Fair Districts PA, a nonpartisan group of Pennsylvania residents that strives to end gerrymandering, is holding a special West Philadelphia meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at USciences (Rosenberger Hall, 600 S. 43rd St). Gerrymandering is the practice of legislators creating voting districts to give themselves an unfair advantage, and Pennsylvania is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country.

Newcomers are especially welcome at this meeting. You will learn how you can get involved right here in West Philly. Light refreshments will be provided, and there will also be Gerrymandering bingo with prizes.

More information is also available on Fair Districts PA’s Facebook page.

The Penn Division of Public Safety is reporting that due to power outages in West Philadelphia traffic lights are out Monday morning in the following locations:

• 34th and Market
• 38th and Walnut
• 39th and Walnut
• 40th and Walnut
• 34th and Chestnut
• 38th and Chestnut

Police are on location directing traffic. Commuters should expect delays.

Residents are invited to a Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) Zoning Committee meeting on Monday, Feb. 12 to learn more about the residential complex proposed for green space on Penn’s campus next to Walnut Street West Library on 40th Street (see rendering). University of Pennsylvania announced plans for the new, 250,000-square-foot undergraduate college house in the fall.

While zoning is not in question for this development, according to SHCA Zoning Committee Chair Barry Grossbach, current law requires that this project be brought to the convening RCO (Registered Community Organization) prior to submission and review by the Committee for Design Review at the city Planning Commission. Representatives from the Penn’s offices of architecture and management will be present to discuss the project.  Continue Reading

Photo from Kol Tzedek Facebook page.

Community members have a chance this Friday to show their support for our Muslim neighbors outside of a local mosque, the site of last week’s anti-Muslim protest. The event, titled “Stand with Muslims”, is organized by Kol Tzedek synagogue and the West Philly Coalition Against Islamophobia. It will take place from noon to 1 p.m. at 43rd and Walnut where Masjid al-Jamia mosque is located.

“Last week there was a small but very disturbing Islamophobic protest outside Masjid Al-Jamia, the mosque at 43rd and Walnut, during Friday prayers,” reads a Facebook post by Kol Tzedek dedicated to the event. “Please join Kol Tzedek and the West Philly Coalition Against Islamophobia to show our support for our Muslim neighbors and stand in solidarity with them.”  Continue Reading

The tax filing season has begun, and this is a reminder that qualifying individuals and families can take advantage of free tax preparation and filing sites throughout the city, including in West and Southwest Philadelphia. The sites are run by the Campaign for Working Families (CWF) and serve families and individuals earning less than $54,000 per year.

CWF’s community based tax sites are offering such services as e-file, direct deposit, public benefits applications, and more. Their services allow families to maximize federal and state tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Most sites serve customers on a first come, first served basis, but some require an appointment.  Continue Reading

The Eagles Super Bowl Parade will be held this Thursday (Feb. 8). Please note the following road closures in the University City area and city service changes due to the parade.

The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 12 p.m. until approximately 9 p.m.:

• I-76 on and off ramps to 30th Street and South Street
• Streets surrounding 30th Street Station
• Spring Garden Street Bridge
• JFK Boulevard Bridge

Residential trash and recycling collection will be suspended on Thursday, but will resume on Friday, delayed by one day for the rest of the week.  Continue Reading