About Philadelphia's South Philadelphia

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is deciding whether to give Foxwoods another chance on their proposed South Philly casino project. The Foxwoods investors are about to sign a deal with Harrah's Entertainment for casino operation, and Apollo Management for financing.

The largest obstacle with this new deal is settling the amount that Citizens Bank will get back from a $60 million credit it extended back in 2007.

Another problem is that under state gaming law, if a deal is approved the casino would have to have 1,500 slots up and running by December of 2012. This would likely be a difficult task. They still need state and federal approvals regarding riparian rights and water/sewer systems before it can even apply for city building permits.

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Passyunk Avenue is full of pedestrians, but the diagonal pathway is also broken up by a bunch of intersections which make it more than a little confusing to those strolling along. Planning Collective is proposing a new way to develop the 6-way intersection at 12th and Morris Streets, one that would add 4,000 square feet to the urban environment. Not only would this mean a safer walkway for diners and shoppers along the Avenue, it could make for a greener sliver of designed land.

Planning Collective is currently in the running for a $50K grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project, which funds great community ideas based on how many people vote for them. Planning Collective's idea is called Reclaim Concrete for Park Space. It is currently in 75th place. Check out their video which shows how cities like New York and San Francisco have successfully completed similar projects with busy intersections. PC proposes the following:

• Community outreach to ensure design addresses local needs and desires
• Final design schematics and city construction agreement
• Approximately 4,000 square feet of newly pedestrianized space for everyone to enjoy!
• A blueprint document to help install projects like these across the City

We like the sound of this. Voting will end on May 31. Go vote! Passyunk Avenue needs you.

Explore more about Life in South Philadelphia. Ready to search for South Philadelphia properties?

South Philadelphia has some of the most unique Philadelphia culture in the city. The cheesesteak is king here, and it is the sports capital of Philadelphia, with the city's major stadiums. The legendary Passyunk Avenue has changed dramatically, with exciting new businesses that keep the scene lively. The Naval Yard has become a booming business section and serves as the headquarters for successful Philadelphian companies such as Urban Outfitters, Inc. and Tasty Baking Co. Holidays in South Philadelphia are always a bright time, with neighbors dedicated to decorating and lighting the streets with Christmas ornaments and lights. There are also many Italian bakeries and pizzerias.

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Take all of the most flavorful shops on East Passyunk Avenue. Transport them to a vacant storefront on 16th and Walnut Street, next to an ordinary downtown Starbucks, and press play. Is Rittenhouse Square ready for a pop-up 'hood? Come Friday, it will be.

We know how far South Philadelphia can seem to a lot of North and West Philadelphia residents, especially in the snow. Sometimes we just want to click our heels and be at the Pub on Passyunk East or browsing the racks at the vintage stores. To capture the Avenue, over a dozen specialty shops will be selling wares at the Pop-Up Hood, through this weekend only. Here are some of the participating retailers:

1600 Below Vintage Etc.

A Star is Born

Bianca Simone

Wake Up Yoga

Fringe Salon

Green Aisle Grocery

JimmyStyle

Metro Mens Clothing

Mia Philadelphia

Philadelphia Scooters

South Philly Comics

Sweet Jane Vintage

Urban Jungle

Come out and get a feel for what East Passyunk Avenue is all about.

Feb. 12-13 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Feb 14 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

208 S. 16th Street