CDAG members work together to publish an annual progress report.
The Central Delaware Advocacy Group issues an annual progress report on Philadelphia’s efforts toward creating a world-class waterfront. Progress made thus far by the City is both encouraging and impressive, but no assessment is final until we achieve our goal of a world-class waterfront. Click here to read the first of CDAG’s periodic assessments of progress toward the goal of a revitalized waterfront, completed in 2010. Click here to read the CDAG’s 2011 assessment.
The Central Delaware has a new master plan — a comprehensive blueprint that will help guide development for the future.
The Central Delaware Master Plan was completed in the Fall of 2011 and the board of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) unanimously endorsed the framework and recommendations and forwarded the plan to the Philadelphia City Planning Commission for further action.
The New York-based firm, Cooper Robertson, lead a team that included local landscape architects Olin Partnership, local architects Kieran Timberlake, and economic consultants HR&A. From 2009 – to 2011, the DRWC, under the direction of project manager Sarah Thorp, convened a a series of large civic engagement meetings as well as other smaller gatherings to gain citizen feedback. In addition, a master plan steering committee that included city and state stakeholders, as well as community members (CDAG was represented by chair Steve Weixler) helped to guide the master planning process. The hard work paid off — the Central Delaware Master Plan won the American Institute of Architects 2012 Institutional Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design.
Here is a link to the final plan.
Visit the master plan website for the most up to date information about the project. Also, be sure to visit the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation website for information about the various waterfront planning efforts as well as information about events at Penn’s Landing and Festival Pier.
The new Race Street Pier Park is now open!
The Race Street Pier Park opened on May 12, 2011, to great fanfare and accolades for its innovate design and accessibility to the public. For more information: read Inga Saffron’s very positive review of the design of the pier; become a “friend” of Race Street Pier on Facebook ; follow the “FriendsofRSP” on Twitter to receive updates about events related to the pier; and
view images of the park on PlanPhilly.
The abandoned area at Pier 53 has become a new public green space and is now called Washington Avenue Green.
Located at Washington Avenue, just south of the Coast Guard station, this pier has been redesigned and reconstructed as a public space hinging on the interim trail that is planned for the southern section of the Central Delaware. The Baltimore-based firm, BioHabitats lead this project. The pier was officially opened in October 2010. Click here to read the South Philly Review’s coverage of the ribbon cutting. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is working on developing a friends group for Washington Avenue Green. Interested in getting involved? Look for more information on Facebook.
Already the most successful green space on the Central Delaware, Penn Treaty Park recently completed a master plan for future improvements.
Studio Bryan Hanes recently completed a master plan for future improvements to Penn Treaty Park. Click here to view images of the chosen design.
Councilman Frank DiCicco proposed a zoning overlay change on the river.
The councilman proposed amending the central Delaware overlay to lift height restrictions on some parcels in River’s Edge, and clarify requirements for construction and maintenance of the riverfront trail. CDAG voted to oppose the measures and CDAG’s chair, Steve Weixler, testified against the proposal in both the Philadelphia City Planning Commission and City Council Rules Committee. City Council did approve the proposed changes. Unlike the process for developing the civic vision, action plan, and Central Delaware overlay, this process was closed and did not allow for public input or deliberation. Click here for the latest PlanPhilly story.
The Planning Commission reviewed the Plan of Development for the Central Delaware.
The Central Delaware overlay also called for a plan of development review process for all parcels east of Delaware Avenue/Columbus Boulevard/Richmond Street and any large commercial developments. The guidelines in this process were produced by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, and after requests from community activists and development interests, PCPC allowed public comment over a period of two months. CDAG provided feedback directly to Commission staff and at the Commission’s public meetings.
