If your trash or recyclables haven’t been picked up, here’s a new tool that will help you track the status of collections on your block. The Streets Department has announced the launch of PickupPHL, a new interactive map that will allow residents to view daily trash and recycling collections. The new platform has officially launched for public use today (Oct. 1).

The new tool provides direct access to the City’s residential sanitation services and residents will have almost real-time access to the Sanitation Division’s truck routing system. The public will be able to see the daily progress of the Streets Department’s residential collection routes. PickupPHL allows users to determine if a block has been visited by a trash, recycling or both trucks and identify where collections are taking place daily.  Continue Reading

The City has opened seven satellite election offices across the city for the November 3rd General Election to request and receive a mail-in ballot, complete the ballot and return it – all in person. Voters who requested and received their mail-in ballot can drop off their completed ballot at these locations.

Run by the City Commissioners, the offices will be open seven days a week, starting Tuesday, Sept. 29, and will remain open through Election Day.

The hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday – Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Continue Reading

The Spruce Hill Community Association’s Zoning Committee is resuming its meetings this week after a several month break. This month’s meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Restaurant School parking lot (4207 Walnut St.). Socially distanced seating will be available for attendees (all attendees are asked to wear masks or facial coverings). Parking is also available free of charge.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will discuss the following development proposals:

• 223 S. 44th Street – A zoning application has been submitted for a 5-unit building.  Continue Reading

At the time of the pandemic, when we can’t enjoy theater, Curio Theatre Company is working on A Symphony for Saint-Georges – a multi-disciplinary, ambulatory installation designed to encourage social distancing.

The installation will include sculpture, music, dance, fencing, projections, and spoken word that will tell the story of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges – a Black fencing expert, virtuoso violinist, and accomplished composer whose life is left out of history books.

The project is supported by The Spotlight Fund, created in honor of Curio’s longtime friend and supporter, West Philadelphia resident Mary Allegra, who passed away last year. The fund continues her legacy by funding projects and initiatives that serve the community but are not otherwise covered by the theatre’s annual operating budget.  Continue Reading

The West Craft Fest held in spring and fall at The Woodlands will again take place virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. This Saturday, Sept. 26, work by West Craft Fest’s past vendors will be featured on its Instagram page (anyone who participated in the craft fest’s 2019 events is welcome to tag their IG posts with #virtualwestcraftfest).

Shoppers are invited to follow the Fest Instagram page and the #virtualwestcraftfest hashtag to find out what vendors have been creating, including some special one-day-only discounts. This is a great opportunity to shop for holiday gifts early and support local makers during these difficult times.

The December Fest, which was held at The Rotunda before the pandemic, will most likely be online-only also. The organizers hope that they will be able to return to the Woodlands in April 2021.

(Photo courtesy of West Craft Fest)

Still haven’t figured out your plan to vote in November’s general election? Here’s some info that will help.

First, there are some important dates. Oct. 19 is the last day to register before the Nov. 3 election. Check your registration status here. There are a number of ways to register, including online, by mail and in person. This is a good place to start.

Once registered, you have two choices. You can vote in person on Nov. 3 at, likely, a reduced number of polling places. Or, you can vote right now – by mail.  Continue Reading