School asbestos relocation plans often depend on parent action
After Building 21 High School shut down over asbestos, parents pushed back against moving classes to Strawberry Mansion, and forced a change of plans.
- Three years ago, parents at North Broad magnet school Science Leadership Academy had the same reaction. Their advocacy resulted in moving classes a few blocks away instead.
But the neighborhood school that shares SLA’s building — Ben Franklin, where 100% of students are considered economically disadvantaged — was forced to move 3 miles away. Parents there just didn’t have time to make as strong a case, reports Fallon Roth.
→ Should parents make the difference?
Philly beer scene continues to swell, on a neighborhood scale
Ever since craft brewing swept through in the early 1990s, Philadelphia has been considered one of the country’s best beer cities.
- A nationwide slowdown in brewery openings has not stopped momentum in Philly, a new Inquirer report shows, after a 2015 Pa. policy shift that allowed taprooms to sell pints directly to customers.
In 2017, we reported industry leaders were worried about a saturated market, but the number has since doubled — and the small outfits are flourishing.
→ 10 neighborhood breweries worth a visit
With St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, BP reporter Asha Prihar wants to hear your musings on that regional special treat: Irish potato candy. Fond memories? Favorite places to buy? Thoughts on adaptations into milkshakes and cannoli…clever or cursed? Drop her a line at asha@billypenn.com.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who ran in the Dem primary for U.S. Senate, is still aiming for higher office. He yesterday announced a run for Pa. auditor general with a series of endorsements lined up well in advance of the 2024 election. [BP 2022/PoliticsPA]
- Should Pa. legalize recreational marijuana? Gov. Shapiro touted the tax revenue it could bring, and a new proposal in the House suggests selling buds alongside booze in state Wine & Spirits stores. [Marijuana Moment/NBC10]
- Philadelphians fighting illegal dumping say Mayor Kenney’s proposed mitigation plan won’t do much to help the systemic problem. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
- Six weeks into their strike, Temple grad student workers have reached another tentative agreement with the university. This time it’s being backed by union leaders; TUGSA members vote today. [Billy Penn/@TUGSA_6290]
- A demo permit has been issued for the Sigma Sound Studios building. The birthplace of “Philly Sound” is on the historic register, so the owner has to consider adaptive reuse options before knocking it down. [WHYY 2020/KYW]
- A new fundraising raffle for food lovers offers a chance to win a day behind the scenes with top Philly chefs, dinners, cooking classes, and other prizes — all to raise money for restaurant workers’ mental health resources. [RallyUp]
MAYOR WATCH: Mar. 10, 2023
Nothing Mayor Kenney is doing today rates mention on his public calendar, per his office.
ON THE CALENDAR
🏗️ Hear mayoral candidates describe their plans for regulating infrastructure, land use, and development at a BUILDPhilly forum at the Kimmel Center. Tickets are $35. (8 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 14)
🥷🏾 The Philadelphia Orchestra does “Black Panther,” complete with a screening of the movie. A portion of proceeds benefits the United Negro College Fund. (Friday to Sunday, March 17-19)
🧉 Support Hispanic and Latine bartenders at Condesa’s industry night party, where a $50 ticket includes a welcome cocktail, two drinks, and unlimited light bites. (8 p.m. Monday, March 20)
Catch up on the previous week
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