🌫️ STOP GRAYS FERRY POLLUTION
We knew CHOP's proposed parking garage was bad for Grays Ferry.
But we didn't know exactly how bad, or why CHOP assured everyone it wouldn't worsen traffic.
5th Square is Philadelphia's urbanist political action committee, organizing and advocating for better transportation, land use, and public space policies. Our work is made possible through the support of over 400 members donating anywhere from $5 to $25 a month.
🌫️ STOP GRAYS FERRY POLLUTION
We knew CHOP's proposed parking garage was bad for Grays Ferry.
But we didn't know exactly how bad, or why CHOP assured everyone it wouldn't worsen traffic.
Now through PA's Right-to-Know Law, 5th Square analyzed the traffic study and found numerous red flags.
You can read our full findings here, but here's the TLDR:
- Data collection was done over the *holidays* during construction
- Basic errors were waved away or simply overlooked
- Proposed improvements to an infamously dangerous road are laughable
So how can you help stop this? Comment at today's CDR meeting at 1pm, and sign our anti-garage petition.
🚨 BOARD PASSES SEPTA CUTS
This past week, SEPTA's board voted to adopt a budget that will cut service by 45% and raise fares.
The initial cuts will go into effect on August 24th, but this can still be avoided if transit funding is secured soon.
We need you to help stop these cuts by telling your friends, family, and coworkers to contact their elected officials and demand funding for SEPTA.
You can also help by signing up to canvass SEPTA riders -- our next scheduled canvassing date is the Trenton Line on 7/9.
👁️ PBA LASER VISION
Philly Bike Action recently launched Laser Vision, a new tool to report unsafe parking violations like blocked sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes directly to the PPA.
🏙️ WASH WEST HISTORIC DISTRICT LEGAL APPEAL
The recently designated Washington Square West Historic District restricts the supply of new housing in a wealthy, amenity-rich neighborhood and makes home repairs more complicated, time-intensive, and vastly more expensive.
A group of residents is organizing to fight back against the overly broad historic district and they are fundraising to support their legal appeal of the designation.
🚨 ACTION ITEMS
Erie Ave Bus Lane Survey
SEPTA is studying two ideas for bus lanes on Erie Ave. Respond to their survey to give them your feedback.
🚫 Grays Ferry Is Not a Parking Lot
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is proposing a 1,000-vehicle parking garage at 30th and Grays Ferry Avenue. This garage would be over 70 feet tall, reserved for employees, and would require a separate shuttle service. Sign our petition telling CHOP: Don't Treat Grays Ferry as a Parking Lot
🛣️ 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
Equitable Transportation Fund: Congestion Pricing Webinar
July 9th at 4pm | Virtual
The Equitable Transportation Fund is hosting a webinar to connect advocates and funders for a discussion focused on congestion pricing with guests Ben Furnas of Transportation Alternatives and Nick Sifuentes of the Summit Foundation
WHAT WE'RE READING
🏙️ HOUSING & LAND USE
🌳 PUBLIC SPACE
🚌 TRANSIT
🚴 MOBILITY
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
King of Prussia District / Public Landscapes Manager
Amtrak /
10,000 Friends of PA
Friends of Wissahickon / Capital Projects Coordinator
City of Philadelphia
World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia / President
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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