University City District is asking local restaurants to participate in a short online survey to understand how they are preparing to re-open once permitted. UCD is interested to know what safety measures and aid would most help get restaurants fully operational. The survey particularly asks about outdoor seating availability and whether restaurant owners are interested in setting up or expanding outdoor seating.

UCD has been known for installing parklets (outdoor seating platforms) in parking lanes adjacent to restaurants or eateries during summer months and early fall. The survey also asks restaurants owners whether they would benefit from such seating or from using the parking lane for loading or curbside pickup.

To access the survey, click here.

A research team from Drexel University is seeking feedback from Philadelphia residents on how they are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of making things easier in the near future and long term.

The research team aims to collect reliable information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work and health (physical and mental health) to effectively assess the needs of communities and support them better:

“We all have shown great solidarity toward one another and we hope that this extends to taking part in this study. Thank you for helping us help you! Do not hesitate to share this survey link with your friends, family and colleagues.”  Continue Reading

The folks over at Cedar Park Neighbors are interested in how you get around. The neighborhood group’s transit committee is asking Cedar Park residents to fill out a survey (5 minutes for the short version, 10 minutes for more in-depth questions) so they can better understand transportation choices and help provide better “mobility options.”

The group defines Cedar Park as the neighborhood bounded by Larchwood Avenue on the north, 52nd Street on the west, Kingsessing Avenue and the SEPTA rail line on the south, and 46th Street on the east.

The 2018-2019 school year for Philadelphia public schools began on August 27th, about a week earlier than in the previous several years. Do you think it was a good decision? Currently, the School District of Philadelphia is preparing the academic calendar for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years and is asking for feedback from families and staff that will help guide the District’s decision making when finalizing the new calendar.

The short four-question survey asks readers to rank, in order of importance, the various factors that come into play when deciding when to start and end school, how religious holidays and professional development are accounted for, testing dates and other concerns for both students and educators.

The survey will be available to the public until November 6. Anyone interested in participating can find it here.

The new calendar is expected to be finalized be the end of December.

Improvements are coming to the Cobbs Creek Parkway, which has been identified as problematic due to its speeding traffic, complex intersections, and high rates of pedestrian and vehicular crashes. Residents are invited to learn more about the planned improvements at a community meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Police Department’s 12th District Headquarters at 65th and Woodland. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.  Continue Reading

Rendering of the 30th Street Station Plaza redesign concept.

At a public Open House held earlier this month at 30th Street Station, Amtrak presented its design concept for Station Plaza, one of the more visible projects of the widely publicized 30th Street Station District Plan.

Information boards were available at the Open House to help the public better understand the vision of the District Plan and Station Plaza design concepts. The public had an opportunity to fill out a station plaza survey. Those who didn’t attend the Open House but want to provide their feedback on the project can do so through an online survey.

But here’s what you need to do first: Learn about the station plaza concept. Click HERE to view the eight information boards that were on display at the July 12, 2017 Open House.  Continue Reading