2010 News

2009 News

2008 News

2007 News

NOV 27, 2006

Bringing the river back to the people
Metro Philadelphia
by Josh Cornfield

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA While advocates for smart riverfront design applauded Mayor John Street’s decision in October to launch a group to guide development on the Delaware River from Fishtown to South Philly, those planning for the same in the Northeast were already deep into their work.

The nonprofit Delaware River City Corporation, created this year after 10 years of studies and consultation with residents, is working on plans to redevelop more than 700 acres of land mostly cut off from residents by the remnants of industry. Plans include trails, construction of a riverfront roadway and at least four residential projects by private developers.

The group broke ground on its first new stretch of trails earlier this year and already has secured more than $23 million in federal and state money for future projects.

“When I-95 came in it really took the river away from the people of Philadelphia,” said former U.S. Rep. Bob Borski, now chairman of the DRCC. “There is no access to the river. ... Our vision was if we clean this up and put a trail through here then it’s going to be just beautiful. We’ll reconnect the river with the people of Philadelphia, particularly in the Northeast.”

Like the Central Delaware Advisory Group, which is partnering with the University of Pennsylvania’s design school, those planning redevelopment of the river in the Northeast began with a task force that first sought input from the public. The overwhelming majority expressed their desire to have access to the river unblocked by either old factories or gated residential communities.

The Central Delaware planners just started their work — the group has met publicly twice and visited New York’s waterfront last week — but the two groups are already working together, officials say.

“It looks like they’re in a good position to really kind of create something we can link up to when our plan and vision is put forward in a year,” said Harris Steinberg, head of Penn PRAXIS, which is working on the central Delaware plan. “We have a long way to go with implementation. [We hope] to build on synergy between two in some kind of seamless vision.”

“You can’t do one without the left hand talking to the right hand,” said Sarah Thorp, executive director of the DRCC

Nov. 2006

Borski hopes to do more with waterfront
Northeast Times
by Tom Waring

Former congressman Bob Borski is a big fan of Pennypack on the Delaware, a park that features soccer and softball fields and recreational trails. Knowing that the manufacturing industry will never return to the river, Borski is promoting the waterfront for recreation and other uses. "This is what we’re trying to do with the rest of the waterfront," he said.

Borski, chairman of the Delaware River City Corp., was at the park on Friday to accept a $1 million check from Michael DiBerardinis, secretary of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A portion of the grant will be used to extend the trail at Pennypack on the Delaware, located near Rhawn Street, north to the mouth of Pennypack Creek. Construction will be completed next year. Eventually, Borski would like the trail to extend to Linden Avenue.

The remainder of the money will be used to help create Lardner’s Point Park on 4.5 acres of ground just south of the Tacony Palmyra Bridge. Lardner’s Point will be the 63rd park in Philadelphia and the first built since Pennypack on the Delaware.

"It’s a great day in Northeast Philadelphia," said state Sen. Mike Stack (D-5th dist.). "The people of Northeast Philadelphia deserve this." Added City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski (D-6th dist.): "This is like a dream that’s coming true." DiBerardinis, a longtime Fishtown resident who once served as the city’s recreation commissioner and 10 years as a member of the Fairmount Park Commission, also delivered $375,000 to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for an off-road bike trail and better public access to the river.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Mike McGeehan (D-173rd dist.) announced that the House of Representatives has voted to give developers seven acres of state-owned land just south of Rhawn Street. The Senate has to approve the legislation. Developers have already purchased 77 acres and plan 1,700 homes, a marina, commercial enterprises and open space.

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13th dist.), who also attended the news conference, has delivered federal funding for riverfront development. And Pete Ciarrocchi, an East Torresdale resident and owner of the popular Chickie’s & Pete’s restaurants, has agreed to donate $100,000 per year for the next 10 years to the Delaware River City Corp.

Borski introduced Sarah Thorp as the DRCC’s first executive director. Thorp and the corporation will be busy. Other long-term plans include extending Delaware Avenue to Carver Street, making improvements to Pleasant Hill Park at Linden Avenue and creating a pedestrian trail that would stretch from Allegheny Avenue to Morrisville, Bucks County. All of that is in addition to four private development projects — near Rhawn Street, Princeton Avenue, Magee Avenue and Orthodox Street.

Nov. 10, 2006

A rising tide lifts all ships on Delaware River Development
by Joan L. Krajewski

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Mayor Street's executive order a few weeks ago to create a master plan for the "Central Delaware River" has Northeast Philadelphians applauding as well. That's because the mayor, in his remarks during the announcement, singled out the Delaware River City Corporation as the model for redeveloping the riverfront.

Developing the waterfront from Allegheny Avenue south to Oregon-which includes a plan for Penn's Landing-is expected to involve a public-private partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, a 45-member advisory group and input from about 15 community organizations. A major challenge, no doubt. No less serious, of course, are our efforts in the Northeast to redevelop the 11-mile corridor between Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown to the historic Glen Foerd Mansion in Torresdale. Our plan envisions a revitalized riverfront with new housing communities and thousands of new residents; a greenway trail where the old Kensington-Tacony (K & T) Railroad once traveled; restored habitat for waterfowl and tidal wetlands; and, perhaps most importantly, public access to the breathtaking beauty of the North Delaware Riverfront. In addition, a river road will provide a new route for vehicular traffic in Bridesburg, as well as provide access points for new housing and public recreation along the water.

Pleasant Hill Park and the popular fish hatchery in Torresdale will be the beneficiaries of a new master plan to enhance their natural beauty and viability. Historic Lardner's Point and its tranquil view at the foot of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge will become the home of a new fishing spot and trailhead park. Both of these parks connect to the river trail. Every weekend, thousands of Philadelphians hit the Jersey shore or head up to the Poconos for sport fishing, how great would it be if they stayed right here in Philadelphia and pulled "the big one" out of our Delaware waters?

For many years, residents of the Northeast have been denied access to most of the riverfront. Today, thanks to support from federal, state, and local officials, as well as the work and commitment from area businesspersons and concerned residents, we have created a dynamic plan for both a regional riverfront corridor and existing industrial plants to coexist for the betterment of Philadelphia. This is not just a "pie-in-the-sky" venture. There are hard dollars in place to substantially invigorate the riverfront. A $26 million federal appropriation will pay for the trail and park improvements. Four major housing developments are planned: the former Philadelphia Coke site in Bridesburg, the old Dodge Steel plant and former Tacony Army Warehouse, both in Tacony; and the old Northern Shipping marine terminal in Holmesburg. We are working closely with these developers and securing promises from them that these projects will not prohibit public access to the riverfront. This is no small point; the dialogue here has been productive, and the builders are listening to our concerns.

We began this task with the creation of the Northeast Riverfront Task Force, chaired by former U.S. Rep. Bob Borski, with input and support from more than 100 people in the areas of government, business, the community, and non-profits. We worked long and hard to include the best and the brightest, so that the proud communities along the river would have a meaningful seat at the table. Committees were formed to examine a greenway plan, the K & T trail and signage, and ecological restoration. The result was a landmark study: the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway master plan, which presents exciting scenarios for the 700 acres of vacant and underutilized land along the riverfront. I am proud of this plan because of its inclusiveness; the concerns of all Northeast Philadelphians are addressed, and the benefits to the region as a whole are plainly evident.

Today, taking the lead on this issue is the Delaware River City Corporation, which was officially chartered earlier this year and makes its so-called public debut on Friday during a press conference at the Pennypack Park fields. Former Congressman Borski chairs the DRCC, with support from 10 outstanding professionals who form the board of directors. After an extensive search, they recently hired an executive director, Sarah M. Thorp, a Fishtown resident and University of Iowa graduate, who earned a Masters degree at the University of Pennsylvania. The DRCC meets regularly and takes an active role in all development plans along the North Delaware.

As a lifelong resident of the so-called "River Wards," I am proud to lend my support and encouragement to this effort. The people of Northeast Philadelphia deserve nothing less than the very best riverfront redevelopment plan possible. We have the components in place to preserve and enhance this valuable public asset for future generations to come. When William Penn discovered Pennsylvania in 1681 he was so smitten with the Delaware riverfront that he built his house, Pennsbury Manor, on its riverbanks. I am sure he envisioned that the people would soon follow his lead and build their residential, recreational and business communities on the water. That was over 300 years ago, but we're better late than never.

(Councilwoman Joan L. Krajewski represents the 6th District on the river from Port Richmond to Torresdale)

Oct. 23, 2006

Too much time to plan the waterfront, or not enough?
Philadelphia Daily News
by Earni Young

The Street administration has never grasped the truth of the adage, "Life is what happens while you plan it."

The formation of the Central Delaware Advisory Group is an example. The new group has a year to ponder the waterfront and come up with a master plan for redevelopment. A lot can happen in a year - especially in the construction industry, where time is literally money. Janice Woodcock, newly minted executive director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, got a taste of the year to come at her first commission meeting last week. The PCPC had previously supported rezoning for the site of the proposed Bridgeman's View condominium, hotel and galleria proposed for Delaware Avenue between Poplar and Laurel streets. Developer Marc F. Stein came back last Wednesday seeking similar support on his application to rezone an additional parcel for construction of a 15-story parking garage. Stein and his team were in a rush because they need the PCPC's support before going before the Zoning Board of Adjustment on Nov. 1. However, the PCPC's staff asked commissioners to table Stein's request so planners could review the garage plan and determine its impact on Delaware Avenue before making a recommendation.

Woodcock seconded her staff's request but for different reasons. As a member of the mayor's new waterfront advisory group, Woodcock indicated it might be best for the PCPC to delay action on any new waterfront proposals until the task force comes up with its master plan - a year from now. Stein visibly blanched at the idea of such a lengthy delay. He and his lawyers were polite but insistent that the commission vote immediately and affirmatively. Stein noted that several buildings proposed for Delaware Avenue have been canned. "We've stayed in the mix under enormous pressure," Stein noted. "We feel like we're getting tripped up." In the end, the commissioners voted to support the rezoning request pending the staff review.

Woodcock, an architect and planner by training, emphasized that she doesn't want to call a halt to waterfront development, but she does face something of a quandary - how to balance the demands of projects already in the pipeline while crafting a blueprint to guide future growth. "We recognize that we can't stop dead in the water while the advisory group gets organized," Woodcock said. "At the same time, we all recognize that there would be such a value to the plan that we would be able to be reasonable. "If you have a blueprint for sharing the public asset, when everybody builds you will have good design."

Stein said he has no problem with that. "We were behind the waterfront plan a year and a half ago, and we are here to help move that plan forward," Stein said. But after 18 months of negotiating to win the support of community groups for his mega-complex, Stein is unwilling to lose momentum. "We simply want to get the zoning change so that we can get started," he said.

The advisory group also may have to deal with two skyscrapers planned by Hoboken Brownstone at Delaware Avenue just north of Spring Garden, and the 42-story Trump Tower. In addition, one or two slot parlors may open up on the Delaware between Allegheny and Oregon avenues before Easter.

Meanwhile, the Delaware River City Corp. is reaping the benefits of 10 years of careful planning to redevelop the river shoreline from Allegheny north to Linden Avenue. The group received a $1.3 million check from the state on Friday to complete two sections of an 8-mile greenway and recreational trail along the river's edge. Patrick Starr, vice president of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, which helped craft the recently released North Delaware Riverfront Greenway Plan, said the promise of the recreational trail has helped spur redevelopment of brownfield industrial sites for residential use.

Large-scale residential developments are in the planning stages for the former Northern Shipping site, the former Tacony Army Depot, the old Dodge Steel plant and the Philadelphia Coke site. "Not one developer who has come in with a proposal has not included public access on the river, because we have it all spelled out," Starr said. "The political leadership here is insisting that developers do what's in the plan."

Cathy Califano, chief of staff for the Philadelphia Office of Housing and Community Development and a member of the Delaware River City Corp., said some developers on the north Delaware are footing the bill for a portion of the trail that crosses their land. A nonprofit - possibly a special-services district - will be created to generate revenue to maintain the completed trail, she said.

The $1.3-million grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be used in part to extend the trail from its current termination point at Pennypack on the Delaware (Rhawn Street and State Road) to the mouth of Pennypack Creek. Some of the money will be used to create another riverfront park at Lardner's Point - the first new park to be added to the Fairmount Park system in a decade.

© 2006 Philadelphia Daily News and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.philly.com