From the director’s desk, April 13

Dear PlanPhilly member,

As all Philadelphia residents’ eyes are focused on the upcoming mayoral election, PennPraxis has been working hard to ensure that the candidates are informed about the Central Delaware Riverfront Planning Process and support the process moving forward into the next administration.

As discussed at last week’s Advisory Group meeting, PennPraxis is meeting with the campaigns to brief them on the progress of the Planning Process and the importance of an open and transparent, citizen-driven vision for the waterfront.  So far, all Democratic candidates have scheduled meetings and expressed interest in what will certainly be an important issue for the
candidate-elect.

The Central Delaware Riverfront Planning Process was one of the many topics at last night’s Mayoral Forum sponsored by the Design Advocacy Group.  Other issues included the upcoming ballot measures on casinos and zoning reform.
Check out PlanPhilly for a full report: http://www.planphilly.com/node/1348. Inga Saffron also reported on the event: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20070410_Urban_planning_not_priority_in_race.html

Other important updates from the Planning Process include: My piece in Sunday’s Inquirer that discusses the importance of public investment in open space and infrastructure as a significant catalyst for private development: http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20070408_On_the_riverfront.html

PlanPhilly’s Kellie Patrick features Kevin Thomas, a Philadelphia School District police officer who sees the need for fishing along the Delaware River as an important educational tool for inner-city youth: http://www.planphilly.com/node/1343

Inquirer article reporting the latest legal action against City Council regarding the casino referendum ballot measure: http://www.planphilly.com/node/1354

Hallwatch report that Foxwoods may not have to be held to Councilman DiCicco’s new zoning standards if the ballot referendum does not pass:
http://www.hallwatch.org/news/1176154814598

We are thrilled to see waterfront development become such an important agenda item for Philadelphia, and we are working hard to make sure it stays that way.  Our next meeting will be the morning of April 23, when the Steering Committee will review a memo outlining use and design guidelines for large-scale development as requested by the Advisory Group.

Best,
Harris

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PennPraxis Office
410 Duhring Wing
University of Pennsylvania School of Design
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6311
Tel: 215-573-8720
Fax: 215-573-9600