Broad Street Brief: Residents Concerned About Proposed Fairmount Facility

City Hall

Mayor Parker’s FY25 Budget Leaves UC Townhomes Agreement in Limbo

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s FY25 budget lacks funding for the development of a proposed affordable housing project at 39th and Market Streets, the former site of University City (UC) Townhomes, despite a previous commitment from the City and Housing Authority.

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Parker Admin Hopes to Streamline ZBA

The Parker Administration aims to streamline Philadelphia’s Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) to reduce wait times and hurdles for developers and small-business owners. During today’s City Council meeting, Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (District 4) introduced legislation that would simplify quorum requirements.

Fairmount Residents Concerned About About Triage Center

More than 900 people have signed a petition urging the City to pause its plan to operate a triage center on Girard Avenue in Fairmount, citing lack of communication and potential negative impacts. Fairmount residents also voiced concerns during a contentious meeting with city officials on Tuesday, where officials pushed back emphasizing the need for additional facilities to address the homelessness and substance use crises.

City Council Committee Advances Consumer Protections Bill

This week, City Council’s Commerce & Economic Development Committee advanced legislation aimed at combating fraudulent business practices, empowering the City to prosecute offenders and provide relief to affected consumers.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.

• The Law & Government Committee will meet Monday, May 20 at 10 a.m. to hear testimony regarding several proposed policy changes to the Home Rule Charter regarding the Office of Homeless Services and the Housing Trust Fund.
• The Rules Committee will meet Tuesday, May 21 at 11 a.m. to hear testimony regarding several zoning ordinances, including proposed regulations for medical facilities introduced by Councilmember  (District 4).
• The Public Health & Human Services Committee will meet Tuesday, May 21 at 2 p.m. to hear testimony regarding the worsening overdose death crisis and its impact on neighborhoods, particularly in Philadelphia’s Black communities.
• The Public Property & Public Works Committee will meet Wednesday, May 22 at 10 a.m. to hear testimony regarding several land acquisition and related ordinances, including proposed changes to Philadelphia Land Bank rules and proposed block to prevent City officials from renewing or making new lease agreements with the Commonwealth regarding the Parker Administration’s proposed triage center in Fairmount.
• The Housing, Neighborhood Development & Homelessness Committee will meet Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. to hear testimony regarding proposed updates to the rules for Philadelphia’s residential eviction diversion program.

Around Town

Ne-Yo, Kesha to Headline Wawa Welcome America Concert

The Wawa Welcome America Festival returns next month, starting with a Juneteenth block party on June 19 and concluding with a July 4 concert featuring headliners Ne-Yo and Kesha.

North Broad Business Improvement District Funds Neighborhood Renaissance

North Broad Street’s economic transformation is being supported by a dedicated fund through the North Broad Business Improvement District — led by the nonprofit North Broad Renaissance — which aims to enhance economic development and inclusivity while addressing challenges such as gentrification. Renaissance offers measures like lease negotiations to safeguard businesses from displacement and improve the overall environment.

Comcast Spectacor Hopes Smaller Concert Venue Will Attract New Acts

Comcast Spectacor’s proposal for a new entertainment complex in South Philadelphia includes plans for a smaller concert hall to attract diverse acts and fill a niche in the city’s entertainment scene, part of a broader $2.5 billion redevelopment plan for the Stadium District.

PPA Begins Crackdown on Illegally Parked Cars

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is cracking down on illegally parked cars, particularly those obstructing sidewalks and curb ramps, with new enforcement measures as part of its ADA Mobility Access Initiative, aiming to improve accessibility for the city’s estimated 250,000 residents with disabilities.

Relocation of Intracity Bus Stop to Old City Receives Pushback from Residents

Urbanist organizations and advocates are urging the City to relocate its temporary intracity bus station to an Old City parking garage, citing the need for better facilities and humane treatment of riders, despite opposition from some local residents and business owners concerned about increased bus traffic in the historic neighborhood.

Activists Observe 39th Anniversary of MOVE Bombing

Activists held a gathering Monday to honor the 11 victims of the 1985 MOVE bombing, marking 39 years since the incident. Speakers emphasized the importance of remembering the victims of the event.

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