Michael Tanenbaum
Michael Tanenbaum is a senior staff writer for PhillyVoice.com, with interests ranging from technology and behavioral health to local community initiatives and cultural life. Michael has written for the Argentina Independent and Bespoke Magazine and previously served as a news editor for Xfinity.com before joining PhillyVoice. He received his B.A. in The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University.
March 1, 2023
Transportation
SEPTA to purchase 10 fuel cell electric buses as it pursues a zero-emission fleet
SEPTA will purchase 10 electric, hydrogen fuel cell buses that produce no tailpipe emissions. The new buses will part of an experimental program in 2024 that will operate out of the Midvale depot in North Philadelphia, SEPTA's busiest bus hub. Currently, 90% of SEPTA's buses are diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. The new fuel cell buses will come from New Flyer of America at a cost of $17.05 million.March 1, 2023
Addiction
FDA moves to restrict importation of xylazine, the animal tranquilizer exacerbating Philly's fentanyl crisis
Xyazine, the animal tranquilizer combined with fentanyl to make tranq dope, will be more tightly restricted by the FDA. Tranq dope, which has become common in Philadelphia's illegal opioid market, results in serious overdose complications and painful skin wounds.February 28, 2023
Development
Construction of Penn's Landing park over I-95 finally approved to begin, PennDOT says
Construction gets underway this spring on the 11 1/2-acre park that will be built over I-95 at Penn's Landing. The park will extend to the Delaware River waterfront, running from Chestnut to Walnut streets, and will include public gardens, an amphitheater, play areas and food trucks. The $328.9 million project also will feature an extension of the South Street Bridge to connect pedestrians and cyclists with the waterfront.February 28, 2023
Food & Drink
Rocco's Italian Sausage, a cult favorite at Home Depot stores in Philly, to expand in Bucks County
Rocco's Italian Sausage & Cheesesteak stands have been in the parking lots of Home Depot stores in Philadelphia for years. Now the unique business is expanding to Home Depot locations in Bucks County, including a newly opened location in Souderton and another one upcoming in Fairless Hills. The business originated in New York City before arriving in Philadelphia in 2006.February 28, 2023
Investigations
Police seek person who cut Comcast lines on Super Bowl Sunday, causing panic among Eagles fans
Philadelphia police are searching for a man suspected of cutting five of Comcast's fiber-optic data lines on Super Bowl Sunday, resulting in Xfinity outages that lasted hours for many customers in Fishtown and Kensington. Authorities released surveillance video on Wednesday showing the suspect in the area of the 2700 block of Tulip Street. Approximately 17,000 Comcast customers were affected and the vandalism. The damage to the company's equipment is estimated to be about $10,000.February 27, 2023
Investigations
Fentanyl, heroin found in CBD edibles sold at Montgomery County stores, D.A. says
Montgomery County authorities are warning the public after CBD edibles sold at three Tobacco Hut stores were found to contain traces of fentanyl and heroin, officials said Friday. Two people suffered non-fatal overdoses after consuming tainted products linked to purchases they made at these businesses, according to investigators. The edibles laced with illicit narcotics were sold at the Tobacco Hut stores at 1740 Dekalb Pike in Blue Bell; 738 Bethlehem Pike in Montgomeryville; and 1080 Bethlehem Pike in Hatfield. All three stores have been shut downFebruary 27, 2023
Development
Developer proposes $150 million luxury hotel on Ocean City Boardwalk
Icona Resorts has proposed a luxury high-rise hotel on the Ocean City Boardwalk next to Gillian's Wonderland Pier, between Fifth and Sixth streets. The land, currently a public parking lot, is owned by the city. Icona Resorts has multiple hotels in in Avalon, the Wildwoods and Cape May. CEO Eustace Mita presented the proposal for a 325-room boardwalk hotel to Ocean City's council in late February.February 27, 2023
Business
City Tap House closes original University City restaurant after 13 years
City Tap House has closed its location at the Radian building in University City after a 13-year run, the business said. The restaurant in Logan Square will remain open. Since opening its first location in The Radian building in 2010, City Tap House expanded to several other cities including Washington, D.C. and Boston.February 27, 2023
Food & Drink
Marc Vetri's Pizzeria Salvy to open in Comcast Technology Center concourse this spring
Chef Marc Vetri's new restaurant, Pizzeria Salvy, will be located on the concourse of the Comcast Technology Center at 1800 Arch St. in Center City. The restaurant is a tribute to Vetri's father, Salvatore, and marks his return to the pizza business after a years-long hiatus. The new restaurant is slated to open this spring.February 24, 2023
Investigations
Sea Isle City condo building's balcony collapses, trapping worker under concrete slab
Emergency crews responded to the Spinnaker Condominiums in Sea Isle City after a balcony on the eighth floor of a building collapsed onto a seventh floor balcony, trapping a person under the concrete slab. Two other people were injured. The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. at the building near 3600 Boardwalk, close to the 37th Street and the Promenade.Just In
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