News from the director’s desk

May 10

Dear PlanPhilly member,

As Philadelphians prepare to cast their votes this coming Tuesday (May 15), citizens will have an opportunity to weigh in on modernizing the zoning code. 
Ballot question #6 calls for the creation of a zoning commission that would be charged with reforming the city’s antiquated and politically expedient zoning
code.  PlanPhilly reporter Matt Blanchard takes a look at why zoning reform matters: http://www.planphilly.com/node/1477.

PlanPhilly will also continually cover zoning reform in coming months.  We hope to highlight needed change in the city’s approach to how development
happens. Smart zoning can promote the idea of walkable neighborhoods and streets; help plan parks and open space; create mixed-use districts; maintain
transportation corridors; encourage population density near mass transit; and help plan and maintain industrial districts.  We’re looking forward to getting
inside the issue.  For more information about the zoning reform referendum and related stories, see http://www.zoningmatters.org/ and
http://www.designadvocacy.org/ 

Advisory Group meeting update

This past Monday, the Central Delaware Riverfront Advisory Group held its monthly meeting. Penn Praxis presented a planning scenario that is developing
around an evolving open space network, improved street and transportation systems, and land-use guidelines. We also briefed the group on possible Girard
Avenue interchange improvements for connectivity and public access.  The presentation can be reviewed in PDF format here:
http://www.planphilly.com/files/Advisory_Group_Meeting_050707_final_compressed.
pdf

In addition, Steven Weixler of the Society Hill Civic Association successfully introduced a resolution that would charge Praxis to develop build/no build
options for its riverfront vision.  The plan would include an option that includes the two proposed casinos and one that assumes the casinos
are not constructed in those locations.  The story and video are linked here: http://www.planphilly.com/node/1474

Upcoming Events
 
May 19: DRCC Pennypack walk, 10-noon. Pennypack on the Delaware, Rhawn Street and the Delaware River, (behind the Riverview Home and the Prison Complex). 
More information here: http://www.drcc-phila.org/events.htm

June 2: New Kensington Community Development Corp. design workshop, 9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. St. Anne’s Social Hall, Memphis and Tucker Streets.  More information
here: http://www.nkcdc.org/

Thanks again for your interest and support.

Best,
Harris

To unsubscribe to PlanPhilly, click here: www.planphilly.com/unsubscribe

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