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Land Bank awards West Philly’s Memorial Garden to developer
Memorial Garden, around for 19 years, recently got a redesign funded by PHS. But this spring it was designated as a vacant lot for redevelopment.
- The Land Bank initially awarded the entire space — dedicated to victims of violence — to a developer through the city’s new program for first-time homeowners. After outcry, the plan will likely be amended.
Those who care for the garden are in a bind, Jordan Levy reports, as they work with officials to find a balance between green space and needed housing.
Hungry for arepas? You can try both kinds in Philly
Both Venezuela and Colombia lay claim to arepas, but the corn griddle cakes actually have indigenous roots that transcend borders.
- Some cultural differences persist: Venezuelan arepas are usually savory pockets of meat, cheese, and beans, while the Colombian variety is often sweeter, and typically topped with butter.
Looking to try them? Billy Penn’s Bibiana Correa details four arepa purveyors in and around the city.
March On: The Fight for Pride
Podcast by Billy Penn reporter Michaela Winberg
Out now: Ep. 2: “No Timbs allowed” | Next up: Ep. 3, June 9
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- McCormick may have conceded to Oz in the Republican Senate race, but that doesn’t stop the automatic recount triggered by the narrow margin. Pa. counties have till noon Wednesday to report results. [Billy Penn/Capital-Star]
- Two people are in custody in connection to Sunday’s mass shooting. One is a 34-year-old involved with the spat that started it. The other is an 18-year-old who fired into the fray, then was shot at by police as he ran off. [NBC10]
- Philadelphia is 1 of 5 cities getting national funding to study what’s driving youth gun violence. A Southwest Philly nonprofit is leading the research locally, hiring people with lived experience to ask questions in their own neighborhoods. [NCGVR/WHYY]
- Amtrak launched a new bus route connecting Pottstown and Reading to 30th Street Station. The new Thruway service makes two round trips per day. [PhillyVoice]
- It’s not just Philly restaurateurs ditching Martin’s potato rolls over its support of election-denier and Pa. gov candidate Mastriano. After the Billy Penn report, Bay Area chefs are also switching suppliers. [Billy Penn/SF Chronicle$]
- After 16 wins — and lots of great moments — Ryan Long’s Jeopardy run ended Monday night, though he’ll return for the Tournament of Champions. The Mt. Airy resident said he’ll use the $300k pre-tax winnings to pay off loans and bills. [Billy Penn/6ABC/Inquirer$]
- There’s a rye whiskey revival going on in Pa., with more than 20 distilleries making it across the commonwealth. Even the NY Times is exploring the trend. [Billy Penn/NYT$]
MAYOR WATCH
Because of the South Street mass shooting, Mayor Kenney returned to Philly midday yesterday, a few days earlier than planned.
Today Kenney attends a groundbreaking in front of Reading Terminal Market (10:30 a.m.), where a block of Filbert Street will become the city’s first roadway that can transform from vehicle pathway to pedestrian plaza, complete with retractable bollards.
ON THE CALENDAR
? Tomorrow! Cutting through the Budget BS: Join Billy Penn at Parks on Tap for a happy hour chat with Controller Rebecca Rhynhart about how Philly spends taxpayer money — and who gets a say in the process. Free with RSVP. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 8)
?️? Join Billy Penn reporter Michaela Winberg, host of “March On,” for happy hour at Cockatoo in the Gayborhood, with a drag performance by VinChelle followed by a discussion of modern Pride. Free with RSVP. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15)
? The Meek Mill-connected Reform Alliance and Hire! Philly host a job fair at Wells Fargo Center, with openings for anyone looking but especially single parents, veterans, and formerly incarcerated people. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 9)
? The Rail Park is shutting down Noble Street for its first-ever block party, and free daylong celebration with a pop-up skate park, transit-themed Quizzo, and food deals. ( 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 11)
