New monthly urbanist meet-up, Blatstein's Delaware waterfront gas station, Jane's Walks
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ACTION ITEMS
Come to our first monthly general meeting tonight and help us build Philly’s urbanist political movement. 5th Square is growing our operation ahead of key elections in 2018 and 2019, and we need more people to get involved in advocating for better transit, abundant housing, and safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists, and then putting people in office who will make it happen. We have several newly-formed committees, some of which will be meeting for the first time tonight, and we’re going to have lots of important volunteer leadership roles that need filling over the coming months. Join our team—come to our meeting tonight at Buffalo Billiards (118 Chestnut St) in Old City at 6 pm, and then stick around at 7:15 pm for a meet-and-greet with urbanist candidates running for Democratic committee seats in the May 15 primary. RSVP.
Tell the ZBA Chairman Frank DiCicco to reject Bart Blatstein’s suburban sprawl proposal for the Delaware waterfront this Wednesday. A 5th Square petition opposing this project received over 900 signatures, and now we need to make sure DiCicco gets the message. The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, which manages several popular pier parks and other Delaware waterfront properties including Race Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park, is urging their supporters to call on DiCicco to reject Blatstein’s request for a zoning variance. Sign onto this form letter from DRWC, or better yet, attend the hearing in person at 1515 Arch Street on Wednesday, April 18th at 2 pm.
EVENTS
Thursday, April 19, 8:00 pm
Lt. Governor Meet-and-Greet
Meet the candidates running for Lt. Governor at Adobe Cafe this Thursday, at a meet-and-greet hosted by Grassroots Advocacy for South Philadelphia. Confirmed candidates include John Fetterman, Nina Ahmad, Kathi Cozzone, Ray Sosa, and incumbent. Lt. Gov. Mike Stack.
Friday, April 27, 7:00 pm
Code for Philly Civic Engagement Launchpad
The Civic Engagement Launchpad is a month-long community initiative to launch public, open source, and multi-disciplinary projects. Evolving from weekend hackathons, launchpads provide the resources, setting, and framework for teams and individuals who want to make a positive impact. The event welcomes anyone who wants to engage with their fellow citizens and local government. The best teams bring together a diverse set of talents and experiences.
Friday May 4, 5:00 pm
The effect of PennDOT roads on university safety
Drexel University is an urban school surrounded by state roads. These routes prioritize vehicle speed over pedestrian safety. Join 5th Square volunteer Dave Brindley on a Jane's Walk walking tour of University City's problem streets, and a conversation about the simple changes that would yield safer and streets for pedestrians and cyclists.
Sunday, May 6, 1:00 pm
Decay, Speculation, and Rebirth on the Delaware River Waterfront
It's been almost five years since the City passed a new zoning overlay for the Central Delaware waterfront, aiming to guide future development and public amenities in a more human-scale direction (i.e. not gas stations and Big Box stores.) This Jane's Walk will check in on the Delaware waterfront's ongoing transformation and remaining flaws with a conversational walking tour from Delaware Ave/Columbus Blvd between Penn's Landing to Sugarhouse Casino.
OPPORTUNITIES
CultureWorks is hiring a Consulting and Community Director
The Philadelphia Parks Alliance is hiring a community outreach manager/organizer
The West Philly Tool Library is hiring a part-time Program Manager
5th Square is Philadelphia's urbanist political action committee. We're an all-volunteer grassroots organization advocating for safe and affordable transportation, abundant housing, and more and better public spaces. You’re receiving this email if you signed up via our website, attended one of our events, or supported one of our advocacy campaigns. Our work is made possible by generous, passionate people like you. Support our advocacy with a recurring monthly contribution of $5 or more.