Immigration
Community gardens build neighborhood connections. So why is it so hard to acquire land?
Access to green spaces have been shown to improve mental health and decrease neighborhood violence.
Government & Policy
Government and policy news in Kensington, Philadelphia — city council, zoning, elections, public hearings and the decisions that shape the neighborhood.
Accountability
Kensington “wellness court” to launch in coming weeks, will offer treatment or criminal consequences
Those arrested will face same-day adjudication and be given a choice between entering a drug treatment program or facing criminal penalties.
Immigration
Accountability
Family of Fishtown man who died in police custody after Kensington arrest demands answers from City Council
As of Dec. 19, Joey Gabor's family said the city has shared little information about his death.
Accountability
Philly correctional officers arrested for selling cell phones, Suboxone inside Curran-Fromhold jail
The arrests come as Philadelphia jails face increased scrutiny over staffing shortages, healthcare delays, and unsafe conditions.
Accountability
Lifelong Fishtown resident dies in police custody after Kensington narcotics arrest, family wants answers
This marks at least the second death this year of a person arrested for drug possession in Kensington and held in a Philadelphia jail.
Accountability
Prevention Point can’t have multiple medical practitioners, zoning board decides
The clinic provides HIV and Hepatitis-C testing and treatment, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), wound care, STI testing and treatment, and more.
Accountability
Opponents tell Mayor Parker 76ers arena will destabilize Chinatown like Kensington: “I’ve seen it in my community”
The $1.3 billion proposal, which would move the team from South Philadelphia’s Stadium District to Center City, is scheduled for a third City Council committee vote on Wednesday afternoon.
Accountability
As Kensington narcotics arrests increase, residents wonder “who the hell is engaging them?”
Residents are questioning whether the increased enforcement has improved quality of life in their neighborhood.
Accountability
After hours of contentious testimony, Kensington mobile service restrictions bill advances to Philly City Council for vote
The legislation will proceed to a full City Council reading and, if passed, will require Mayor Cherelle Parker’s approval.
Accountability
Philly challenges state opioid trust’s decision on Kensington home repair, small business spending in court
The City of Philadelphia is challenging a state trust’s decision to disapprove $3.4 million in opioid settlement funds earmarked for Kensington.
Guides & Resources
How Kensington voted in the 2024 presidential election: Republican support increases, turnout drops
Kensington-area voter turnout decreased and Republican support increased by 13%.
Community Life
On Election Day, Port Richmond sees multigenerational voters, police visit
Voters arrived at the Tomaszewski Funeral Home in Port Richmond with concerns about various issues Tuesday morning, including public safety, immigration, and health care.
Housing & Shelter
New polling location opens at NKCDC on Ruth Street in Kensington
Kensington resident Gwen Collier-Jefferson advocated for NKCDC to open a polling place due to challenges people reported finding the previous location.
Accountability
Philly police to launch drone program in Kensington, cameras to fly beyond line of sight
The drones will respond to 911 calls and can arrive at a scene faster to give officers perspective, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
Accountability
Philly family sues city for wrongful death, medical neglect inside prison after Diabetic Ketoacidosis death
Louis Jung Jr. died after he was allegedly denied insulin inside a Philly prison. His family claims the city and its prison healthcare company showed “deliberate indifference” to his need for emergency medical care.
Arts & Culture
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Accountability
Opioid trust ruling favors Kensington schools, parks, and housing relief, not home repairs or small businesses
The trust ruled in favor of funding for Kensington schools, parks, and housing, but against home repairs and small business support.
Accountability
City Council members push for prison oversight committee, housing-centered solutions to homelessness, addiction
The Office of Prison Oversight would amend Philadelphia’s Home Rule Charter, which is like the city’s constitution.
Accountability
Special committee on Kensington will hold hearing on “best practices in substance use disorder outreach”
The hearing announcement comes after Lozada introduced a bill earlier this month that would ban mobile service units in most of District 7.
Clean Streets
New faith-based resource center for people who use drugs opens on Allegheny and Frankford avenues
The new Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge (PAATC) center is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with plans to eventually offer nighttime hours.
Accountability
Protest targets Philly prisons commissioner after Amanda Cahill, Michael McKinnis deaths: “You have blood on your hands”
About 40 people disrupted a criminal legal system panel at the Parkway Central Free Library on Tuesday night to protest the recent deaths of Amanda Cahill and Michael McKinnis.
Accountability
Women inside Philly jail banged on cells for hours before Amanda Cahill died, “reiterating her calls for help”
Women incarcerated near Cahill at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center said “the banging was so loud that people couldn't sleep."
Accountability
Woman dies “utterly, unacceptably predictable” death in jail following Kensington police sweep
Cahill, a mother of two sons, was one of 34 people arrested for narcotics violations and outstanding warrants in a coordinated police sweep under Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Kensington initiative.
Accountability
Councilmember Lozada introduces bill banning mobile services in most of Kensington's 7th District
If the legislation is enacted, those who violate the policy could receive up to a $500 fine.