Community College of Philadelphia Opens New Career and Advanced Technology Center
Last week, the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) officially opened its groundbreaking Career and Advanced Technology Center at 48th and Market Streets. The new building will host several of CCP’s short-term certificate and associate’s degree programs in fields such as advanced manufacturing, health care, and transportation technology. The CCP intends for the center to serve as a resource for Philadelphia’s small business community.
Alternating Overnight I-76 Lane Closures Due to Construction
This week, due to ongoing overhead viaduct construction work, eastbound and westbound lanes near 30th Street in Center City will be closed on alternating nights between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. These closures are in addition to the lane closures between Schuylkill Avenue West and 24th Street for Market Street Bridge repairs, which are also ongoing. While traffic will be rerouted during these times, drivers are advised to use alternate routes if possible and expect delays.
New West Philadelphia Apartment Buildings Proposed Near Former Provident Mutual Headquarters
Iron Stone Real Estate Partners, the current owner of 4601 Market, is planning to develop six new apartment buildings totaling more than 1,200 units. The former headquarters of the Provident Mutual Insurance Company has recently been renovated and turned into a health and education campus, featuring a Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia behavioral health center and a KIPP charter school. Philadelphia Health Management Corporation (PHMC) will also open offices and a health center in the site soon. The new residential units are intended to meet the needs of current and potential West Philadelphians who work at or are served by the health and education campus.
FDR Park Renovation to Feature More Natural Areas
The often contentious redevelopment of FDR Park in South Philadelphia is now taking a turn toward natural areas and away from the previously more expansive plans for athletic facilities. Recent plan revisions include scrapping a golf driving range and increasing space for trails, ponds, meadows, and the like. In particular, renovations to the wetlands will ensure adequate draining and make the native ecosystem more resilient to the effects of climate change.
City’s “Reforestation Hub” Pilot Program Will Recycle Fallen Trees Into Lumber
“Reforestation Hub,” a pilot program set to be launched by the city next year, will save landfill-bound wood waste by turning some of Philadelphia’s felled trees into lumber. The lumber will be made available to purchase by organizations who can make use of it, and proceeds from the purchases will benefit the city’s efforts to increase the tree canopy in Philadelphia. The program is made possible by a partnership between the city, Cambium Carbon, and PowerCorpsPHL.
Senator Sanders Visits Philadelphia for Pro-Labor Rally
Thousands gathered on Independence Mall over the weekend for a pro-labor rally featuring Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. During his speech, Senator Sanders highlighted issues of inequality ranging from income disparities and workers’ rights to student loan debt and the current state of the nation’s health care system. The senator was joined by General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Sean O’Brien and Association of Flight Attendants President Sara Nelson, both of whom also appeared in similar rallies in Chicago and Boston.
District Attorney Krasner to Defy State Legislative Committee Subpoena
On Tuesday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced that his office will not comply with a state legislative committee subpoena, which he called “illegal” and “wholly illegitimate.” The committee was formed to investigate the District Attorney’s alleged inaction pertaining to the city’s ongoing gun violence crisis and may end up recommending impeachment. District Attorney Krasner and his supporters have criticized the committee, claiming its motivations are “baseless” and purely political.