Articles
You are viewing 63 articles by the author Brian James Kirk
Introducing Connect Philly, a new set of tools to find free Internet access and training
Here at Technically Philly, we value highly the opportunities that access to and education about the Internet provide to citizens across city. We see it daily in our coverage, from the…
Making rowhomes more age-friendly
By Mary Mazzoni and Stephanie Mullen For PlanPhilly This article was created in partnership with Temple University's capstone journalism course Philadelphia Neighborhoods. About 8,000 people become 65 years old every…
SugarHouse Casino announces successful refinancing
From a press release: Sugarhouse HSP Gaming, L.P. announced today that its parent company, Sugarhouse HSP Gaming Prop. Mezz, L.P. (the “Issuer”), and one of the Issuer’s subsidiaries, Sugarhouse HSP…
Nutter to sign public park land protection bill
From a press release issued by the Mayor's Office: "Mayor Nutter will sign an ordinance regulating the transfer of open, public park and recreation land under the jurisdiction of the…
Help inform the city’s comprehensive plan with our Broadband2035 project
This article originally appeared on technology news site Technically Philly, a PlanPhilly partner on the Broadband2035 project, an editorial series meant to highlight broadband issues to inform the city's comprehensive plan.…
New School District of Philadelphia facilities map
This map of all School District facilities was created by Brian James Kirk of PlanPhilly with District and state data compiled and analyzed by the Notebook. Here's a larger version of…
Voice your opinion with PlanPhilly's reader survey!
Each year, PlanPhilly publishes a reader survey, inviting our audience to help us shape our coverage and strengthen our organization. We're always looking to grow our beats, focus on important…
Vote for PlanPhilly's Patrick Kerkstra for Best Reporter in 2010
For the past six months, PlanPhilly has been hard at work at Desolate to Dynamic, an ongoing series highlighting the dramatic change that has occurred in Eastern North Philadelphia since…
Contest to recognize chain businesses that provide value back to neighborhood
In partnership with LISC MetroEdge, the Commercial District Advisor is excited to announce the ‘Best Chains on Main,’ a nationwide competition that seeks to recognize those chain (and chain franchise)…
Application Deadline Extended for Citizens Planning Institute
Citizens Planning Institute, Philadelphia’s first educational program designed to engage citizens in the planning process, will be extending its application deadline from October 11th until October 15th. Those who are accepted…
For Google Maps, it's the "Daleware" River
It might be a subtle shout-out to the local vernacular, but Google’s misspelling of the Delaware River as “Daleware,” is maybe more comical than insulting. To top it off, the…
New Philly mapping app gives dazzling directions to local businesses
This piece is reported in partnership with Technically Philly, a news site that covers technology in the Philadelphia region.This afternoon, I made last minute plans to meet a colleague…
Condo sales doubled last quarter, best since August 2007
The Inquirer reports that condo sales figures are better than any time since the housing downturn began nearly three years ago. Data shows that 604 sales were closed in the…
$1.7 billion in real estate projects in University City, report says
According to a new report by University City District, development is strong in the neighborhood, including $1.7 billion in real estate projects, Drexel student newspaper The Triangle reports. The report…
Zoning Matters: A video introduction from the West
The Philadelphia Zoning Code Commission could take some multimedia tips from Oakland. Planetizen reports that the latter has launched a video series to help explain zoning and the comprehensive update to…
For a neighborhood block, big impact from a small grant
Fairmount Block Officer Suzi Nash writes about the large impact of a small grant to a neighborhood block. In a letter published at the CDC website, Nash writes how the…
SCRUB fights digital billboard in Bridesburg
Society Created to Reduce Urban Blight (SCRUB) wrote yesterday that its appeal opposing the installation of an LED digital billboard on the 4800 block of James Street in Bridesburg has been…
Need your car fixed? Drop it off at the Warminster SEPTA station
The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that SEPTA is partnering with Pep Boys to provide on-the-go mechanics service to rail commuters. Drivers can complete a service request and drop their vehicle off…
Clark Park revitalization to begin next week
Clark Park will see its northern acres revitalized starting August 9, the University City Review reports. Lead by the Clark Park Partnership (which includes Friends of Clark Park, Commission on…
Department of Streets now recycling "all plastic containers"
According to the Philadelphia Streets Department, as of August 1, residents can recycle more than just soda and water bottles, milk jugs and detergent and shampoo bottles. Now, rigid plastic containers,…
