Hope everyone has been snjoying the beginning of summer.  I feel like I have been consistenly on the move although I have not done any travel since New Orleans Jazzfest.  Just finished up a great two week music run which included U2 (review), Paul Simon (review), Dave Matthews Band, Depeche Mode, Journey/Def Lepperd, Roger Daltry, and two Dead shows.  Work wise, just launched my second AirBnB (2 BR & 3 BR), helped a friend/client/ sell their condo in center city (Academy House), have one new construction project in East Falls, and am busy with keeping the rental units occupied.  If anyone ever wants to talk real estate, I am always happy to have a conversation

For those who live in Philadelphia and have seen your real estate taxes sky rocket, let me know if you would like some help with your tax appeal.  I have had some success over the years with the tax review board and can help you better understand you valuations. For those that are now aware of Philly's current tax craze, this seminar has  a review that will fill you in.  The tax appeal form can be found here.

Public Service Announcement: Center City Sips has turned in to a HUGE party in town.  My mind was blown this last WED for happy hour: Center City Sips 2018: CCD Announces Higher Prices, Heavier Security

BTW, If anyone is  getting together in town for the World Cup games, please keep me in mind.  - Mark

AROUND TOWN 

A) Philly's Own Rail Park Officially Opens, To Great Fanfare

B) Two New Rooftop Bars In Philly To Open In July

C) Will Smith is finally getting his own mural in West Philadelphia

D) The Next Philly Free Streets Destination: North Broad (August 11th)

COMMERCE

A) Amazon expands Whole Foods grocery delivery service to Philadelphia area

B) Reservation app that pays you to eat at restaurants will come to Philadelphia

REAL ESTATE

A) Forbes: How Fishtown, Philadelphia Became America's Hottest New Neighborhood

WEED

A) First for Center City: Medical marijuana dispensary gets approval (1206 Sansom)

B) Eight Pennsylvania colleges get OK to study medical marijuana

C) Pennsylvania court hits pause on medical marijuana research

D) NJ recreational marijuana bill stalling, but overall prospects still look bright

E)  As PA rewrites medical cannabis research law, operators weigh new litigation

SPORTS

A) Philly's first pro football team? Hint: It wasn't the Eagles.

B) NFL's Eagles To Play Wembley; Onsale Apparently Crashes

C) Lincoln Financial Field to Serve As 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Host Venue

D) Philly Baseball History: Shibe Park

D) Eagles reunite to receive 'bling-ier' Super Bowl rings

 CITY RANKINGS

A)  Philadelphia speeds ahead of N.Y. & San Francisco for best quality of life for the cost: Report

B)  Philadelphia Rates Highly In Walkability, Food, But Poorly In Crime, Education

TRANSIT

A)  SEPTA to stop selling paper transfers beginning Aug. 1

B) SEPTA's Key card readers will soon accept new PATCO fare cards

C) Gov. Wolf Announces $8.6M Plan To Ease I-76 Traffic

D) Putting the brakes on Lincoln Drive's raceway

E) E-ZPass Going Live On 5 Cape May County Bridges

I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCYLE (I joined the Bicycle Coalition this week)

A) Delaware Avenue Bike Lane Proposal Breezes Through First Public Meeting

B) Indego bike share expands to Navy Yard, stadiums in South Philly

C) New Bike Lanes on Market and JFK

INTERNATIONAL 

A) A new Philly-themed bar is drawing crowds in London

ENTERTAINMENT

A) Meek Mill among headliners for 2018 Made in America Festival

B) RENDERINGS: Philadelphia Zoo breaks ground on 20,000-square-foot Earth & Elm Restaurant

NON PHILLY NEWS FOR PARENTS

Disney World Now Serves Booze at Every Sit-Down Restaurant Inside the Magic Kingdom