August 20: McPherson Square’s reclamation | tax credit power in Eastern North Philly | speed cameras | Wharton Hall | Franklin Institute expansion

Good morning, Streeters. Here’s your Tuesday Buzz:

Kensington’s McPherson Square has turned into a place where kids can play freely after the park spent decades as an outdoor shooting gallery for addicts thanks to a 24/7 police presence since last fall. The Daily News looks at the push back against drug dealers in McPherson Square and around the Somerset SEPTA station. The park may be safe, said Patty-Pat Kozlowski, who runs Parks and Rec’s summer programs in the park. “But it’s like a tropical island surrounded by sharks. Don’t even dip your toe in the water.”

Eastern North Philadelphia is proof positive that the federal low-income housing tax credit and new markets tax credit help transform communities for the better, writes LISC’s Andrew Frishkoff in an Inquirer op-ed Monday. Both tax credits face elimination as Congress reworks the tax code, but Frishkoff contends these should be spared because they help the “most distressed and hardest to reach” neighborhoods.

Will speed cameras come to Roosevelt Boulevard? If state Sen. Mike Stack has his way speed sensing cameras will be installed along the Boulevard to help fight reckless speeding, reports NewsWorks.

On Hidden City Daily GroJLart dives into Wharton Hall’s diverse history – from social hall to warehouse to Catholic school – in its 120 years at 26th and Wharton Streets, as well as hopes for its future reuse.

Inside the Franklin Institute the iconic statue of Franklin is being carefully wrapped as contractors prepare to join the core of the old museum to its new wing, reports the Business Journal

The Buzz is Eyes on the Street’s morning news digest. Have a tip? Send it along.
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