The landscape of Philadelphia's neighborhoods could be set for a transformation as the City Planning Commission, in collaboration with local communities, races to update zoning districts from Roosevelt Boulevard to Sedgley Avenue. Amid this potential change, it is the voice of the people that city officials are eagerly looking to hear.
Zoning impacts how properties in Philadelphia can be built and used, with maps available online for every neighborhood, according to the official city announcement. In an effort to really get down to what those living and working in the area envision, the Commission is pushing to thoroughly update these regulations. This move isn't out of the blue, though; goals for neighborhood growth were hashed out back in the 2018 North District Plan, and it's these aspirations that are serving as the template for change now.
The updates are not just for kicks—they’re a targeted attempt to meet those 2018 community goals for the 5th Council District. The updates are being rolled out in two phases, the first phase homes in on the area encircled by West Erie Avenue, 9th Street, the district boundary, railroad tracks, and North Broad Street. Phase two will focus on the box framed by Roosevelt Expressway, 9th Street, West Erie Avenue, and, again, North Broad Street.
To loop into this conversation, residents and business owners are encouraged to attend at community meetings slated for September 4 and October 16 at Voice of Praise Church. Not only are these sessions a prime chance to voice your ideas, but there's also an ADA seal of approval on the venue, and Spanish translation to include even more of the community. The city's planners are also set to post meeting materials online post-haste, and they're also keen to sort through any survey responses sent their way by September 18, as mentioned on the city's announcement page.
For those who want more details or have questions, Nathan Grace, the North District Planner, is the go-to guy, reachable at [email protected] or (215) 683-4648.
