Mayor Nutter Holds Pope Press Conference

Are you excited yet about the pope’s imminent arrival in Philadelphia? Mayor Michael Nutter has a message for those who are still stressing out about logistics: don’t worry, be happy. The mayor held a press conference yesterday, with just ten days to go until the pontiff’s arrival. The conference covered several details not previously discussed, as well as serving to allay residents’ fears about parking, transportation, and service availability.

Mayor Nutter addressed trash service, parking, and utility concerns during the press conference,

Nutter pointed out that, while Center City will certainly be most affected by the pope’s visit, that doesn’t mean that Center City is the only part of Philadelphia that should get in on the excitement. He said that the whole city of Philly is hosting the Holy Father. The message was undoubtedly crafted as yet another pep rally motion to get apathetic residents amped about the visit.

Nutter announced that all city libraries, rec centers, and parks outside of the so-called “Francis Festival Grounds” will be open during regular hours while Pope Francis is in town. You don’t need to worry about the availability of utilities, as Philadelphia Streets Department, Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia Gas Works, and Licenses & Inspections will have crews hanging back at the ready all weekend just in case there’s a water break or similar emergency. Trash was also brought up. Throughout the city, trash collection is cancelled on Friday, September 25 and Monday, September 28, so that the trash collectors can focus on helping to clean up the parkway. All city residents are asked to hang on to their trash until the following week, starting Tuesday, September 29, when normal service will resume.

Police will also have extra officers on deck all weekend to deal with any issues that might arise either within or without of the festival grounds.