🚌 SEPTA to roll out real-time arrival displays

Construction Continues at FDR Park Amid Court Battles

An Orphans Court judge denied a request to pause work in the park while a trial is underway to determine whether the park redesign violated state regulations. Construction of the new athletic courts began in August 2022, sparking a years-long saga over the removal of trees and the risk of “forever chemicals” in the artificial turf. [🔒The Inquirer, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

No Spying in the Courtroom

The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania is banning Smart/Meta AI glasses with video or audio recording capabilities, beginning March 30, to protect people involved in legal proceedings. The ban also includes all cameras, cell phones, and other recording devices without written court permission. [FOX29]

Philly Kicks off 250th With ‘Block Party Bonanza'

The city will support 250 block parties celebrating the country’s founding with special kits and will hold “Super Block Parties” for participants in the annual Clean Block Contest. That won’t be the only big fest. The Ben Franklin Bridge will be closed to traffic on July 11 to celebrate its 100th anniversary. [NBC10, Delaware River Port Authority]

Track if Your Bus Is on Time

SEPTA will pilot 10 digital arrival displays, prioritizing high-volume routes with no existing displays. The move comes after local artists installed their own arrival countdown clocks along routes last year. [Billy Penn, Streets Dept via Instagram]

• Tell SEPTA you want a display at your stop by filling out its feedback form. [SEPTA]

Property Assessments To Resume This Year

The city will resume assessments this spring, as residential property values are expected to rise by 4.2% in the upcoming tax year. The Parker administration has not shared how much property owners will pay or when they will receive their new bills. An outside firm will review the assessments to ensure accuracy. [Axios]

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star last year.

Since our culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

Cookie Head | 268 S. 20th St. (Rittenhouse)

Rittenhouse has become the “Cookie Capital of Philly,” thanks to the abundance of gourmet cookie shops in the neighborhood. Blueprint Cookies relaunched earlier this month as Cookie Head, offering four core flavors: chocolate chip, cookies & cream, sugar cookie, and chocolate peanut butter. Each month, the shop rotates a selection of special flavors, such as guava cheesecake. There’s also a selection of vegan and gluten-free treats!

Lucky Duck | 501 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Suite 2003 (Northern Liberties)

Enjoy waterfront views at this new tavern located along the Delaware River, the latest venture from the owners behind Libertee Grounds. The bar offers tavern plates including burgers, oysters, steak frites, and oven-roasted wings. If you’re looking to try unique cocktails, go for the caramelized onion martini.

Val’s Lesbian Bar | 605 S. 3rd St. (Queen Village)

Philly’s only lesbian bar (and one of just a few remaining in the country) has finally arrived! Located inside the former Reef Restaurant & Lounge, the bar has two floors for sapphics to gather. The menu includes hot dogs (real meat and vegan options), grilled cheese, and toasted chickpeas. For drinks, you can grab the “Butch Bait” or “Touch-Me-Not” cocktails, or select a beverage from the mocktail menu.

Terra Grill | 1099 Germantown Ave. (Northern Liberties)

Michelin-winning chef Laurent Tourondel is bringing wood-fired cooking to Northern Liberties. Guests can expect a flavorful, seasonal menu with dishes such as grilled branzino, prime rib, and orange-spiced duck breast.

Beard Papa’s | 104 N. 10th St. (Chinatown)

Chinatown’s latest addition is right next to its iconic Friendship Gate. The Japanese chain with a cult-like following is bringing its cream puffs to Philly. Choose from flavors like matcha, Oreo, chocolate, or the original with a vanilla bean custard filling.