đź™… TELL PENNDOT NO HIGHWAY EXPANSION
PennDOT is seeking feedback (respond by Thursday) for their plans to expand portions of I-95 through South Philly. All of PennDOT's proposed changes involve highway and ramp widenings through the heart of our city, which will increase traffic volume, pollution, and traffic deaths, and undermine sustainable modes of transportation like walking, biking, and public transit.
By Thursday, tell PennDOT that there should be no highway expansion or new interchange between the Walt Whitman Bridge and Broad St, and that we should instead be creating more walkable and bikeable streets, and support public transit expansion like the BSL Navy Yard Extension.
To help you fill out the survey, we have prepared a guide with suggested answers.
🚇 SUCCESSFUL BLVD SUBWAY HEARING
This past week, City Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities held a hearing to discuss the proposed Roosevelt Boulevard Subway, and it was a huge success!
In the entire hour plus of public comment, not one speaker opposed the Blvd Subway. Thank you to all who came out to show their support!
If you missed the hearing, you can watch the recording here.
If you want to help make the Blvd Subway happen, sign our petition which is almost at 650 signatures!
📚 EXPANDED LIBRARY HOURS
The Free Library of Philadelphia recently announced expanded library hours which will include Saturday hours at all branches, fulfilling one of our asks on our 2023 issue platform.
Libraries are important public spaces in our communities and we applaud this move to improve access to the valuable resources they provide.
🗳️ REGISTER TO VOTE BY OCTOBER 23
Have you recently moved or changed your name? Is your voter registration accurate and up to date?
Pennsylvania’s municipal election is Nov. 7, 2023. Now is the time to check your registration status here and make sure your voter registration information is current.
Visit vote.pa.gov/Register to:
- register to vote,
- change your name, and/or
- change your address.
You must update your voter registration by Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, for any changes to take effect by Nov. 7.
âś… ENDORSEMENT ALERT
5th Square is proud to announce its endorsements for the following candidates running for City Council in this year’s general elections.
Want to have a say in our future endorsements? Become a 5th Square member today for $5 a month. New Member signups get a free Blvd Subway T-Shirt!
đź’¸ SUPPORT SEPTA FUNDING
SEPTA is facing an urgent fiscal cliff which may see drastic service cuts and higher fares. Fortunately, the Pennsylvania House passed HB 1219 which would increase the portion of sales tax that is allocated to public transit funding without increasing the tax itself.
This bill still needs to pass the State Senate, so contact you legislator to ensure SEPTA gets the funding it needs!
5TH SQUARE IN THE NEWS
Following City Council's recent Roosevelt Boulevard subway hearing, 5th Square member and Blvd Subway activist Jay Arzu was featured in The Inquirer:
Jay Arzu, the University of Pennsylvania doctoral student who has championed the subway, said the importance of Wednesday’s meeting, arguably the proposal’s largest stage thus far, “was one word: unity.”
“It showed that our chambers of commerce, our unions, our policymakers, and our communities can united behind this project,” he said.
EVENTSÂ
Design Advocacy Group: One on One with Cherelle Parker
October 20, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Center for Architecture and Design at 1218 Arch St
Join DAG for a special event as we host Philadelphia’s Democratic mayoral candidate, Cherelle Parker for a one-on-one conversation regarding issues that affect the built environment.
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia: Strengthen the Pennsylvania Historic Tax Credit
October 26, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Learn from national experts, state legislators, and local developers about the benefits that can come from strengthening the Commonwealth’s historic tax credit program.
CycleScenePHL All Out: Halloween
October 28 at 7:00 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art
It’s a Saturday, a Full Moon, Halloween Weekend, and the rides are coming together to host a costume optional, headlights required ride!
SURVEYS
DVRPC 2050 VISION SURVEY
The DVRPC is asking for feedback on its vision for Greater Philadelphia in 2050. Tell the DVRPC what they should prioritize over the next 30 years. Let them know if you think Philadelphia should have a new subway line by then.
AGING AND DISABILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The University of Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania-based partners are supporting the efforts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, led by the Pennsylvania Department on Aging, to develop a Master Plan for Older Adults. Responses will be used to create a profile of the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities that will inform the Commonwealth's planning process.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
đźš´ MOBILITY
GRANTS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Rue Landau Team / Open Application
SEPTA / Designer - Schedules and Maps
City of Philadelphia
Robert D Gilmore & Associates Inc /Â
Earth Quaker Action Team /Â Director of Organizing
Philadelphia Housing Authority / CNI Project Manager - Bartram
WHYY /Â Transportation Reporter
DVRPC
National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel
- Eviction Right to Counsel Enactment Specialist (remote position)
- Eviction Right to Counsel Implementation Specialist (remote position)
Philadelphia Energy Authority
Esperanza Health Center / Various Jobs
Jawnt /Â Marketing Lead (Growth/Demand Focus)
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.Â
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