City Councilman Brian J. O'Neill said he expects Thursday to jump start the controversial expansion of the Fox Chase Cancer Center, with plans to introduce legislation that has been tentatively agreed upon following a meeting with Mayor Nutter. "It's the beginning of the finality" for the project, he said.
The $800 million expansion has been stymied by community opposition stemming from traffic and other concerns about from plans to build in publicly-owned Burholme Park.
In December, O'Neill withheld a proposed lease agreement on the park land, saying despite months of negotiations, there were still outstanding issues.
On Wednesday, O'Neill said those issues have now disappeared. While some details must still be worked out, he said, "We got a deal.... I'll have the broad agreement to introduce tomorrow."
The councilman credited Nutter, saying he has spoken with the mayor "three or four times" since he took office Jan. 7. "All this took was somebody who was really smart, and a really good listener," O'Neill said, referring to a recent meeting with the mayor.
Also in Council Thursday,
Councilman Jim Kenney will ask for hearings to figure out how the city can avoid sidewalk closures on construction projects, and rather require contractors to erect protective scaffolding that pedestrians can walk under. Kenney will also call for hearings to look into establishing a recycling program for Philadelphia International Airport.
Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. will call for hearings on the proliferation of mortgage foreclosures and houses sold at Sheriff’s sales, with the goal of finding ways to protect people from losing their homes. Jones will also offer a resolution to offer a centralized system of obtaining benefits for the poor.
Councilman Frank DiCicco was still working last night on legislation asking for a referendum to change the city charter and make the Police Advisory Commission permanent
Comments (8)
Wasn't the land in question willed to the City by the Ryer's Familty to establish a public park? How can it be turned over to a commercial interest?
Posted by Tom from Lawndale | January 31, 2008 11:57 AM
Posted on January 31, 2008 11:57
I don't think Fox Chase is a commercial interest. They are a non-profit that treats and researches cancer. That's a little different than putting in a Best Buy.
Posted by Anonymous | January 31, 2008 1:47 PM
Posted on January 31, 2008 13:47
Go Jim Kenney! I am so sick of being forced into traffic or around the block so that some contractor can take up an extra 12 feet of sidewalk for months at a time. New Yorkers don't put up with that, and neither should we.
Posted by Rob | January 31, 2008 2:22 PM
Posted on January 31, 2008 14:22
Yo Rob Have you seen the width of the streets in New York compared to ours? No comparison. I recommend that when you come up on a sidewalk closure read the sign, "SIDEWALK CLOSED USE OTHER SIDE", not walk in traffic. Here's a hint, it's usually 26' away. You should also walk looking ahead to see what is in front of you instead of that gorgeous Philly gal walking passed you. You are in traffic.
Posted by Anonymous | January 31, 2008 8:29 PM
Posted on January 31, 2008 20:29
Even though is is not a commercial enterprise, Fox Chase Cancer Center still represents a private corporate interest.
Posted by Tom from Lawndale | January 31, 2008 10:50 PM
Posted on January 31, 2008 22:50
Fox Chase may still represent a private coporate interest, but as a local resident I support it. Have you seen the park? It will be a great way to improve the park since the parts being taken over are just run down areas.
Posted by Anonymous | February 1, 2008 11:16 AM
Posted on February 1, 2008 11:16
Forcing people to cross the street is not the answer. The sidewalks are public access places, not the private property of the construction project. Right of way should be created either with scaffolding over the sidewalk or safe barricaded walkways in the street. Pedestrian safety is at stake!
Posted by Andrew | February 1, 2008 12:54 PM
Posted on February 1, 2008 12:54
I do not think that scaffolding or sidewalk bridging will stop a piece of pre-cast concrete from crashing through and crushing you. It is a false sense of security. It also adds significant costs to construction. It is only a temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement, be patient and safe, cross the street.
Posted by Anonymous | February 3, 2008 10:28 AM
Posted on February 3, 2008 10:28