Rendering of a remade 1300 block of Drury Street, 2013
- Plan Philly’s Jon Geeting talks with Chris Mullins, the owner of McGillin’s Old Ale House, about his efforts to beautify and pedestrianize the 1300 block of Drury Street, a service alley, that while serving as his business’ mailing address, still retains its fair share of dumpsters. Considering Philadelphia’s non-existent commercial trash collection policy, Mullins’—and allied groups’ like Center City District—preliminary task is to declutter Drury by reducing the block’s waste output by 90%—creating what is known as a “zero waste zone” bounded by 13th, Juniper, Chestnut, and Sansom. Obviously, a reconsideration of commercial hauling policy would free up Center City’s alleyways still even more, a paradigm shift that recycling coordinator Maurice Sampson finally sees possible in the foreseeable future.
- Despite Congress’ three-year extension of a 2008 mandate for American railroads to install “positive train control” safety measures—the kind that would have arguably prevented the May Amtrak derailment in Port Richmond that killed eight—SEPTA announces that it will basically be ready for implementation on the original deadline of this December 31.
- Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell tells NewsWorks that she may push for an increase in the City’s liability cap for water main breaks, after a June break at 52nd & Wyalusing Streets exceeded the $500,000 limit. “It’s the city’s responsibility, the water department and the city to make sure they take care of people who pay taxes and people who elect all of us,” Blackwell said.
- In a listing of the 25 most beautiful college campuses in the world, Buzzfeed ranks the University of Pennsylvania at 13.
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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