screenshot from NBC 10 video
- NBC 10 reports that seven train cars derailed early this morning while traveling across the Schuylkill Arsenal Railroad Bridge, which is located just south of the South Street bridge. Six of the cars were carrying crude oil, and the seventh contained sand. Although no spills were reported, there are growing concerns about transporting crude oil from the Bakken Formation through Philadelphia’s densely populated downtown, especially in light of recent accidents in Quebec and North Dakota, and a 2011 derailment near Fountain Green Drive. In December, Christopher Dougherty explored the history of oil refining accidents in Philadelphia, as well as the risks posed by the growth of Bakken crude oil shipments, and the Philadelphia Daily News recently outlined some of the safety issues.
- Brothers Jay and Neil Shah discuss Philadelphia’s hotel market with The Inquirer. Two years ago, their Hersha Hospitality Trust acquired the Rittenhouse Hotel for $42 million, and subsequently put down $10 million on improvements. Offering suites comparable in price to the most luxurious of Manhattan, it remains the go-to for local finance and law firms to accommodate any visitors—for now. With the Four Seasons planning to move atop Comcast’s next skyscraper in 2017, the city will likely stay a “two-horse town” for years to come, say market analysts.
- Plans for the redevelopment of East Falls’ shuttered St. Bridget Elementary continue to evolve, astutely reflecting the concerns of the community, says NewsWorks. After an initial panel discussion in September, HOW Properties’ Gary Jonas was forced to reconfigure the parking scheme in order to meet a 1:1 ratio for the planned 32-unit apartment complex. Nine of those units will be reserved for seniors, with the rest filled with young professionals. Assuming Jonas receives the variance next month (it’s zoned for single-family dwellings), St. Bridget could see residents move in by next summer.
- Plan Philly reports on the lax enforcement of the Central Delaware Overlay’s prohibition of pedestrian stifling development projects, as the Department of Licenses and Inspections issued a permit for the construction of an auto-body shop at Columbus & Tasker earlier this month. “We can’t have rational zoning and overlays in the city unless L&I is familiar with the zoning code and overlays and actually reviews law when it issues permits,” said Matt Ruben, president of the Central Delaware Advocacy Group. “It’s the full responsibility of L&I to have the courage and fortitude to revoke improperly issued permits.”
- The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides announces a nine-part lecture series, “A Guide’s View of Philadelphia 2014,” to run from February 3 to March 31 at the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent. Open to the public ($25 per lecture, or $200 for all nine), the series promises that you will learn Philly history, culture, politics, and architecture “the way tour guides do.” To register, click HERE.
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.
1 Comment
Leave a Reply
Recent Posts
Rare Books Department At FLP Examines A City In Transition
Affordable housing, displacement and gentrification, demolition for redevelopment--sounds a lot like today's local headlines, but Philly has been dealing with these issues for decades. This and more is addressed in the new exhibition, "Philadelphia: The Changing City," now on view at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Ali Roseberry-Polier has the review. > more
Dispatch From the Dolomites: Lamenting the Loss of Northern Italy’s Philly Twin
Contributor Ann de Forest dials home from Italy where she visits a little chapel that, until recently, had a sibling on Christian Street > more
Secluded Stone Stairway On Lincoln Drive Revealed
A mysterious set of stairs next to Monoshone Creek leads Sharon Barr on a path to uncover its origins > more
The Ghastly Tale Of South Philly’s Cult Of The Holy Ghost
A secretive cult dedicated to the worship of a Swiss woman met a horrific end in 19th century South Philly. Ryan Briggs unearths the grim details > more
How to Save A Slice Of Neighborhood Green Space
Queen Village resident David O'Donnell is on a mission to fill his neighborhood with verdant pocket parks. He shares his playbook on how to save slivers of green space with HC contributor Joe Brin > more
A Century Of Public Events On The Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Patrick Glennon takes a look at big public shindigs and the making of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through rarely seen photographs from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania > more
© 2011-2016 Hidden City Philadelphia |
“…there are growing concerns about transporting crude oil from the Bakken Formation through Philadelphia’s densely populated downtown,…”
Nice bit of politics there my friend. I imagine you oppose pipelines as well, like our President?