who have been repeatedly caught with illegal guns is now part of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia gun violence survivors find support through residents and nonprofits. [NPR]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 31: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 11 the week prior. [PCGVR]
- 276: Shooting victims as of April 11 were down 45% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 81: Year-to-date homicides, down 34% vs. last year’s pace; down 15.6% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker joins city and police officials to detail the terms of a settlement with ghost gun distributors and what it means for Philadelphians. (3:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🎞️ Temple hosts a screening and panel about “Second Trauma,” a 25 minute documentary on the effects of episodic gun violence reporting on survivors and co-victims, and what solutions are possible. Free with registration. (7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 17)
🎶 The quadruple threat of Afro-Indigenous musical artist Maimouna Youssef, also known as Mumu Fresh, comes to Drexel’s Mandell Theater with her band. Free with registration. (7 p.m. Thursday, April 18)
🍸 It’s French History Night at the Museum of the American Revolution, complete with happy hour cocktails, exhibit access, and historical talks. $20 tickets. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 19)
🎉 Swifties can celebrate the release of “Tortured Poets Department” at City Winery’s release party, which includes audience requests from the emo/pop punk genre. $15 tickets. (9 p.m. Friday, April 19)
Catch up on the previous week
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