Organizers and community members marched from Huntingdon Station to Prevention Point Thursday in memory of those who have died from overdose. The annual event is part of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s sweeping $2 billion housing plan—the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative aims to preserve and create 30,000 housing units over four years in response to the city’s housing crisis.
Born and raised in Kensington, Austin Wright launched Ava’s Farm — a local produce market and nonprofit that offers free meals and youth programs to residents.
Do you live near Kensington & Allegheny? You may have a different city councilmember.
Previously, the streets surrounding the intersection were split between Districts 1 and 7, each represented by one council member. Now, the area is divided into Districts 1, 6, and 7 and is served by three representatives.
Residents living near the Kensington and Allegheny Avenues intersection should be aware of recent changes to the Philadelphia City Council map that may affect their representation.
A new map outlining the latest district boundaries took effect Tuesday following a citywide redistricting effort based on the 2020 Census results. City Council adopted the map in February 2022.
The map was used during the 2023 City Council elections, meaning voters selected candidates based on the new district boundaries. However, the districts did not change until the election winners were seated earlier this week.
Previously, the streets surrounding the intersection were split between Districts 1 and 7, each represented by one council member. Now, the area is divided into Districts 1, 6, and 7 and is served by three representatives.
The change mostly impacts Harrowgate residents.
Before the redistricting, Harrowgate residents between Kensington Avenue and Port Richmond were represented by Councilmember Mark Squilla (District 1), whose district included a large portion of Kensington. Now, they are part of District 6, represented by Councilmember Mike Driscoll, who serves Port Richmond and Northeast neighborhoods as far as Torresdale.
Meanwhile, Kensington and Harrowgate residents living on the other side of Kensington Avenue are represented by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (District 7). Lozada also represents a pocket between Kensington and Frankford Avenues and Monmouth Street to Allegheny Avenue, including Willard Elementary and Conwell Middle Schools.
Redistricting, which happens every 10 years when census data is released, is intended to ensure every resident has equal representation. However, some residents and nonpartisan groups have expressed concern about the new boundaries splitting communities with shared interests and decreasing their political power.
For a detailed explanation of Philly's redistricting process, click here.
This content is a part of Every Voice, Every Vote, a collaborative project managed by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation with additional funding from The Lenfest Institute, Peter and Judy Leone, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Harriet and Larry Weiss, and the Wyncote Foundation, among others. To learn more about the project and view a full list of supporters, visit www.everyvoice-everyvote.org. Editorial content is created independently of the project’s donors.
Jillian Bauer-Reese is an educator, journalist, and social worker. She leads Kensington Voice and teaches at Temple University, where she studies media harm reduction practices in stigmatized communities.
Organizers and community members marched from Huntingdon Station to Prevention Point Thursday in memory of those who have died from overdose. The annual event is part of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s sweeping $2 billion housing plan—the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative aims to preserve and create 30,000 housing units over four years in response to the city’s housing crisis.
The Philadelphia Board of Health postponed a vote on Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile service regulations, citing legal, policy and equity concerns about a district-specific law affecting Kensington.