Making streets safer shouldn’t be an enormous chore
Plans to install large planters, flexible posts, and paint markings on the asphalt could drastically improve safety for pedestrians crossing some of Philly’s most dangerous streets. But advocates say there’s often a difficult maze of approvals needed to make it happen.
Ariel Ben-Amos heads up the placemaking advocacy group StreetBoxPHL and says now is the time to change that. “It is, in fact, possible to radically reform the right-of-way and how we manage it. And now’s the time to do it.” Continue reading…
The Kensington Derby: the good, the bad and the muddy
From a giant squid commandeering a submarine to valiant riders seeking to resuscitate the Phillies’ doomed Dollar Dog Night, this year’s Kensington Derby and Arts Festival displayed all of the neighborhood’s wacky, weird and wondrous creative genius.
At least 15,000 gathered on Saturday to cheer on and participate in the festival — one of, if not the, largest crowds the event has boasted. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• After Kensington encampment shutdown, what’s next for Philly’s plan to address the addiction crisis? [WHYY]
• Mayor Parker’s budget leaves UC Townhomes agreement in limbo. Housing advocates aren’t happy. [PlanPhilly/WHYY]
• Pa. trooper who arrested LGBTQ+ leaders in Philly no longer works for state police. [AP/WHYY]
• Kennels are filling up and ACCT Philly is in dire need of short or long-term fosters as it tries to navigate severe overcrowding. [6abc/WHYY]
• GOP lawmakers look to allow chaplains in Pennsylvania’s public schools. [LancasterOnline]
• From lunch tables to gardens: In Roxborough, Green Woods students are turning food waste into compost. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend a rally over wages and benefits with airport workers and members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 32BJ at the Philadelphia International Airport at 11 a.m.
At 6 p.m. she’ll host the fifth ‘One Philly’ budget town hall in Mt. Airy at 6 p.m. Monday at Philadelphia United Lutheran Seminary – Brossman Center, 7301 Germantown Ave.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎤 Tuesday, May 15: Philly Rising Open Mic
World Cafe Live and REC Philly host this open mic with the Funkitorium’s Arthur Thomas each month for all ages. Performers are selected by lottery on a rolling basis. Free. (8 p.m.)
🍷 Wednesday, May 16: Tour, Tasting & Networking with Philadelphia Distilling
Join Green Philly for a behind-the-scenes tour plus cocktail sample to learn how Philadelphia Distilling incorporates sustainability practices into their distilling process, and learn from Plastic Free Philly about how to reduce your plastic use. $22 tickets. (6 to 8 p.m.)
🚴🏽 Thursday, May 16: Ride of Silence
Join a ride to honor the cyclists killed or injured by motorists in and around Philadelphia. Cyclists meet at City Hall. Free with RSVP. (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
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