July 13: Checking in on the Stober campaign | Measuring the success of public spaces | Ride ‘n’ Park

The Inquirer has an excellent multimedia package of stories and graphics on commuting in Philadelphia that’s very much worth your time.

One big issue raised here is the challenge of bridging the last mile (or several) from regional rail stations to suburban jobs. Patrick Kerkstra points to some cheap ideas that could improve the situation, including one of my favorites: Ride ‘n’ Park. 

The Philadelphia Citizen checks in with Andrew Stober, who is running in part on the Nutter administration’s built environment accomplishments.

Republicans in the state legislature still won’t negotiate with Governor Tom Wolf on taxes.

Dilworth Park is on this Archetizer list of great public plazas. Also check out the former auto repair shop plaza at Lafayette College in Easton, PA.

Lancaster, PA officials are updating their parking lot ordinance to require parking lot operators to control stormwater.

Holly Otterbein has a great guide to the unrealistic level of neighborhood organizing that’s required to keep blocks clean in the absence of city streetsweeping services. 

Construction is finally starting on the huge Brewerytown lot at 31st and Thompson.

John Oliver explains why taxpayer subsidies for sports stadiums is stupid.

Mapping tools for measuring the success of public spaces are getting more sophisticated.

One month in, Pittsburgh bike share is hitting its ridership goals.