Philadelphia city officials approved a new pilot program to install six new public porta potties around the city of Philadelphia in 2023.
This pilot program was initiated after a study showed that there are not enough public restrooms to accommodate the masses, and the typical porta potties are a major eyesore.
The Department of Health and Human Services selected the “Portland Loo” design after its success in Hoboken, NJ, and over twenty other cities.
The sleek metal design is powered by solar panels, graffiti-proof, easy to clean, and said to prevent crime with its semi-open panels to view how many individuals are inside.
“The goal of the public restroom pilot is to provide a permanent option that is more attractive to a broad group of people – including families, tourists, businesses, and underserved individuals.”
U.S. Department of Human Services
Residents are having a great debate on if this is the right move for the city. Philadelphia has been plagued with the nickname “Philthadelpia” for years due to its lack of cleanliness, ranking #31 in 2022 on Lawnstarter’s dirtiest cities in America.
“I don’t think I would use it,” McKenzie Keegan said. “I don’t know how many people would use it.” She added that she thinks it’s a good idea, but thinks “it will be a mess.” – (via NBC10)
“Half the streets smell like urine because there aren’t bathrooms for people. So they need to do something,” – via Mike Walton (via CBS Philadelphia)
The first porta-potty is to be installed on the corner of 15th and Arch Streets, where temporary porta potties have sat for over a year.
So the question is, would you use them? Do you think this will help clean up the city or make it worst?
SOURCE: Photo credits via Portland Loo
