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Voters could decide to overhaul Philly’s Zoning Board
Should City Council have a say over who’s on the Zoning Board of Adjustment? And should it be larger, with specific types of people on it?
- The commission that makes development decisions in Philly could change pretty radically if voters approve a May ballot question, expanding from 5 to 7 and having required representation from community orgs.
It’s probably the most controversial of all the charter changes up for a vote, Lizzy McLellan Ravitch reports, with the mayor and Council at odds.
Fans have a banner day with wins for Phillies, Eagles, Sixers
Philly sports fans’ underlying assumption of things going wrong was shattered yesterday with positive developments for three major league franchises.
- The Sixers finally put away the Raptors to advance in the playoffs, as Embiid trolled Toronto with an airplane swoop (Round 2 vs Miami starts Monday). Meanwhile, the Phillies rallied to win their fourth straight.
The biggest news came from a team that didn’t play: the Eagles orchestrated a “blockbuster” draft night trade for Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Pa. AG Josh Shapiro, the Democratic candidate for governor, has raised $18 million, more money than his nine potential Republican opponents combined. [Spotlight PA]
- A debate this week showcased the four GOP gubernatorial front-runners — Barletta, Mastriano, McSwain, and White — who showed very few policy differences. [WHYY]
- After student protests over mishandled sexual assault allegations and other culture issues, the principal of Bodine High School in Northern Liberties was removed from their position. [KYW/Inquirer$]
- Philly’s carbon emissions have dropped 20% since 2006. That’s on track with the city’s long term goals — but there’s still a long way to go. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
- Colorful canvases highlight Puerto Rican culture at artist Shawnick Rodriguez’s first show, opening this weekend in West Kensington. [Billy Penn]
- M. Night Shyamalan is now casting in the Philly suburbs for his next movie, called “Knock at the Cabin.” [PhillyVoice]
- Popular Louisiana chicken chain Raising Canes is opening its first Pa. location on Penn’s campus in May. Another Philly spot is set to launch by year’s end. [NBC10]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney starts his day at a DEI roundtable hosted by the International Franchise Association (9 a.m.; livestreamed here), then heads to the waterfront to help dedicate the new Delaware River Trail (10:30 a.m.). Afternoon sees Kenney speak at the Hands Around City Hall for Survivors of Sexual Assault event (1:20 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
? The Philadelphia Show lands at the top of the Art Museum steps with dozens of antiques, artworks, and crafts. Admission is $20 for adults, free for kids. (11 a.m. to evening, Friday to Sunday, April 29-May 1)
? Philly’s pro ultimate frisbee season kicks off with a Phoenix watch party at the Giant supermarket beer garden, which has 40 beers on tap and a terrace overlooking the Schuylkill. (6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30)
? The Mind, Body, and Bubbly wellness fair lands at 990 Spring Garden, with yoga, food, and shopping. Tickets start at $30; proceeds benefit Dawn’s Place, a nonproft supporting survivors of sex trafficking. (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1)
