$13M in grants will help replace SEPTA rail cars
Pennsylvania’s aging public transit fleets are getting a $96 million boost from the federal government, including more than $13 million for SEPTA’s Regional Rail system.
U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman announced the grants through the Federal Transit Administration’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program.
SEPTA will receive $13.26 million to help replace its 50-year-old Silverliner IV cars with new Silverliner VI vehicles. The Silverliner IVs, which date to the mid-1970s, make up about two-thirds of SEPTA’s Regional Rail fleet and are among the oldest passenger rail cars still operating in the country.
The funding is expected to improve safety, accessibility and reliability while reducing maintenance costs.
“Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians across our commonwealth rely on public transit,” Fetterman said. “These grants will make service … across the Regional Rail system in Philly safer and more reliable for riders.”
Pittsburgh Regional Transit received $82.77 million to replace its aging light-rail fleet. ••
Burlington moving new corporate headquarters to Philly
Burlington Stores will make Philadelphia its new corporate home, bringing a planned $370 million private investment and potentially 2,000 full-time jobs to University City.
The Fortune 500 retailer announced plans to acquire 3151 Market St. for a new headquarters expected to open in fiscal year 2027. Burlington currently operates more than 1,200 stores nationwide, including eight in Philadelphia.
The company expects to relocate existing employees and grow its Philadelphia workforce to as many as 2,000 employees within three to five years. The average annual salary is expected to be about $125,000.
“Burlington’s decision to make Philadelphia its new corporate home is a powerful vote of confidence in our city, our people and the momentum we are building,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said.
The city is providing an $8 million economic development package, including a $7 million forgivable loan and $1 million through SEPTA Key Advantage to provide employees with unlimited transit passes for one year.
Burlington CEO Michael O’Sullivan said the company was encouraged by the administration’s focus on fiscal health, education, training and economic opportunity.
The move will add another Fortune 500 headquarters to Philadelphia’s growing business community. ••
Grant money available for young adults
Philadelphia teens and young adults can apply for grants of $3,000 to $5,000 to turn their ideas for cleaner, greener neighborhoods into reality.
The city and School District of Philadelphia announced the funding through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund. Residents ages 15 to 24 can work in groups of at least two to propose projects addressing issues such as extreme heat, flooding, illegal dumping, air quality and community greening.
Eight to 10 projects will be selected for funding and implementation support. Proposed projects could include planting trees, creating rain gardens, cleaning and greening vacant lots or installing air-quality sensors.
“Whether it is planting trees, cleaning and greening a vacant lot, reducing flooding or finding creative ways to keep communities cooler, these investments will help our young people make a visible difference,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said.
Student groups can propose projects on school district property, while community organizations can support youth-led projects in neighborhoods.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 9. Projects must be completed by April 15, 2027. An information session is scheduled for Sept. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. ••
Get free smoke alarm
The Philadelphia Fire Department provides free smoke alarms to city residents. Call 311 to request installation. ••
Water bills going up once again
New water, sewer and stormwater rates took effect on Sept. 1, the Philadelphia Water Department announced. For a typical residential customer using 3,220 gallons per month, the monthly bill is now $96.16, an increase of $6.74, or 7.5 percent, from $89.42. The independent Philadelphia Water, Sewer, and Storm Water Rate Board sets rates for the Water Department. There will be another rate increase next year. Anyone who has difficulty paying a water bill should call 215-685-6300. ••
Thrill Show on Sept. 19
The 71st annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The cost is $15 per person or $35 for a family up to five. For more information, visit herothrillshow.org. ••
Volunteer for child literacy program
Philly Reading Coaches is looking for volunteers for the 2026-27 school year. Each coach reads one-on-one with a K-3rd grader for at least one hour per week after school. Visit ost.phila.gov/philly-reading-coaches or email PRC@phila.gov ••
New website for Review
The South Philly Review has returned to the website patimes.media.
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and a way to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site also includes a way to read the paper in “flipbook” style and a link to subscribe to the print edition. Copies of the paper can be found at the locations in this link: https://patimes.media/pickup-locations/#spr
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook and on X @SoPhReview. ••
North Catholic 100th anniversary events
A number of events are planned for the 100th anniversary of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales ministry in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the opening of Northeast Catholic High School.
Here is the schedule:
• Sept. 22: Alumni Association Golf Outing, North Hills Country Club
• Oct. 3: Homecoming/all-year reunion at Cannstatter’s, 1-5 p.m.
• Nov. 1: Mass at North Catholic building, coffee and doughnuts afterward
• Nov. 8: Gathering of Alumni, family and friends, FOP Lodge 5
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day at St. Dominic
Call 215-543-1051 or necathalum@aol.com ••
3 performances of Oliver
The Star Players will present Oliver from Oct. 9-11 at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Buy on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
See Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
The Star Players will present Scrooge: A Christmas Carol on Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets cost $10. Buy on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, call 215-685-8714 or email Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
Caribbean cruise in January
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter will cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl to the Caribbean (Dominican Republic and St. Thomas), leaving out of Philadelphia’s Southport Marine Terminal, 5400 S. Broad St., Building 3, on Jan. 13 and returning Jan. 23. Group amenities include 5% off inside cabins, 10%-15% off ocean view , balcony, open bar/soda packages, shore excursion credits and 300 Wi-Fi minutes. Call Bernadette at 570-401-8417 for cost and additional information. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Host foreign exchange student
ASSE International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. Students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Ukraine, Japan and Australia. They are ages 15-18. Host families may be single parents, couples and single persons.
The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance.
If interested in hosting an exchange student, call Holly at 800-677-2773, visit asse.com or send an email to asseusasouth@asse.com to request more information or start the application process. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road.
Meetings start at 7:30 p.m.
If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW. ••
