News📢

SEPTA Overnight Catenary Wire Relocation Continues for Chestnut Hill East Station

As part of the ongoing Chestnut Hill East Station Reconstruction Project, SEPTA’s wire train along with personnel from SEPTA’s Power Department will be on site overnight on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the remainder of March to relocate catenary wires from the existing structures to the new ones. Note: Weather and other unforeseen circumstances have prevented crews from completing this work.

Last week, City Council officially passed a resolution appealing the building permit for 6930 Ardley Street, a proposed development that would have torn down one side of a twin. It replaced it with a massive multi-unit apartment building on a corner lot.

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SEPTA Funding Crisis

SEPTA’s new fiscal year started on July 1, 2025, with a $213 million budget shortfall. SEPTA is already very efficient, and steps like a hiring freeze and cutting admin costs have lowered the deficit from $240 million to $213 million. To avoid cutting service or raising fares sharply, the State needs to approve a budget that supports current service and allows small fare increases. This will help SEPTA and Pennsylvania be ready for big 2026 events like America’s 250th anniversary, the FIFA World Cup, and MLB All-Star Week, while keeping reliable service for the next five years.

New workforce housing in East Mt. Airy

TierView Development plans 81 workforce housing units and 2,700 sq ft of commercial space on Germantown Ave, East Mt. Airy. The four-story project near Gorgas Lane and Lovett Memorial Library includes 11 parking spots, 42 bike stalls, and a green roof. It seeks zoning bonuses for extra height and density to offer studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, with 10% affordable for families at 60% AMI. The project will remove over 50 trees, including three heritage trees, but 33 will be replanted. Neighbors worry about size, traffic, and emergency access near a fire station. A second review is pending; no zoning hearing is scheduled.