Harrowgate: Get Your Motor Running- Reentry Roadblocks Lead To Transportation Innovation
Freddy Castro put himself into a tight spot. After a few brush-ups with the law he decided to go the straight and narrow. But trying to land a decent paying job with a criminal record is tough. And having no driver’s license can tie you up even tighter than handcuffs. “I was interviewing for a […]
Infrastructure: A Look at Engineers Without Borders.
Whether it’s constructing highways, revitalizing communities or designing new methods for the treatment of water, engineers have a crucial role in the ongoing task that is the much-needed improvement of Philadelphia’s infrastructure. While most of their professional needs are met by organizations such as the National Society of Professional Engineers, many engineers devote their time to local nonprofit groups in the […]
Infrastructure: Five Projects Commuters Need to Know About
If last year is anything to go by, then 2016 is set to be a year full of disruption for commuters in Philadelphia, even without a visit from the Pope. And with 30 projects underway and 15 more set to begin this year, the upcoming Democratic National Convention will be the least of commuter’s concern. […]
Northeast Philadelphia: Those Who Live And Work On Roosevelt Boulevard Think They Know The Road’s Real Problem
Roosevelt Boulevard, the parkway that connects Northeast Philadelphia to the rest of the city and handles some 90,000 cars daily, has a reputation as one of the most dangerous roads in the country. Residents, commuters, visitors and even government agencies have all stated that the road is generally inconvenient and unsafe for everyone who uses it, […]
South Philadelphia: PEP Helps Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Develop Useful Life Skills
Several individuals sat at a large table, coloring, writing, working on puzzles, watching “The Price is Right” on television and waving happily at people passing by. All of these individuals have what is known as an intellectual disability, but that did not stop them from enjoying their day, chatting away and offering everyone who approached […]
Northeast Philadelphia: Fox Chase Bus Loop Causes Headaches for Drivers
Jeanine Roach (right) doesn’t want to take 45 minutes to complete a 10 minute commute. However, in the area of the Fox Chase bus loop, located at the intersection of Oxford Avenue and Loney Street, that’s exactly what she and hundreds of other commuters face during rush hour. While the busy streets quickly become congested […]
West Kensington: Fixing the Crack in the Foundation
Construction crews of union workers crowded the middle of the intersection at Kensington Avenue and Somerset Street. The men were all hard at work under the El trying to fix a repair job that was not executed correctly years ago. “Well, 15 years ago they redid the El, but it was a poor constructional design, […]
Mantua: Families Happy School District Rescinded Closure for Local School
When the School District of Philadelphia removed the Morton McMichael Elementary from the list of schools that would close at the end of the year, parents of students at the school were thrilled. “I was almost brought to tears,” Angela Jones said. Jones, who lives on 34th Street near McMichael, walks her 6-year-old daughter to […]
Northeast: Philadelphia 2035 Plan Holds Second Community Meeting
The Philadelphia City Planning Commission held its second public meeting for the Lower Northeast District. Residents from the five neighborhoods of Frankford, Northwood, Oxford Circle, Lawncrest and Summerdale met at Saint Martin of Tours School recently to learn and discuss the possible future of their neighborhoods. The meeting was conducted with a very hands-on […]
Walnut Hill: Local Firefighter Also Rescues Animals
Responding to an emergency often takes courage and conviction. For Red Paw Emergency Relief Team founder Jen Leary, it’s a natural reaction to help people and animals who are in need. Leary, a full-time Philadelphia firefighter who specializes in fire prevention, has been helping animals and non-profits since a young age. As a firefighter Leary […]