Neal Santos, for City Paper
- Philadelphia has joined the ranks of other American cities and has gotten itself a professional Jazz Orchestra. Deena Adler, the managing director of the newly organized, 17-musician ensemble, admits to City Paper that she is “incredibly excited to have the opportunity to present Philadelphia jazz at its finest. I see its potential as parallel to the music itself: energy in motion, expanding to larger and larger audiences while bringing people together.” The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia will offer the public a free performance in the City Hall courthouse on April 30 at noon.
- Several groups in Eastwick are joining up to find a solution for the age-old problem of flooding in the Southwest neighborhood. The Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition has begun a preliminary data-collection study to determine the feasibility of constructing a levee by Cobbs Creek.
- NewsWorks looks into the backlash against the Department of Parks and Recreation’s proposed “treetop adventure” course in Wissahickon Valley Park. Among other grievances, residents worry about the increased foot traffic that the zipline course would bring to the flora and fauna of the park.
- Plan Philly discusses the City’s arduous “struggle to create lasting billboard regulations.” While established protocol after abortive regulatory attempts back in 1991 and 2005 dictates that an illegal sign may remain as is so long as it isn’t rebuilt, many in City Council now feel that converting billboards to digital signage does not merely constitute a face lift.
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
