Trucks take over sidewalks; Street sweeping returns; First Black woman in Harrisburg | Morning roundup

Businesses around Philadelphia use sidewalks as parking lots 

Businesses routinely break the law against parking on sidewalks in all corners of the city, with little or no enforcement by police or the PPA. 

• An Amazon pickup center at 23th and South is a prime example, where the delivery truck often forces kids, moms pushing strollers, and other neighborhood residents to walk into the traffic flow. 

These pedestrian complaints are justified, city officials told BP investigative reporter Meir Rinde — as they promise to step up the response.

→ Where trucks always block sidewalks

Remembering pioneering Philly politician Crystal Bird Fauset

Pennsylvania generally has a poor track record when it comes to electing women to office. But the state did have one notable first.

• Early 20th century Philly resident Crystal Bird Fauset was a player in the city’s political scene. She helped get out the vote for Franklin Roosevelt, and rose through the Democratic party ranks. 

In 1938, voters picked Fauset to represent them in Harrisburg, Avi Wolfman-Arent reports, making her the first Black woman elected to a state legislature.

→ Her turn to the Republican party

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• If you have Medicaid health insurance, you’ll need to apply to renew your coverage for the first time since 2020. A case worker shortage is causing worries that Pa. renewals may not process on time. [WHYY/Spotlight PA]
   
• Weekly street sweeping starts this week in certain areas of the city, running through Nov. 3. Parking is restricted in those areas between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.; here’s the schedule. [6ABC/Phila Gov]
   
• The Ben Franklin Bridge has new energy-efficient LEDs on its north side, and the DRPA hosted a lighting ceremony to show it off. [WHYY/@DRPA_PAandNJ/YouTube]
   
• The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, which we previewed last year, is now accepting applications for vendors for both a spring and fall edition. [BP 2022/UCD/West Philly Local]
   
• Da Smoothie Jawn, a new shop on Girard Avenue, doesn’t just aim to serve smoothies: it also has the goal of educating people on health and nutritious food options. [Instagram/KYW]
   
• Wanna be an Eagles cheerleader? Auditions are happening now. For prospects and anyone curious, here’s a look at a day in the life of a squad member. [Eagles/BP 2022]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Kenney joins Parks & Rec leaders at City Hall to give an overview of the city’s summer programming for kids and teens, from camps to job opportunities (10:30 a.m.). You can watch the press conference on Facebook. 

ON THE CALENDAR

🥃 Philadelphia Theatre Co’s newest show brings the audience into a speakeasy setting for a Philly-based homage to Billie Holiday called “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.” Tickets start at $35. (April 6-30)

🏈 Bring the kids to FDR Park for Youth Football Day, where they can meet Eagles players, participate in clinics, get their faces painted and take kayak tours. (10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15)

📖 The Free Library hosts Questlove and S.A. Cosby as part of its author series, in conversation with BlackStar founder Maori Karmael Holmes. Tickets are $26, and are likely to sell out. (3 p.m. Sunday, April 16)