UPDATE (12/16/2024): The Streets Department are waiting for the property owners to make the necessary repairs, according to Ciani Beatty, Constituent Services Manager of the Office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. “Once the repairs are complete Streets will be able to repave the area. The condition of the ditch is safe with backfill and asphalt.”

UPDATE (12/12/2024): There is finally some progress. The pit has recently been filled in with asphalt. However, it hasn’t been smoothed so it’s still dangerous to use for bicyclists. See a new photo below. Thank you to Hanna and Julia (see more info below) for sending us updates on this issue.

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Mayor Cherelle Parker has signed into law the “Get Out The Bike Lane” bill recently approved by Philadelphia City Council. The bill, which prohibits motorists from stopping, standing, or parking in a bike lane, was introduced by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson two months after the death of 30-year-old Dr. Barbara Ann Friedes, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who was killed in a multi-vehicle crash while legally riding in a bike lane bear 18th and Spruce Streets back on July 17.

Going forward, folks will now be fined $125 in Center City and University City, and $75 in other neighborhoods, for stopping or standing in any bike lane in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority will be the lead agency enforcing the law. The new law isn’t going to be fully enforced until the city updates all the necessary traffic signs which should be completed by next spring.

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Improvements are coming to Malcolm X Park in 2025, and community members have a chance to learn more and provide feedback at a community meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6-7 p.m., at 24 S. 52nd St. Those who are unable to attend the meeting are invited to fill out an online survey – click here!

Improvements will include some general site maintenance, including new benches, curb repairs and a playground redesign. The survey invites families with children to provide feedback on what types of updates they want to see at the playground.

The meeting is organized by The Friends of Malcolm X Park community group in cooperation with Philadelphia Parks & Rec and the Office of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District).

Here’s the latest info regarding recently proposed SEPTA fare hikes and other public transportation news.

The fare changes proposed in September will go into effect on December 1. These changes include the elimination of the 50-cent fare discount for users of SEPTA Key cards and other contactless media, such as debit/credit cards and Apple Pay. So, starting this Sunday, SEPTA customers will have to pay the full amount of $2.50 per ride. On average, fares will increase by 7.5 percent in December.

While these fare changes will go into effect next month, the major 21.5 percent fare increase proposed for January 2025 has been avoided thanks to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s announcement last week about SEPTA receiving $153 million stop-gap funding. SEPTA will also avoid service cuts in the first half of 2025 thanks to this funding, which covers SEPTA’s projected operating budget gap through the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2025.

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                           Puyero spread.

Here are some interesting developments on the West Philly restaurant scene, from new openings to updates on existing businesses.

Puyero is bringing authentic Venezuelan cuisine to the heart of University City along the iconic Sansom Row, at 3428 Sansom Street. The restaurant serves authentic Venezuelan street food. Their “comida callejera” revolves around the arepa, a round corn flour patty that is stuffed with a variety of fillings and enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their most popular arepas are the Reina Pepiada (chicken-avocado-salad) and the Pabellón (beef, beans, sweet plantains, and white cheese). Other must-try menu items include patacones, tequeños, and a memorable tres leches for dessert. The business was founded in 2017 by three Venezuelan immigrants: brothers Gilberto and Simón Arends, and Gil’s wife, Manuela Villasmil, who runs the kitchen. The idea behind Puyero was to share Venezuelan culture and identity, but most importantly their food with the city of Philadelphia. For more details about the restaurant, go to: www.puyeroflavor.com.

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2024 Philadelphia Marathon Course Map

The 2024 Philadelphia Marathon events will take place this weekend. The City has announced road closures ahead of the races, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23 (half marathon) and Sunday, Nov. 24 (the main event). Streets will be closed in many parts of the City during Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 24. The closures will be implemented on a rolling basis. Traffic delays can be expected, and motorists are advised to use alternate routes and allow for extra driving time.

The streets and roads impacted by closures in West Philadelphia on Saturday, Nov. 23 include:

• 31st and Spring Garden
• Eastbound I-76 @ Spring Garden Street (top of the ramp)
• Westbound I-76 @ Girard Avenue (Exit #342)
• Walnut Street, from 12th Street to 34th Street
• 33rd Street, from Walnut Street to Spring Garden Street
• 34th Street, from Walnut Street to Girard Avenue
• Spring Garden Street, from 32nd Street to 34th Street
• Girard Avenue, 33rd Street to 38th Street

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