2011 Zoning and transportation roundups, Independence Hall unwrapped, South Street Bridge lighting tests, PHL delays not the worst

PlanPhilly is looking back on 2011 every day until year’s end. Yesterday Jared Brey’s 2011: A Zoning Odyssey recounted the run-up to Philadelphia’s new zoning code set to be signed by Mayor Nutter this morning. Today brings Anthony Campisi’s transportation roundup for 2011, looking back on Silverliner Vs and smartcards, SEPTA’s Transit First flop and funding, and shared streets.

Independence Hall is freed of its scaffolding cage, but what will become of the $40,000 custom-printed scrim that wrapped the building? The Business Journal reports that Friends of Independence Park have reclaimed the wrap, printed with the tower’s image, and could recycle it into a fundraiser.

As previously reported here, the South Street Bridge’s light towers have been under construction for months. Since Friday, the programmable LED lights inside the giant lanterns are being calibrated and tested for accuracy. That’s resulted in some bizarre light shows, but PlanPhilly reports the Streets Department confirms: This is a test. The bridge will have an official lighting ceremony soon.

Philadelphia is not, repeat, not on the list of America’s Worst Airports for Flight Delays from Travel + Leisure (via stats from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics). Of course, it’s not on the list of nicest airports to enjoy a delay either. Still, that’s reassuring news for you holiday air-travelers.

The Buzz is Eyes on the Street’s morning news digest.