Muslims all over the world are observing the month of Ramadan, which began on the evening of June 17. Here’s a reminder that in observance of Ramadan, some local businesses are closed or have special hours.

Saad’s Halal Restaurant on 45th and Walnut has posted a sign (pictured) that they will be closed until Monday, July 20. Manakeesh Cafe and Bakery across the street from Saad’s will be open at 7:30 p.m. for pick-ups and at sunset for dining in.

The University Avenue drawbridge over the Schuylkill River will be temporarily closed tomorrow for maintenance. The following temporary restrictions are scheduled to be in effect from approximately 7  a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.

• The University Avenue drawbridge will be closed to all traffic. No detours will be posted for this short duration closure. Alternate Schuylkill River crossings include Gray’s Ferry Avenue to the south of the project, the Schuylkill Expressway, and South Street Bridge to the north.
• Northbound University Avenue traffic closures will begin at Gray’s Ferry Avenue.
• Southbound Schuylkill Expressway traffic will be stopped at the westbound entrance.
• The eastbound Schuylkill Expressway ramp will remain open, however existing traffic on the ramp will not be permitted to travel southbound on University Avenue.
• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will not be allowed.

Kids waiting for the Kingsessing pool to open in summer 2014. (Photo by Alex Lewis)

It’s hot out there, and we’ve been getting questions from readers about opening dates for local pools and spraygrounds. So here’s some good news: Philadelphia Parks & Rec announced today that public pools and spraygrounds will start opening on Friday, June 19, and openings will continue through July 1. The list and contact info for West Philly pools and spraygrounds can be found here. And remember that the pool season in Philadelphia is short; most pools will stay open only for two months or less.

By the way, Parks & Rec is still hiring lifeguards for this summer, and individuals 16 years of age or older are welcome to apply. For more information or to register, call the Aquatics office at (215) 683-3663 or email lisa.whittle@phila.gov. Also, visit this page.

The proposed apartment complex at 43rd and Baltimore.

After weeks of delays, the city has approved the proposal for a large residential building at the corner of 43rd and Baltimore that will include a large restaurant overlooking Clark Park.

The planned glass and brick building at 4224 Baltimore Ave., which has been two years in the making and has included a half-dozen community meetings, will include 132 units, a mix of upscale rental apartments aimed at young professionals and condo units for sale. It also includes 65 underground parking spaces and 50 indoor bike parking spaces.

The Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee, the Friends of Clark Park and the University City Historical Society all approved the plan, but the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the city governmental body that reviews zoning variances, narrowly approved the project 3-2, according to Plan Philly. Opponents argued that the proposed building, which required a zoning change to include a five-story wing, would be out of character with the rest of the block.  Continue Reading

A large water main break on North 52nd Street near Wyalusing caused flooding and evacuations of several homes, according to various media reports. A 36-inch water main on the 500 block of North 52nd Street burst at around 5 a.m., causing massive flooding on the street. About a dozen of vehicles parked on the street were partially submerged and many homes were evacuated.

Massive flooding due to a water main break at 52nd & Wyalusing. Reports of people trapped. @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/zbbfwyaW1y

— Andrew Adamson (@AndrewDAdamson) June 14, 2015

Philadelphia Water Department crews were able to shut down the flow of the water by 7 a.m. and by 9 a.m. most of the water receded. Police, firefighters and utility crews continue working on the scene. Continue Reading

Indego has installed a bike share station in Clark Park – at the southwest corner of 43rd and Chester. The station has capacity for 19 bikes. As a reminder, Indego, Philly’s first bike share program, was launched on April 23 across the city. Twelve docking stations are now open west of the Schuylkill (see map).