Hey folks, in case you missed it on the front page, today's episode of Issues Forums deals with the slots parlors and Delaware waterfront planning.
You can watch it on that page, download it as a podcast (caution, you need iTunes for that link to work), or just watch it right here:
For more information, you can also refer back to this post that I did about the unveiling of the Central Delaware waterfront planning committee's plan.
If you're really interested, that committee will be having public meetings tonight and tomorrow to show the results of their work and answer questions from the community. Here's the info:
For nine months, a group of citizens -- led by Penn Praxis, the Philadelphia Planning Commission, and planning and design firm WRT -- have been working on a new concept for Philadelphia's waterfront. Now, they are ready to show off their collaborative vision.
The seven-mile PennPraxis vision calls for integrating mass transit, bike trails, car sharing, and remote parking to shift the focus of the central Delaware from the car to the pedestrian. A new open space network reclaims the waterfront as public domain, calling for a park for every riverward neighborhood, connected by a trail system that will make the Delaware a regional destination.
The public can see the plans today at the Cescaphe Ballroom, 923 N. 2nd Street. Refreshments will be at 5:30; the presentation will be from 6:15 p.m.- 9 p.m. Another presentation will be held tomorrow at Settlement Music School, 416 Queen Street, at the same times. Register for each at www.planphilly.com
So, folks, what do you think? Do you think these casinos can be a good thing? If not, do you think there's any way that they can be stopped? If you think they're inevitable how do you feel about the city's chances to integrate them into a vibrant and attractive Delaware waterfront? Or... should we just sell that strip of waterfront to Camden since we can't seem to do anything good with it anyway? Your comments are welcome.
Comments (1)
I agree with the vision that Penn Praxis has been advocating for the Delaware. Little things like a biking path and public access to the waterfrnt are very important and (outside of the zoning nonsense requiring developers to provide public access) relatively easy to achieve.
The larger picture is where I have concerns. Building parks for every neighborhood where some never existed, sinking the bohemoth I-95, building a light rail system along Columbus Blvd are all immensely expensive endeavors. What are the chances that our (newly majority democratic)congressional delegation and strong local base in the statehouse can bring the necessary BILLIONS of dollars necessary to get the job done?
I heard on the video discussion of extending the street grid to the waterfront. This would be an ideal goal, but how feasible is it that developers are going to be willing/able to buy out Walmart, Ikea, and numerous other giant retailers in S Philly to make this a reality down there? Is there a method for the city's zoning board to require some of the high-rises and casinos proposed, (and approved in many cases) especially in Northern Liberties to downsize their parking garages and maybe substitute ground level retail space?
I can't wait for the ball to start rolling on this. This could be the most important and exciting planning process in the history of Philadelphia since William Penn provided the original street grid.
Posted by Kevin F. | August 1, 2007 1:03 PM