Some Philadelphia block parties derailed by summer safety issues
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Philadelphia has rejected more than 50 block party applications so far this summer over public safety concerns.
Why it matters: Philly is a block party city but the neighborhood shindigs happen when violence typically spikes.
State of play: The city has denied 8% of the 677 block party applications submitted as of last week, city spokesperson Sharon Gallagher tells Axios.
- Police denied 56 for concerns of potential "criminal activity" in the area; another 17 were rejected for other reasons, like incomplete paperwork.
Flashback: The city denied at least 230 applications received last year over criminal activity.
Between the lines: Each police district has a say on applications in their area, per city policy. The department will consider prior police activity on the street, and other safety factors.
- "The totality of the current situation is always considered, and decisions are made based on the latest information available," Police Sgt. Eric Gripp tells Axios.
- The Streets Department will also evaluate how the event could impact traffic and transportation, among other issues, before approving a permit.
The big picture: While block party permits have been on the rise in recent years, Philly is having significantly fewer block parties than in past decades.
- Block party permits peaked in 2008 with nearly 7,700, per PlanPhilly.
- Permits trended downward over the years, hitting a low of 106 in 2020 during the first year of the pandemic.
By the numbers: Block party permits in recent years, per the city:
- 2018: 4,276
- 2019: 3,506
- 2020: 106
- 2021: 1,830
- 2022: 2,364
- 2023: 2,511
📝 How it works: Submit a digital or paper application for a block party with the city.
- Cost: $25-$150
- You'll need 75% of the households on your block or apartment complex.
- You should submit your application at least 21 days before the party.
☝️ Block parties are supposed to end by 8:30pm.
- Sorry, but "arterial" roads like Broad Street and Girard Avenue can't be closed for block parties.
Editor's note: This story and data graphic have been corrected to reflect that Philadelphia had more than 2,500 block party permits (not applications) in 2023.