If you’ve recently driven or walked along Baltimore Avenue, you may have spotted new traffic safety signage near Clark Park and key intersections along the corridor (see photo).

The City’s Office of Transportation & Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) and the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) have officially expanded automated speed enforcement (ASE) to Route 13, which runs through West Philadelphia along Baltimore Avenue. Cameras have been installed across high-risk stretches to curb dangerous driving and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.

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Movies in Clark Park makes its return to the Clark Park bowl at 43rd and Chester this Friday, Aug. 7, kicking off four consecutive weeks of free outdoor film screenings under the stars.

Presented by University City District (UCD) in partnership with Friends of Clark Park and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the beloved annual summer tradition runs every Friday evening throughout August. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of America, this year’s lineup centers on the community-voted theme of “Freedom.”

Here’s the schedule:

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City and state officials joined West Philadelphia residents to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Johnny Sample (Cobbs Creek) Recreation Center, celebrating the completion of a major $15 million transformation.

Located at 250 Cobbs Creek Parkway, the recreation center has long served as an essential anchor for sports, youth programming, and neighborhood gatherings. This extensive overhaul elevates the facility into a modern, accessible hub for all ages.

Designed by SITIO Architecture + Urbanism, the comprehensive renovation features a blend of newly constructed spaces and refreshed interior facilities:

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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced immediate lane closures and detours starting tonight, Monday, July 20, as part of the $148.9 million Market Street Bridges Rehabilitation project:

Overnight I-76 West Closures

When: Monday, July 20 – Thursday, July 23
Hours: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night
Where: I-76 West closed between 30th Street and I-676
Detour: Exit at 30th Street, take Schuylkill Avenue west, and re-enter I-76 West or I-676 East

Market Street Lane Restrictions

When: Monday, July 20 – Thursday, August 20
Where: Market Street between Schuylkill Avenue and 30th Street
Impact: Center lane closed for utility work
Note: Two lanes will remain open in both directions, but expect backups

Looking Ahead: Full Market Street Bridge Closure

This current utility work is preparing for an extensive 14-month full closure of the Market Street Bridge. The bridge will completely close to vehicular traffic from August 2026 to October 2027 for full demolition and reconstruction.

Give yourself plenty of extra travel time this week! For live map updates and project details, visit www.marketstreetbridges.com.

The highly anticipated relocation of The Soapbox Community Print Shop & Zine Library to its new, expanded home at 4542 Baltimore Ave has been postponed. However, neighbors and members have some breathing room: organizers have confirmed that the shop will remain fully operational at its current location at 47th and Kingsessing Ave until October 31.

While the delay is a brief shift in the timeline, it gives the local creative community and organizers extra time to power through the final phases of their major transition and capital campaign.

By securing their current home on Kingsessing Avenue through the end of October, The Soapbox ensures that its members won’t experience an immediate disruption in access to studio equipment.

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Popular local food truck Burrito Feliz has officially opened a permanent storefront. After a long-awaited anticipation from the neighborhood, the award-winning Mexican street food vendor officially opened its doors yesterday at 4403 Chestnut Street, celebrating the grand opening by serving free tacos and drinks to the first 100 customers.

The transition to the brick-and-mortar corner location has been a long time coming. The owners originally secured the space in the spring of 2024, but faced extensive timeline delays through the winter of 2025 due to ongoing permitting and utility issues, particularly regarding gas service hookups.

Despite the brick-and-mortar delays, Burrito Feliz remained a staple in the West Philadelphia community, recently serving up their signature bites at neighborhood gatherings like cinéSPEAK’s “Under the Stars” Film Festival at Clark Park. Neighbors can now get their fix of the truck’s famous birria tacos and authentic street food on a permanent basis right at 44th and Chestnut.

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