City officials released some more Pope-related deets today in one of Mayor Nutter’s weekly press conferences discussing logistics for the Papal visit. Today’s focus (finally): The residents.
Nutter and organizers from the World Meeting of Families have already released some information and updated the press today on trash pickup, ways the city is going to get information to residents, and more. Here’s what you need to know about what was said:
It won’t be as stinky Thursday as we thought
Nutter said last week that trash collection would be suspended from the Thursday through the Monday of the Papal visit. He corrected that today, saying that trash actually will be picked up from residences on Thursday, but will still be suspended Friday and Monday. He also added that the city is working with restaurants to figure out commercial trash collection.
If your trash day is either Friday or Monday, you’ll be advised to either A. hold you trash until your next trash day or B. drop it off at a trash collection center. But remember: If you live in Center City and drive out of the Traffic Box™ to dump your trash, you won’t be able to drive back in.
There will be the equivalent of a ‘program’ for residents
Programs! Get yer programs! Residents of the city, starting on Monday, will be able to peruse the Papal Visit Playbook — in other words, all these maps you’ve been seeing will be in one place. The Playbook will include everything from how to get around to tips involving pet care. World Meeting of Families leader Donna Farrell said the playbook will also provide information for residents about they can be involved with both the World Meeting of Families Congress and the Papal Visit.
In addition, maps will be provided that show the nearest grocery stores, hospitals and houses of worship. Sign up for an alert about the Papal Playbook ahead of time here — it will also be published in print (if that’s your jam) in The Inquirer and The Daily News about two weeks before the Papal visit.
Papal monopoly: The green boxes are grocery/convenience stores, Blue=hospital. red = place of worship. pic.twitter.com/nqtDb9jwAX
— Julia Terruso (@JuliaTerruso) August 20, 2015
Ed Rendell ain’t nothin’ but a thang
Former Philadelphia mayor and former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has some feelings about all this security that will be put in place for the Papal visit: He told 94WIP that “It boggles the mind why we have to put up a fence in the United States of America.”
Mayor Nutter didn’t seem fazed Thursday when asked about Rendell’s comments.
“I have not had a conversation with Governor Rendell about any of the security matters,” Nutter said, “and as best I know, I don’t think that he’s had a briefing on any of these issues.”
Yep, there’s going to be some walking
It’s been said before, and it’s now been said again: There’s going to be a lot of walking involved with this. With fences and the Traffic Box™ surrounding Center City, those wishing to see the Pope or even get into Center City will be forced to walk several miles to do so.
“There will be a fair amount of walking,” Nutter said. “That’s what pilgrims do.”
