May Day rallies | Route 34 track improvements | casino license auction | connector street plans | SRC budget hearing tonight

Today is May Day, the original Labor Day, so expect to see a few rallies/occupations around town. At noon a May Day Unity March will start at 52nd and Market, and then at 3pm union and community groups will march to the Labor Monument in Elmwood Park for a rally. Also, Occupy is planning a roving day of action against banks, starting at 1700 Market at noon.

The Route 34 trolley will get new tracks this summer. West Philly Local reports that the track renewal project will start May 19, and construction will move westward on Baltimore Ave. through the summer. Bus service will replace the trolley from 40th to 61st  during construction.

Looks like Philly’s second gaming license could be auctioned off. The Inquirer reports that the PA House is likely to pass a bill to offer the former-Foxwoods license at auction with a minimum bid of $65 million. No word yet on where the PA Senate stands on the legislation.

Plans for three “connector streets” are moving forward at Race Street, Spring Garden Street, and Columbia Avenue, reports PlanPhilly’s Kellie Patrick Gates. Race is furthest along, and Kellie reports that PennDOT approved a crosswalk for the I-95 ramp. Spring Garden, meanwhile, is incredibly complicated because of the many agencies and stakeholders working on this large plan. An RFP for that project is expected this summer.

This evening the School Reform Commission will hold a public hearing about next year’s budget and it’s aggressive plans for wholesale reorganization. You can go to the meeting at 440 N. Broad at 5:30pm or watch it online.

The Buzz is Eyes on the Street’s morning news digest. Have a tip? Send it along.