🏙️ BUSY WEEK FOR EAST MARKET
What a week it's been for East Market Street. Last Thursday, it was announced that Macy's will be closing its Center City store, leaving the 13th and Market Wanamaker Building empty.
And on Sunday, the 76ers announced that they will not be building their recently approved arena at 11th and Market, and that they're instead staying in South Philly.
So, what's next for the East Market Street corridor? Whatever it may be, we think it should build off of what already makes Center City and Chinatown such special places: a transit-accessible, human-centered neighborhood with mixed-use buildings, street-fronted retail and dense housing.
🚲 A SAFER VINE STREET
Provide feedback on PennDOT’s Concept Plan for Vine Street TODAY! -- Survey takes ONLY 2 Minutes to complete.
PennDOT is collecting a second round of feedback on its plans to install safety improvements on Vine St, which include eastbound and westbound bike lanes. We're concerned that their revised plans will make the bike lanes more dangerous.
See our guide and recommended answers here, and take the survey here.
🚉🏘️ REGIONAL RAIL + HOUSING
Can we address SEPTA's fiscal crisis and our housing shortage at the same time? The Niskanen Center says yes we can!
Their new reports highlights the opportunity Philadelphia has to add housing around regional rail stations, particularly in Chestnut Hill and Germantown. More homes near transit means more riders and fares for SEPTA and better access to opportunity for Philadelphians living in those homes.
Meanwhile, 90 homes turned into 11 just steps from Wissahickon Transportation Center and regional rail station.
✍️ MISSED THE ROOSEVELT BLVD OPEN HOUSES? TAKE THE SURVEY
Even if you weren't able to make a Roosevelt Blvd Open House, you can still take the survey.
On Page 6, let PennDOT know you want transit service that is faster and more direct, with fewer local stops on the Boulevard. This service requires no transfer to Center City.
🚨 ACTION ITEMS
🚲 Vine Street Survey
PennDOT is collecting a second round of feedback on its plans to install safety improvements on Vine St, which include eastbound and westbound bike lanes. We're concerned that their revised plans will make the bike lanes more dangerous.
See our guide and recommended answers here, and take the survey here by January 31st.
✍️ Roosevelt Blvd Survey
If you weren't able to make a Roosevelt Blvd Open House, you can still take the survey.
On Page 6, let PennDOT know you want transit service that is faster and more direct, with fewer local stops on the Boulevard. This service requires no transfer to Center City.
🚌 Lehigh Ave Bus Lane
OTIS is studying a bus lane on Lehigh Ave from Kensington Ave to American St. Respond to their survey.
🛣️ 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
Book Signing: Viewing SEPTA's Rail Heritage
Thurs., Jan. 16th, 11am-2pm | SEPTA Store, 1234 Market St
SEPTA welcomes author Beth Ann Keates as she signs her latest edition "Viewing SEPTA's Rail Heritage."
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
🚴 MOBILITY
🏛️ POLITICS
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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