Phase 1 of the Route 34 Track Renewal Project began this morning. Buses will replace the trolleys all the way from the 40th Street Portal to the end of the line at 61st Street until the completion of the project on September 1, 2012. Phase 1 will last until July 7 and will include the reconstruction of the tracks between 40th and 42nd streets. During this phase, the entire two-block area on Baltimore Avenue will be closed.

The “13th and Market” on the bus (see photo) is a little confusing. The bus will take you to the 40th Street Portal where you can catch trolley the rest of the way.

Phase 2, 3 and 4 are scheduled to take place between July 1 and September 1 and will involve track reconstruction and Baltimore Avenue closings between 49th and 52nd streets, 54th and 55th streets, and the intersection of 58th and Baltimore. All traffic, including buses, will be detoured around the construction sites and side streets in the construction area will be closed to through traffic. For more information and the schedule for each phase, go here.

If you have questions, please call SEPTA Customer Service at (215) 580-7800.

PECO is about to begin routine maintenance of trees and vegetation in sections of Cedar Park and Spruce Hill, according to the University City District’s newsletter. The work is scheduled to start in about 1-2 weeks.

This work is performed once every five years to keep tree growth away from high voltage wires. Trees and other vegetation cause about one third of all electric outages and preventative pruning is necessary to insure uninterrupted electric service. For more information, click here.

Supporters and opponents of the proposed liquor store at the corner of 43rd and Chestnut streets are expected to attend a new Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) hearing tomorrow, June 6, at 1515 Arch Street (18th floor). The hearing is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

The Spruce Hill Community Association has tentatively supported the proposal with the stipulation that the 5,000-square-foot space be converted to an “upscale” store. Several residents have signed an online petition in support of the store.

Many Muslim residents who live near the location oppose the proposal. The plaza also includes a halal restaurant and butcher shop. The Masjid al-Jamia mosque is a block away on 43rd and Walnut.

The ZBA rejected the zoning application in April.

This is not the first time the ZBA has rejected a plan for a liquor store in the area. In 2007 the ZBA rejected an application for a liquor store near 43rd and Walnut – across the street from Masjid al-Jamia – after vocal opposition from Muslim residents.

Update: According to Sateesh Daniel of the West Philadelphia office of Organizing for America, all the tickets for Michelle Obama appearance at the National Constitution Center are already gone at his office.

Michelle Obama is speaking on Wednesday at the National Constitution Center. Tickets for the event are first-come, first-serve. They will be available beginning at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow at five Organizing for America offices in the city.

For those in West Philly, the best bet is the office at 209 S. 52nd Street.

The doors to the event will open at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
 

The School District of Philadelphia has announced early dismissal today due to excessive heat. All public schools will close at 1:30 p.m.

The early closure includes early childhood programs. Routine transportation will be in place at the 1:30 p.m. dismissal time. All after-school programs are also canceled. Staff will remain in the buildings until all students are picked up. For more information visit the District’s website at www.philasd.com or call the Information Hotline at 215-400-INFO (4636).
 

The Fire Marshall’s office is investigating a fire at a three-story residential building near 45th and Baltimore that broke out early this afternoon. Firefighters were called to the scene at 12:49 p.m. and the fire was out about 20 minutes later. No injuries were reported.

Here are some photos of the fire submitted by neighbors.

Photo by Jen Horner.

Photo by D.W.