Should Washington Square West in Center City be dubbed “historic,” preserving its look and restricting demolition? Or does that designation go too far, burdening homeowners with new costs and stunting development?
BP’s Meir Rinde found those familiar arguments this week as the Committee on Historic Designation endorsed the proposal and sent it on to the Historical Commission for further discussion and possible approval. Continue reading…
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A small group of activists blocked traffic in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square area Thursday to demand more funding for the Department of Parks and Recreation.
They say city rec centers need more staff, better maintenance and longer hours — and the budget Mayor Cherelle Parker proposed earlier this spring for the Department is not sufficient. Continue reading…
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RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Gov. Shapiro is set to sign a bill that requires state law enforcement to collect data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops, including their race or ethnicity. But the bill also exempts those data from being included in the state’s Right-to-Know Law. [Spotlight PA]
• SEPTA’s board approved the Bus Revolution plan, set to go into effect June 1, 2025, reducing the number of routes from 125 to 106. [WHYY]
• A pro-Palestinian protest encampment has popped up in Clark Park on the heels of police disbanding protests on Drexel and Penn campuses. It is the first encampment to be set up on city property. [6ABC/WHYY]
• Changing the portrayal of Kensington, some residents say, starts with amplifying the positive work being done to uplift communities — “something we can all be proud of.” [WHYY]
• The Phillies unveiled a new Philly-themed Nike Dunk, designed in collaboration with local sneaker boutiques Lapstone & Hammer and Creme 321. They feature Kelly Green laces with geographic coordinates of Philadelphia. [NBC10]
• Philadelphia’s role in the LGBTQ+ movement will be featured in the historic Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in NYC. Philly’s rich history of queer bars was also immortalized in a PMA exhibit last year. [PhillyVoice/Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for Friday.
ON THE CALENDAR
⚕️ Saturday, May 25: Postmortem Project opening
This combination exhibit/event focuses on the ongoing discourse around medical ethics, consent regarding human remains in science, and the future of the Mütter Museum’s exhibits. (Through 2025)
🚣🏽♀️ Saturday, May 25: Philadelphia Cup Regatta
Celebrate the return of this sailing regatta for clubs across the region. Racing events include a range of vessels and sailors, all gathered at Penn’s Landing. (10:30 a.m. first gun starts)
🖌️ Saturday, May 25: Carving Liberation: Block printing and artivism workshop
Youth activists with the newly formed Ginger Arts Center in Chinatown will demonstrate block printing and discuss the power of art as activism. Free with RSVP. (1 to 3 p.m.)
🎞️ Sunday, May 26: Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival
Six weeks of programming in one festival across Philly. Featuring films that cross genres and geography. Ticket prices vary. (Through July 7)
Catch up on the previous week
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