Planners in Philadelphia believe that the Franklin Square Station will achieve higher ridership figures than when the station closed 40 years ago, thanks to numerous large developments in the area.

"People visiting Independence Hall, Chinatown or Old City are one step closer to a transit option that’s been out commission for 40 years," reports Catalina Jaramillo.
"PATCO has won a $12.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to repair, remodel and reopen its abandoned Franklin Square Station located at Race Street between 6th and 7th streets. The station closed in 1979," adds Jamarillo. The grant was among the $900 million in BUILD grant funding announced earlier this week by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
"The project has been in the works for over 10 years, with the design phase starting two years ago. Its has a total budget of $30 million which includes civil, structural, mechanical and electrical improvements to bring it up to code. A new entrance building will be located at the corner of 7th and Race Street, with elevators to bring the station into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. PATCO executives said the rest of the budget will be funded by the Delaware River Port Authority."
FULL STORY: PATCO gets $12.6M federal grant to reopen abandoned Franklin Square Station

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time
Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.

How Madison’s Tree Planting Efforts Are Growing a Healthier Community
Madison’s annual tree planting initiative is enhancing environmental resilience, public health, and community livability by adding 1,400 carefully selected trees citywide, with strong community and institutional support for urban forestry.

Texas State Bills Could Kill Transit Funding in Dallas, Austin
State lawmakers could pull funding from the state’s largest transit agency and the ambitious Project Connect, a voter-approved transit project in Austin.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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