Image: JVM Studio
Old City District is hosting a meeting asking people to reenvision the park space at 2nd and Market next to Christ Church.
EVENTS
Wednesday, July 18th, 6:30 pm
Old City District - 2nd and Market Park Meeting
Old City District is hosting a meeting about ways to make the National Park land at 2nd and Market more like a park, and seeking public feedback about what people want to see in the space. OCD received a state grant for a conceptual design project for this space. The design team (JVM Studio, Ground Reconsidered, and Think.Urban) will present research on the history of the space and how it's used today.
Thursday, July 19th, 6pm-7:30 pm
Philly YIMBY Kick-off Meeting
Calling all supporters of abundant housing of all kinds: 5th Square is forming a new Philly YIMBY ('Yes In My Back Yard') initiative to change the politics of housing by building coalitions of housing supporters at all levels of the land-use process. Get involved in helping grow the movement to protect and expand the gains from Philadelphia’s recent history of progressive zoning reform.
Thursday, July 19th, 7:30 pm
SOSNA Safety Committee Meeting
Graduate Hospital members interested in pedestrian safety, parking reform, and Washington Avenue: get involved with SOSNA's Safety Committee! The committee is taking on some new issues of interest to subscribers of this newsletter, and they're looking for volunteers. Intersection daylighting, permit parking, and Washington Avenue are on the agenda for this Thursday's meeting, which takes place at SOSNA headquarters (1901 Christian St) at 7:30 pm.
Wednesday, July 24th, 6pm-7:30 pm
Washington Avenue Gateway Walk with DRWC
Come discuss a safer and more walkable future for the eastern end of Washington Avenue at a walking tour with Delaware River Waterfront Corporation staff and the Washington Avenue Gateway project team. The group will meet at the corner of Jefferson Square at 4th and Washington at 6 pm. The focus area for DRWC's gateway work is from 4th St to Columbus Boulevard, and will be aimed at making this section of Washington Ave a more inviting place for pedestrians, cyclists, and users of the Avenue and waterfront public space. Bring your best ideas for improving this area!
Wednesday, July 25th, 6pm-7:30pm
5th Square General Meeting
Our monthly general meeting is a good opportunity to meet other local urbanists, learn about the work our committees are doing, and get involved. We will be presenting some legislative updates on bills we've been tracking in City Council and the state legislature related to safer streets and housing, and discussing takeaways from the bus network redesign report completed for SEPTA by Jarrett Walker + Associates. All are welcome!
MERCH
5th Square is selling a limited run artist series t-shirt, featuring an original illustration by Kate Otte. Proceeds from sales will go to fund our 2019 political activities for City Council races. You can get a shirt at half price ($10 instead of $20) if you become a member, and sign up for a $5 recurring monthly donation. 
NEWS
Parking spaces greatly outnumber people in Philadelphia, according to a new study, but it's still a constant issue because of city leaders' failure to properly manage overnight parking and corridor parking. Mismanaging street parking imposes huge costs on the city in a whole range of areas, like housing affordability, traffic congestion, and street safety.
PlanPhilly’s Jim Saksa dives deep into the complex challenges of managing Drexel's expansion and Schuylkill Yards, and the resulting gentrification pressure on the neighboring Powelton and Mantua neighborhoods.
Controller Rebecca Rhynhart is auditing the Parking Authority for the first time in a decade
Cities around the U.S. are converting their dangerous slip lanes into pedestrian plazas. Streetsblog highlights some of the best examples.
Mural Arts is hiring a Director of Communications and Brand Management
Amtrak is hiring a Senior Architect
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.