November 7: FDR Park baseball field progressing | State of SEPTA’s funding | Philly elects Whig | Them That Do | Philly foodie photo tour

Happy Thursday, Streeters. Here’s the morning’s buzz:

The new baseball field planned for FDR Park is under construction, reports Passyunk Post. Funding for the new field, and improvements to Marian Anderson Rec Center at 17th and Fitzwater, is coming in part from the Phillies.

Every day that state legislators continue to negotiate over the transportation funding bill, our bridges, roads, transit systems get one day older and more decrepit. Kevin DeGood, director of infrastructure policy at the Center for American Progress, shared an opinion piece today about the state of SEPTA’s funding and how we got to this dire moment: Since the late 1990s changes in Federal transportation spending rules meant deferred maintenance for systems like SEPTA, at the same time the state is either unable or unwilling to do more. That, DeGood says, must change. SEPTA “estimates it will need roughly $6.5 billion over the next 10 years to address maintenance needs and avoid major service cuts. And while these numbers may seem daunting, the consequences of inaction are unacceptable. The economy can only grow as fast as its transportation system can move it. And without leadership in Harrisburg and Washington, Southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy will be stuck in the mud.”

Philly elected its first Whig in 159 years, the Inquirer informed us. Robert Bucholz was elected by Rhawnhurst as a Judge of Election in the 56th Ward. Running as a Whig appealed to Bucholz because of their emphasis on compromise as opposed to domination and bickering. Refreshing.

West Philly Local is sharing 10 West Philly block captain profiles on Wednesdays, starting this week. Each are selections from the documentary Them That Do. First up: Gregory Pac Cojulun, block captain of the 5000 block of Osage Avenue.

Photographer, and PlanPhilly contributor, Neal Santos shared his favorite local flavors and adventures with Food & Wine as well as a beautiful foodie photo essay from around town.

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