Residents living near the Kensington and Allegheny Avenues intersection should be aware of recent changes to the Philadelphia City Council map that may affect their representation.
A new map outlining the latest district boundaries took effect Tuesday following a citywide redistricting effort based on the 2020 Census results. City Council adopted the map in February 2022.
The map was used during the 2023 City Council elections, meaning voters selected candidates based on the new district boundaries. However, the districts did not change until the election winners were seated earlier this week.
Previously, the streets surrounding the intersection were split between Districts 1 and 7, each represented by one council member. Now, the area is divided into Districts 1, 6, and 7 and is served by three representatives.
The change mostly impacts Harrowgate residents.
Before the redistricting, Harrowgate residents between Kensington Avenue and Port Richmond were represented by Councilmember Mark Squilla (District 1), whose district included a large portion of Kensington. Now, they are part of District 6, represented by Councilmember Mike Driscoll, who serves Port Richmond and Northeast neighborhoods as far as Torresdale.
Meanwhile, Kensington and Harrowgate residents living on the other side of Kensington Avenue are represented by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (District 7). Lozada also represents a pocket between Kensington and Frankford Avenues and Monmouth Street to Allegheny Avenue, including Willard Elementary and Conwell Middle Schools.
Redistricting, which happens every 10 years when census data is released, is intended to ensure every resident has equal representation. However, some residents and nonpartisan groups have expressed concern about the new boundaries splitting communities with shared interests and decreasing their political power.
For a detailed explanation of Philly's redistricting process, click here.
How to contact your City Council representative
District 1: Councilmember Mark Squilla
Address
City Hall, Room 332
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3290
Phone(s)
215-686-3458
215-686-3459
Instagram
instagram.com/cmmarksquilla
District 6: Councilmember Mike Driscoll
phlcouncil.com/michaeldriscoll
Address
City Hall, Room 313
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone(s)
215-686-3444
215-686-3445
Facebook
facebook.com/councilmembermikedriscoll
Instagram
instagram.com/councilmembermikedriscoll
District 7: Councilmember Quetcy Lozada
Address
City Hall, Room 316
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone
215-686-3448
Facebook
facebook.com/councilmemberquetcy
Instagram
instagram.com/councilmemberquetcy
Have any questions, comments, or concerns about this story? Send an email to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
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