Bas Slabbers, for NewsWorks
- NewsWorks looks at the divide between supporters and opponents of the proposed Wissahickon Valley treetop adventure course, which Parks & Recreation has since decided to defer “public action and discussion.” Park Concessions Manager Marc Wilken stresses the impact that misinformation has had on fomenting these apparent NIMBYs’ outrage, calling “zip line,” the oft heard feature of the course, a mere “buzzword.” Yet ultimately, the dissension is in substance more of an intellectual argument between 1) those who would have us utilize the city’s sylvan assets creatively in order to profit a half-million dollars over one decade, and 2) those who would rather have us preserve the Wissahickon’s ecosystem—the onetime muse of Edgar A. Poe—from any and all encroachments.
- City Paper previews the Philadelphia Art Alliance’s “Sunshine and Shadow,” an exhibition of the work of Sabrina Gschwandtner, a “New York City-based artist has been synthesizing film and textiles in her work since 2004.” Gschwandter says that “it feels like I’m making movies, but in a 2-D format. I’m thinking of the overall quilt design while sewing, but within each square I’m thinking about making edits, about whether the scenes go together thematically or visually.”
- SEPTA is forgoing further action on its $1.3 billion operating budget and $308 million capital budget for the next fiscal year, the Inquirer reports, because it evidently believes that it can ascertain additional funding from Harrisburg. The long-withheld fare increases, are nonetheless still slated to begin on July 1.
- Naked Philly“heard a rumor [on Wednesday] that a developer (and we don’t know who) is looking into building forty apartment units with first floor retail at the northwest corner of 16th & Washington. The project would also include parking for about half the units.”
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.
