Doesn’t it feel like the pope visit is coming up next week or something? Philadelphia learned so much this week about the September visit from leader of the Catholic Church, from closures to toilets. As part of the #BillyPennPlaylist, Billy Penn has summed up those stories and all the other big news stories this week and combined them with music.
“Shut Down,” Beach Boys
We found out a few more details this week about how Philadelphia probably won’t resemble the city we know and love when Pope Francis arrives for the last weekend of September. The PPA executive director said the city would probably be under a heavy security perimeter from river-to-river and Girard to South Street, and you can expect the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to be closed, too.
“Bitch Better Have My Money,” Rihanna
Philadelphia is missing a lot of money from property tax delinquents, $523 million in fact. That’s more than last year, even, meaning the problem is getting worse. Some of the culprits are prominent buildings too, such as the Wanamaker Building and the Penn Bookstore.
“Crash,” The Primitives
SEPTA began selling its papal visit regional rail passes on Monday, and their website crashed within a few minutes. Don’t expect to get one anytime soon, either. SEPTA is not ready to start selling them again.
#SEPTA sales of rail passes for #popeinphilly visit will NOT resume this week. Statement to come shortly.
— SEPTA Media Relations (@SEPTANews) July 21, 2015
“Everything Falls Apart,” Dog’s Eye View
Is the Point Breeze pop-up beer garden open? The answer right now would be “no.” It was shut down for the second time in the last two weeks after the Department of Licenses and Inspections appealed the ruling that it could stay open (L&I had originally shut it down because it said the pop-up violated zoning rules).
“Days Are Gone,” Haim
Speaking of L&I, commissioner Carlton Williams’ days are probably numbered. Republican mayoral candidate Melissa Murray Bailey said she would replace him if elected on Wednesday. A couple of hours later, Democratic candidate Jim Kenney expressed the same sentiment. L&I has been trying to keep things positive by paying to write their own stories in local media.
“Save the Night,” John Legend
Not many people want to see Fishtown’s St. Laurentius church go. As the weeks go by since its demolition was announced, several people have been exalting its beauty and usefulness on its way to preservation. This Philly transplant really helped make it happen.
Usher “Nice & Slow”
Sure, SEPTA’s website is crashing, fences are probably being built and roads and bridges are closing, but Mayor Michael Nutter told people that they should just chill this week. He said the city will have it under control.
“Aaron’s Party,” Aaron Carter
Move over Aaron Carter. There’s a new champion for the best personal, possessive party and that’s Shady’s Party (females only).
