Baklava butter crumble pancakes at Franklin & Phoebe Brunchery in Franklin Square Some offbeat news from Franklin Square: The Greek restaurant Alpine has undergone a concept change after nearly 40 years The restaurant is now a brunch diner with a much more literal name which refers to the cross streets of the building The story goes that Greek immigrant Theodore Delis purchased the restaurant Alpine Garden which was down the street from Plattduetsche Park The place originally served German and Austrian food like its neighbor Her uncle didn't think it would be a good move to change the name So he just switched the menu to Greek and Italian American foods running Alpine with his family for decades and kept the business going even when tragedy struck his wife Helen was struck by a car on her way to work and spent a year recovering from the ordeal "We never thought she would walk again He was getting older and he didn't want to work evenings so he came up with the idea of a brunch spot He hired a consulting chef from Florida to work with his son funky pancake flavors like cannoli and baklava By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy Franklin & Phoebe Brunchery in Franklin Square The restaurant reopened in October and has been busy ever since the dining room was packed and Helen was up at the host stand (Thankfully it didn't take that long.) Jimmy was back in the kitchen putting out pancakes and Benedicts but every day now I face new customers," Theodore said 50 people were waiting outside to sit down." Tzakas was also upbeat about the concept change "Honestly it makes my heart so happy," she said "(Theodore's) at the point when he’s ready to retire People don’t usually do a career change at 70 and we’re all fingers crossed that it would work Franklin & Phoebe Brunchery, 11 Franklin Ave., Franklin Square, 516-354-5770, franklinandphoebe.com The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months 0) + 10px);margin:calc(0px - (var(--nav-height 0.8);background:var(--color-background);color:var(--color-text-primary)}.inno-mode--dark{--color-background: #222222;--color-background-secondary: #595760;--color-accent: #8dd7f7;--color-over-accent: #222222;--color-text-primary: #ffffff;--color-text-secondary: #dcdcdc;--color-text-tertiary: #808284;--color-text-link: #8dd7f7;--color-faint: #595760;--color-mask: rgba(255 #222222);line-height:1.5em;text-wrap-style:balance}.inno-byline__author{display:inline}.inno-byline__author-link,.inno-byline__authors a{color:var(--color-text-primary #222222);text-decoration:none;transition:color .4s ease-in-out}.inno-byline__author-link:hover,.inno-byline__authors a:hover{color:var(--color-text-link then and now: Photos from 1936 through today The PATCO station reopened last week after nearly 50 years Parker to the transit stop’s namesake Benjamin Franklin (or at least his impersonator) “I work a block away, and I feel like this is a personal gift to be able to watch this,” said Caitlin Corkery, a managing producer of children’s television at WHYY told The Inquirer on opening day “How often does a new transit station open The $29.3 million renovation began in March 2022 but signs of progress appeared at the corner North Seventh and Race Streets in late 2023 when the steel frame of the station’s headhouse was erected It was later covered with a speckled glass designed to prevent birds from crashing into the clear walls four days after its reopening.Delaware River Port Authority and Tom Gralish / StaffFranklin Square Station one of Philadelphia’s five original public squares set aside in the 1600s by William Penn The station struggled to find ridership and opened and closed several times throughout its history most recently shuttering in 1979 after the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations failed to bring more riders three years earlier PATCO believes new residential housing in Old City will bring success this time around. The transit agency told The Inquirer in 2023 that it hopes to draw 1,300 to 1,500 daily riders to Franklin Square Station The renovated station has a green roof that manages stormwater runoff and electrical outlets and USB sockets on the platforms so riders can plug in electronics so people can walk their bikes to and from the trains An escalator and elevator were installed in the most recent renovation to Franklin Square Station.Delaware River Port Authority and Tom Gralish / StaffThe main stairs were widened and spaced to make them easier for people with mobility issues To the potential disappointment of fans of ‘70s kitsch a neon orange fare collection area is gone Depression-era green and white tile was cleaned to remove decades of grime.Delaware River Port Authority and Tom Gralish / StaffBut the original green and white tiles from the Depression era have been cleaned and restored “I had electricians coming out from underground looking like coal miners, covered in soot,” senior project manager Ken Hanson of engineering company HNTB told The Inquirer while working on the project. The PATCO station has opened and closed several times over the last century Officials believe an influx of residential housing will be the key to success this time.Jessica Griffin / Staff and Tom Gralish / StaffThose tiles are here to stay for the next generation of Franklin Square riders to enjoy NPR's Morning Edition takes listeners around the country and the world with two hours of multi-faceted stories and commentaries that inform Morning Edition is the most listened-to news radio program in the country Commuters and travelers alike will be able to board PATCO from 7th and Race streets in Philadelphia A new PATCO stop is expected to open soon in Frankin Square Park The rail service between Camden County and Philadelphia will begin to accept bank cards and mobile payment directly The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today. The Old City and Chinatown park has started a handful of capital improvements anticipating a new and fireworks are part of the family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration but organizers started hanging lights in October The display has grown over the past decade Cory Sharber is a general assignment reporter for WHYY News Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY Executive Circle Awards Long Island Bagel Café expanding with new Franklin Square location Sign up for your daily digest of Long Island Business News Listen to this article Long Island Business News has announced that it has chosen this year’s winn[...] The financial landscape of Long Island continues to evolve through the leadership of the remarkable [...] Long Island’s business landscape contains a remarkable tapestry of organizations that have stood t[...] Celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month by showcasing the extraordinary wo[...] Listen to this article Lorraine Gregory Communications will be holding a blood drive at its Edgewood[...] Long Island lost 3,100 construction jobs year-over-year in March ending a 12-month streak of gains,[...] Kids Empire and My Gym are opening at Mayfair Shopping Center in Commack Chick-fil-A opens its 12th Long Island location in East Meadow creating 80 jobs and supporting loca[...] Realty Three plans $120M South Village at Station Crossings with 273 rentals Amazon plans to purchase 26.7 acres of Massapequa’s Sunrise Mall site to build a new South Shore d[...] Our mission at Long Island Business News is to be the vital business news and advertising source to Long Island’s most influential readers Get our free LIBN e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions Franklin Square takes on a new light during the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival This popular summertime event transforms the gorgeous park — which borders both Philadelphia’s Historic District and Chinatown — into an enchanted forest and magical realm with dozens of massive Explore the grounds and see familiar critters beautiful foliage and fantastical creatures — including the festival’s iconic 200-foot-long dragon — come to life as massive handcrafted light sculptures illuminated by thousands of LEDs The uber-popular celebration of light and culture also features breathtaking live cultural performances the annual fest’s incredible works of illuminated art and all-ages programming have wowed hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square runs from June 20 to August 31 The massive, handcrafted lanterns are truly the star of the show at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival The light sculptures — steel frames wrapped in vibrant hand-painted silk and illuminated by thousands of twinkling LED lights — transport festivalgoers to magical worlds filled with radiant wildlife The festival’s legendary 200-foot-long (the length of three school buses!) dragon returns Last year’s event featured almost three-dozen lantern installations adorned with 180 animals and 2,500 flowers and illuminated by 25,000 LEDs And this year’s celebration promises even more never-before-seen giant lantern displays than ever before Celebrate and experience Chinese art and culture with stage performances throughout your Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival experience Past performances have included jar juggling plate spinning and Jiu-Jitsu acrobatic performances The centerpiece of Franklin Square all year long the historic Rendell Family Fountain delights guests both young and old with brightly illuminated and choreographed fountain light shows set to music Speaking of the park’s beloved signature attractions Franklin Square favorites Philly Mini Golf and the Parx Liberty Carousel are also open during the Chinese Lantern Festival Rounds of golf and rides around the carousel are available for purchase at a discounted rate Food vendors serving up both traditional Asian fare and classic American cuisine are on deck during the event. Keep an eye out for more details the Cocktail Garden pours an array of refreshing alcoholic beverages The festival also features a variety of vendors selling Chinese folk art — the perfect memento for your visit admission to Franklin Square is free to the public Franklin Square is cleared of guests and the park closes in preparation for the festival The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival begins at 6 p.m. sharp and tickets are required While tickets are often available for purchase at the festival entrance sales may end when the park is at capacity — so advance tickets are strongly recommended Monday through Thursday: General admission tickets can be used anytime from festival opening to closing to the tune of $26 for adults and $24 for seniors and active military (with ID) Fridays and Saturdays: To manage park capacity and $27 for seniors and active military (with ID) The festival also introduces a brand-new ticketing option this year The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Pass gets you unlimited entry to the event The unlimited pass costs $80 for adults and $45 for children $45 Kids 2 years and under (accompanied by an adult) can enter the festival and join in on attractions free of charge any day Folks looking to experience everything Franklin Square Park has to offer can pick up discounted tickets to the Parx Liberty Carousel For more information on the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival and to purchase tickets Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package a global reminder to take action in protecting our planet But in West Baltimore’s Franklin Square neighborhood For decades, the block bounded by Kirby Lane in Franklin Square was defined by vacant, crumbling rowhouses and overgrown lots. There are boarded‑up homes, piles of debris, and a reputation as Baltimore’s “highway to nowhere”—a stretch of city that was supposed to connect Interstate 70 with Interstates 83 and 95 but was never completed and divided communities forover 50 years. when residents formed Friends of Kirby Lane Park a grassroots group committed to turning their once‑desolate block into green space Under the leadership of longtime resident and group president Donald Quarles and partnerships from Bon Secours Community Works and volunteers cleared debris and planted the first seedlings that would one day grow into mature shade trees From blight to bright: How Franklin Square’s neighbors made every day Earth Day “They call our neighborhood the highway to nowhere—we want it to be the highway to somewhere More than 50 volunteers—from local nonprofits to neighborhood youth groups—converged on Kirby Lane Park for a coordinated Earth Day cleanup Program Manager for Bon Secours Community Works “The neighbors here have worked for maybe 15 to 20 years to remove a row of blighted homes and vacant lots Earth Day gives us a chance to rally everyone one more time—and to show that protecting our environment can start in your own backyard.” the wider Franklin Square area has seen steady investment: splash pads for children and new walking paths have all been added in recent years these amenities aren’t just nice extras—they’re vital assets that promote health Click here to see other improvement projects in West Baltimore Overview of Franklin Square in Philadelphia The project started in 2020 and is expected to wrap up early next year Local horticulturists expect the season will peak during the first week of April aligning perfectly with Shofuso’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival Carl Semencic won a $500,000 federal jury verdict in March for false arrest and battery at the hands of the Nassau County Police Department in 2016 A former Franklin Square man’s irritation over what a federal jury deemed a wrongful arrest by Nassau County police led to a nearly decadelong legal saga that eventually netted him a $500,000 award a retired luxury wine seller and historic gun collector waited out a two-year criminal case going back to 2016 that was eventually dismissed the death of the presiding judge in his lawsuit before winning his suit against Nassau County police last month before a Brooklyn federal jury who has published several books about fighting dog breeds and holds a PhD in anthropology said during a phone interview from his new home in Arizona that it was never about the money "My primary goal is to put these police in their place," he said The legal victory and payout started with an unwelcome knock at his Dogwood Avenue home on the evening of July 19 He said that he had finished work for the night in his home office had just taken his licensed Glock pistol out of his office safe and was carrying it to his bedroom to lock in his bedside nightstand when he heard a "raucous pounding" at his front door Semencic was enrolled in the Town of Hempstead’s "Do Not Knock" program and had a sign on his front step of his home that said "We were all being bothered by solicitors who were ringing up our bell during the day and trying to sell us cable service and that kind of stuff," he said it was a volunteer firefighter with the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department stood holding open the screen door with the "no knock" sticker on it and asked for a contribution "I pointed to the sign with my left hand Can you read?’ And he backed away," Semencic said He said that he tapped the sign with the barrel of the gun locked up his gun and went back inside to watch a PBS special with his wife when she noticed men were peering in their windows He went to the front door again to answer more loud knocking where he was met by the Nassau County police who grabbed him and barged into his house without permission or a warrant and twisted his arm behind his back the police put him in the back of a patrol car and searched his house demanding to know where the gun was and ordering him to give them the combination to his gun safe according to his federal civil rights complaint His firearms were all confiscated and police gave him a desk appearance ticket for second-degree menacing and criminal possession of a weapon — both misdemeanor charges Semencic said that he bought the Glock for home protection because there had been a push-in robbery nearby He said he also owned nearly two dozen other guns exotic makes from Russia and single-shot muskets that he would shoot for fun at the local range He said that police ordered him to give them the combination to his gun safe and then ordered him to open it when they couldn’t ‘You're under arrest,’ and they shackled me with handcuffs." the gun charge was found defective and the menacing charge was dismissed because the speedy trial clock ran out His lawsuit charged a litany of civil rights abuses District Judge Sandra Feuerstein found the county in contempt for not returning Semencic’s guns and then destroying them Before she could rule on a request for a default judgment against the county for violating her order she was struck and killed by a driver in Boca Raton found Semencic’s lawyer’s request for a $24 million judgment "a mockery" of the federal court procedures and the case continued for three more years with Nassau County being represented by Robert Costello a high profile lawyer who once represented Rudy Giuliani Nassau County spokesman Christopher Boyle did not respond to multiple requests for comment Semencic said that he will give the money to his sons "I don’t need the money," he said He just wanted to get an amount that would "upset the hell out of them." politics and crime stories in Nassau County Trump's influence on NY's future .. Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardPATCO’s ghost station in Franklin Square welcomed its first train passengers in almost 50 yearsThe Inquirer talks to some of the first riders The platforms were brightly lit and ghosts were banished Thursday as train passengers disembarked at PATCO’s Franklin Square Station for the first time in more than 45 years The 14th stop on the PATCO line reopened after a $29.3 million renovation project that began in March 2022 It has a soaring headhouse at Seventh and Race Streets with glass that lets in daylight and is embedded with a pattern that steers birds away from deadly collisions and customers have electrical outlets and USB sockets on the platforms so people can walk their bikes smoothly to and from the trains And the green-and-white tile walls are cleaned up looking as they would have when the station opened the first time on June 7 which had two stops in the city of Camden and two in Philadelphia Franklin Square Station was boarded up in the 1950s due to low ridership then reopened in 1976 after being painted with an era-appropriate orange — until ridership dwindled again No passengers or trains in regular service had used Franklin Square Station since 1979 when it was closed and sealed for lack of riders It settled into the gloom and dust as inbound trains from New Jersey rumbled by for decades Mayor Cherelle L. Parker Federal Transit Administration Regional Administrator Terry Garcia Crews and PATCO brass made remarks as a crowd of transit fans waited to squeeze through the gates into the station The Inquirer chatted with some of the station’s first riders “I work a block away and I feel like this is a personal gift to be able to watch this,” said Caitlin Corkery a managing producer of children’s television at WHYY She and her husband moved from Philadelphia to Collingswood — which she wryly called “South Jersey’s Brooklyn”— and PATCO was a big part of the attraction even before the convenient new/old station “I don’t have to sit in bridge traffic getting angry and can relax and read a book,” Corkery said. “No Schuylkill or Kelly Drive No parking fees.” It feels nothing like the usual car-commuter grind was there to board the inaugural train from PATCO’s Franklin Square Station That’s the social media handle of Miles Taylor, a transit planner from Boston. His presence marked the reopening as a major event He travels to ride transit systems all over the place; a new service or station opening is cause for excitement “The thing that’s cool about Franklin Square is that it’s been a long time since Philly got some shiny and new transit infrastructure,” said Taylor, 25, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from the University of Pennsylvania he thinks the last station opening for the city was … of a remade Franklin Square Station during the Bicentennial He was followed down the platform by a dozen or so Miles fans fellow transit enthusiasts who follow his work They stopped when he stopped to look at the USB ports and gathered round to hear what he had to say as he took in the sights a charter that went across the Ben Franklin Bridge and back before regular service “I love the pure excitement that comes from it,” Taylor said He has been to recent big events in Canada’s capital and flew to Florida for the inaugural run on a new Brightline intercity rail route Taylor is looking forward to catching some new stations and service in Los Angeles in the fall Ray Scheinfeld, a prominent city cyclist who lives in the Metro Club condominium development a block away from the square, remembered riding the first eastbound PATCO train after the line had been expanded further into Camden County and this station wasn’t open at that time,” Scheinfeld said He said his neighbors are pleased with the new transit option. “There’s a lot of people who live in the in the Old City area and they can take it from here and go over to Rittenhouse Virginia Gil of Camden cheered as she got off the first regular westbound train to stop at Franklin Square at 1:37 p.m They boarded at Ferry Avenue in Camden and learned they were pioneers “What’s emotional for me is we were riding in the first train to come from New Jersey … to this beautiful remodeled station that opened today,” Gil said She had never ridden a first train in her life The train station beneath Franklin Square park has been closed since 1979 A $29.3 million renovation wakes it up to a new neighborhood The Franklin Square PATCO station reopens April 3 for the first time since 1979 bringing the number of stops on the line to 14 Never miss a moment with the WHYY Listen App and dive into podcasts from both local and national sources Researchers surveyed hundreds of public transportation riders about their experiences to help shape future transit infrastructure decisions The long-closed Franklin Square station is about to return to service on the PATCO Hi-Speedline between South Jersey and Philadelphia Officials have announced an April 3 noon ceremony to mark the revival of the station at 7th and Race streets in the city It's to be the first stop for riders crossing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge tracks to Philadelphia The 14.2-mile rail line runs from Camden to Lindenwold in South Jersey NJ Transit official: Light rail expansion coming to South Jersey originally was part of a "Bridge Line" connecting Camden's Broadway with 8th and Market in Philadelphia "Though its use has been intermittent over the years the station last underwent a major refurbishment in the 1970s reopening to serve visitors during the United States Bicentennial celebration," it said is returning after a $29.3-million makeover "We are proud of the station’s transformation," said John D The three-year renovation project made the station fully ADA compliant electrical and communications systems were also upgraded the station has "eco-friendly upgrades such as a green roof to manage stormwater runoff bird-friendly glass to reduce bird collisions and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the station." The station retains its original green and white subway tiles The reopening comes as nearby neighborhoods "are undergoing significant growth," PATCO's statement said PATCO noted that the new station is also to offer "a convenient connection" to Rittenhouse Square which is near PATCO's last city station at 16th and Locust streets Jim Walsh is a senior reporter at the Courier-Post Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal In a video clip released to Facebook just an hour ago, PATCO Speedline shares a preview look at the new Franklin Square Station coming to Philadelphia, and highlights “Trains Arriving April 2025” (Facebook) An actual date was not shared in the clip but it is expected to come soon… the final details of the station are being worked out and there will be additional opening date updates soon from PATCO Located in the Franklin Square Park at the foot of the Ben Franklin bridge (6th and Race St) the Franklin Square Station for PATCO is a $30 million project which created an entirely new aboveground ticket area “headhouse” which was integrated into the historic almost 90 year old underground train station For decades all of us who have been travelling PATCO into Philadelphia have noticed the dimly lit “ghost” station that we slowly pass through just after the Ben Franklin bridge… That station with its decades old green and white tile is “literally and figuratively” the foundation for the new Franklin Square train station The charm of the green and white tiles was retained but the underground station aspects also received significant upgrades to better support passengers For almost 90 years a train station has operated off-and-on at this location… admittedly more off than it’s been on. In fact it’s been almost 50 years since PATCO’s passengers utilized the Franklin Square park station for the train which was last opened to support country’s bicentennial celebrations the Delaware River Port Authority and Philadelphia area leaders are confident that the new Franklin Square station will be a long-lasting success The location positions the Franklin Square station right at the transition from the Philadelphia Historic district (Liberty Bell National Constitution Center) and the popular Chinatown section of town Several reasons highlighted for the new station since the 1970s: With most of the 42Freeway readers are located in South Jersey our mindset is likely focused on that aspect… South Jersey residents coming over to Philadelphia But keep in mind the PATCO Speedline moves up to 15/16th and Locust which makes it an easy crossover point from the extensive Septa rail system as well as local Center City residents who have been wanting an easy train ride to Franklin Square Park area So I would imagine a fair amount of… fares… will come from the Pennsylvania side of the river at just over a minute long was shared to Facebook and starts out as a wide drone angle view of the area to give you an understanding of where this station is situated It then moves in closer to first feature the beautiful exterior of the mostly glass design building… and then takes viewers on a tour inside and down into the historic train station space I expect this official grand opening event to be a big deal and we will likely see a scheduled full press conference and elected official ceremony… and of course 42 freeway will be there Franklin Square Train Station Rebuild7th and Race Streets – Franklin Square ParkPhiladelphia Categories Philadelphia Blue Kujira in Mullica Hill features Sushi Napa Auto Parts Berlin NJ Moving Into Former Rite Aid Building Construction continues on PATCO's Franklin Square Station at 7th and Race streets The project is part of the Rebuild program which uses sugary drink tax money to help education and recreation projects Our weekly newsletter delivers original reporting on the people The majority of workers who commute into the urban core have returned since the COVID-19 pandemic began five years ago according to the annual State of Center City report More than 1.2 million international visitors traveled to Philadelphia last year but far fewer tourists are expected to visit in 2025 Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardFranklin Square is getting a $7.8M upgrade with new playground and bike lanesIt marks the first major upgrade since 2006 to the 7.5-acre park just off the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge Franklin Square will undergo a major overhaul that includes adding new restrooms The projects will cost about $7.8 million and take about 18 months to complete, according to announcement from nonprofit Historic Philadelphia Inc. on Wednesday It marks the first major upgrade to the 7.5-acre park Franklin Square is one of Philadelphia’s five original squares set aside in the 1600s by William Penn as public spaces CEO and president of Historic Philadelphia said the revamp marks “the next steps in maintaining and elevating this essential public space.” Although the park is owned by the city it is operated and maintained by Historic Philadelphia More than 700,000 people use the park annually The park also hosts the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival the Winter in Franklin Square light show by PECO vice president of development at Historic Philadelphia said 100,000 children visit Franklin Square each year “making it clear that this space is a vital part of the neighborhood.” Needle said the park will remain open and that festivals and events will continue during the work Officials say the major improvements are designed to enhance safety and accessibility and to elevate the park’s public presence 1,275-square-foot restroom that will increase the number of toilets and sinks replacing a nearly 50-year-old facility built for the Bicentennial in 1976 It includes a storage facility and new lighting Construction began in January and is expected to be complete by spring Funding came from the William Penn Foundation and city and state grants Protected bike lanes that will be added along Race Street between Sixth and Eighth Streets The $1.8 million Street Department project is being paid for by city and federal grants The bike lanes are expected to be finished by May commissioner of the city’s Department of Streets said the bike lanes are part of a “road diet” that will give people at the park “better visibility and shorter crossing distances,” keeping them safer from motorists designed to be more energy-efficient and brighter that will be installed throughout the square The work is being paid for through federal funds obtained with the help of U.S Although separate from the Franklin Square revamp, a $30 million project by the Delaware River Port Authority to reopen the long-dormant Franklin Square PATCO commuter train station Officials say the new station will enhance the area and provide transit for South Jersey residents The station was initially opened in 1936 and closed in 1979 Nikil Saval said he often visits the park with his children to play mini golf “The square is … part of a neighborhood,” Saval said. “It is one of the few green spaces available to Chinatown, one of the few available to Old City … As we go forward with other plans to modernize and transform our historic district » READ MORE: More bikes and pedestrians, fewer cars: A $100M rethink of Philly’s historical district commissioner of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department said the city is a partner in the renovation is “one of the city’s most charming destinations where families gather.” commuters from New Jersey will be able to take the train directly to Franklin Square.PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- For the first time since 1979 commuters from New Jersey will be able to take the train directly to Franklin Square The PATCO station at 7th and Race streets is set to open next month It's undergone a nearly $30 million renovation the station's original 1930s green and white subway tiles have been restored Philadelphia’s Franklin Square Park yesterday announced exciting new upgrades including a planned new playground, and an already started project to build new larger restrooms. Additionally at the end of the article is an update on the new PATCO Station being developed at the corner of the park Franklin Square is Philadelphia City Park and Entertainment area located basically at the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Its location puts it adjacent to the historic district on one side and Philadelphia’s Chinatown on the other Yesterday I attended the press event held by Historic Philadelphia who operate the Franklin Square Park where they highlighted several new features in the works which have an expected cost of about $8 million Historic Philadelphia estimates they have 700,000 annual visitors and that number is only expected to grow particularly in 2026 as the city and the country celebrate the 250th birthday of the Unites States. Additionally the PATCO station located on the same block will open this Spring This is the first significant upgrade to the park in almost 20 years and the amazing Rendell Family Fountain which features computer controlled fountain streams and lighting. Franklin Square also regularly host large events Already far along in construction is a new $2.2 million restroom facility which replaces a building that was developed in 1976 The facility will include an increased number of toilets and sinks for men and women as well as a gender/neutral family restroom If you’ve used the old bathrooms before you understand why this is a big deal. Honestly while I know things in 1976 were different the old bathrooms were so small and tight… I’m amazed they were actually approved even 50 years ago While I can only speak for the men’s room if one one large person stood at the sink. And when you consider the park may be seeing a million visitors in 2026 Upgraded lighting is being added throughout Franklin Square which will be more energy efficient This will increase visibility during evening and nighttime hours Another project that is also underway is pedestrian upgrades on the adjacent Race Street which will support new curbs These improvements are important because they will better connect Franklin Square and the upcoming PATCO station to Chinatown and other communities to the West Likely one of the most broadly impactful improvements for Franklin Square is also the one with the longest lead time A new playground is planned that will bring exciting new equipment landscaping and beautifully themed elements which will also highlight Benjamin Franklin and the cultural heritage of Chinatown A signature and most visible element will be a tall climbing tower inspired by Benjamin Franklin with an enclosed twisty slide starting from the upper levels Additionally the playground will offer activities and slides that are ADA accessible Exciting “outside of the box” features will include musical instruments boulders for climbing and exploring and even an amphitheater and seating area that could be used for outdoor classrooms and programs After the Press program was done I walked around the park (which I’ve done countless times before) and visited the children’s playground area which today is a fenced in section The playground gets a lot of use from locals schools and area daycare centers. In fact in the presentation they stated it’s literally the only playground in the Chinatown area That being said the activities currently offered in playground area today are very minimal and it’s easy to see that the new plans for the expanded playground will be widely appreciated Initial funding has been raised for the playground project but my understanding is it is not 100% funded. If you’d like to contribute you can get more information on donations here: The PATCO Speedline carries commuters between New Jersey and Philadelphia over the Ben Franklin Bridge and for a few years now PATCO has been building a brand new station at Franklin Square Park there was an underground “ghost” station there that we’ve all likely seen when using PATCO and this effort is to refurbish that station and also develop a completely new above ground headhouse station The $30 million project was originally expected to open in 2024 and PATCO is now anticipating an opening this Spring The new aboveground headhouse looks completed which has many locals wondering on the status PATCO continues to resolve final construction aspects and has not given a very specific opening date The most recent information comes from Mike Denardo of KYW Newsradio who last month spoke with DRPA Chief Engineer Mike Venuto In that online article Mr Venuto states that they had found unforeseen structural issues underground discovering work under there that wasn’t including in the as-built drawings DRPA and its engineers had to adjust aspects of the project as it progressed A few things highlighted in the article were the need to relocate a water line as well as finding old trolley tracks underground that they did not know were there Factoring in supply chain issues and other unexpected delays… they are now in the final steps of the project The Grand Opening is expected to take place this Spring and likely my next written coverage on the Station will be to announce the opening Franklin Square Park7th and Race Streets – Franklin Square ParkPhiladelphia Founders Grove Magnolia To Offer Historic Charm for Weddings & Events Millville Approves Project Featuring Raising Cane’s Democratic candidates vying to become the Garden State’s next governor agree that costs must be lowered immigrants must be protected and government must spend smarter The potential elimination of SEPTA’s Paoli/Thorndale regional rail line sparked fury among Chester County legislators Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza is WHYY News' business reporter The new PATCO Franklin Square station in Philadelphia is set to open Thursday April 3rd at 12:00 PM, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Train service will begin later that same afternoon. It was just last week when I reported the month of April was the target this will be the 14th station for PATCO whose Speedline trains connects South Jersey with Center City Philadelphia In a press release sent out this morning PATCO says they have 5.6 million riders annually and the reopening of the station enhances access and connectivity for the region’s residents and visitors “We are thrilled to celebrate the reopening of Franklin Square Station with the community,” said John D “The revitalization of this station marks an exciting new chapter offering enhanced transit access and convenience for both residents and visitors We are proud of the station’s transformation and we look forward to welcoming both old and new riders to this historic A video preview tour is available on social media (YouTube) the PATCO Franklin Square Station has seen intermittent use through the years but has played a key role in the region’s transit history It’s last major refurbishment was in the 1970s to support visitors during the United States Bicentennial Celebration Basically everyone who has traveled the PATCO Speedline into Philadelphia is familiar with this station which we in South Jersey would refer to as the “ghost station”… that old fashioned green and white tiled darkened station that the train would always slow down as it passed by… Well that is the Franklin Square station which (re)opens in just two weeks Care was taken to preserve the historic green and white tile in the underground station platform area Officials are confident that this time opening the Franklin Square station will be a lasting component to the area’s transportation system due to the growth in residential housing in the Philadelphia neighborhood and increased tourist attractions particularly in the historic district The Franklin Square station shares the block with the Franklin Square park which features a variety of family friendly attractions including a Merry-Go-Round, Miniature Golf, Fun Events and more. Franklin Square is also working on new aspects including a new playground and new restrooms As part of PATCO’s commitment to improving its infrastructure Franklin Square Station has undergone a $29.3 million renovation This project includes the following upgrades: A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at noon on April 3rd featuring electric officials deer PA representatives and community leaders offering attendees the chance to be among the first to tour the newly renovated station. Train service to the station will begin later that afternoon PATCO Franklin Square – Ribbon Cutting CeremonyThursday at 12 p.m.7th and Race StreetsPhiladelphia PA Chase Bank Development Planned for Washington Township ShopRite Center Pickle Juice Indoor Pickleball Club is Open in Blackwood Especially for women in high-risk pregnancies like Dawn Brooks Anderson The first-time mom is expecting twin girls a serious complication that can jeopardize the health of both mom and babies at MedStar Franklin Square Hospital’s Women’s Pavilion “It’s for the health of me and the babies,” she says so I’m not worried about them being there after we deliver is one of a team of medical staff here specially trained in maternal-fetal medicine to handle high-risk pregnancies like Dawn’s “and the problem with high blood pressure and preeclampsia is that it can get worse very It’s women like Dawn who are the reason why the Women’s Pavilion is growing A groundbreaking was held recently on an 8,000-foot expansion More than 2,000 babies are delivered at MedStar Franklin Square Hospital every year and they’re seeing even more high-risk pregnancies coming in “We need a little bit more space in terms of the ultrasound rooms and NST (non-stress test) rooms for intrapartum testing,” he says Spencer says she’ll be right here until her babies get to 34 weeks or someone comes in and they’re like already on page with everything They already knowing what the next step is It makes me feel confident that I’m where I need to be at.” The expansion will double the number of testing rooms for pregnant women and create a separate entrance for women in labor and other emergencies Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardPhiladelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square this JuneHistoric Philadelphia and Tianyu Arts and Culture announced the festival will return with a new pass for unlimited entry The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is set to return this summer celebrating the Year of the Snake with dazzling displays at Franklin Square and Tianyu Arts & Culture announced that the festival will run from June 20 to Aug Visitors can expect massive illuminated sculptures The festival also features live performances Franklin Square’s mini golf course and the Parx Liberty Carousel will be open at a discounted rate during festival hours New this year will be lanterns designed by local students The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Student Design Contest has invited kids 8 to 14 to submit a dragon drawing for the Year of the Snake Winning designs will be turned into lanterns and displayed at the festival before being sent home with the student artists Franklin Square and its playground will remain open and free to the public during regular daytime hours with a free scavenger hunt available for those who want to see the lanterns in daylight A new unlimited entry pass is available this year for $80 (or $45 for children 3 to 13) Single-day tickets range from $16 to $26 Monday through Thursday and $16 to $29 Friday through Sunday A portion of the festival proceeds will support Historic Philadelphia Inc.’s programming Plattduetsche Park Restaurant and Biergarten in Franklin Square will serve a special dunkel beer on Saturday expect it to be big at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant and Biergarten in Franklin Square This is the 500th anniversary of one of the world’s oldest laws covering food and drink: the Reinheitsgebot hops and malted barley could be used to make beer The reason was simple: a lot of stuff you wouldn’t want in your beer often was added Yeast and wheat eventually were added to the acceptable ingredients Plattduetsche will mark the anniversary on Saturday by pouring a special dunkel beer made by the Long Ireland Beer Company in Riverhead Prices will be $7 for one-half liter; $13 for a liter; and $17 for a pitcher of the nutty “was the first beer regulated by the law in 1516,” said Greg Martin The beer garden menu includes assorted wursts The restaurant menu highlights German specialties such as sauerbraten and roasted pork shank with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut This is a big moment for South Jersey and Philadelphia area commuters In fact it’s been more than four decades in the making After years of construction, the opening date for PATCO’s Franklin Square Station has finally been revealed The station, which has been closed since 1979, will reopen in just over two weeks. The opening day for the station will be April 3rd, officials told the media earlier today (Wednesday March 19). READ MORE: SEPTA Finally Installing 100 More Gates to Stop Fare Evasion They’re expecting that the station will serve between 1,300 and 1,500 daily riders when its (finally) fully operational This project had been a bit of a long time coming If you’ll recall, construction actually began back in February 2022. It was originally slated to open late last year but that date got pushed back from some construction delays READ MORE: Is It Legal to Drink Alcohol on SEPTA Trains? The project was budgeted around $30 million It's unclear what the final price tag on the project will ultimately be An official ribbon cutting will be held at the station at 12 noon Train service will begin later that afternoon The station had become a “ghost station” since it closed back in 1979 as train whizzed through the former station without making any stops “The revitalization of this station marks an exciting new chapter, offering enhanced transit access and convenience for both residents and visitors," PATCO’s General Manager, John Rink, told the media this week. PATCO officials have been showing off the upgrade they’ve made to the station and it looks really stunning Gallery Credit: Austyn Gallery Credit: Joe, 94.5 PST After three years of construction, the station will (finally) open on April 3, 2025.\nRead More After years of construction, the opening date for PATCO’s Franklin Square Station has finally been revealed The station, which has been closed since 1979, will reopen in just over two weeks. The opening day for the station will be April 3rd, officials told the media earlier today (Wednesday March 19). READ MORE: SEPTA Finally Installing 100 More Gates to Stop Fare Evasion If you’ll recall, construction actually began back in February 2022. It was originally slated to open late last year READ MORE: Is It Legal to Drink Alcohol on SEPTA Trains? “The revitalization of this station marks an exciting new chapter, offering enhanced transit access and convenience for both residents and visitors," PATCO’s General Manager, John Rink, told the media this week. MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center is in Baltimore County MedStar Health announced Monday that its acute care at home is now available to Baltimore patients of its Franklin Square Medical Center Dispatch Health offers prescheduled home visits daily following discharge from emergency departments and inpatient hospital units – typically within 72 hours – MedStar said The service gives patients of MedStar's Baltimore facilities a "seamless MedStar's chief medical officer for telehealth Dispatch has already provided more than 700 at-home patient visits in Washington The extended collaboration brings Dispatch's in-home care to Baltimore for the first time The company also offers same-day or next-day care upon referral from a telehealth visit Acute-care conditions treated range from cardiology and respiratory to dermatology At-home high-acuity care through the service could include medical treatments like administration of IV fluids and medications Like a lot of health systems, MedStar rapidly launched new telemedicine technology in response to COVID-19, which resulted in 100,000 video visits in the first two months of use an emergency department encounter and in-patient admission than those who sought care in person "Resources from specialties like cardiology and endocrinology to services like case management and social services are often siloed making coordination even more difficult," Cindy Gaines chief clinical transformation officer at Lumeon "Expanding the care continuum to integrate care at home will improve patient care outcomes clinician satisfaction and financial performance," she said "Patients are comforted to know that someone will come to their home when they don’t medically need to remain in the hospital but may still need care to bridge the gap between discharge and their next physician visit," Booker said in a statement we’ll help streamline care between the hospital and home for the patient improve health outcomes and reduce costs every step of the way," Mitchell added More Whitepapers More Webinars © 2025 Healthcare IT News is a publication of HIMSS Media A 14-year-old was shot in Franklin Square on Friday When officers arrived they discovered a 14-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound in the rear alley of the 1800 block of W Medics transported the victim to a hospital to receive treatment for his injury ALSO READ | New data shows Baltimore juvenile crime rates soar over 200% in three years Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was shot in the 200 block of N Southwest District Shooting detectives responded and assumed control over this investigation Anyone with any information may contact them at 410-396-2488 Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP or submit an anonymous text tip by visiting the MCS website Former Marcy Corrections Officer pleads guilty to manslaughter in case involving the death of an inmate in December 2024 The City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation announced the completion of the restoration of the iconic fountain in Franklin Square on Thursday The City of Syracuse said the landmark returned to its place at the corner of Plum and Solar Streets on Thursday October 24 and City crews reinstalled the fountain after a 12-month absence originally installed in the early 1990s has been an integral part of Syracuse’s landscape attracting residents and visitors for decades prompting a thorough restoration effort to preserve its charm and functionality specialists from Robinson Iron dismantled and transported the fountain to Alexander City the fountain was stripped down to bare metal painted and coated with protective finishings to prevent corrosion A new granite base was installed to prevent leaks The project was funded by City Capital Improvement Program funds totaling $77,360 Requests to reserve the Franklin Square for the 2025 permitting season can be submitted at this link Gift this article!Link IconCopy gift linkFacebook LogoGift via FacebookXGift via XEmailGift via EmailLink copied to clipboardShare IconLink IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboard It was opening night for Winter in Franklin Square on Nov featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO FRANKLIN SQUARE, N.Y. — A TAKE 5 player in Franklin Square hit it big in Wednesday’s midday drawing, winning the game’s top prize of $18,617.50, according to New York Lottery officials The winning ticket was sold at MS Stationery & Convenience The TAKE 5 drawing selects five numbers from a field of one through 39 and takes place twice daily at 2:30 p.m The identity of the lucky ticket holder has not been released as all lottery draw game prizes may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing The retailer that sold the top-prize ticket will not receive a commission for this prize level based on New York Lottery guidelines for TAKE 5 winnings The New York Lottery remains one of the largest lottery systems in North America contributing billions annually to support public education across the state Players are reminded to check their tickets carefully as winning numbers are drawn daily and all prizes must be claimed within the one-year period © 2008-2025 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd those controversial torpedo baseball bats are made right in KOP The just-reopened Franklin Square PATCO station (photo courtesy of PATCO) Check phillymag.com each morning Monday through Thursday for the latest edition of Philly Today. And if you have a news tip for our hardworking Philly Mag reporters, please direct it here You can also use that form to send us reader mail And it’s finally happened: PATCO’s long-ago-abandoned Franklin Square Station has officially reopened in Philadelphia you’ve never used PATCO’s Franklin Square Station PATCO opened Franklin Square Station way back in 1936 They closed and reopened it over the years There was a big renovation in the 1970s in honor of the Bicentennial celebration in Philadelphia in 1976 A PATCO spokesperson explained that part of the reason for the reopening of the station was the growth of the community around Franklin Square The station is located at 7th and Race streets The renovation started in 2022 and cost upwards of $30 million Some of the biggest changes between the Franklin Square Station of the 1970s and the Franklin Square Station of today include full ADA compliance “bird-friendly glass” (to try to prevent birds from flying into it) But PATCO decided to keep the station’s green and white subway tiles which date back to a time when FDR was in the White House It takes just three minutes to get from Franklin Square Station to the first PATCO stop in New Jersey Bonus: You get to ride over the Ben Franklin Bridge An Inquirer headline: “Why Are None of the Free Library’s Author Events Free Anymore?” 550: Approximate number of bikes stolen from Philly’s bike share program Indego over three years That’s more than $1.3 million in stolen blue bikes 75: Forecasted high for Philadelphia on Thursday 4: James Beard nominations that Philly just scored for its amazing restaurant scene 49: Days that a road connecting Delco to West Philly has been closed. And residents are none too happy about it If you’re a Stephen Starr fan, you’re going to want to know all about his big new plans for not one but two restaurants at the Jersey Shore I’m not exactly sure how I’m supposed to get into prime beach shape while scarfing down French food and meatloaf courtesy of Starr but… It will be a tasty summer either way Where to Live If You Love Having a Round With Your Friends 18 Awesome Philly-Area High School Programs for Your Awesome Kid