Seger Playground gets funding, ZBA rules on Chelten Plaza, Navy Yard may get hotel, West Philly Hybrid X team honored

Seger Park will get a new tot lot next year thanks to an infusion of city funding, Flying Kite reports. Friends of Seger Playground received $500,000 (via Councilman Frank DiCicco and the Department of Parks and Recreation.) and a $50,000 donation from Jefferson Hospital to improve play areas in the park at 11th and Lombard streets. Next up? Overhauling the park’s spray yard. Friends of Seger Park has already held a design competition for the water feature, picked a winner, and now all they need is the $350,000 to construct it.

Zoning Board of Adjustment ruled on Chelten Plaza, and it’s a mixed-bag, reports Amy Z. Quinn for Newsworks/PlanPhilly. The ZBA rejected an appeal to revoke the developer’s permit for new retail spaces at Chelten Plaza. That said, the ZBA ruling requires developers to get a new permit from Licenses & Inspection this year, and stipulates that new construction must adhere to plans approved by the zoning board. Stay tuned for more on this one.

The Navy Yard could get a new Courtyard Marriott, the Business Journal reports. Liberty Property Trust is finalizing plans to build a hotel for business travelers drawn to the Navy Yard by its ever-growing list of corporate tenants.

West Philly Local reports West Philly High School’s Hybrid X Team was honored with a Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award. The Hybrid X Team was recognized with the “Next Generation Award” for their work building two hybrid cars competing for the Automotive X Prize. Way to go, team.

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