Philly families take developer to court
A Philadelphia developer is in court this week fighting claims over construction defects. Homebuyers allege Fishtown-based Streamline Solutions didn’t follow building codes, leading to extensive water damage that wasn’t repaired. Meir Rinde has the story, including a comment from the company’s CEO — who denies wrongdoing, despite $1.2 million in related judgments.
Have food allergies but love the Phillies? You’ve got options
At Phillies games, Dollar Dog Night is king, a scoop of ice cream in a baseball cap is sought after, and a bat full of beer is a new staple — except maybe for people with food allergies. But take heart, writes BP intern Fallon Roth: If you’re avoiding gluten, dairy, nuts, or other common allergens, Citizens Bank Park has several baseball snacks safely within your reach.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• During a visit to the I-95 collapse site yesterday, Sec. Buttigieg pledged “all the resources that PennDOT needs,” citing the importance of the roadway to the nation’s economy. Local, state, and federal officials will present a timeline for reconstruction today. [AP/WHYY]
• West Philly residents can drink from the tap again: The Water Department ended its boil water advisory, after no tests showed evidence of harmful bacteria. [@PhillyH2O]
• City pools start opening today! 61 public swim spots will open on a rolling schedule over the next month. Find one near you using the city’s map. [Phila Gov x 2]
• All five meerkats at the Philadelphia Zoo died unexpectedly in the past 13 days, and dye used to tell them apart is suspected of the tragic poisoning. [CBS3/Inquirer$]
• Philadelphia architect Minerva Parker Nichols, the first U.S. woman to have her own architectural practice, is being celebrated in a new exhibit at Penn. [Broad Street Review]
• For the record, Denverites proved it’s not just Philly where people climb light poles to celebrate sports victories. [@meganululani]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney joins Gov. Shapiro and other officials and local leaders at the I-95 collapse site to announce a plan to reconstruct the highway (11 a.m.). You can stream it live here. Kenney then joins a ceremony renaming Mill Creek Playground in honor of Tiffany Fletcher, the Parks & Rec worker shot and killed on the job last year, followed by the opening of Fletcher Pool (1 p.m.).
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
• Violent crime in the Temple patrol zone is down compared to last year, the university says. A ceremony this week will rename a city block after slain Temple police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald. [Inquirer$/6ABC]
• “They say hurt people hurt people. No, hurt people heal. And healed people heal people.” Listen to or read transcripts of stories from three Philadelphians who’ve been shot — and sometimes, been shooters themselves. [Penn Listening Lab]
• Sen. Casey and Rep. Evans reintroduced the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act, which would create an advisory committee dedicated to ensuring survivors get the help they need. A new state initiative is modeled on the federal legislation. [Tribune$/Pa. Gov]
• $40 million in targeted youth anti-violence investments were added to the pending city budget via a plan by District 2 Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson. Council is expected to adopt the FY24 budget by next week; Mayor Kenney will then have to sign off. [South Philly Review/PHL Council]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 35: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 37 the week prior. [City Controller via @PCGVR]
- 804: Shooting victims this year so far, down 21% vs. this time last year. [PCGVR]
- 190: Year-to-date homicides, down 16% vs. last year’s pace; up 44% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🚢 America’s most decorated battleship , Battleship New Jersey, will celebrate Flag Day with a free ceremony on the day’s history, plus a demonstration on how to retire a flag. Guests are welcome to bring old flags to retire. (10 a.m. Wednesday, June 14)
✍️ Philly youth take the stage for a poetry and open mic night titled “The Future of the 215.” Hosted by The Painted Bride, 20 participants will join notable poets in empowering listeners to use their voices. (4-8 p.m. Friday, June 16)
Catch up on the previous week
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