Tanya Seaman: Why Washington Avenue Should be Designed by the Experts and Not Just by the Neighbors

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tanya Seaman yesterday, March 17th, 2022, after a courageous battle with terminal cancer. Tanya was a tireless advocate for Vision Zero in Philadelphia and our world is better off for having her. She was co-founder and pastย executive director of PhillyCarShare. In her role as co-chair of SOSNA's vision zero committee, she spearheaded multiple roadway safety projects in her community.ย  Her advocacy and leadership will endure in Philadelphia's built environment with everybody who uses our streets enjoying a safer and more-equitable means of travel. We are posthumously publishing the op-ed she wrote advocating for a safer Washington Avenue. Continue reading

Newsletter: ๐Ÿšฎ Street Sweeping meeting / ๐Ÿ“– Fixer-Upper book event / ๐Ÿš‡ SEPTA board meeting

Weekly Newsletter, Issue 173 ๐Ÿšฎ LITTER FREE STREETS AT LAST...? The City is holding virtual meetings via Zoom about the upcoming Mechanical Cleaning Pilot Program on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week. The street cleanings will be starting on April 4th in 14 different neighborhoods: North Central, Frankford, Germantown, Kensington, Logan, Nicetown, Paschall, Point Breeze, Port Richmond, South Philly (Lower Moyamensing), Southwest, Strawberry Mansion, West Fairhill, and West Philly. Zoom ID: 836 7765 6475Passcode: 127032Phone dial-in number: 267-831-0333 Tuesday, March 15, at noonTuesday, March 15, at 3 p.m.Wednesday, March 16, at 6 p.m.Thursday, March 17, at 10 a.m.Thursday, March 17 at 6 p.m. Continue reading

Newsletter: ๐Ÿš‡ SEPTA board meeting / ๐Ÿป Two upcoming events! / ๐Ÿšฅ Unveiling of Washington Ave

Weekly Newsletter, Issue 172 ๐Ÿค๐Ÿป MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT: 2022 CANDIDATES MEET & GREET Did you sign up for a membership already? Do you want to be a member? Come join us at Buffalo Billiards in Old City and get to know the candidates running in your district, hear their takes on urbanist topics, and sign their petitions to get on the ballot. Thursday, March 10th, 2022 at 6:30 PM Continue reading

Testimony for SEPTA FY2022 Capital Budget Amendments

5th Square members and volunteers came to SEPTA's FY2022 Capital Budget Amendment hearings today to advocate for Bus Revolution Trolley Modernization Subway Station Accessibility Reimagining Regional Rail Here is the spoken testimony delivered at the virtual public meeting today by 5th Square members and volunteers. Continue reading

Press Release: 5th Square Reaction to Mixed Layout for Washington Ave

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETuesday, March 1, 2022 PHILADELPHIA โ€” Today, Philadelphiaโ€™s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability (OTIS) announced that they are proceeding with the โ€˜Mixed Layoutโ€™ option for Washington Avenue. Continue reading

Newsletter: ๐Ÿ“ข Tonight! Washington Ave open house / ๐ŸšŒ SEPTA budget hearing / ๐Ÿค Members & Candidates Mixer

Weekly Newsletter, Issue 170 ๐Ÿ“ข REMINDER: PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE FOR WASHINGTON AVE The city is holding a public Open House for Washington Ave tonight, March 1st @ 6:30 PM, to unveil the final plans. It will be held in person at the Christian Street YMCA (1724 Christian St), following COVID-19 guidelines, and a virtual option on Facebook Live. Continue reading

Newsletter: ๐Ÿ“ข Washington Ave open house / ๐Ÿ“– Housing book talk / ๐Ÿšฒ West Philly Bike Lanes

Weekly Newsletter, Issue 170 ๐Ÿ“ข PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE FOR WASHINGTON AVE The city announced the location of their public Open House for Washington Ave, where they plan on releasing the final-final-final plans for this roadway on Tuesday, March 1st @ 6:30 PM. Continue reading

Newsletter: โœ๏ธ Washington Ave Families meetup / ๐ŸŽฉ Be a committee person / ๐ŸŽฅ Learn about new housing

Weekly Newsletter, Issue 169 โœ๏ธ KEEP UP THE PRESSURE AT WASHINGTON AVENUE This weekend, we were out on our Washington Ave Families event, making signs and postcards against the street layout changes. Continue reading

Press Release: Safer Washington Avenue Fund Reaches More Than $10,000 in Donations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEThursday, February 10, 2022PHILADELPHIA โ€” On Monday, 5th Square established its Safer Washington Avenue Fund, specifically dedicated to electing Philadelphia candidates who will pledge to uphold the City's stated Vision Zero goals. In four days, it has drawn more than $10,000 in donations. Continue reading

Newsletter: โœ‰๏ธ Washington Ave Updates / ๐ŸŽฉ Run for Committeeperson / ๐ŸŠ West Philly Pool Closures / ๐Ÿš‚ Roxborough housing at risk

Weekly Newsletter, Issue 168 โœ‰๏ธ WASHINGTON AVENUE IN JEOPARDY We are asking everyone to contact OTIS, the Mayor, and Councilmembers Johnson & Squilla to tell them we want the safest possible option for Washington Ave -- the original 3-lane layout. Continue reading