photo: bighandking, via Curbed Philly
- City Council President Darrell Clarke was finally able to get his bill (unanimously) passed that would bring private advertising on to public buildings. NewsWorks reports that Clarke believes the City government can net close to what SEPTA does annually: $21 million, while the Inquirer cites a “consultant of Council” that the hopeful number is closer to $8 million.
- The full effect of last year’s zoning reform has yet to be felt, says Inga Saffron, as the Zoning Board of Adjustments is “effectively setting its own planning policy,” allowing at least 17 variances since August for street-deadening garages. It’s up to Mayor Nutter, she continues, to curb this undemocratic expression that forsakes a “public commodity” for “the private realm.”
- Philadelphia Real Estate Blog stopped by the construction site of Wanamaker Plaza North Tower on the 1100 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue, taking a few photos of the $100 million, 14-story project that has seen remarkable progress in the past month.
- The Knight Foundation has announced this year’s 43 recipients of the Knight Arts Challenge. The combined $2 million is the final allocation in the organization’s three-year initiative that has seen the funding of 114 Philadelphia art-based projects to date.
- Check out this weekend’s 17th annual Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival along Germantown Avenue, where passersby can sample the wares along Green in Chestnut Hill’s (GRinCH) Eco Alley, which features vendors offering sustainable products from organic plants to repurposed furniture. For more information on this free event, click HERE.
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.
