Civic Grit
@civicgrit.bsky.social
Urbanist and Philadelphia fan.
In his budget speech @governor.pa.gov was careful to not say the word 'Philadelphia' once over the 30 minutes, even when talking about next year's 250th anniversary of the US: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjNN...
He's treating Philadelphia as too politically toxic to even mention, let alone defend.
He's treating Philadelphia as too politically toxic to even mention, let alone defend.
Governor Shapiro to Sign 2025-26 General Appropriations Act Into Law
YouTube video by Governor Shapiro
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:20 AM
In his budget speech @governor.pa.gov was careful to not say the word 'Philadelphia' once over the 30 minutes, even when talking about next year's 250th anniversary of the US: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjNN...
He's treating Philadelphia as too politically toxic to even mention, let alone defend.
He's treating Philadelphia as too politically toxic to even mention, let alone defend.
It's one thing to make painful choices. It's another thing to make them and not lay out a plan to address the harm.
Philadelphia's transportation is falling apart, threatening its well-being and economy. When Shapiro speaks to the "good people" of PA he is increasingly leaving out Philadelphians.
Philadelphia's transportation is falling apart, threatening its well-being and economy. When Shapiro speaks to the "good people" of PA he is increasingly leaving out Philadelphians.
We’re building on our progress to cut costs, expand our workforce, invest in our schools, grow our economy – and get stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania.
As I sign this budget into law today, I’m more confident than ever that our Commonwealth is on the rise.
As I sign this budget into law today, I’m more confident than ever that our Commonwealth is on the rise.
November 12, 2025 at 10:52 PM
It's one thing to make painful choices. It's another thing to make them and not lay out a plan to address the harm.
Philadelphia's transportation is falling apart, threatening its well-being and economy. When Shapiro speaks to the "good people" of PA he is increasingly leaving out Philadelphians.
Philadelphia's transportation is falling apart, threatening its well-being and economy. When Shapiro speaks to the "good people" of PA he is increasingly leaving out Philadelphians.
Tremendous credit to Saval for being one of the Democrats representing Philadelphia to not gloss over the failure to secure transit funding in the PA budget.
No money for public transit—even after tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians demanded that their representatives prioritize their mobility. No meaningful action on housing policy—even in the midst of a rapidly worsening crisis.
November 12, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Tremendous credit to Saval for being one of the Democrats representing Philadelphia to not gloss over the failure to secure transit funding in the PA budget.
This deal apparently includes no funding for transit, and major concessions to Republicans.
Democrats tossed Philly under the bus yet Republicans continued to press for more and Dems caved further.
Republicans and Democrats alike have failed Philly and SEPTA.
Democrats tossed Philly under the bus yet Republicans continued to press for more and Dems caved further.
Republicans and Democrats alike have failed Philly and SEPTA.
Pennsylvania’s top legislative leaders and Gov. Josh Shapiro have agreed to a $50.1 billion state budget deal behind closed doors, according to two sources close to negotiations.
🔗 www.inquirer.com/politics/pen...
🔗 www.inquirer.com/politics/pen...
Pennsylvania’s top leaders have reached a $50.1 billion state budget deal, signaling a breakthrough in impasse
Top legislative leaders and Gov. Josh Shapiro have agreed on a budget framework after months of talks, according to two sources close to negotiations.
www.inquirer.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:46 AM
This deal apparently includes no funding for transit, and major concessions to Republicans.
Democrats tossed Philly under the bus yet Republicans continued to press for more and Dems caved further.
Republicans and Democrats alike have failed Philly and SEPTA.
Democrats tossed Philly under the bus yet Republicans continued to press for more and Dems caved further.
Republicans and Democrats alike have failed Philly and SEPTA.
Reposted by Civic Grit
I won!!
November 5, 2025 at 3:59 AM
I won!!
Reposted by Civic Grit
Had the opportunity to tour 5 SEPTA Chestnut Hill stations which were sold to local developer Ken Weinstein for adaptive reuse to retail + housing. Starting with the Furness' iconic Gravers station, with a fully intact 1880s waiting room + agent office
November 2, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Had the opportunity to tour 5 SEPTA Chestnut Hill stations which were sold to local developer Ken Weinstein for adaptive reuse to retail + housing. Starting with the Furness' iconic Gravers station, with a fully intact 1880s waiting room + agent office
Reposted by Civic Grit
If PennDOT wants to pretend we have a ten-lane highway instead of a 6-lane highway, then just finish the deed and sink the local lanes so at least we can prevent needless deaths
"The community preferred that Vine Street become one lane eastbound. PennDOT would not approve the change. Vine Street is an alternate route for the expressway, and PennDOT says it needs to stay at least two lanes."
PennDOT puts Philly's highways over Philly itself.
www.phila.gov/2025-10-17-c...
PennDOT puts Philly's highways over Philly itself.
www.phila.gov/2025-10-17-c...
October 19, 2025 at 3:54 PM
If PennDOT wants to pretend we have a ten-lane highway instead of a 6-lane highway, then just finish the deed and sink the local lanes so at least we can prevent needless deaths
"The community preferred that Vine Street become one lane eastbound. PennDOT would not approve the change. Vine Street is an alternate route for the expressway, and PennDOT says it needs to stay at least two lanes."
PennDOT puts Philly's highways over Philly itself.
www.phila.gov/2025-10-17-c...
PennDOT puts Philly's highways over Philly itself.
www.phila.gov/2025-10-17-c...
October 19, 2025 at 1:24 AM
"The community preferred that Vine Street become one lane eastbound. PennDOT would not approve the change. Vine Street is an alternate route for the expressway, and PennDOT says it needs to stay at least two lanes."
PennDOT puts Philly's highways over Philly itself.
www.phila.gov/2025-10-17-c...
PennDOT puts Philly's highways over Philly itself.
www.phila.gov/2025-10-17-c...
Reposted by Civic Grit
Unfortunately DVRPC just approved its long range plan with I-95 widening fully in scope
Here's an example of a metropolitan planning organization that views its role as including critical evaluation of projects proposed by project sponsors, in this case a state DOT. www.alxnow.com/2025/10/15/t...
Transportation board unanimously defers I-495 express lanes project, directs VDOT to report back in 2026 | ALXnow
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board unanimously voted Wednesday to defer including Virginia's controversial I-495 Southside Express Lanes project in its long-range transportation...
www.alxnow.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Unfortunately DVRPC just approved its long range plan with I-95 widening fully in scope
Reposted by Civic Grit
One cool thing about cities with great public transit to stadiums is fewer people leave playoff games early to get a jump on traffic.
October 9, 2025 at 4:15 AM
One cool thing about cities with great public transit to stadiums is fewer people leave playoff games early to get a jump on traffic.
The full new Philadelphia Art Museum branding is out. I have mixed feelings, which is normal for rebrandings.
Directionally there's some good (I really like the griffin), but I think it also invites an identity crisis.
A thread with some thoughts:
Directionally there's some good (I really like the griffin), but I think it also invites an identity crisis.
A thread with some thoughts:
October 8, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The full new Philadelphia Art Museum branding is out. I have mixed feelings, which is normal for rebrandings.
Directionally there's some good (I really like the griffin), but I think it also invites an identity crisis.
A thread with some thoughts:
Directionally there's some good (I really like the griffin), but I think it also invites an identity crisis.
A thread with some thoughts:
The maps featured in this post were all taken from this map: www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/...
It shows the location of springs, guard houses, trails, landscaped gardens, footbridges, creeks, and public toilets most of which are now removed or no longer maintained.
It shows the location of springs, guard houses, trails, landscaped gardens, footbridges, creeks, and public toilets most of which are now removed or no longer maintained.
October 7, 2025 at 2:49 AM
The maps featured in this post were all taken from this map: www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/...
It shows the location of springs, guard houses, trails, landscaped gardens, footbridges, creeks, and public toilets most of which are now removed or no longer maintained.
It shows the location of springs, guard houses, trails, landscaped gardens, footbridges, creeks, and public toilets most of which are now removed or no longer maintained.
Reposted by Civic Grit
SEPTA released some info about their Reimagining Regional Rail reform proposal on a TRB webinar. Some details on the Build Philly Now Substack buildphillynow.substack.com/p/sneak-peek...
Sneak Peek: SEPTA's Reimagining Regional Rail Agenda
SEPTA's proposal could increase service by more than 100%, while doubling regional rail ridership
buildphillynow.substack.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:12 PM
SEPTA released some info about their Reimagining Regional Rail reform proposal on a TRB webinar. Some details on the Build Philly Now Substack buildphillynow.substack.com/p/sneak-peek...
Reposted by Civic Grit
Fairmount should be accessible to all, and it’s extra disappointing that we had better pedestrian access but the city hasn’t maintained it. Thank you for compiling this historical evidence.
Please consider signing Philly Bike Action‘s petition for a safer park.
bikeaction.org/campaigns/de...
Please consider signing Philly Bike Action‘s petition for a safer park.
bikeaction.org/campaigns/de...
Demand a Safer Fairmount Park! - Philly Bike Action
In the wake of Philly Bike Action member Harry Fenton’s death on Belmont Ave, we’re calling for immediate action. Sign our petition to City leaders and PennDOT to make Fairmount Park safer for everyon...
bikeaction.org
October 6, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Fairmount should be accessible to all, and it’s extra disappointing that we had better pedestrian access but the city hasn’t maintained it. Thank you for compiling this historical evidence.
Please consider signing Philly Bike Action‘s petition for a safer park.
bikeaction.org/campaigns/de...
Please consider signing Philly Bike Action‘s petition for a safer park.
bikeaction.org/campaigns/de...
Reposted by Civic Grit
Someone on the @5thsq.org Slack asked about urbanist museums. I've been to a lot! I consider a museum "urbanist" if it tells the story of urban society or culture. Typically architecture, transit, and city museums meet that requirement. Here are the ones I've been to and recommend!
September 21, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Someone on the @5thsq.org Slack asked about urbanist museums. I've been to a lot! I consider a museum "urbanist" if it tells the story of urban society or culture. Typically architecture, transit, and city museums meet that requirement. Here are the ones I've been to and recommend!
Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park has been engineered to remove most pedestrian crossings and amenities, to speed up traffic.
A thread with 8 examples of things that have been lost, with historical images. South to north.
1. A staircase from the river trail to the Girard Ave Bridge, and Brewerytown:
A thread with 8 examples of things that have been lost, with historical images. South to north.
1. A staircase from the river trail to the Girard Ave Bridge, and Brewerytown:
October 6, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park has been engineered to remove most pedestrian crossings and amenities, to speed up traffic.
A thread with 8 examples of things that have been lost, with historical images. South to north.
1. A staircase from the river trail to the Girard Ave Bridge, and Brewerytown:
A thread with 8 examples of things that have been lost, with historical images. South to north.
1. A staircase from the river trail to the Girard Ave Bridge, and Brewerytown:
Reposted by Civic Grit
Fairmount Park in Philadelphia has tremendous potential to be a world class park like it once was, but it's held back by far too many high speed roads and extremely deteriorated paths for people walking and biking.
Advocates seek to finally change that: whyy.org/articles/phi...
Advocates seek to finally change that: whyy.org/articles/phi...
More than 1,000 Philadelphians demand a safer Fairmount Park
Following the death of a cyclist in the park, advocacy groups have partnered to call for enhanced safety measures there.
whyy.org
October 4, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Fairmount Park in Philadelphia has tremendous potential to be a world class park like it once was, but it's held back by far too many high speed roads and extremely deteriorated paths for people walking and biking.
Advocates seek to finally change that: whyy.org/articles/phi...
Advocates seek to finally change that: whyy.org/articles/phi...
This is exactly why raiding SEPTA's capital funds is such a terrible idea. Service cuts may be briefly delayed only for disaster to force cuts anyways.
SEPTA has been underfunded for decades. Republicans, like Picozzi, proposed an unserious worse-than-nothing deal.
SEPTA has been underfunded for decades. Republicans, like Picozzi, proposed an unserious worse-than-nothing deal.
NTSB is telling SEPTA to pull the Silverliner IVs from service until they can nail down the root cause of the increased fire risk and retrofit mitigations
Also, saying to fast track replacements, but we know how that's been going recently
www.ntsb.gov/news/press-r...
Also, saying to fast track replacements, but we know how that's been going recently
www.ntsb.gov/news/press-r...
October 2, 2025 at 3:08 PM
This is exactly why raiding SEPTA's capital funds is such a terrible idea. Service cuts may be briefly delayed only for disaster to force cuts anyways.
SEPTA has been underfunded for decades. Republicans, like Picozzi, proposed an unserious worse-than-nothing deal.
SEPTA has been underfunded for decades. Republicans, like Picozzi, proposed an unserious worse-than-nothing deal.
Reposted by Civic Grit
SEPTA tries this every year to get funding in the PA state budget and it hasn't worked!
October 2, 2025 at 2:17 PM
SEPTA tries this every year to get funding in the PA state budget and it hasn't worked!
Reposted by Civic Grit
Look say what you will about Lance Haver, but he does have hilarious timing, publishing his insistence that SEPTA just had $400 million in walkin' around money not doing anything the day the NTSB causes a panic about the Silverliner IVs
www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
I sued SEPTA to get them to restore routes and reverse service cuts. Here’s how I won. | Opinion
I questioned the validity of SEPTA’s narrative — that the transit agency could not operate as normal without additional funding — given it had access to almost $400 million on hand.
www.inquirer.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Look say what you will about Lance Haver, but he does have hilarious timing, publishing his insistence that SEPTA just had $400 million in walkin' around money not doing anything the day the NTSB causes a panic about the Silverliner IVs
www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is teasing a rebrand to be fully revealed 10/8.
I'm a fan so far. Embracing the griffin is funky and memorable.
"Putting Philly front and center" is also a great direction. The logo seems to aspire to be the go-to non-sports merch someone buys to rep Philly.
I'm a fan so far. Embracing the griffin is funky and memorable.
"Putting Philly front and center" is also a great direction. The logo seems to aspire to be the go-to non-sports merch someone buys to rep Philly.
October 1, 2025 at 1:47 AM
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is teasing a rebrand to be fully revealed 10/8.
I'm a fan so far. Embracing the griffin is funky and memorable.
"Putting Philly front and center" is also a great direction. The logo seems to aspire to be the go-to non-sports merch someone buys to rep Philly.
I'm a fan so far. Embracing the griffin is funky and memorable.
"Putting Philly front and center" is also a great direction. The logo seems to aspire to be the go-to non-sports merch someone buys to rep Philly.
Reposted by Civic Grit
We had a mostly gray afternoon in Philadelphia, but we get a hot pink evening :)
September 29, 2025 at 10:58 PM
We had a mostly gray afternoon in Philadelphia, but we get a hot pink evening :)