🏙️ MAKE PEDESTRIAN ZONES PERMANENT
WHYY's Studio2 explored the concept of permanent pedestrian zones for Philly featuring our own Katrina Johnston-Zimmerman! Listen to it here.
Photo Credit: Daniel Paschall
Philadelphia is experimenting with pedestrian-friendly streets this September, closing off parts of Center City every Sunday. While car-free zones are common in Europe, they’re a novelty here. But with the popularity of streeteries during the pandemic, Philadelphians are showing a growing appetite for reclaiming public space.
Also, check out this piece by Stephanie Farr at the Inquirer:
This new revival in interest for open streets is credit to Center City District and their series of car-free open streets on Sundays in September. Stop by to see what our city can be when we prioritize people over cars.
📖 BOOK TALK WITH ANNA ZIVARTS
On October 7th, 5th Square will be hosting author Anna Zivarts to discuss her newly-published book about adapting our transportation system for non-drivers titled When Driving Is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency.
Pizza and drinks will be provided. A $10 donation is suggested. Check out the book and RSVP here.
🚆 MPACT CONFERENCE
The Mpact Transit + Community Conference 2024 will be held in Philadelphia on October 20-23! The conference focuses on the interactions of transit, mobility, land use and development in building great places to live for everyone.
Mpact is looking for volunteers to help guide attendees. There are over 30 mobile tours/workshops across the city and surrounding counties, as well as social events at Center City conference venues that need staffing and wayfinding.
💰 THE CASE FOR FUNDING SEPTA
If you're getting this newsletter, you probably already support funding SEPTA, but in case you're unsure, check out this article from The Inquirer's editorial board:
😢 WASH WEST HISTORIC DISTRICT APPROVED
Despite our efforts to oppose the Washington Square West historic district due to our concerns that it would increase housing costs and reduce access to one of the city's most amenity-rich and walkable neighborhoods, the Philadelphia Historical Commission voted to approve the district.
Historic districts now cover more than half of Center City.
Though we were unsuccessful in stopping the district, our volunteers' advocacy was responsible for the Commission reclassifying several vacant lots as "non-contributing" properties which will more easily facilitate the development of these lots into true assets.
🚨 ACTION ITEMS
🚲 47th St Bike Lane Petition
With the upcoming repaving of 47th St, Philly Bike Action is calling for traffic calming measures and the creation of a parking-protected bike lane along 47th St from Chestnut St to the Grays Ferry Bridge. Sign their petition here.
🚏 Support the Old City Bus Terminal
In the year since Greyhound closed its station on Filbert St, one million bus riders have been left stranded with no shelter. They had to contend with hazardous air quality, torrential downpours, and endless days of 90-plus degrees while often waiting hours for a delayed bus.
The proposed temporary bus terminal location in Old City would significantly improve conditions in the short term while a more permanent solution is pursued. Sign our petition supporting it here.
🛣️ Stop I-95 Expansion
PennDOT is planning to expand I-95 in Center City and South Philly by adding lanes and new ramps. This will threaten the well-being of our neighborhoods by worsening air quality, increasing noise pollution, harming our access to the waterfront, and destroying sports facilities. To make matters worse, PennDOT has been deceitful about its engagement efforts.
Join us in telling PennDOT that highway expansion has no place in the core of Philadelphia by signing our petition.
EVENTS
Philly Full Moon Ride
September 17, 8:44 PM | Art Museum Steps
The September Harvest Moon. The route will be anounced a day or two before the ride. Generally the ride will center around this time. Meet up will be generally 8:30PM and rolling 9PM. (the idea is to ride at night under the moon).
Bicycle Coalition Annual Gala & Awards Dinner
September 26, 5:30 to 9:00pm | Ridgeland Mansion in Fairmount Park
Join the Bicycle Coalition for its annual fundraising gala featuring cocktails, a three course plated dinner, an award ceremony, and silent & live auctions featuring unique cycling opportunities, bikes, gear, and surprises!
Jerusalem Demsas at Pen and Pencil Club
Thursday, September 26, 7:00 PM-10:00 PM | 1522 Latimer St
Join us to see Atlantic writer Jerusalem Demsas discuss her debut book: "On the Housing Crisis: Land, Development, Democracy."
Slow Roll Memorial Bike Ride for Barbara
Saturday, September 28, 10:00AM-11:30AM | Civic Center Blvd and Spruce St
The Bicycle Coalition and Families for Safe Streets will work in collaboration with Barbara's friends and family to host a silent, slow roll bike ride from Civic Center Blvd and Spruce St. to the site of Barbara Friedes crash, 18th and Spruce. We will place an Angel bike at the crash site and hold a memorial for her.
Delaware River Festival
September 28, 10 AM - 4 PM | Penn's Landing and Wiggins Park
A free family-friendly event on the Delaware River in Camden and Philly with environmental activities, boat rides, prizes, and water-centered learning.
Transit Forward - Solidarity with TWU 234 Harrisburg Rally!
Tuesday, October 1, 7:30am to 2:00pm | 1301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Join Transit Forward Philadelphia in showing solidarity to transit workers in TWU 234. The union is organizing a large rally in Harrisburg. The main group will be traveling together via bus, rented by the union.
NABSA Annual Conference
October 7-9 | Convention Center
The North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association will be holding its annual conference in town which will serve as a cross-sector gathering space for shared micromobility professionals.
Fast Forward Philly
Tuesday, October 8th, 6pm | 1319 Walnut St
Join us for the 12th annual Fast Forward, a DesignPhiladelphia festival event! A lineup of presenters from various creative backgrounds will Fast Forward through 20 slides at 20 seconds each to answer one question: What's next for Philly?
Mpact Transit + Community Conference
October 20-23 | Convention Center
The annual Mpact Transit + Community conference (formerly Rail~Volution) focuses on the interplay of transit, connected mobility options, land use and development in building great places to live – for everyone. Sign up to volunteer here.
November 8–9 | Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
The goal of the conference is to provide extensive discussion of new and innovative research in urban and regional economics. Previous editions have convened 40 or more economists from around the world to present, discuss, and participate in the workshop.
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
🚴 MOBILITY
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Clean Air Council / Sustainable Transportation Program Manager
City of Philadelphia
New Kensington Community Development Corporation
National Association of City Transportation Officials /
Councilmember O'Rourke's Office /
Friends of the Rail Park
City of Philadelphia
DVRPC
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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