PATCO 8th & Market Station, photo by Michael Wirtz for the Inquirer
- The Inquirer reports that the PATCO board is set to approve a $7.5 million plan today meant to increase ridership after months of difficulties for the interstate commuter rail agency. And while track maintenance work in June will only ensure further delays and crowded cars, riders can at least expect a much more accessible information system, 230 new video cameras, and, with a five-year extension of what had as of now been an emergency maintenance contract with SEPTA, perhaps someday soon, reliably consistent functional escalators.
- Management firm HOW Properties will delay its plans for a three-story, multi-bedroom, 16-unit student housing complex, after recent meetings with potential tenants revealed potential leasing challenges until at least next summer. The 20,000-square-feet complex by 47th& Woodland Avenue is meant to appeal to University of the Sciences’ students, as well as providing at least one commercial space. HOW Properties has much to keep busy with in University City, says West Philly Local though, with at least three properties coming to market across the area in coming weeks. “Our vision for building in the University City area is to bring a higher quality of housing to neighborhoods, which may be in need of additional housing options,” says property manager Ashley George. “There is not an abundance of student housing in the University of the Sciences West Philadelphia corridor.”
- The William Penn Foundation’s announcement earlier this month of a multi-year, $35 million commitment to protecting the Delaware River Watershed, and as Plan Philly notes, it reveals a recent embrace of targeted efforts to bring public spaces into the process of educating the public about the importance of public spending in this area.“With the foundation’s interest in water quality, because these trails are mostly along rivers, canals and streams, we view them more and more as a platform essential for reaching thousands of people who are right next to rivers about some sort of water quality message,” said Senior Program Officer Andrew Johnson. “We’re actually beginning to focus our grant making specifically on using trails as platforms to build the constituency.”
- The Roxborough-Manayunk-Wissahickon Historical Society will host a presentation, “Famous Inventors and Entrepreneurs within Walking Distance,” featuring a discussion led by local inventor Walter Stanish “on numerous local inventions that have had worldwide impact,” reports the Roxborough Review. The April 23 meeting is free and open to the public.
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.
