Privatizing PGW, NoLibs parking scuffle, SEPTA police could strike, emergency repairs along Lincoln Drive

Mayor Nutter said the Philadelphia Gas Works could be for sale, during his speech to the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce on Monday, and announced that a long-anticipated feasibility study about privatizing the public utility would be released next week. The Inquirer reports that the PGW sale could move forward this time thanks to improvements at PGW and as part of the city’s wider effort to sell off assets.

Judge John Braxton, treasurer of the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association, has been slapped with violations from the Department of Licenses & Inspections for operating two illegal parking lots.  The lots are zoned residential, which does not permit their use as income-producing parking lots. The Philly Post reports that L&I issued violations for the lots and will require Braxton to get permits to legalize the parking use. Braxton has served on the Municipal Court and Common Pleas Court.

Will SEPTA police strike? Transit police have been working without a contract since April 2011, and negotiations aren’t moving forward. The Inquirer reports that the Fraternal Order of Transit Police is seeking a wage increase but SEPTA is not willing to budge, and a state mediator is now involved. Though no strike is planned currently, union members voted in December to authorize one.

The Streets Department announced emergency repairs for a stone retaining wall along Lincoln Drive, between W. Rittenhouse Street and Forbidden Drive. The repair work will close part of the Wissahickon Trail, near Forbidden Drive, and the adjacent parking lot for two months. Erosion caused by last year’s rain damaged the wall.

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