The SS United States faces eviction from Philly’s waterfront
The rusting ocean liner docked across from the Ikea is getting evicted. Constructed in the 1950s as a show of seafaring might, the 990-foot hull has been parked at a South Philly pier for 27 years. After rent doubled, the nonprofit that owns it stopped paying, and ended up in court. The case was originally dismissed, but is set to restart this month.
Like many good stories, Jordan Levy reports, the tale of the SS United States begins in Philadelphia, spans the globe, and winds up back where it all started.
Starbolt opens in Kensington, transforming vintage ironworks
Almost five years in the making, Starbolt opened its doors last weekend in a former ironworks on North Front Street. The expansive new bar and restaurant under the El in Kensington is the latest from the team behind Time, Heritage, Vintage Wine Bar, and the Goat Rittenhouse.
From reclaimed wood and the “Yoda bar” to a menu that ranges from snacks to steaks, Ali Mohsen has all the details about the spacious new spot.
🏒 BP Quizzo at Fitler Club! Join us next Wednesday for Philly trivia in the garden of this sleek spot next to the Schuylkill in Center City. Your $25 ticket includes unlimited hors d’oeuvres and happy hour snacks, and the top score wins 4 tix to the Flyers home opener. Space is limited, RSVP today.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The District Attorney’s Office has filed a motion to revoke bail for the PPD officer who killed Eddie Irizarry. Despite facing first-degree murder charges, he was unusually released after the police union paid his way. [KYW]
• Democratic mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker — who has recently remained silent on most issues — issued a statement applauding City Council’s vote to ban supervised injection sites in most of Philadelphia. The bill now goes to Mayor Kenney’s desk. [@billy_penn/WHYY]
• Sixers arena developers are pushing back their timeline for Council approval, after initially targeting June and then end of 2023. Councilmember Squilla said draft legislation is already in the works. [Inquirer$/PhillyVoice]
• A new report keyed to the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington shows how far Black Americans still are from economic goals laid out in MLK’s “Dream” speech. Here’s what that lack of progress looks like in Philly. [Billy Penn]
• César Viveros is among the city’s most prolific muralists, having contributed to 40+ works with Mural Arts. From Veracruz to Philadelphia, here’s how he found a life of art. [Billy Penn]
• The Eagles pulled out a win last night, though it wasn’t as clean as anyone hoped. Also missing some steps was announcer Al Michaels, who called the home field “Veterans Stadium” — which was imploded in 2004 to make way for the Linc. [AP/USA Today/BP 2015]
MAYOR WATCH
Nothing public for Philly’s 99th mayor today. Yesterday Council overrode his veto of a bill that would restrict marijuana sales in parts of the city, should it become legal.
ON THE CALENDAR
📚 The Uhuru Book Fair and Flea Market comes to Clark Park for a day of art, literature, food, social justice and community. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16)
📜 Channel your inner history buff with free admission to the Constitution Center as it celebrates Constitution Day with special activations. (Sunday to Monday, Sept. 17-18)
🌮 Get your taste buds ready for the return of Dine Latino Restaurant Week, with lunch and dinner deals at 26 Philly restaurants. (Monday to Friday, Sept. 18-22)
📘 Billy Penn is participating in Philly Story Fest, joining journalists from media outlets around Philadelphia to tell the city’s best stories on stage at the Bok. Tickets are $25. (7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5)
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