SCRUB is now Scenic Philadelphia

SCRUB, the Public Voice for Public Space, has changed its name to Scenic Philadelphia. The group was founded in 1990 as the Society Created to Reduce Urban Blight, a grassroots coalition aimed at stopping the proliferation of billboards in Philadelphia. Since its inception, SCRUB has been responsible for the removal of 1000 illegal billboards in the city, and its legal volunteers have represented community organizations and local taxpayers in 40 court appeals.

Over the last two decades the group’s focus has expanded beyond billboards.  “The name change really reflects the growing breadth of our work,” said Mary Tracy, executive director of Scenic Philadelphia.

Recent accomplishments include partnering with Philadelphia Futures to provide a three week summer enrichment program for local high school students.  The students learned about zoning laws, sustainable design and other tools they can use to better their own communities.

The group helped protect Burholme Park from encroaching development and has conducted a seminar on digital signage with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association.  SCRUB also provides leadership as a coordinating member of the Crosstown Coalition, a group comprised of over 25 civic and neighborhood associations across Philadelphia providing input on the city’s new zoning code.

The name change has another purpose: to reflect SCRUB’s longtime affiliation with Scenic America, a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.  “Becoming Scenic Philadelphia emphasizes our connection to the national scenic conservation movement,” Tracy said.

Scenic Philadelphia joins over 35 other state and local Scenic America affiliates nationwide, who together work to preserve and enhance the visual character of the country’s roadways, countryside and communities.
For more information contact Mary Tracy, executive director, at 215.731.1775 or tracy@scenic.org Learn more at www.scenicphiladelphia.org and www.scenicamerica.org