The case for the Chestnut Transit Way, Washington Ave Gateway walk, Society Hill downzoning
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EVENTS
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! If you ordered a t-shirt and selected in-person pick-up, we'll have them available at this meeting.
Thursday, August 2, 8:00 am
Rebuilding of Mifflin Square Park
Design Advocacy Group's August meeting theme is the Conceptual Plan for Mifflin Square Park, and the process behind designing a public space for one of South Philadelphia's most diverse neighborhoods.
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
On the same week that we kicked off our YIMBY ('Yes in My Back Yard') organizing initiative, Society Hill Civic Association unveiled a new neighborhood plan that would further downzone Philadelphia's priciest neighborhood and reduce opportunities for multi-family living—a move that would make the neighborhood even more expensive and exclusionary. Get involved to help contest any downzoning when this becomes a Council bill.
5th Square volunteer Joe Celentano makes the case that the City should reinstate the Chestnut Street Transitway to boost SEPTA bus ridership and enhance the walkability of one of Center City's busiest commercial corridors.
PlanPhilly covers the effort by Old City District to make a better park at the corner of 2nd and Market next to Christ Church, featuring friends of the organization Katrina Johnston-Zimmerman and Jonas Maciunas. Take this survey to tell them what kinds of things you want to see here.
Streetsblog has a good summary of the new TransitCenter report on the principles of a just transit system.
Commercial corridor managers take note: the Open Streets-like event 'Dining Under the Stars' has been a huge success at attracting people to Media, PA's walkable downtown.
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.