Broad Street Brief: City Employees Return to Office

City Hall

City Employees Return to Office Full Time

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s return-to-office mandate went into effect Monday after Judge Sierra Thomas-Street upheld the policy last week.

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Massive City Data Breach Confirmed, Experts Say Not to Panic

The City of Philadelphia confirmed last week that a data breach targeting the City’s email system affected more than 35,000 people last year. While the suspicious activity prompted investigations, the Law Department claims there is no evidence of identity theft or fraud.

Election Update

Philadelphia State Reps. Bullock, Kinsey Resign

Philadelphia state House Representatives Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey resigned this week, leaving Democrats in a numeric minority until special elections are held on September 17. Rep. Bullock was named CEO of anti-homelessness nonprofit Project HOME, while Rep. Kinsey had previously announced that he will not be seeking reelection in order to spend more time in Philadelphia and with his family. Both districts are expected to remain blue.

RNC Speaker Casts National Spotlight on Kensington

Philadelphia native Michael Coyle, who started the “Kensington Beach” Instagram account to highlight the city’s opioid crisis, spoke at the Republican National Convention (RNC) Tuesday, bringing national attention to the dire conditions in the neighborhood and blaming President Joe Biden for the fentanyl crisis.

Around Town

Police Sweeps Likely to Continue in Kensington

With no announcement of the latest round of ID checks, car towings, and street closures in Kensington, the City says the coordinated police operations could continue on a monthly basis as part of the mayor’s broader goal to improve quality of life in Kensington.

Drexel Appoints Interim President

Drexel University appointed Denis O’Brien, a long-time trustee and former president of Exelon Utilities, as interim president. President John Fry will be leaving Drexel to become Temple University’s next president beginning in November.

Preschool Parents Oppose Proposed Old City Bus Terminal

Old City preschool parents are uniting in opposition to the prospect of a new intercity bus station in the neighborhood. The unprecedented spring and summer heat brought multiple demonstrations in support of placing a new transit terminal with air conditioning, restrooms, and other amenities in Old City.

Cranes Next to Kelly Drive Grandstands Have Purpose

Runners, bikers, and walkers along the Schuylkill River Trail have grown familiar with the mass construction activity on Kelly Drive near the Grandstands. After a 2018 inspection indicated that the century-old wall along the Schuylkill River had developed deformities, the City commissioned the replacement of approximately 400 feet of the bulkhead in 2024. Construction is projected to conclude in spring 2025.

Suburban Spotlight

Philadelphia, Allentown Among Fastest Shrinking Municipalities in PA

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania found that 41 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties saw declining populations in 2022 and 2023. Philadelphia and Allentown were among the Commonwealth’s fourteen fastest shrinking cities, enduring a 3.3% and 0.8% population drop, respectively.

Washington Crossing Village Applies for “Historic District” Designation

To circumvent the replacement of the Washington Crossing Bridge in Wakefield Township, the municipality recently filed for designation as a “Historic District” with the Pennsylvania Department of Historic Preservation. If the township successfully secures the designation, it can prevent the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission from completely rebuilding the bridge.

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