PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The city has announced the results of its potty poll — and the term for its state-of-the-art public restrooms shall forever henceforth be: Philly Phlush. We asked Philadelphians how they, er, pheel about it after the second of its kind opened on Tuesday in Center City.
The large, single-toilet room is part of a pilot program, aimed to bring relief to people demanding a better port-a-jawn. In all, six will be installed in key areas of the city.
The newest one is at the corner of 15th and Arch streets in Center City.
It is well-ventilated, ADA compliant, and has plenty of space for a bike, stroller or wheelchair, and it features a hand sanitizer and other amenities, including a box stocked with doses of naloxone. Officials say these types of structures are durable, easy to clean and have crime-prevention features like graffiti-proof walls.
And it was the center of conversation and photos for people who passed by, most of whom were excited to see it up and running.
“Having that there is very convenient. Especially for people who are elderly, pregnant, and who have a disability. I feel that it's very considerate of the city,” said Halimah Powell. She said she likes the privacy.
Powell, and several others who spoke with KYW, say they would use it as long as the city keeps it clean.
The Philly Phlush is modeled on the stand-alone public restrooms of Portland, Oregon, which have been duplicated in more than 20 cities.
Iesha Wright from South Philly said she likes the name: “Philly Phlush. I think it's cool. You never heard nothing like that before, so it's something different.”
The city says it beat out “Philly Loo” and “Philly Public Restroom.”
“One of the things I look for is the cleanliness of restrooms,” said Lynn Lange, visiting from Iowa. “That looks great. Nice job, Philly.”
As if to test that expectation, the toilet was briefly clogged on Tuesday afternoon — and after it was reported, someone did come out quickly to fix the issue.
Users can submit a service request if a Phlush needs to be cleaned, restocked, or repaired — with an online form, by calling 311, or by leaving a voicemail at 215-218-2100 when 311 is not available.
The first Philly Phlush opened in June in North Philadelphia at Fotterall Square (2400 North 11th Street). The third one will open in West Philadelphia near Clark Park, and three other locations have yet to be decided.
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