New design for Plan Philly

To Our Readers,
   What you are looking at is the new design for www.planphilly.com, which has become a more active site during the last couple of weeks and will continue to as we move through 2007.
   As the new managing editor for the PennPraxis planning and urban design web site I will be responsible for creating and coordinating many aspects of coverage that will bring you timely news, in-depth feature stories and expert commentary and analysis about a major project that is well under way in Philadelphia, the creation of a new citizen-driven civic vision for the Central Delaware Riverfront.
     We have been working with design consultants to create a state of the art website that will be the sole portal citizens can use to follow, in the most detailed way possible, the process of creating a lasting vision for seven miles of diverse Delaware River waterfront, stretching from Oregon Avenue northward to Allegheny Avenue.
     Praxis’ vision for the website, which is a unique experiment in project-based journalism, will be to cover this ongoing story with thorough news and enterprise beat coverage delivered by the Praxis staff, and a team of seasoned professional journalists. The pros will be supported by a group of citizen journalists who will deliver grassroots information and feedback onto the website from their neighborhoods.
       That’s not all. Through the website’s discussion boards and forums, the public can participate in this civic engagement effort to design the people’s waterfront. With that in mind, PlanPhilly will cover a series of public meetings that will serve as value sessions and measure the citizens’ vision for the riverfront plan that are scheduled this month and into early 2007.
       We intend the site to be a healthy mix of words, video, audio and mapping components. That combination will help us be active, changing and nimble. We want PlanPhilly to surprise and enlighten you.
      We want PlanPhilly to grow into a tool that educates and connects citizens, developers, business people and politicians alike in a discussion about what a world-class 21st century city should be.
    We also want your feedback as we proceed.
    Email me at mgolas@design.upenn.edu or give me a call at 215 573-8720

                                                             Matt Golas