The Philadelphia Parking Authority is pleased to announce that on Thursday, May 30, 2013, it will hold an open house to unveil the design it proposes for the 8th & Filbert Streetsproject.

The proposed design has been developed with the goal to incorporate, as much as possible, the comments and suggestions that were shared by participants to the Charrette that the Philadelphia Parking Authority hosted on February 21, 2013.

The unveiling event will be held at the Independence Visitor’s Center at 1 North Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106, between 5:00PM and 8:00PM, on May 30, 2013.

Kindly RSVP at nboukenna@philapark.org
to confirm your interest in attending this event.

We look forward to seeing you there.

If you’ve ever driven in Philadelphia, you know that’s not always the case. With an influx of restaurants, events, the arts and education, comes an increase of vehicles.  Finding a parking spot can be complicated, to say the least, especially when it comes to parking on the street. You want to park close to where you are going, but the chances of that happening are slim– very slim.

That could all change with a new app: Park Tag.

Park Tag is developing a new smart phone app to increase your chances of finding rock star parking, and hopefully  make your city-dwelling life a lot easier.

The goal of Park Tag is to make parking a social experience. You add your friends, neighbors and colleagues to the app and you can let each other know when a spot is open in a given area.  This app can save a lot of people time and money by avoiding idling around while waiting for a spot on the street to open up. You can add all of the cars in your family, and tell the app which car you are parking. All you have to do is download the app, add your cars, allow it to find your location, and voila, you have yourself a way to find street parking quickly!

But if you’re not a car driver, this app is still for you. You can add your bicycle, your motorcycle and even a boat.

The iPhone app has just been released worldwide after successful Beta testing in Germany, the Netherlands and Turkey. An Android app is also in the making.

We here at the PPA know that on-street parking can be hard to find.   But it can be easier to find a spot, and it can also be a social experience– just download the free Park Tag app!

Attention Philadelphia business owners!  Here at the Philadelphia Parking Authority, our number one mission is assisting the flow of commerce in the city. Many times, that assistance requires us to ticket vehicles, which are causing congestion. Other times, though, our assistance comes from our partnerships with city businesses.

We partner with restaurants, professional offices and shops in the Philadelphia area to create parking programs that offer convenient parking for their customers. These businesses receive special discounted parking in our facilities, varying in time and price, depending on the time of day and type of establishment..

The PPA would like to extend our services to your business. We can create a program with YOU to provide your customers with safe, affordable and easy parking! This is just part of our mission to keep Philly traffic moving.

Center City is a busy area, bustling with people coming to and from your business, and finding parking space is vital for your business’ growth. We know how important parking spaces are to you, so we’re inviting all city entrepreneurs to give us a call so that we can arrange possible parking discounts and specials.  The PPA will share in the cost of the parking discount with each respected business.

If you’re not familiar with this aspect of the PPA, consider the businesses we’ve partnered with to create discount parking programs:

• Ritz Theaters
• Phlash Downtown Loop (Park & Ride)
• Dr. Scott Page & Dr. Halpern

We’re able to do this because we operate seven of the major parking facilities in Center City, including the AutoParks at 8^th & Filbert, Olde City, Gallery, Jefferson, Independence Mall,  JFK Plaza and Gateway Garage. Using these parking facilities, we’re creating specials that cater to a variety of businesses, ranging from doctors’ offices to restaurants to movie/theater complexes. In all instances, we’ve been able and willing to create a parking program to meet the business’ needs.

An example of our flexible parking programs includes a Center City doctor’s office. To create a successful program, we took into account the standard length of the medical appointment, and now offer a two-hour parking program that specifically meets the needs of the clientele at this doctor’s office. We understand that a deal like this wouldn’t work for let’s say, a small lunch stop, but we can create individual parking programs and meter times specifically for your business’ needs.

We are eager to create a parking program that will benefit your business, increase revenue and put the parking facilities to good use. Don’t be afraid to give us a call. We are open to finding ways to make parking in Center City more economic and accessible for all parties involved, so that your business can continue to flourish and contribute to the growth of our city.

For more info please contact Rocco Morrotto:

Phone: 215-683-9684

E-mail: rmorrotto@philapark.org

1st Parking Lot, located 215 W. Washington Street, Chicago

Parking complexes never seem to get the credit they deserve. After all, they are extremely important and  give city-dwellers a place to shelter their cars when a storm blows in; a place to go to when there is no street parking; and a cheaper venue to park for longer periods of times. Here in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Parking Authority operates over 15 garages throughout the city, for those very reasons.

But, where did parking complexes start?

The answer: Chicago had the very first parking lot ever built, and it revolutionized the motor industry.

In 1918, the owners of Hotel La Salle in Chicago needed to find a new place for customers to park their cars, as the streets were becoming too crowded and chaotic for upper scale citizens to use.  They came up with the idea of building an indoor parking lot next to the hotel that would provide customers protection for their cars, and easy accessibility, should they need it.

Believe it or not, it wasn’t very impressive! It was built in a cramped, dark brick building that was designed to blend in with the surrounding architecture. There wasn’t anything glamorous about it, as storeowners didn’t want anything too elaborate built over their awnings.

In the early 1900s, most of America’s infrastructure was still transitioning to accommodate motor vehicles. Many of the first parking lots were converted from horse stables and barns. However, these were not viable solutions to deal with the population boom and outburst of car production in the 1910s.

The owners of the Hotel LaSalle contracted the architects Holabird and Roche to create a multi-level building entirely devoted to storing cars to cope with crowding streets. This was unheard of at the time, but proved to be a success, triggering a nation-wide movement for more of them to be constructed.

Sadly, the building was demolished in 2005, after failing to receive landmark status from the city of Chicago. But we won’t forget its importance in laying the groundwork for the sprawling complexes we now take advantage of today.

NY1

If you’ve always thought of Mother’s Day as a Hallmark holiday, then NY1 travel reporter Valarie D’Elia says you should pay a visit to Philadelphia. She filed the following report.

Mother’s Day has special significance to Philly resident Ethan Jarvis. His family name is associated with the origins of the holiday.

According to a marker across from Macy’s, Anna Jarvis, a distant relative, was the force behind putting Mother’s Day on the calendar, which later became a national holiday in 1914.

“We love our mothers,” Ethan Jarvis says. “Our mothers raise us, take care of us and really nurture us, and the bond is so strong that Mother’s Day, that’s why it’s become so popular, because people are drawn to the holiday.”

“The very first Mother’s Day celebration happened at Wanamaker’s right over there,” said Desiree Peterkin-Bell, a Philadelphia city representative. “That’s where everyone came together in 1908 for the first celebration of Mother’s Day here in Philadelphia.

Even though the sign is prominently positioned, Philadelphia is better known as the city of brotherly love than motherly love.

“I feel like it’s starting to be the city of motherly love. I never in a million years thought I would be happy having small children living here,” says Allison Bell, a Philadelphia resident. “But it’s great.”

Among the activities planned for Mother’s Day is a tea with a young Betsy Ross.

Another fun event is a visit to the African-American museum, where on display are the gowns worn by ’60s Motown sensation The Supremes.

Or, hop on board a special Mother’s Day meal and trolley tour, highlighting some of the newly restored murals by female artist and mother Meg Saligman.

To Moms at the PPA and around the world, thank you for all that you do!

Sometimes, the people you work with surpass even your brightest expectations. Sometimes, they go beyond just doing their job WELL – and do their job so exceptionally wonderful – that you have to talk about it.  Those individuals are so good – they not only deserve praise, but they deserve loud, public praise!  Here is one such occasion:

A recent commendation for “exceptionally meritorious service” while serving as the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s Taxicab and Limousine Enforcement Manager went to William Schmid.

While in the ordinary course of his duties, Schmid was approached by a regulated party and enticed to ignore his regulatory and law enforcement obligations in favor of his own illegal personal monetary gain. (In plain English, he was offered a bribe.)

Recognizing the serious public threat posed by such illegal conduct, Schmid displayed extraordinary skill and courage by covertly continuing a dialog with the regulated party in conjunction with Federal and local law enforcement officials.

“Schmid displayed courage, integrity and undivided attention to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of law enforcement and the goals of the Philadelphia Parking Authority; he is hereby commended for that outstanding performance of duty,” said Joseph Ashdale, PPA Chairman at a small ceremony during a recent board meeting.

William Schmid is a dedicated and devoted public servant, and we are all proud to work with him. Let’s give him a round of applause. Well done, Bill!

As part of National Travel and Tourism Week and in honor of U.S. Travel Rally Day, a Taxi Appreciation Day event will be held today, May 7th, 2013, at 12 noon for local hospitality industry leaders at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (Broad St. entrance).

Taxis are invited to stop by the Convention Center where appreciation swag bags with tickets and giveaways from PHLCVB members will be distributed to Philadelphia taxi drivers.  We expect 400-500 cab drivers will visit over the course of the event.

Philadelphia is one of more than 75 cities nationwide expected to hold rallies to champion travel as a jobs creator and revenue generator. Taxis are among the first representatives of Philadelphia visitors to the City encounter and Taxi Appreciation Day serves to thank the taxi community for their hard work and continued commitment to the City.

To follow tweets from the event, use the hashtag #VoteTravel.

To learn more about National Travel & Tourism Week, visit the website.

Thank you to the committee who put this all together:

• Paula Butler, director of Communications, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
• Jack Ferguson, president & CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Jennifer Nagle, vice president of Business Development, Independence Visitor Center Corporation
• Tonimarie Nazzario, director of Human Resources, Center City District
• Ahmeenah Young, president & CEO, Pennsylvania Convention Center

In 1991, a few galleries decided to collaborate with one another to make their works available to the community and united under the non-profit organization Old City Arts Association – . with members like theatre companies, artist’s cooperatives, workshops, schools, dance companies, design showrooms, and museums. Beginning to sound like the First Friday we know and love?

The open-house feel of the galleries that provided free snacks and wine quickly became popular and began to draw aspiring artists and buskers to the sidewalks. As you dip in and out of open galleries, you’ll find everything from unique jewelry, hand-made crafts, or even a man playing an accordion.

Most importantly don’t forget that metered parking is free after 5 PM between Callowhill & Walnut Streets and between Front & 5th Streets. Please note, this only applies to meter enforcement; other violations, such as stopping prohibited or other unauthorized parking violations are enforced.

Did you know that when your car is photographed for running a red light it goes through a multi-step review process before an actual violation is issued?

The camera system activates when motion is detected after the traffic signal has turned red. The cameras capture two images of an alleged violation, taken from the rear of the vehicle. The first image shows the vehicle at the white stop bar and the illuminated red light. The second image shows the vehicle in the middle of the intersection with the red light illuminated.

The images then take a wireless journey to be closely monitored and double checked for accuracy. The images travel to the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) where a team of trained technicians carefully reviews the pending red light camera violation images. They check everything from the clarity of the license plate to all things in between. If there is any question about the accuracy of the violation, the images are reviewed again and may be dismissed immediately. But if a violation is confirmed at this stage, the data is then sent on for a more intensive review by a Philadelphia police officer. If it is a determined by the police officer that a violation occurred, then he/she issues the citation and it is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

There are many reasons why images are rejected as non-violations. The top ones include:

1)  Vehicles stopped before crossing white line, so they triggered the camera but there was no violation

2)  Emergency Vehicles

3)  Vehicle position in  Frame B (similar to the first reason, meaning the position of the vehicle in the 2^nd image shows the car hasn’t run the red light. It could be someone started to make a turn or they didn’t fully enter into the intersection)

4)  Funeral processions

Just because you see a camera flash, doesn’t always mean you’ll get a ticket, it has to be reviewed to ensure a violation actually occurred. Philadelphia’s Red Light Camera Program is about safety first and the goal is to change driver behavior so people stop running red lights.

Contact the red light division for questions and concerns about the red light program.

For all other questions visit our support tab.

The Combined Campaign gives Philadelphia city employees the opportunity to rally together and donate to a variety of charities. City employees choose an organization of their choice, with charities ranging from environmental to children and youth education services. Together, the employees raise money to better their city, country and world.

Philadelphia has long been a leader across our nation in municipal campaign giving, raising $36.6 million for numerous charities. Despite difficult economic times, our employees understand that every charitable dollar is important. Last year alone, city employees and retirees raised nearly $1 million. The donations went to 14 umbrella agencies and 2,500 nonprofits.  These contributions help to ensure that our citizens are healthy and our environment thrives. They also ensure that we continue to advocate for civil and human rights, and raise awareness about other critical issues.

Starting this year, employees on Central Payroll can make their 2013 Campaign payroll deduction contributions online. This system is quick, easy, secure and “green,” in that contributors no longer need to print, copy or mail their payroll deduction donations.

Citywide, Mayor Michael Nutter has led the charge in this successful campaign and is once again asking for all city employees to participate, including the Philadelphia Parking Authority.  We’re happy to meet Mayor Nutter’s request and will join the other city employees in maintaining our reputation for our “Philagenerosity.”

Here at the Philadelphia Parking Authority, William Raymond and Serena Blanco, Combined Campaign Co-chairs, are asking co-workers to donate what they can. Even a  donation of just $1 per pay adds up to a gift of $26 to the charity of the contributor’s choice at the end of the year.

All employees are being asked to be as generous as they possibly can afford. Truly, all the gifts, big and small, can help change a life.