photo: Bas Slabbers | NewsWorks
- Archaeologists found a few forgotten rowhouse stoops, but no human remains at the controversial proposed Housing Authority project to construct affordable housing at the site of the old Queen Lane apartments in Germantown. Activists have long claimed that the pre-Revolutionary “potter’s field” for African-Americans was more extensive than the maps let on; it appears they were wrong. “Nothing revealed on the tour indicated findings that would seem to present an obvious or immediate barrier to PHA’s plans to demolish the 16-story high rise and replace it with a $35 million, 55-unit, lower-density development.”
- Plan Philly summarizes the draft plan for Philadelphia2035’s Central District—just released this week. Some zoning changes, allowing for rational and sequential commercial development in some areas and transit-oriented development in others, are being recommended, as well as the need to concentrate on building up the commercial potential of Franklintown and the neighborhood surrounding Ridge Avenue and North Broad. The period for public input runs through May 15.
- Naked Philly headed over to the intersection of 17th & Page, just a few blocks west of Temple’s main campus, to get an idea of that area’s dramatic upsurge in infill development.
- Chestnut Hill residents voted Tuesday night on the design for the Willow Grove Avenue bridge, which will be replaced by late next year with a $3.5 million redesign that “will provide two ten-foot travel lanes with five-foot wide sidewalks on either side of the bridge. A new handicapped ramp will provide additional access to the [St. Martin’s] station platform from Willow Grove Avenue.”
- SEPTA received the last of its Silverliner V railcars yesterday. Hyundai Rotem is liable for penalties on the $330 million deal, as it was three years late due to “production snags.”
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
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