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.
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“…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?