Archives

bookmark_borderMontgomery County Community College Opens ‘Green’ Lot for Energy Efficient Vehicles

Posted on by admin

WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP, PA — This fall, Montgomery County Community College will open a brand new parking lot at its Central Campus designated, exclusively, for students, faculty and staff who carpool or who drive energy-efficient vehicles. Electric and hybrid vehicles are included in this class, along with conventional vehicles that have earned an EPA rating of 27 combined city and highway MPG or higher.

Drivers can apply for a permit to the 185-space parking lot, which is adjacent to the Advanced Technology Center, through the College’s online portal. Accepted applicants will receive an access card and parking decal. The lot will be open for general access parking on weekends.

The new parking lot is the first at MCCC to include charging stations for electric vehicles. Ten efficient GE Durastation charging stations at five pedestals will enable drivers to charge their electric vehicles in only four hours, half the time as a typical charge cycle of eight hours.

In addition to the charging stations, the lot includes a variety of additional “green” features, including:

• LED Lighting — The lot is lighted for maximum safety by energy-saving LED lamps. LED lighting consumes less energy, lasts longer and operates cooler than other lighting applications.

• Subsurface Infiltration System — The effects of runoff will be reduced as rainwater flows into the system, which assists in groundwater recharge and prevents downstream erosion.

• Rain Gardens — A “natural bowl” also helps alleviate the effects of erosion by collecting excess rainwater from both the Advanced Technology Center parking lot and the roof of Parkhouse Hall.

• Vegetated Swales with Check Dams — Compared to piping, these increase cost-effectiveness and slow the rate of runoff conveyance. They also provide aesthetic enhancement to the areas between parking spaces.

The green lot was developed in coordination with MCCC’s Climate Commitment Advisory Council, which works to reduce the College’s carbon footprint and promote sustainability education. To learn more about MCCC’s Sustainability Initiative, visit mc3green.wordpress.com.

bookmark_borderMosquito Spraying Set for Montgomery County

Posted on by admin

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Department of Environmental Protection will apply treatments the evening of Thursday, Aug. 30, in portions of Abington, Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland townships, Montgomery County, to control adult mosquito populations. In the event of rain, the spraying will be rescheduled for Friday, Aug. 31.

The treatment will be administered with truck-mounted equipment to spray open spaces in residential and recreational areas. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3+15 at a rate of .75 ounces per acre.

These products are designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations. The application materials have a very low toxicity profile to mammals and are safe for the environment.

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.

Mosquito samples in 47 counties have been identified with the West Nile virus so far this year. Human cases, including one fatality, have been confirmed in Bucks, Centre, Chester, Delaware, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne and Philadelphia counties.
Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.
• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.

If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:

• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.

bookmark_borderBudweiser Made in America Philadelphia Music Festival

Posted on by admin

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Mayor of Philadelphia admitted the City did not know how much it would cost taxpayers to accommodate the Live Nation (private company) event.  The Philadelphia Inquirer reported, “The public cost of hosting an upcoming music festival featuring Jay-Z and Pearl Jam has not been fully calculated….”

CITY HALL -– City of Philadelphia and SEPTA officials announced that SEPTA is preparing to add and adjust service for the upcoming Budweiser Made In America Festival, which will be held on the Parkway Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2. Budweiser Made in America will be locally produced by Live Nation on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and will benefit local United Way organizations.

Mayor Michael A. Nutter urged concert-goers and visitors to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway attractions to use public transportation because SEPTA will bolster its transit schedule to get them to-and-from the show. “Philadelphia is a green, walk-able city with a world class public transportation system,” he said. “I strongly urge visitors and residents to use this great resource during Budweiser Made in America.”

SEPTA officials advised that the best method for traveling to and from Budweiser Made in America is SEPTA’s subway/subway-elevated routes, the Broad Street Line and the Market-Frankford Line. “These lines are easily accessible for riders throughout the region, with stops located just a short walking distance from the concert site,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “Both lines also provide connections with other SEPTA rail, bus and trolley service, which gives concert-goers a number of travel options.”

SEPTA will add service on the Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines throughout the two-day festival, with trains running every five-to-ten minutes before, during and after the performances. Service will also be added on the Norristown High Speed Line, which provides a connection with the Market-Frankford Line at the 69th Street Transportation Center, and on city trolley routes. Details on adjustments to bus service will be announced in the coming days.

Regional Rail lines will operate on regular weekend schedule on September 1 and September 2. For ease and convenience of travel, concert-goers who may normally use Regional Rail are urged to take advantage of the extra service that will run on the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line.

SEPTA will also add service for several other Labor Day weekend events. On Friday, August 31, extra trains will be added, as needed, on the Market-Frankford Line for the concert and fireworks show at Penn’s Landing. Also, trips will be added to the Broad Street Line prior to the Bruce Springsteen concerts at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3. Extra local trains will run every 10 minutes starting about one hour before these shows, which are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, riders can visit www.septa.org.

Budweiser Made in America is the first ticket-for-purchase event held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Construction of the concert venue began on August 23. Construction will cause minimal interruption to motorists up until August 30, when street closures and parking restrictions around the Parkway area will begin and run through September 3. Access to the venue is limited to Festival ticket-holders only. Festival goers are urged to purchase tickets in advance through Ticketmaster.com and Livenation.com.

Shawn “Jay Z” Carter will curate and headline the blockbuster roster of talent, which includes nearly 30 artists embodying the diverse American musical spirit. They will perform on three stages on the Parkway in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park on Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2. Performances are scheduled to begin at 2:00 P.M. and conclude at 11:00 P.M. on both days.

The City will provide more details on the Festival in the coming days.

ABOUT THE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Mayor Michael A. Nutter released details about the City of Philadelphia’s plans to welcome the “Budweiser Made in America” Festival, an exciting, two-day music festival Labor Day weekend.  This event will be locally produced by Live Nation on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and will benefit local United Way organizations.

Shawn “Jay Z” Carter will curate and headline the blockbuster roster of talent, which includes nearly 30 artists embodying the diverse American musical spirit. They will perform on three stages on the Parkway in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park on Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2.  Performances are scheduled to begin at 2:00 P.M. and conclude at 11:00 P.M. on both days.

“Philadelphia, the birthplace of America and a major destination for music, arts and culture, is delighted to welcome visitors from all over the country to this truly national music festival that will enliven our City on Labor Day weekend,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Jay Z and the Budweiser Made in America Festival are setting a new standard in live entertainment with an array of talent and a commitment to benefit local communities through financial support of United Way organizations.”

Specifically, this concert will benefit United Way organizations in Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, Lancaster County, PA and New York City, enabling them to invest more dollars in their regions, strengthen local communities and positively impact the education, health and well being of the most vulnerable and needy citizens in their service areas.

Budweiser Made in America is the first ticket-for-purchase event held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  Construction of the concert venue will begin on August 23.  Construction will cause minimal interruption to motorists up until August 30, at which time street closures and parking restrictions around the Parkway area will begin and run through September 3.

Access to the venue is limited to Festival ticket-holders only.  Mayor Nutter stressed that tickets for both days of the Festival are still available. Festival goers are urged to purchase tickets in advance through Ticketmaster.com and Livenation.com.  Approximately 50,000 ticket-holders will enjoy the Festival each day.  Attendees are encouraged to visit www.MadeInAmericaFest.com for information on items that are (and are NOT) permitted in the venue, as well as information on concessions, accommodations, and directions.

“The City of Philadelphia has extensive institutional experience in managing large events on the Parkway and other sites in the city. Every year, we have detailed plans for public safety, street access, trash removal and we successfully accommodate 400,000 to 500,000 visitors on the 4th of July at Wawa Welcome America,” the Mayor said. “By contrast, the organizers of the Budweiser Made in America Festival are planning for about 50,000 ticket holders, roughly the size of a sold-out Phillies game.”

The Mayor emphasized that Center City and the Parkway in particular are large enough and city services are efficient and targeted enough to handle thousands of visitors at the same time. “Whether you are going to the Festival or you want to visit our museums and other institutions on the Parkway, this Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia will be a great, fun-filled time for everyone,” he said.

 

Road Closures

To accommodate the venue construction and two-day music festival, road closures along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and in key sections of the Fairmount neighborhood will begin on Thursday, August 30, with increasing closures up until the start of the Festival on the morning of Saturday, September 1. These closures will continue through Monday, September 3 to accommodate breakdown of the venue.

Delays can be expected and motorists are advised to use alternate routes, and allow for extra driving time, in the areas near these festivities before and during Labor Day weekend. (Please see attached list and map for specific road closures by date and a foot print of event or visit www.phila.gov.)

 

Transportation

SEPTA and NJTransit will operate under normal weekend schedules.  Festival ticket-holders, Parkway cultural institution patrons and others with business or recreational plans are urged to use public transportation to get in and out of Center City during the festival weekend due to the number of road closures.  For routes and schedules, visit www.septa.org and www.njtransit.org.

Cultural Institutions

Most of the institutions along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will maintain normal hours of operation during the Budweiser Made in America Festival.  Please refer to the institutions’ websites for information on exhibit hours, ticketing and parking accommodations.

Public Safety

The City of Philadelphia will provide a comprehensive police presence for the duration of Budweiser Made in America to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.  Three Philadelphia Police beacons will be positioned outside the festival, showing where Philadelphia Police Officers are deployed to assist festival goers.  These beacons will be on the northeast corner of 17th Street and the Parkway, the southeast corner of 18th and the Parkway, and the western entrance to Logan Circle between 19th and 20th Streets. (Please see attached map for locations of beacons as well as the joint Police/EMS/Fire Mini-Station or visit www.phila.gov.)

 Weather

Budweiser Made in America is a rain or shine event.  In the event of severe weather, listen for announcements and sign up at www.readynotifypa.org for text and email alerts or text PHILA to 411911 from your mobile device.  Have a plan if you’re asked to leave the Parkway and take shelter.

The City will provide more details on the Festival in the coming days.