Garage collapses in Grays Ferry

What’s Next for Baltimore Avenue?

Baltimore Avenue’s business corridor will be lively thanks to a new nightly music program starting this week. But despite upcoming activations and new businesses hoping to increase foot traffic along the strip, some neighborhood favorites have closed over the years. What does this trend mean for Baltimore Avenue’s future and Philadelphia at large? [West Philly Local, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

Parking Garage Partially Collapses in Grays Ferry

At least one person is dead after a partially constructed parking garage suddenly collapsed yesterday afternoon. The project was intended to expand employee parking for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a subject of controversy. [6ABC, KYW]

CCP Stalls on Conditions That Halted Strike

A year after unionized professors and staff agreed not to strike, workers say the Community College of Philadelphia hasn't held up its end of the bargain. It has yet to provide free SEPTA passes for students and restore a campus childcare center that closed during the pandemic. [Philly Voice]

ICE out of PHL

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed at Philadelphia International Airport are expected to leave starting today. ICE was assigned to assist with security at airports across the country due to the partial government shutdown, much to the frustration of TSA and other airport workers. [The Inquirer, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

• Related: Although ICE’s presence at airports sparked a strong reaction in the past few weeks, the agency has been collaborating with TSA since the start of Trump’s presidency, resulting in over 800 arrests. [Reuters]

Philly’s Controversial Trash Incineration Could Continue

The city may extend its contract with WM and Reworld without City Council approval if new contracts with other disposal companies aren’t signed by the end of June. Delays may occur as the city evaluates other bids and the environmental impacts of landfilling and incineration. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced a bill to cease incineration in Delaware County, but the legislation has not gained much support in City Hall. [WHYY, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

While Philly’s waiting for the last of the freezing temperatures to end, it’s a good time to start thinking about what to plant in your garden this season. Native plants are a good addition to your plot and pot. Not sure where to find some? Here are some upcoming plant sales and swaps to spruce up your garden while supporting local businesses.

LandHealth Nursery

Remember the former Greensgrow Farm in Kensington? The LandHealth Institute is taking over in partnership with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation. The institute is kicking this new era off with an opening celebration on April 12. Attendees can go on a "wonder walk" that includes snacks and plant activities led by staff. The organization has also opened plant orders. Email the nursery team for more information.

Earth Day Spring Festival

Visit the Cobbs Creek Environmental Center on April 18 to celebrate Earth Day. Make native plant “seed balls” or swap seeds with other community members, along with other activities, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Plant & People

It’s a plant palooza in West Philly! Plant & People is hosting its annual Big A** Plant Sale on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The street will be blocked off outside of the MLK Triangle to make way for workshops, music, and plenty of plant supplies. Interested in vending? Applications are still open.

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center

The Penn State Master Gardeners of Philadelphia County are bringing their plant sale back to Fairmount Park on April 26. Guests can browse over a hundred plants, from tasty veggies to fragrant herbs and beginner-friendly houseplants. There will also be opportunities to attend garden tours, plant demos, and workshops.

Friends of FDR Park

Stock up on pollinator plants, herbs, and more at FDR Park’s monthly plant sales. Sales will happen on April 21, May 9, June 13, May 30, and Sept. 12. Be sure to check out the Southeast Asian Market, Mercado Latino, and African American Market while you’re visiting during the weekend.