Weekly Update January 20-27

Master Plan wins national AIA   urban planning award

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is sharing a 2012 Institutional Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design.  According to Marilyn Jordan Taylor, dean of the Penn School of Design, receiving the award indicates that the completed master plan is a “21st Century Vision” that is realistic enough to be brought to life.

See http://planphilly.com/news/notebook/central-delaware-master-plan-wins-national-aia-urban-planning-award

Pier 9′s future and a parking lot’s past

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is looking at possibilities for Pier 9 – the municipal space with a large building which is next to the Race Street Pier.  Options are an open-air porch with cafe-seating overlooking the neighboring pier and the Ben Franklin Bridge, and indoor space for small events or opened up for large gatherings.

DRWC’s board wants to know if and when it would be worth the cost, which is being researched.  A feasibility study will determine the cost to ready the space for event rentals, and is looking at the possibility of permanent tenants with more time and money.

See: http://planphilly.com/drwc-talks-about-pier-9s-future-and-parking-lots-past

Weekly Update Jan. 13-20, 2012

Councilman Squilla at CDAG Meeting

Councilman Squilla Wants Agreement for Zoning Ordinances by All Parties

 Addressing a major concern of CDAG members, First District Councilman Mark Squilla said he would not introduce single-parcel zoning legislation at least 99 percent of the time unless the community was in agreement.  “Under the new zoning code, that’s the way it’s supposed to work,” Squilla said.  “A lot more development is supposed to be possible as-of-right, he said, and in the much rarer instances when relief is needed, a ZBA variance, rather than legislation, is supposed to be the way to go.”

See:  http://planphilly.com/cdag-heartened-squillas-stance-zoning-ordinances-plans-open-letter-city-council

Weekly Update Jan. 6-13, 2012

Riverfront Overlay Stands until New Overlay or New Zoning Code Takes Effect

Central Delaware Waterfront

The current overlay expires only when the new zoning code takes effect on 8/22/2012, or should a new overlay be passed under the current zoning code. Until then, the current overlay remains in force,” according to PCPC Executive Director Gary Jastrzab.   Councilman Mark Squilla  told the CDAG board, “There are questions and concerns from the administration and from other people about how this overlay will effect development of the waterfront.”  Squilla sees a need to incorporate the trail the whole way through the seven mile stretch.  But we might have to try to come up with different ways to make that happen,” he said.

See:  http://planphilly.com/contrary-concerns-riverfront-overlay-stands-until-new-overlay-or-new-zoning-code-takes-effect

 

Weekly Update January 6, 2012

January 2012 CDAG Board Meeting
Hosted by New Kensington Community Development Corporation

Thursday, January 12, 6-7:30PM
Coral Street Arts House
2446-68 Coral Street (Kensington), 19125

Directions:

By Subway – Take the Market-Frankford Line to York-Dauphin Station (during rush hour, be sure to catch an A Train or a train making all stops. The B Train will not stop at this station). When you exit the station onto Front Street, make an immediate right turn onto York Street. Walk 2 blocks, then make a left onto Coral Street. Walk 3 blocks – the Coral Street Arts House will be on your left.

From I-95 North – Take the Girard/Lehigh exit. Follow the signs to Aramingo (stay left). Turn Left onto York St. at the Exxon. Go down York until you reach Emerald. Turn Right at Emerald, go a few blocks, Turn Right on E. Cumberland St. and the next street will be Coral where you will turn Right. You will then see Coral St. Arts House – parking on the street.

From I-95 South – Take the Girard/Lehigh exit. Go down Girard until you reach Frankford Ave. (Johnny Brenda’s bar will be on your right.) Turn Right. Go down Frankford almost a mile until you come to a huge intersection. Go Left on York St. & continue until you reach Emerald. Turn Right at Emerald, go a few blocks, turn Right on E. Cumberland St. The next street will be Coral where you will turn Right. You will then see Coral St. Arts House- parking on the street.

Mapquest map to Coral Street Arts House