In an effort to soften the sometimes hectic Chelten Avenue commercial corridor, the business district is getting a makeover.
In March,
we reported that the
City Planning Commission (CPC), led by Northwest Community Planner Matt Wysong, was working to improve Germantown's primary business district. The planning staff completed the
Central Germantown Business District Beautification Plan last September and now implementation details are emerging.
"We’re starting with a model block," explains Wysong. "It will be Chelten Avenue between Greene Street and Germantown Avenue."
First up will be the planting of mature street trees, a project run by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department -- and coming out of their operating budget.
"The beautification improvements of the model block are meant to be the connector between Maplewood Mall and Vernon Park," explains Wysong, referencing two major neighborhood landmarks.
Street trees will also be planted along Greene Street this fall; that project is being managed by Germantown Tree Tenders.
Then, in spring 2014, the City will shift its focus directly to the Chelten and Greene intersection. The Department of Public Property will work with the Coleman Library to enhance its corner entrance.
"We want the library to be an example of what an open and transparent building is meant to be along the model block," says Wysong. "We’ll remove the existing fence and improve its curb appeal so people are more aware it's open."
The plan's most ambitious project also focuses on the Chelten and Greene intersection -- at the northwest corner, immediately adjacent to Vernon Park, CPC plans to renovate the outdated bus plaza. Due to its complexity, Wysong is saving this improvement for last (Summer 2014) and, because of cost restraints, CPC is hoping to turn the project into a DIY effort of sorts.
Parks and Rec will be tapped to supply soil and materials, and CPC is currently looking for partners to either donate funds or dedicate time and labor to help construct the new platforms. The new plaza will act as a gateway to Vernon Park (Mural Arts is also being enlisted in this effort) while providing a needed transit improvement and public space amenity for Chelten Avenue.
Source: Matt Wysong, Philadelphia City Planning Commission
Writer:
Greg Meckstroth