Streets near Rittenhouse Row go car-free on four September Sundays
While we’re talking street safety, the Center City District recently announced a return of the “open streets” program, with cars restricted in a seven-block area on four Sundays, beginning Sept. 8.
“I’m hoping that the Center City District Open Streets will kind of reinvigorate the idea” of pedestrian-focused and retail-focused enjoyment of public spaces, said Jon Geeting, who was one of several urbanists who created Open Streets PHL. Continue reading …
Philly’s Naked Bike Ride rolls through town (NSFW)
Thousands of bike riders, in varying stages of undress, saddled up at 5 p.m. Saturday for a 12-mile ride through Center City to Drexel Hill, as part of the Naked Bike Ride, celebrating creative body painting, body positivity, and calling attention to street safety, an issue that has simmered all summer.
BP’s Nick Kariuki spoke with Ride participants and advocates about why they ride, and Solmaira Valerio took photos for Billy Penn (she did it last year, too), some of which your HR department might not approve of. Who knows?!? There’s only one way to find out for sure.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philadelphia received federal funding to explore the concept of “cool roofs” as one way to deal with climate change. [WHYY]
• After a pleasant stretch, Philly will heat up Monday and the next few days will be stiflingly hot. [6ABC]
• Port Richmond residents are cleaning up Sunday after waking up to find a vandal had spray-painted homes and vehicles. [CBS3]
• Schuylkill Yards penthouses will rent for upwards of $10,000 a month. [BizJournal$]
• The Philadelphia Union lost in a disappointing shootout and didn’t qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup. [Inq$]
• Princeton holds a pizza party to celebrate the release of hometown son Evan Gershkovich from a Russian prison last month. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will join Philly Schools Superintendent Tony B. Watlington and other local officials in greeting students and families on the first day of school at Franklin S. Edmonds Elementary School. (7:15 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🎷 Tuesday, August 27: Not Just Jazz 2024
An evening of curated musical performances at FDR Park, complete with food trucks and end-of-summer vibes. Bring your own blankets and chairs! (5:30 p.m.)
🌇 Wednesday, August 28: Tour the PECO Green Roof
Join PHS on an hourlong tour of the 45,000-square-foot green roof atop PECO’s downtown Philly HQ. Stunning city views amidst native grasses and perennials. $15 for non-members. (5:30 p.m.)
🚶🏽♀️ Thursday, August 29: Stroll the Street
Manayunk’s Main Street hosts its final Thursday stroll of this summer and the theme for August is Pet Month. Enjoy live music, local art, happy hour specials, shopping deals, pet-friendly activities and treats, and more. (5 to 9 p.m.)
🍛 Friday, August 30: Daun Fashion and Feast Evening
Delight in an evening of authentic Indonesian culture at Daun (/dah-OON/) Fashion & Feast. Walk the red carpet in your formal or cultural attire during cocktail hour amidst traditional music and dance, then enter the sanctuary to enjoy unique designs by talented Indonesian artpreneurs and feast on Nusantara cuisine. Tickets are $90.25. (6 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
