🌿 Will PA finally legalize cannabis?

🚔 Philly Cops Want More Pay, Less Transparency

The Fraternal Order Police is entering the new year with a wishlist of changes to its upcoming contract. Some items on the negotiating table for 2025 include pay raises, a 10-year $100,000 interest-free loan for Philly homes purchased by officers, and restrictions on public access to officer disciplinary records. [🔒 Inquirer]

🏠 Southwest Philly Among Philly’s Priciest Neighborhoods

While the number of home sales dipped marginally in Philly in 2024, the median sale price rose 4%. Unsurprisingly, neighborhoods such as Chestnut Hill, Northern Liberties, and Rittenhouse were ranked among the highest median sale prices in the city. Neighborhoods to keep an eye on? Point Breeze and Grays Ferry, which ranked 5th at $435,000. Speaking of Point Breeze: Scroll down for our latest Neighborhood Guide about where to eat and shop in the area. [Axios]

🎰 Can Skill Games Save SEPTA’s Budget?

Lawmakers in Harrisburg are restarting negotiations on a proposal to tax the casino-like games that are increasingly appearing in bars, corner stores, and restaurants across Pennsylvania. State Republicans say that taxing and regulating could bring in much needed funds to address SEPTA’s financial troubles and other state needs. But operators of brick-and-mortar casinos are looking to ban the competition altogether. [Spotlight PA]

I find myself walking around the Point Breeze neighborhood in South Philly all seasons of the year. This heavily residential area – between Washington Avenue and Moore Street, and Broad Street all the way to 23rd Street – has seen change in recent years brought on by development, spurring controversy over gentrification. But many longtime businesses and historic buildings still remain.

Landmarks

• Point Breeze Avenue staple Culture Exchange has been open since 1987 selling all of your gifting needs – from cards and books to oils and balloons.
• Also in 1987, on the corner of Ellsworth and 22nd Streets artist Keith Haring erected his only mural in Philly, titled “We The Youth.” The Haring Garden is still intact today and serves as a great green patch to admire this piece of Point Breeze history.

Take A Class

• If you continue into the heart of the neighborhood, Black Hound Clay South is a clay studio offering workshops and memberships for anyone wanting to learn more about making ceramics. The staff will occasionally put out some free mugs or small trays that were left behind from a class. When I stopped by, I picked up a free espresso cup!
• If you’re looking to get sweaty, Hot Power Yoga Philly opened last year and offers a variety of yoga classes, all in heated and humid rooms. For first timers, they have a special $10 deal.

Sip Some Coffee

• Hive Cafe sits at the eastern edge of the neighborhood on Broad Street. This spot is a go-to for any coffee cravings, but also sells plants and occasionally has programming like the Hive Sessions poetry event earlier this month.
• If you’re looking for a space to work, drink coffee, and eat any vegan treat you could ever desire, Batter & Crumbs Vegan Bakery and Cafe is the spot. It has ample seating and the workers say the vegan cannolis are a huge hit. It also stocks Eagles-themed treats for any plant-based fans out there.
• On top of an extensive coffee menu, the family-owned Two Eagles Cafe has a full breakfast and lunch service. Whether you’re feeling a crepe or lamb chops with your espresso, this cafe has you covered.

Welcome back to “Where Is It?” This is the public art guessing game where I share a photo, and you tell me where it was taken.

📍 This mural is located on the corner of 31st Street and Girard Avenue.

🏆 Congrats to Guy from Olde Kensington for being the first correct guesser!