October 12: Tolson to helm Parking Authority? | Kenney on Jewelers’ Row | Brothers in botany | Dutch Reach to prevent dooring

Will Clarena Tolson be tapped to take over the Parking Authority? The Inquirer reports two knowledgeable sources say that could happen this Thursday, most likely on a one-year appointment with the ability to subsequently apply for the job. “We conducted an interview and she seems very interested, and I would have to say we’re interested in her,” said Councilman Al Taubenberger who sits on the Parking Authority board. If Tolson takes the gig, who will run the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems in her stead?

At 30, the Women’s Community Revitalization Project reflects on its strong run building affordable housing for families, on being the city’s only women-oriented community development group, and inclusive neighborhoods, Aubrey Whelan reports.

The Jewelers’ Row controversy makes it to the New York Times. In addition to saying it wants to “maintain the existing cornice line” (which is not even), Jon Hurdle reports, “Toll Brothers says it will build the tower 15 feet back from the existing line of buildings along the brick-paved street and put a loading dock and trash facilities on an adjoining block to help preserve the neighborhood’s character.” Mayor Kenney also issued a statement on Jewelers’ Row saying his administration believes Toll is proceeding according to city laws but that he’s asked the developers “to go above and beyond what the law requires in preserving the historic nature of these properties.” Will that include keeping the building facades, as Kenney asked?

Hidden City offers a refresher on the botanical history that links the Lower Schuylkill’s Bartram’s Garden, former estate of John Bartram, and William Hamilton’s The Woodlands.

Want to prevent being doored as a bicyclist? Change driver habits. The Dutch way of opening a car door holds a solution – the Dutch Reach – shared by 99% Invisible. “Basically, instead of using their door-side (left) arm, they reach over with their other (right) arm. This simple behavioral shift causes drivers to look back naturally and see whether or not there are oncoming bicyclists.”