📣 GET INVOLVED WITH VISION ZERO

OTIS is in the process of developing its Vision Zero Action Plan for the next five years and there's an opportunity for you to get involved to help make our streets safer.

Use this form to fill out their survey, and see here for a full list of ways you can get involved!

🚨 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

Main Street Now 2025 Conference
April 7 – 9 | Philadelphia Marriott, 1201 Market Street
Join local leaders and experts in commercial district stewardship from across the country for three days of education sessions, special events, and mobile workshops.

WHAT WE'RE READING

🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE

🌳 PUBLIC SPACE

• WHYY / Philly’s Rail Park raises millions for next phase from state, federal grants

• inquirer.com / Market East doesn’t need the Sixers arena to make a comeback

• inquirer.com / Market East and the Fashion District face an unclear future in the aftermath of the Sixers arena plan

• the Guardian / ‘Everyone thought it would cause gridlock’: the highway that Seoul turned into a stream

🚌 TRANSIT

• The Philadelphia Tribune / SEPTA reports largest drop in serious crime in its history

• inquirer.com / Proper funding may help SEPTA avoid Key Card-style boondoggles | Editorial

• inquirer.com / SEPTA’s Key Card has been plagued with issues. A new version could cost $211 million.

🚴 MOBILITY

• The New York Times / The Roller-Skating Economist You Can Thank for Congestion Pricing

• Green Philly / Do you experience dangerous streets? Here's how to request traffic calming. - Green Philly

• NBC10 Philadelphia / From speed cameras to repainted crosswalks: Neighbors demand a safer Germantown Avenue

• Billy Penn at WHYY / $11 million for EV chargers in final surge of Biden administration grants

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. 

Support our advocacy with a recurring monthly contribution of $5 or more.