✉️ 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.
On Saturday, OTIS released its update on the Washington Avenue Repaving and Improvement Project which backtracked from their September 2020 “Final Design Decision” and eliminated the 3-lane option.
By canceling the original design for Washington Avenue, the Kenney administration, Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, and Councilmember Mark Squilla have shown a lack of leadership. They have betrayed the voice of thousands of residents and neighbors who voted overwhelmingly for the safest option, the 3-lane layout. This will result in a more dangerous roadway, especially for its most vulnerable users.
🎩 RUN FOR A COMMITTEE PERSON SEAT IN 2022
Want to take the next step up toward neighborhood political leadership, and help 5th Square support great candidates for office in the 2022 and 2023 elections?
Philadelphia's political parties are holding local elections at the precinct level in 2022, and you can run for and win a seat in your neighborhood with just a few dozen votes. 5th Square's mission is all about reforming Philadelphia's planning politics around transportation, housing, and public space, and elected officials really listen to grassroots community leaders on these topics. That could be you!
Sign up for more info about how to get involved in running where you live!
📋 SHAPE OUR QUESTIONNAIRE
We are still working on our 2022 questionnaire for candidates for the State House Representatives and want your input! Submit questions for us to to include in our questionnaire here.
✅🚲🏙️ JOIN US FOR THE 2022 ELECTIONS
Help us decide which Philly-area candidates to support for 2022 races in the PA State Senate and PA State House.
Members will gain exclusive access to vote on our candidate endorsements and can join our discussion to shape our priorities for the upcoming election cycle.
Become a 5th Square member TODAY
Kick off 2022 by helping us advocate for a more sustainable, walkable, and bicycle-friendly Philadelphia!
5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS
🏊 STOP WEST PHILLY POOL CLOSURES
5th Square co-chair Dena Driscoll wrote an op-ed in the Inquirer about how public pools are necessary to facilitate safer spaces for neighborhoods and help in an overall plan to deter gun violence. The Philadelphia Board of Education should reverse their decision and reopen Sayre-Morris Pool as soon as possible.
🚂 HOUSING IN ROXBOROUGH AT RISK
Daniel Trubman, 5th Square transit committee member, writes for WHYY about how Roxborough is stunted by a bill that changes the area's zoning to one that would make new housing illegal and prioritizes automobile traffic.
SURVEYS
PennDOT is requesting feedback on the ongoing 63rd Street and Cobbs Creek Parkway Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Available until 2/16/22.
The Office of the City Controller is seeking volunteers to serve on a Community Advisory and Accountability Council (Community Council), as part of an independent review of the Philadelphia Police Department.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
Insider / I'm a single mom who shares a house with other single moms. Cohousing saved me $30,000 last year.
Philadelphia Inquirer / Robert Venturi’s iconic Chestnut Hill cottage is a pioneer for a new form of housing
Philadelphia Inquirer / A Philly City Council member wants to ban demolition in her district for six months. Some say that’s illegal.
Philadelphia Inquirer / Robert Venturi’s iconic Chestnut Hill cottage is a pioneer for a new form of housing
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
PennEnvironment / Philadelphia Residents Ask for Leadership from the Mayor’s office and Council Members Johnson and Squilla on a Safer Washington Avenue
Philadelphia Inquirer / The city’s Washington Avenue head-fake reveals the sham of ‘community engagement’
WHYY / Wayne Junction is quietly booming. Can it last?
EVENTS
Virtual Town Hall - Philadelphia Peace Plaza
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 5:30 PM
The City of Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE), Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR), and Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) invite the community to a virtual Town Hall discussion about the Statue of Peace project, now known as the Philadelphia Peace Plaza.
This proposed public art installation and newly renovated public space will be located at 805 S. Front Street in the Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia.
This informal ride from @wednightrides starts at Penn Treaty Park (1199 N. Delaware Ave), has a stop at the Art Museum, and ends at Second District Brewery (1939 S. Bancroft St). See Twitter for a route and more information.
PSCA - 1100 Wharton/Municipal Complex Update Meeting
Thursday, February 10th at 7:00 PM
Councilmember Squilla has asked PSCA to assist in facilitating a meeting so he can report on the status of the Municipal Complex proposal and process and continue to gather feedback about outstanding issues requiring further updates. Join him, representatives from Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) and representatives from Alterra properties. More details about the project are available at www.passyunk.org/municipalcomplex.
Bicycle Film Festival Philadelphia #2
Friday, February 11th, 6:00 PM, through February 22nd
BFF Philadelphia #2, hosted by Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, presents an international selection of the most important short films from the BFF collection. A diverse curation of filmmaking styles: narratives, documentaries, international award-winning filmmakers, and emerging directors all share equal billing. A ticket allows you to view the 90 minute short film format streamed to your computer, tablet, or smart TV by simply clicking on the link provided by email 15 minutes before opening date and time. Ticket prices are sliding scale, $10-$20.
Friday February 11, 2022 from 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
This year’s virtual symposium titled will focus on transportation and mobility justice, centering on three critical questions: who can move, when, and under what circumstances? Through interdisciplinary conversations with lawyers, activists, and scholars from across the country, we will investigate how American transportation systems entrench inequality, racial segregation, and economic disparity. Free to the public.
ULI Philadelphia: Multifamily - Shifts in the Suburbs
Thursday, Mar 3, 2022, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST
Join the ULI Philadelphia Housing Council as we explore a “Shift in the Suburbs” and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing residential development in Philadelphia’s neighboring counties.
GRANT & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
2022 AARP Community Challenge - The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. This year, applications will be accepted for projects to improve public spaces, housing, transportation and civic engagement; support diversity, equity and inclusion; build engagement for programs under new federal laws; and pursue innovative ideas that support people age 50 or older. Deadline: Tuesday, March 22
West Philadelphia Skills Initiative - Patient Services Representative program built in partnership with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This program focuses on connecting participants to sustainable long-term strategies for gaining employment, retaining employment, and advancing at work. Graduates of this program can earn the opportunity to interview for Patient Service Representative openings with CHOP. Due 2/11
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2022 round of Community Conservation Partnership Program grants. Applications accepted until April 6. More information: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/Pages/default.aspx
The #PhilaLandBank has issued an RFP for Pastor James Allen. Land Bank is soliciting proposals from developers to acquire and develop 25 parcels located in Philadelphia’s Haddington neighborhood for affordable homeownership. Get more RFP info https://phdcphila.org/rfps-rfqs-sales/development-rfps/ Due 2/28
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
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.
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