PlanPhilly weekly news recap 1-24-08

1-24-08

Dear PlanPhilly member,

This week’s update includes breaking news on zoning for Foxwoods Casino and the revoking of SugarHouse’s riparian rights license, as well as news on the continued demolition of the PLICO buildings on North Broad, bike sharing; and the new looks of the Zoning Code Commission and Planning Commission.

1. Foxwoods zoning legislation introduced

City Council majority leader Marian Tasco submits Commercial Entertainment District designation for casino concern on behalf of Frank DiCicco. Click here for the story: http://www.planphilly.com/node/2598.

Read the ordinance here: http://www.planphilly.com/files/FoxwoodsCED%20designation.pdf.

2. Breaking News: Nutter revokes SugarHouse submerged lands license

In a press conference this afternoon, Mayor Michael Nutter calls Commerce Department’s granting of license to casino “rushed” and “in error.” He says SugarHosue can re-apply to Commerce Department, reaffirming the notion that the city has the authority to grant riparian rights. Check PlanPhilly for a more detailed report this evening.

Click here for more information: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080124_Nutter_revokes_SugarHouse_license.html

3. Did system doom historic North Broad Street buildings?

Commonwealth Court judge dismisses Preservation Alliance challenge to Convention Center, DGS demolition; no appeal planned. A rally is planned for Friday at noon at Broad and Arch Streets.  Click here for the full report: http://www.planphilly.com/node/2589.

Read the order: http://www.planphilly.com/files/dgs%20opinion.PDF.

4. Zoning Code Commission has a full house

With all appointments made, ZCC holds first fully staffed meeting; commission hears how zoning relates to health and environment. Click here to read the full report: http://www.planphilly.com/node/2595. PlanPhilly will be continuing its profiles of new members.

Also, Planning Commission gets Mayor Nutter makeover: http://www.planphilly.com/node/2585.

5. Peddling a more efficient way to get around

Over 400 turn out on a snowy evening to hear how best practices for bike sharing could change the face of getting around Philadelphia.  Click here for the PlanPhilly story: http://www.planphilly.com/node/2565.  Click here for Bike Share Philadelphia’s website: http://www.bikesharephiladelphia.org/events/forum/.

Email your support to the mayor: http://www.bikesharephiladelphia.org/takeaction/

6. Kimmel Center Public Space Forums

The Kimmel has partnered with PennPraxis and the Penn Project on Civic Engagement to lead a public process on how to make the Kimmel Center public spaces a more vibrant community destination.  Ideas will be the base of work done by University of Pennsylvania and University of the Arts design students.

For more information on the project and how to participate, check out: www.planphilly.com/kimmel

7. Imagining Philadelphia

PlanPhilly will continue covering the series of Imagine Philadelphia sessions, a series of public forums coordinated by the City Planning Commission that marks the beginning of a city comprehensive planning process.

Click here for the report from the Center City session: http://www.planphilly.com/node/2591

Here is the schedule of the remaining forums:

Jan. 29: Germantown — http://www.planphilly.com/node/2489
Jan. 31: Roxborough — http://www.planphilly.com/node/2600

Other Upcoming Events

Jan. 24: DRPA trolley line extension meetings — http://www.planphilly.com/node/2552
Jan. 25: ULI Philadelphia Fourth Friday Breakfast: “Penn Connects” — http://www.planphilly.com/node/2543
Jan. 25: Rally to support preservation of the PLICO buildings — http://www.planphilly.com/node/2597

Best until next week,
Matt Golas, Managing Editor

 

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