Newsletter: 😡 MAD about Washington Ave / 🥪 Meetup Thursday / 🛠️ Whole Home Repairs

Weekly Newsletter, Issue 184

😡 MAD ABOUT WASHINGTON AVE

Ask City Council to prioritize safety for Washington Ave.

Heard the news? The City's plans for safety measures on Washington Ave are being jeopardized by one person: Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson.

Despite a decade of engagement, innumerable surveys, a compromised plan, and multiple traffic deaths -- this Councilmember still has not introduced the legislation needed to fix this death trap in his district.

This means the roadway may remain in its current configuration after repaving, ensuring decades of fatal crashes.

Call Councilmember Johnson's office: (215) 686-3412, (215) 686-3413 -- if prompted, leave a voicemail for Director of Legislation: Joshu Harris.

We are disappointed by this turn of events, exposing the charade of community input in a City where Councilmembers can act as feudal lords who can disregard science and survey results.


🥪 MEETUP THURSDAY!

Join us at our next meet-up THIS THURSDAY, June 2nd at 6 PM over at Manayunk Crossing (next to the movie theater)!

We will also be discussing mobility, safe streets, and access to transit specific to Northwest Philly neighborhoods.

We are honored to host the following guests:

  • Tarik Khan - Democratic Nominee for State Rep in the 194th district.

  • SEPTA staff who will update us on the Wissahickon Transit Center Project.

The entry gates to Manayunk Crossing, against a bright blue sky.


Support our ongoing efforts for a more sustainable, walkable, and bicycle-friendly Philadelphia! All contributions go to supporting elected officials and campaigns that shape the city.

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🛠️ SUPPORT FOR WHOLE HOME REPAIRS

Senator Nikil Saval has been working hard to pass the Whole-Home Repairs Act; a bipartisan bill that creates a one-stop shop for home repairs and weatherization while building out our workforce and creating new jobs.

This act would help PA residents avoid displacement, reduce their energy costs, and stabilize neighborhoods at risk of falling into blight.

In an editorial, the Inquirer said:

Inadequate housing affects Pennsylvanians from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and in many rural towns in between. The Whole Homes Repair Act is a step toward keeping everyone safer.

5th Square supports the Whole Home Repairs Act, and you should too! Sign up here to help get this much-needed legislation past the finish line.


SURVEYS & EMAIL ACTIONS

  • School District of Phila - Early Dismissal Survey - Next year’s Academic Calendar includes days where students are dismissed early. The District is seeking feedback from families on their plans and needs for after-school childcare on early dismissal days.

  • PennDOT is conducting a survey for the I-95 Girard Interchange. This covers Allegheny Avenue south through the Interstate 676 Interchange at Race Street.

  • The City of Philadelphia is conducting a trail and sidepath maintenance study. Survey responses will assist the City in better understanding public priorities for the decision-making process regarding trail and sidepath maintenance.


WHAT WE'RE READING

🌳 PUBLIC SPACE

Philadelphia Inquirer / Residents navigate heaps of trash as college students move out, say current mitigation efforts aren’t working

Billy Penn / Anxious Clark Park vendors are hoping for city solutions, like single-day permits or relaxed requirements


EVENTS

Fishtown Frankford Avenue Walk

Saturday, June 4, 3:00 PM EDT - 4:00 PM EDT
Frankford Avenue & Girard Avenue (outside Johnny Brenda's)

Join Feet First Philly and Fishtown Neighbors Association on a tour of pedestrian infrastructure on Frankford Avenue.


JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Bicycle Coalition / Youth Cycling Program Coordinator

City Cast / Podcast Host, City Cast Philly

Milk Jawn / Ice Cream Maker

BDO / Senior Consultant (Accounting)

Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee

University City Green / Executive Director

Bike & Build / Associate Program Director

Drexel University / Senior Multi-Media & Tech Specialist

Blue Rose Research / multiple openings (data science, programming)

Philadelphia Health Partnership / Equity in Health Program Officer


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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