Photo: Bas Slabbers, for NewsWorks
- It appears that Philadelphia won’t be getting its bike-share program until around this time next year, says The Inquirer. However the Mayor’s Office announced today the awarding of contracts to provide the bikes and stations, and to plan and market the system. Besides simply not being ready, officials say the delayed launch date will allow for an extended first warm-weather season by which to encourage continued use and interest in the initiative.
- Due to the past winter, Manayunk’s $46 million Venice Island storm water management project (also with a recreational component piggybacking) is two months behind schedule, reports NewsWorks. The Water Department says that the site’s new 4 million gallon underground basin and pumping station has proven itself successful in reducing overflow from going into the river. The Performing Arts Center isn’t expected to be ready until July, however.
- This Saturday, Germantown United CDC will host an all-day community forum concerned with preempting residents’ fears of gentrification and its effects on the local market.“The Big G,” running from 9AM-4PM, will be divided into two parts: in the morning, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Alan Greenberger will moderate a four-person panel discussion; later attendees “will break into four groups that will each tackle a different topic connected to gentrification with an eye on possible solutions. Each workshop will be led by one of the four panelists,” says Plan Philly. “We feel the winds of change from the energy that people are showing in their attention to all of these various projects in the community,” says GUCDC board member Yvonne Haskins. “Sooner or later, Germantown is going to be a choice neighborhood.”
- The Philly History Blog and Technical.ly Philly looks back at the city’s storied legacy within the American ice cream industry, having spawned both Bassett’s and Breyer’s in 1861 and 1882, respectively, and North Bros. Manufacturing—“a leading manufacturer of ice cream freezers and other ice related equipment.”
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.
