Here’s an interesting shakeup at the storefront located at 4508 Walnut Street (near 45th and Walnut), which was until recently occupied by Lulu Cafe. The cafe specializing in Taiwanese street snacks and bubble tea, has recently closed its doors on Walnut and announced its move to 28-30 S. 40th Street, the space formerly occupied by the Green Line Cafe. The space on S. 40th Street is currently under renovation and Lulu is expected to reopen at this new location next month.

While the space at 45th and Walnut has been vacant since late August, a new sign appeared in its window, announcing that a new restaurant, Urban Sushi & Kitchen, is going to open there soon. The new establishment will serve halal food, according to the sign. So far, no additional information is available. We’ll let you know when we have more details.

Keswick Cycle opening in University City in 2011 (Archived photo).

Keswick Cycle has unexpectedly closed its University City location on Locust St. near 40th after 13 years of operation. There were no prior announcements about the closing on their social media, but there is a message on their website that reads simply:

“We are saddened to announce the closing of our University City location.”

The last post on the store’s Facebook page is dated Oct. 15. Some operations at the store are still temporarily ongoing for those who have pending order pickups.

The business was founded in 1933 in Glenside. The University City shop was their only location in Philadelphia. Two other remaining shops are in Glenside and Paoli where customers are now referred to by Keswick Cycle.

The 2024 general election will take place Nov. 5, when registered voters can cast their votes in person at the polling locations around the city, but here are a few reminders for those who want to vote earlier.

Voter registration has been closed, but those who have registered can still apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The Philadelphia City Commissioners has opened ten Satellite Election Offices throughout the city, one in each council district, where voters can apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, complete it, and/or return it. All election offices are open Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Here are the election offices in West and Southwest Philadelphia:

2nd Council District

6100 Woodland Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19142

3rd Council District

4029 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

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The Philadelphia City Council passed a bill today that prohibits vehicles from stopping or standing in any bike lane in Philadelphia.

The proposed legislation, called the “Get Out The Bike Lane” bill, would penalize stopping, standing, or parking in a bike lane with a fine of $125 in Center City and University City, and $75 in other parts of the city. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced the bill on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson. It was passed unanimously.

The “Get Out The Bike Lane” bill replaces the current law, which went into effect in January 2013 and penalizes parking in a bike line with a fine of $75 in Center City and University City and $50 in other parts of the city.

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The Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) is resuming community meetings that would help determine new traffic safety features for South 47th Street from Chestnut Street to Kingsessing Avenue. Blocks along 47th Street from Chestnut Street to Paschall Avenue is on the City’s Vision Zero High Injury Network (HIN) and the 47th Street Traffic Safety project aims to improve traffic safety for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists along the corridor.

This project, along with the 48th Street Safety project was first introduced to residents in 2023, but the redesign and repaving of the street were put on hold earlier this year as more public input was needed. The initial plan included such changes as the conversion of a portion of the street, between Paschall and Market, to one-way vehicle traffic.

The new series of community meetings include three focus groups and one general public meeting, co-hosted by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District).

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The Table Sessions, Sattriya Dance Company, May 2024. (Photo by Shannon Sophy)

After 20 years, a West Philadelphia visionary arts group which has staged more than 100 productions, including an ambitious (and sold-out) undertaking supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, is changing its name and evolving. Journey Arts is the new name and branding of Intercultural Journeys, a gem in Philadelphia’s performing arts world.

Journey Arts plans to increase its offerings, including more ambitious and complex shows, seeking new and additional funding, and offer artists more production/development time of projects. And another large-scale production is already underway this coming season.

“Journeys are for seekers – when we create, perform, and witness together, the journey is that much richer and more nuanced,” Carly Rapaport-Stein, Executive Director of Journey Arts said. “Wayfinding together is our artistic beating heart. We seek connection and we are on this journey together. Today, our new name and visual identity match our ethos of artist-forward work and belonging for all.”

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