Philly gives out tickets for trashy blocks. Why isn’t it working?
A handful of blocks in Philadelphia get fined again and again for trash, but it doesn't seem to be stopping the litter.
Listen 11:59
The 1900 block of North Gratz Street in North Philadelphia, home of the most ticketed sidewalks in the city. (Max Marin/Billy Penn)
Listen to The Why wherever you get your podcasts:
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | TuneIn
Ticketing for litter on sidewalks is the No. 1 code violation in Philadelphia. The city handed out about 20,000 tickets to property owners for that one offense last year — but half of them didn’t get paid. So why do it at all? Max Marin of WHYY’s Billy Penn breaks down which neighborhoods are hit the hardest.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by The Why
The Why
There’s more to every story if you take the time to tell it.
Former Eagles player Wendell Smallwood charged with COVID-19, tax fraud
The former running back is charged with submitting fraudulent PPP loans and tax filings.
4 hours ago
Justice Department finds pattern of misconduct by Trenton Police following a yearlong investigation
A 45-page report found that officers "frequently" violated people’s constitutional rights. Talks towards a consent decree are expected.
12 hours ago
Listen 1:06
Philadelphia loses lawsuit that sought greater power for the city to regulate firearms
The justices ruled 6-0 to uphold the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the city, family members of gun violence victims and the nonprofit group CeaseFirePA.
1 day ago