Weekly Update (March 21st – March 27th)

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has announced more details regarding the debut party for the Race Street Pier:

The DRWC is inviting you to be the first to see Philadelphia’s newest park, while enjoying fare from local Philadelphia restaurants, ambient entertainment and beverages from Yards Brewing Company, Ansonia Wines and Luksosowa Vodka. The evening will be capped off by an exciting landside fireworks display, at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets for the preview event, $150, will be available for purchase online starting April 1 [website coming soon]. Proceeds from the special May 11 preview event will be used to fund arts programming to help keep the new waterfront animated and highly used.

For more info visit this site.

Weekly Update (March 14th – March 20th)

Are you interested in learning more about planning practices? If so, this course is for you!

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission’s Citizens Planning Institute (CPI) is accepting applications for the new and expanded Spring 2011 series of classes for aspiring “citizen planners”. The Spring series builds on our very successful pilot course last November. Class size is limited to 30 participants to ensure lively and interactive learning.

The application form and class descriptions are available on the website: http://citizensplanninginstitute.org. Deadline for application is April 8.

All classes are held at the Community College of Philadelphia’s Center for Business & Industry at 18^th and Callowhill, from 6-9pm and include a buffet dinner (included in course fees). One half-day Saturday workshop is part of the “Core Course” and will take place at the Planning Commission offices at 16^th and Arch Streets. Course material will include practical tools participants can take back to neighborhood organizations to catalyze positive change.

Students completing the three sessions of the “Core Course” and two “Electives” will receive a “Citizen Planner” Certificate of Completion in June.

The CPI’s mission is to empower citizens to take a more effective and active role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods and of Philadelphia, through a greater understanding of city planning and the development process. The CPI is the formal outreach and education arm of the Planning Commission and is connected to the overarching goal of the new comprehensive plan for the City—Philadelphia2035—which provides a blueprint “plan” to move Philadelphia forward over the next 25 years.

Contact Donna Carney, CPI Director, for more information: Donna.Carney@phila.gov or 215-683-4640.

 

Weekly Update (March 7th – March 13th)

Waterfronts are all the rage these days! NYC plans a $3billion transformation of its waterfront. Like Philadelphia, NY is thinking for the long term. The plan is a two decade vision that explores riverfront recreation, infrastructure, and industry.  Read more about the plan here and here. Here is a link to Vision 2020: New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan.

Weekly Update (February 28th – March 6th)

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission has set up a website for the comprehensive plan.  You can also download or review the DRAFT plan and send comments through the Get Involved page, through March 31st.  The web site is an excellent resource for planners, businesses, engaged residents, other City offices, media and bloggers, NGOs and all nonprofits that are interested in being part of the future of Philadelphia.

Congratulations to the City Planning Commission on a job well done! Let’s keep the momentum going…be sure to provide your comments by March 31st.