Google Maps, via Philadelphia magazine’s Dan McQuade
- Philadelphia magazine looks back at the history of the Roosevelt Boulevard, “pushed through” Philadelphia’s Common Council in 1902. Since as early as the ‘60s, the Boulevard has maintained a persistent reputation of as a death trap—particularly at the intersections at Red Lion and Grant. Dan McQuade wonders if the latest safety proposal, to install speed cameras, might help limit accidents. While the driving lobby is opposed, “there’s not much else” to try, short of an expensive reconfiguration of the six-lane “monstrosity.”
- The Philadelphia Business Journal discusses the “local technology startup community’s” excitement over news of Comcast’s planned incubator space in its next tower. Perhaps following a push from chief business development officer Sam Schwartz, Comcast is out to fuel the local economy in less-direct strokes. “I think we’ve seen an attitude change in the last year,” says Brad Denenberg, of incubator Seed Philly. “I think they are making an effort to open their doors and bounce ideas off the startup community. And I think you’ll see more of that in the near future.” The program’s final framework is still a long ways off, but “one source said the plan could include several local incubators banded together.”
- The Daily News discusses the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children’s (WePAC) efforts over the past five years to reopen and staff 16 libraries in West Philly elementary schools. Three of those schools have since been closed, but the privately funded organization is set to open another library tomorrow at Samuel Huey School near 52nd & Pine.
- Fundamental Investment Group LLC is demolishing one of its blighted row houses at 20th & Titan in Point Breeze, in anticipation of an eventual variance from the ZBA for a proposed three-house rebuild on the 1900 block of Titan. Naked Philly is “not even sure why zoning was a consideration. With a three-story building next door, no third-floor setback is required by the code. The lot is 55′ deep, which allows for a decent 38.5′ deep home by right. And with so much additional development nearby, it’s clear that buyers have their eyes on this intersection.”
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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