Tree clearing in FDR Park gets approval from Philly zoning board

One possible challenge: Officials say a $12 million federal grant to help implement the Philly Tree Plan is frozen.

Organizers expect to complete the next step in turning the Reading Railroad Viaduct into a park in a few months, but there’s a long way to go.

At issue are 48 mature trees, which the Fairmount Park Conservancy proposes cutting down to make way for athletic fields.