West Philly Local readers who live near 49th and Larchwood reported problems with their water last night, including low pressure, cloudiness and odor. As of this morning, the water seemed less cloudy, but there was still a mineral smell to it, according to residents. We contacted the Philadelphia Water Department, and it turned they are doing some water main work in the area, which “could cause some cloudiness.” They said that tap water in the area is safe to use and drink, but the taste/odor complaints should be called in, if possible. The PWD customer info line is: 215-685-6300.

PWD provided these tips for residents on what to do after street repairs have been made:

Don’t forget to vote today. The slate of offices up for grabs include mayor, city council and, perhaps most important and least predictable this time around, seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Check on your voter registration status here and find your polling place here. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registered voters who are in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

All 17 seats on the City Council will be on the ballot. Some 14 candidates are running for at-large seats. Here’s a rundown from the Committee of Seventy. Jannie Blackwell is running unopposed for the 3rd District seat. As usual, the mayor’s race was likely decided in the primary.

The election for three seats on state’s Supreme Court has drawn a lot of interest among criminal justice activists, who see it as a test of the state’s commitment to easing mass incarceration and sentencing reforms. Here’s a rundown of the candidates for Supreme Court from the Committee of Seventy.

Some long-anticipated accessibility improvements are finally coming to SEPTA’s 40th Street Market Frankford Line Station. Today, SEPTA, with state and city elected officials, disability advocates and West Philadelphia community and business leaders broke ground on the 40th St Station ADA Accessibility Project, which will include the installation of two elevators on the northwest and southeast corners of 40th and Market Streets. In addition to the two new elevators, the $7.4 million construction project includes four new head house entrances and overall station improvements.

“In addition to the accessibility enhancements, all users will benefit from the improvements to be made at this station,” according to SEPTA general manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel, who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.  Continue Reading

The woman who police feared was abducted on Halloween night at the Sunoco station at 52nd and Spruce, was found safe. Police had asked for the public’s assistance in locating the woman after she was seen dragged into a minivan by an unknown man around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. Police say that the woman was involved in a domestic matter and was not injured.

If you’re going grocery shopping this weekend, think about picking up some extra canned goods and help SEPTA and Philabundance feed our neighbors in need. SEPTA has been holding its annual “Stop Hunger At Your Station” Food Drive this month, and it has been extended until Monday, Nov. 2.

The response so far from SEPTA customers and employees has been great, according to General Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel, but they decided to extend the food drive through Monday to give people a little more time to donate. Their goal is to top the 18 tons of food contributed last year.

SEPTA is collecting donations of canned goods in marked barrels at 43 designated stations throughout the transit system. In West Philadelphia, you can drop off your donations at the following stations:  Continue Reading

Real estate developer Post Brothers announced recently that it bought the Garden Court Plaza (4701 Pine St.) and is planning upgrades and renovations that has current residents wondering if they will be priced out of their apartments.

Built in the 1920s, the 13-story apartment building, which includes 146 units, was purchased for an undisclosed price as part of Post Brothers $250 million University City acquisition strategy, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal and other news outlets.

A founder of Post Brothers told the Philadelphia Business Journal that there is a shortage of housing geared toward “young professionals” in the area, which he compared to Cambridge, Mass., and that the firm’s strategy is to “upgrade and reposition” properties.

Post Brothers will do substantial renovations to Garden Court Plaza’s interior and exterior and add upscale amenities, according to a press release.

Some current residents who have contacted West Philly Local and asked not be named say they are bracing for big changes, including a substantial rent increase. They said that the new management company has begun asking for tax and pet vaccination information from residents.