Speeding cameras, asthma capitals, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Speeding cameras installed on Broad Street. The Philadelphia Parking Authority unveiled new speeding cameras along North Broad Street to slow down traffic. The cameras are a part of the city’s Vision Zero program, which intends to eliminate vehicle-related deaths by installing traffic-calming measures. A similar project along Roosevelt Boulevard seems to have successfully curbed traffic speeds. Billy Penn

Philadelphia is named one of the “asthma capitals” of the U.S. Philadelphia is ranked No. 4 in the country for most difficult places to live with asthma, according to a study conducted by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Ana Santos Rutschman, a health law professor at Villanova University, says that much of the difficulty comes from poor indoor air quality due to inadequately maintained old buildings. The Conversation

Reflective pavement pilot in Hunting Park. The Office of Sustainability is piloting a cooling, reflective sealant over pavement in Hunting Park to combat heat absorption. Typical asphalt absorbs the sun’s rays, contributing to the heat island effect throughout Philadelphia. The sealant has had mixed results for improving human wellbeing in other cities; Philadelphia will be the first to test it in a humid, Mid-Atlantic environment. WHYY

Community members plant 2,000 native species in Cobbs Creek. Community members and city officials gathered for a Community Planting Day at Johnny Sample Recreation Center in Cobbs Creek on Friday. Johnny Sample is undergoing a large renovation and is set to reopen in the fall as part of the city’s Rebuild initiative. The upgrades include a renovated basketball gym, ADA accessibility improvements, and pursuing LEED sustainability certification. West Philly Local

Cover photo: Photo by CNordic Nordic on Unsplash