Sustainability : Development News

I-95 is one of the country’s most prolific highways, running between Maine and Florida. For the most part the highway runs uninterrupted, except for a small gap in the Trenton, NJ-area. With this in mind, a movement to remove the highway from the Delaware River waterfront landscape between the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman Bridges is gaining steam. The idea of reclaiming the city’s waterfront by removing the highway, or merely burying it, was discussed at the Re-Imagining Urban Highways forum last week at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Speakers at Re-Imagining Urban Highways came from across the country, and represented the municipal, academic, and journalistic spheres. They include Aaron Naparstek of the transportation planning website StreetsBlog, Peter Park of Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, Thomas Deller of Providence, RI’s Department of Planning and Development, and Ashwan Balakrishnan with the South Bronx River Watershed Alliance. They discussed successful and current efforts to remove urban highways around the world, and the realized and potential benefits of removal.  

The final two speakers were Diana Lind, the editor in chief of Next American City, and Andrew Stober, the Chief of Staff for Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Utilities, both of whom gave a local perspective. Lind was the chief proponent of creating a dialogue about removing or burying I-95, as she cited other highways and arterials that motorists could detour on to avoid the highway. Unfortunately, some of these highways are as far away as South Jersey and the western suburbs. Lind revealed that she’ll be circulating a petition to PennDOT in favor of altering I-95 this week.  

As one of the most influential people in Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Utilities, Stober had one of the evening's more interesting points of view. While willing to discuss the merits of burying or removing I-95, he concentrated on other improvements that could be made to the city and region’s transportation network. Stober’s main focus was on mass transit, which he called “an incredible endowment from previous generations.” He showcased the city’s proposals for Columbus Blvd., which include a light-rail line running down the median.

Stober preferred to concentrate on transit access because it “gives us more bang for the buck than dealing with the highway.” The chief of staff also lamented the unwillingness of some state and federal lawmakers to fund transportation and infrastructure, given that it’s not a glamorous topic for many voters. He cited the multitude of constituent feedback to puppy mill legislation, and compared it to the relative silence from voters on transportation legislation. Apparently, bridges and trains will never be as cute as pug and Labrador puppies.   

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Andrew Stober, Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Utilities

Old theaters, churches, bridgs historic sites and cemeteries were among those earning 2012 Preservation Achievement Awards from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

The Preservation Alliance will present its Grand Jury Awards to 17 regional restoration and revitalization projects at its 19th annual Preservation Achievement Awards luncheon on May 8 at the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building.

Danilo Vicencio of Vicencio Architects had two projects earn awards, including a property at 1824 Diamond Street and another North Philly project with Power House Development, Inc., at 431 N. 39th Street.

Also, the James Biddle Award, one of the Special Recognition Awards recognizing lifetime achievement in historic preservation, will go to West Chester University Professor Emeritus of History and American Studies Richard J. Webster. The distinguished teacher and author's books inlucde Philadelphia Preserved: The Catalog of the Historic American Buildings Survey.

"The range of award winners this year demonstrates the important role that historic preservation has in the economy of the Philadelphia region and the revitalization of neighborhoods," says Preservation Alliance Executive Director John Andrew Gallery in a news release.

Here's a full list of award winners:

GRAND JURY AWARDS
(project, address, owner, architect)

1824 Diamond Street
1824 Diamond Street, Philadelphia
Power House Development, Incorporated
Danilo Vicencio
 
2307 St. Albans Place
2307 St. Albans Place, Philadelphia
F. Scott Donahue
David S. Traub & Associates

431 N. 39th Street Triplex
431 N. 39th Street, Philadelphia
Power House Development, Incorporated
Danilo Vicencio

Arch Street United Methodist Church Window
55 North Broad Street, Philadelphia
Arch Street United Methodist Church
Atkin Olshin Schade Architects

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul
18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
VITETTA

Curtis Institute of Music Lenfest Hall
1616 Locust Street, Philadelphia
Curtis Institute of Music
Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, Inc.

George A. Weiss Pavilion at Franklin Field
233 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania
Crawford Architects

Independence Hall Tower
Independence Square, Philadelphia
City of Philadelphia
Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype, Inc.

Mariposa Food Co-op - Belmont Trust Company Building
4824 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia
Mariposa Food Co-op
Re:Vision Architecture

Medallion Garden
3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
Laurel Hill Cemetery
KSK Architects Planners Historians, Inc.

PennDOT District 6-0 Bridge Rehabilitations
Cope's Bridge Strasburg Road (SR 0162) over Branch of Brandywine Creek
Hares Hill Bridge Hares Hill Road (SR 1045) over French Creek
Henry Avenue Bridge Henry Avenue (SR 4001) over Wissahickon Creek Lincoln Dr.
Rapps Dam Covered Bridge Rapps Dam Road (SR 1049) over French Creek

Saint Francis de Sales Church
4625 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia
Saint Francis de Sales Parish
Historic Building Architects, LLC

Shane Candies
110 Market Street, Philadelphia
Franklin Fountain LLC
Owners Re

Smithville Park Houses
8 & 9 Park Avenue and 34 Maple Avenue, Eastampton, NJ
Burlington County, Department of Resource
Conservation, Division of Parks
Wu & Associates, Inc.

Termini Brothers Bakery
1523 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia
Termini Brothers Bakery
Materials Conservation Collaborative, LLC

West Chester University Recitation Hall
35 West Rosedale Avenue, West Chester
West Chester University of Pennsylvania of the State System of Higher Education, Facilities
Design and Construction Department
Klein and Hoffman, Inc.

World Cafe Live at the Queen Theater
500 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE
Buccini/Pollin Group
Homsey Architects

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
THE JAMES BIDDLE AWARD 
for lifetime achievement in historic preservation
Richard J. Webster, PhD

PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
for preservation in the public interest
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

RHODA AND PERMAR RICHARDS AWARD
for service to the Preservation Alliance
Architectural Walking Tour volunteer guides

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD
for exceptional contributions to historic preservation
Ruth and Mansfield Bascom

COMMUNITY ACTION AWARDS
for achievement by community organizations
Friends of Mt. Moriah Cemetery  For efforts to maintain and improve Mt. Moriah Cemetery

Strawberry Mansion CDC and Strawberry Mansion NAC  For successful efforts to retain the historic character of the Strawberry Mansion trolley barn

SPECIAL 100th ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITION
Bucks County Historical Society  On the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Henry Mercer’s home, Fonthill

AIA PHILADELPHIA AWARDS
2012 AIA Philadelphia Landmark Building Award
Vanna Venturi House, Venturi and Rauch, 1962

The Henry J. Magaziner EFAIA Award
To be announced

If you’ve savored some French cuisine at Bibou, inhaled some hot chocolate at Rim Café, or purchased a wedge of cheese from DiBruno Brothers, you know that South Philly’s Italian Market is a delicious neighborhood.

How would you like to live next to the Italian Market? In fact, you might be able to find a sustainable townhouse in the Italian Market neighborhood later this year, as CITYSPACE Realty is selling four soon-to-be-built sustainable townhomes.

Rachel Reilly, a listing agent for CITYSPACE, anticipates construction to begin on the Olive Townhomes in four to six weeks. As has been the trend with some new residential construction in Philadelphia, the townhomes will be built using modular construction. “Since these homes are modular instead of stick-built, the first phase of construction begins in a controlled warehouse setting, and then the boxes are delivered and stacked on site,” explains Reilly. She says that the construction period will last for four months, with construction of the final three units hinging on how quickly they go off the market.

One of the most notable features of Olive Townhomes will be its minimal footprint on the environment. Reilly makes it clear that she expects the townhomes to be certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold, which is the second highest LEED certification possible. According to the agent, the development will be the first LEED Gold multi-unit complex in Bella Vista. The environmentally friendly features that are planned include Energy Star appliances, bamboo flooring, low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint, and roofs that can accommodate solar panels. 

Reilly adds that the location itself, on the 800-block of Carpenter St., is sustainable because of its walkability and access to mass transit. “It's steps to a slew of great restaurants (many of the BYOs), the Italian Market, great coffee shops, boutiques, and public transportation,” she exclaims. In addition it’s a manageable walk to and from Passyunk Avenue shops. Nearby mass transit options include the Routes 23, 47, and 47M buses, along with the Broad Street Subway. 

The three biggest townhomes will be 2,690 square feet apiece, each containing 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Each townhome will include four stories, with an outdoor patio, large windows, and the option of adding a fireplace. The fourth townhome will be 2,540 sq. ft., with a basement, deck, and fireplace. The four townhomes will surround a lush outdoor courtyard. Single-car parking will be on-site for two of the residences, while the other two townhomes will have parking at a lot a block away. CITYSPACE’s Rachel Reilly is listing the property along with Sarah Robertson. 

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Rachel Reilly, CITYSPACE Realty

The national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy held a trails forum at Rutgers Camden this past Friday in conjunction with Cooper's Ferry Partnership and the William Penn Foundation. The forum, a local byproduct of Rails-to-Trails' Urban Pathways Initiative (UPI), concentrated on the need for bicycle and pedestrian trails in Camden. The forum comes in the throes of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission's (DVRPC's) Regional Trails Program, which awarded money to Camden in mid-December.

While there's potential for a number of new trails in Camden, DVRPC awarded $150,000 towards the design phase of the Baldwin's Run Tributary Trail, says Chris Linn, manager in DVRPC's Office of Environmental Planning. Meishka Mitchell, the Vice President of Neighborhood Initiatives at Cooper's Ferry Partnership, hopes to "daylight" the Baldwin's Run tributary, which forms from the Delaware River and runs through the Cramer Hill neighborhood of Camden. By "daylighting," Mitchell means unearthing the tributary, which was filled with dirt in the 1960s, by creating a trail out of it.

The Baldwin's Run Tributary is now the site of Von Neida Park, which is Cramer Hill's most sizeable park. Usually a park connotes positive things for a neighborhood, but things aren't always as they seem in Cramer Hill. In fact, Cooper's Ferry complains that the park is prone to flooding, illegal activity, and a lack of upkeep. Flooding is the most dire woe, as nearby homeowners are left waterlogged after many storms. The flooding stems from the filling-in of the creek, which Mitchell's CDC hopes to rectify by removing the dirt and turning the body of water into a trail and drainage area.  
 
Mitchell is convinced of the plentiful benefits that trails can have for impoverished Cramer Hill. While it wasn't funded during the first phase of the Regional Trails Program, she is optimistic that a trail will be built along the Cooper River. She says a trail here could generate as much as $600 million for the city, expand its tax base, and help re-develop its brownfields, of which there are many. There is currently zero public access to the Cooper River in Cramer Hill. 

The vice president is happy with how the Urban Pathways forum went. "The event has helped to raise awareness on critical missing links, economic development, and neighborhood restoration," lauds Mitchell. The forum consisted of five sessions, which discussed how trails in Camden and its older brother across the Delaware River can connect, waterfront trail facilitation, how trails promote public health, teaching youth about trails, and funding trails.   

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Sources: Meishka Mitchell, Cooper's Ferry Partnership and Chris Linn, DVRPC

Amidst the din of barreling Amtrak trains at Holmesburg Junction Station, State Sen. Mike Stack and State Rep. Mike McGeehan drew attention to the dire need to fund Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure this past week. Speaking a week before Gov. Corbett’s long-awaited release of a transportation funding plan, Sen. Stack and Rep. McGeehan sounded the alarm on the poor state of road and mass transit infrastructure in the Philadelphia area.

Stack (D-Philadelphia) focused his remarks on the urgency of fixing SEPTA’s infrastructure. “Our transportation system is falling apart right underneath our tracks,” says Stack, as he stood next to the bustling Northeast Corridor rail tracks. He pulled out some sobering statistics, including that SEPTA’s mean bridge age is more than 80 years old. While Northeast Corridor bridges are maintained by Amtrak, this includes bridges on SEPTA’s West Trenton line, which pierces Stack’s district. Some bridges on Regional Rail lines outside of the senator's district are even older and in even worse shape.

Stack, along with SEPTA General Manager Joe Casey, spoke specifically about Holmesburg Junction Station, which serves SEPTA’s Trenton line trains. Stack mentioned that SEPTA’s last rider census showed 613 riders using the stop every weekday. The station’s popularity is underscored by the multitude of cars that easily fill up the station’s small parking lot and bubble over onto the surrounding streets. Casey emphasized that if SEPTA received additional state funding, it would install more parking, renovate the train station, and make it handicapped accessible. 

McGeehan (D-Philadelphia), the Democratic chair of the House Transportation Committee, concentrated on past accomplishments of transportation spending and their potential to create jobs and improve the city. One accomplishment he cited was red-light cameras, which he said have made Roosevelt Blvd. a safer place to drive. McGeehan also made certain to equate transportation spending with job creation, whether in construction, engineering, or other fields. Finally, he pointedly stated “we can’t have a first-class city without a first-class transportation system.” 

While funding SEPTA is certainly important, the senator and representative also urged Gov. Corbett to fund the region’s roads and bridges. Just in Philadelphia, there are 85 “structurally deficient” bridges and 145 bridges that have otherwise outlived their prime, which ferry 5.5 million cars every day, according to Sen. Stack. Some of the most well-traveled bridges are on I-95, which runs through Holmesburg. Statewide, the Commonwealth has the nation’s highest percentage of “structurally deficient” bridges, he says. 

Stack and McGeehan consistently referenced the sense of urgency that must accompany transportation funding. There will be “nothing but tragic consequences if we don’t do anything,” said Stack with a sense of gloom. “Invest in infrastructure now, not before it’s too late.” Their remarks were directed largely at Gov. Corbett, who many observers believe has put off finding a transportation infrastructure funding solution. 

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Senator Mike Stack and Representative Mike McGeehan

The Philadelphia Zoo might be the nation’s oldest zoo, but it’s ahead of its time when it comes to sustainability.

The zoo began work a few months ago on a new LEED-certified, indoor children’s zoo called the Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo and Education Center, which will house animals hard to find at U.S. zoos. In addition to rare animal breeds, the zoo hopes to include animals that are currently, or are likely to be, affected by climate change.

The zoo is planning to offer a panoply of exotic animals for children, some of which will teach lessons about environmental decay. "There will be a great variety [of animals], providing opportunity for our youngest visitors to engage with animals," reports Dr. Andy Baker, the zoo’s chief operating officer. These animals will represent rare breeds of livestock, sheep, goats, and miniature horses. According to Baker, the youth zoo will also emphasize animals affected by climate change, such as Australian parakeets, tropical butterflies and fish, high-elevation frogs, ants, and even dreaded rats.

The Hamilton addition will include the first LEED-certified zoo building in Pennsylvania. Baker is excited about the zoo’s environmentally friendly approach to teaching children. First of all, he says the project will be sustainable because it will re-use an existing structure, the former pachyderm house. While some new structures will have to be built, they will come equipped with green roofs. Third of all, the children’s center will include a "significant geothermal field" for heating and air conditioning, says Baker. Finally, the facility will utilize rain gardens, and re-use graywater for restrooms.

Baker also hopes to make the new children’s zoo accessible to all types of children, including those with communications and physical disabilities. "Signage will include pictures for autistic kids," says Baker. He also assures that Braille and sign language will be made available for children who are visually- or aurally-impaired. The children’s zoo and education center will also be situated near the entrance of the zoo, which makes it more convenient for children in wheelchairs. Baker makes sure to add that this is part of the zoo’s "tremendous ambition" to enable children to interact with animals.

Expect the Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo and Education Center to open in April, 2013. Baker believes construction will wrap up late this year or early next year, with the remaining few months devoted to opening preparation. Sustainability as it relates to animals and humans will be a central theme, as Baker promises it will include lessons on how people can recycle and use water and energy efficiently.

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Dr. Andy Baker, Philadelphia Zoo

Have you ever had to bear with someone on the phone having a loud argument with their boyfriend or that group of teenagers that just won't shut up on your train? If so, you might be intrigued to hear that PATCO, which operates the high-speed rail line between Lindenwold, NJ and Philadelphia, wants to shush the arguments and boisterous conversations. In fact, PATCO will be testing a "quiet car" on all weekday trains starting in March.

John Rink, the new General Manager of PATCO, reports that his agency's "quiet car" program will be modeled after SEPTA's successful QuietRide policy on Regional Rail. On designated cars, this means cell phone use will be forbidden, any conversations should be fleeting and in a low voice, and passengers must listen to music using ear buds or headphones so as no one else will be able to hear. PATCO plans on delineating the rear cars of its weekday trains as "quiet cars," which means you can still yak to your heart's content if you're not in the last car.

One major difference between PATCO and SEPTA Regional Rail is that the South Jersey rail agency doesn't use conductors. This will pose challenges for enforcement in "quiet cars," but Rink is confident the policy can be a success. "Train Operators will make periodic announcements during each trip, Variable Message Signs [VMS] on platform will display messages, and from time-to-time our Transit Unit [police] will ride in the quiet car," avers Rink. However, he adds that self-enforcement among riders will be key. As with SEPTA, it will be important that riders don't quarrel over enforcement.

With about a month left before the three-month trial begins, Rink wants to get the word out about the "quiet car" as much as possible to PATCO riders. "We will Tweet, post on Facebook, discuss in our E-Newsletter, place on our website, [put] signage in the train cars, [and place] signage in our stations," says the general manager. In addition, Rink expects to utilize station supervisors to hand out notices the week before and the first week of the "quiet car" experiment.

Along with the "quiet car" program, PATCO will also unveil a Courtesy Counts campaign. This campaign will urge riders to treat fellow riders with respect by not taking up seats with personal belongings, not standing and blocking the train doors, keeping one's voice down when talking on the phone, and grooving to music with a reasonable volume. PATCO already has a video for Courtesy Counts on its website, which uses a humorous approach to draw attention to serious problems. 

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: John Rink, PATCO PHOTO: courtesy Delaware River Port Authority

Francisville continues to be a hot neighborhood for development, situated between Center City and Temple University with convenient access to the Broad St. Subway. The latest construction will be a 35-unit condominium complex at 19th and Poplar by local developer Michael Loonstyn. Loonstyn received support from the Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation (FNDC) and permission from the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) last week, and looks to be ready to start building in May.

Loonstyn, owner of MJL Properties, will be erecting a four-story condo building along 19th St. between Poplar and Parrish Sts. According to Loonstyn, there will be a 100-seat restaurant on the first floor with indoor and outdoor seating. At this point, Loonstyn is unsure of what kind of restaurant will be put in, although he said it will likely serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The fourth level of the development will consist of roof decks, which promise an impressive view of Center City. “The property Loonstyn development is working on is at the highest point in the surrounding area,” points out Seth Trance, the design chair for FNDC’s Zoning Committee. He adds that it’s the acme of an area that includes all of Center City and much of North Philadelphia.

The developer re-assures the FNDC that the condo complex will be sustainable. It will include “green roofs, impervious pavers, and trees around,” says Loonstyn. In addition, there will only be 21 designated parking spaces for the 35 units, encouraging residents to use sustainable forms of transportation. To make up for the limited parking, Loonstyn has plans for bike storage. The new homes will also have a Route 33 bus stop right outside, which provides frequent service to Center City. Despite his interest in sustainability, the developer concedes that the condos will not be LEED-certified.

The development sits on an underdeveloped stretch of 19th St., not far from Girard Ave., Girard College, and St. Joe’s Prep. It is one of two triangles, created by the diagonal streets that set Francisville apart from other neighborhoods with grid streets, along 19th that are ripe for redevelopment. There is currently a forsaken building on the site. Loonstyn says he will have to “demolish the entire structure that currently exists.” Some reports have said the site is contaminated with lead, although the developer says he conducted a study that refutes that.

Loonstyn’s development was met with some questions about parking from FNDC members, but received an overwhelming 102 to 24 vote in favor from the community group. He expects to begin work on May 1, with construction lasting about a year. Each unit will take up 990-1,200 square feet. When the condos are ready for sale, Loonstyn anticipates a price tag in the high $100,000s or low $200,000s. 

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: Michael Loonstyn

For decades, Manayunk and Chestnut Hill have dominated Northwest Philly’s business development scene with their vibrant commercial corridors. However, a new player is emerging as a destination for shoppers and diners: Roxborough, and the burgeoning Ridge Ave. corridor, is seeing an influx of new businesses, streetscape improvements, and historic preservation in its surrounding neighborhood.

The Roxborough Development Corporation (RDC) has played a vital role in the resurgence of Ridge Ave. James Calamia, the operations manager at the RDC, is excited about the new businesses that are slated to open this year. Most notably, the popular beer distributor and gourmet deli The Foodery just purchased the RDC’s erstwhile office on the avenue west of Green Lane. Calamia is proud to report that this will be The Foodery’s largest location yet. He says the current drawings, which are always subject to change, have fridges filled with beer wrapping around the entire store and plentiful seating.

While The Foodery won’t open until May at the earliest, a number of new businesses have opened in the past three months or will be opening shortly. Calamia says that Blackbird House Antiques at Ridge and Shawmont, Giovanni’s Child Care at Ridge and Leverington, and TD Bank at Ridge and Hermit have all opened in the past three months. Another new business, Kitch-N Collectibles, is planning on opening very shortly across from RDC’s old office. Kitch-N Collectibles is actually re-locating to Roxborough from Manayunk.

While business development is a massive part of the equation in Roxborough, the RDC points out that the neighborhood is also benefitting from historic preservation efforts. Calamia relays that the community was just awarded a $30,000 grant from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia to rehabilitate “gothic houses” on Lyceum Ave. and Green Ln, only a block away from the Ridge corridor. This is a means to “help build and grow Roxborough’s unique persona,” says Calamia.

Roxborough is also benefiting from a $2.2 million grant from the city to make streetscape enhancements along Ridge Ave. According to Calamia, this will result in smoother sidewalks, better lighting, and new planters. He believes these improvements will lead to a “new foundation for Roxborough and the whole area.” “It will make the area more walkable and improve aesthetics,” Calamia adds. Depending on weather conditions, he anticipates the streetscape enhancements will be finished during the summer.

The RDC alludes to more exciting development along Ridge Ave. in the years to come. Calamia says Planet Fitness has expressed interest in the shuttered Golden Chrysler dealership, which would be the discount gym’s first location in Northwest Philadelphia. He also says the RDC might be looking to add a park around the intersection of Ridge and Leverington Aves. Finally, the operations director intimates that the former bank at Ridge and Green Ln. might soon be re-developed. He says someone just purchased the historic building, which is known for the sculpted owls on its roof. 

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Source: James Calamia, Roxborough Development Corporation

Hope St. between Palmer and Cecil B. Moore in South Kensington is currently cloaked in abandonment, aside from the trash and weeds that call the block home. Yet, the street may finally live up to its name, as Independents Hall, the popular Philly coworking space, is looking to construct a sustainable cohabitation space between Hope and Howard Sts. This house, called a "K'House,” just received the blessing from the South Kensington Community Partners neighborhood group at a meeting on Thursday, and now awaits an endorsement from the local city councilwoman and the City Planning Commission.

Indy Hall has teamed up with the noted sustainable construction pioneers Postgreen Homes and the architectural firm Digsau to build the K'House. Postgreen plans to build six housing units, designed for both romantic couples and roommates. Each unit will come equipped with its own kitchen and living quarters. Yet, the real story lies in all the shared space between the units, which will be comprised of an industrial kitchen and dining area, a media center, a basement, and a roof deck with a Center City vista. 

As with other Postgreen projects, sustainability will be a guiding principle in the construction of the K'House. This means the house will include "super insulated walls, triple pane windows, Energy Star appliances, high efficiency HVAC, low-flow water fixtures, [and] low VOC [Volatile Organic Compounds] everything,” says Chad Ludeman, the president of Postgreen. Ludeman adds that the location was purposely chosen for its proximity to SEPTA's Berks El stop and walkability. Thus, along with the sustainable elements on the inside, the house will also promote sustainable transportation.

Postgreen and Indy Hall feel as though South Kensington is an ideal neighborhood for the K'House. Ludeman, who lives in the community himself, says that residents can walk to either Northern Liberties or Fishtown, or take a relatively quick train ride to Center City and University City. In addition, "this neighborhood is very much an up-and-coming fringe neighborhood that has passionate residents, both old and new,” points out Ludeman. Finally, Postgreen's president lauds South Kensington for its safety and affordability.

The developers' recent experience with the South Kensington Community Partners only served to bolster their morale in the community. Ludeman is happy to report that the preponderance of feedback from the meeting was supportive or neutral of the K'House, even though the plans call for further density with no further parking. There were some queries about street lighting and fallback plans if the K'House hits a snag, as residents wanted to see the developers' maintain a long-term presence in their neighborhood. Indy Hall's Alex Hillman says that they will continue to listen to their neighbors.

Ludeman is happy with the reaction from the Community Partners, but is already tracing the Postgreen's and Indy Hall's next steps. He says they will next pursue the support of their local councilwoman, Maria Quinones Sanchez, and the City Planning Commission. After that, he anticipates going in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) to get a variance for type of use, a shortage on the open space requirement, and lack of parking. For those of you looking for a place to live, the good news is Indy Hall is still accepting applications to join the K'House.

Writer: Andy Sharpe
Sources: Chad Ludeman, Postgreen Homes and Alex Hillman, Independents Hall

Anyone who's been to Bartram's Garden or traveled through Philadelphia to get to the airport can attest that the neighborhoods around the lower Schuylkill River are quirky places. In many cases, the land doesn't comprise neighborhoods, but rather heavy industry, transportation infrastructure, and parkland. The Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) has begun to examine the Lower Schuylkill River area, and is looking for public feedback.

Kate McNamara, PIDC's project manager for the Lower Schuylkill Master Plan, says the study area comprises "3700 acres of historically industrial land in South and Southwest Philadelphia." The eastern boundary is the intersection of I-95 and 76, while Lindbergh Blvd. forms the western edge. The area flexes as far north as the southern rim of University City.

The PIDC begins the study with the realization that this area has challenges. McNamara laments that 68 percent of the city's poorly-used and abandoned industrial land blights the Lower Schuylkill. In addition, there's the 400-pound gorilla in the closet, which is the impending sale or closure of Sunoco's Philadelphia refinery in June. 

With the challenges in mind, the area around the Lower Schuylkill River wields considerable potential. McNamara alludes to two studies, PIDC's "Industrial Land and Market Strategy" and the City Planning Commission's "Philadelphia 2035," both of which laud the area as being ripe for economic development. The project manager rattles off a list of attributes there, which include relatively enormous parcel sizes, access to transportation infrastructure, and accessibility to the Schuylkill River.

McNamara gives a few goals for the Master Plan, although specifics won't be possible until after public input and study. She wants to see the Schuylkill River Trail extended to help link Center and University Cities with Bartram's Garden and other destinations. From a business development standpoint, McNamara wants to see the area "positioned to attract new businesses, private investment and quality jobs."

The Master Plan is currently in its infancy, with plenty of opportunity for you, the public, to comment. PIDC will be holding two open houses this week, the first of which is Wednesday evening at the Richard Allen Preparatory School, and the second of which is Thursday evening at St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church on Dickinson St. In addition, there is a 40-member advisory group, which has met twice thus far, says McNamara. PIDC is working on the Master Plan in conjunction with the architecture and urban design firm Chan Krieger NBBJ.

Source: Kate McNamara, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation
Writer: Andy Sharpe Photo by Michael Weaver

Now that it's finally turned cold, are you desperately searching for something fun to do? If you are, you might want to think about a round of miniature golf.

That's right, Linvilla Orchards now offers indoor miniature golf. Yet, Delaware County's newest mini golf course is about so much more than hitting a ball into a hole, as Linvilla worked with the Academy of Natural Sciences to turn every hole into a lesson about the environment around us.

Linvilla's course, called Fore! The Planet, stands out for its scientific theme. This means every one of the course's 19 holes conveys a lesson about the Earth's environment and the organisms that inhabit it. Think of each hole as a textbook, with the golf club serving as a bookmark. The ball, on the other hand, represents different things depending on the hole. The layout includes a hole where the ball is a bat following sonar, a hole about landfills where the ball is supposed to be garbage, and a hole about water pollution with water traps denoting brackish water.

Rob Ferber, the senior manager at the orchards, enjoys hole No. 8 the most. This hole is "Predator and Prey,” where the ball is a rolling metaphor for a fly trying to elude its predators and find a safe place to lay eggs. Ferber is amused at this hole's sound effects. He's quick to point out that one of the fly's predators, the frog, has a decoy hole that spits the ball out and makes a frog noise. To Ferber, the course consists of "museum exhibits" that are reflective of Linvilla's work with the Academy of Natural Sciences. 

This course is also unique because it's one of only two public mini golf courses in Delaware County. It's also one of only a few indoor mini golf courses in the Philadelphia area. It represents a fresh idea and a fresh partnership for what many consider to be the Delaware Valley's most famous orchard. Linvilla has been known for its apple, pumpkin, and Christmas tree picking for decades, but never for golf. It's also emblematic of a new collaboration between the orchard and the Academy of Natural Sciences, which also has no prior experience with mini golf. 

Fore! The Planet, opened the day after Christmas, and has proven very popular. "It's been a big hit, especially the first week when kids were out of school,” confirms Ferber. He adds that Fore! has proven popular with adults as well, probably elated to see a miniature golf course open during the winter. Ferber makes sure to add that some of these adults take their golf quite seriously, as they have come bearing their own clubs.

Source: Rob Ferber
Writer: Andy Sharpe

As we stare at a new year, it looks like one of the hottest trends in recreation and transportation will continue. Yes, we're talking about a new trail. Specifically, trail advocates are looking at a labyrinth of rights-of-way through Northwest Philadelphia and southeastern Montgomery County as fertile ground for bicyclists and pedestrians. The Friends of the Cresheim Trail, which is the advocacy group behind this trail, is planning a big year.

The proposed trail begins in Mount Airy, runs along the border of Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill, and then meanders through Springfield, Cheltenham, and Whitemarsh Townships in Montgomery County, explains Susan Dannenberg, the chair of the Friends of Cresheim Trail. One of the primary hurdles to sculpting the trail is that different proposed segments are currently owned by varying entities. For example, Dannenberg confirms that the desired beginning of the trail in Mount Airy is owned by Fairmount Park, while PECO Energy has control of other parts of the route.

Dannenberg prognosticates that the eight-mile Cresheim Trail will get built one mile at a time. "Trails take a long time to get built," recognizes Dannenberg. She wants to see the Mount Airy segment go into operation first, which begins at the intersection of Allens Lane and Lincoln Drive, near the Allen Lane Train Station. Next, Dannenberg wants to see the portion along well-traveled Cresheim Valley Drive. This would provide access to Germantown Ave., the incoming Chestnut Hill Quaker meetinghouse, and the suburbs.

In order to accomplish anything, the Friends of Cresheim Trail has its work cut out for itself. Dannenberg hopes to apply for tax-exempt non-profit status this year, at which point they can start applying for grants. She would also like to throw house parties at residences near the proposed trail, which would be aimed at offsetting skepticism from trail neighbors. "There are a couple of places where people are concerned about a trail near their houses," admits Dannenberg. Much of the criticism has come from residents of Springfield and Cheltenham Townships.

On the other side of the coin, the proposed trail has an impressive array of supporters. Dannenberg says that the Chestnut Hill Rotary Club and Mt. Airy USA have been vocal supporters in the city. Local Rotarians went so far as to hold an art competition to raise money for the Cresheim Trail. Yet, the trail also has considerable support among Montgomery County institutions, including Cheltenham Township, the Springfield Township Board of Commissioners, and the School District of Springfield Township, which the trail would run through.   

Source: Susan Dannenberg, Friends of Cresheim Trail
Writer: Andy Sharpe

Food and energy cooperatives have certainly gained steam in the Delaware Valley in the past few years. Odds are you’ve heard of Weaver’s Way Co-op in Northwest Philadelphia, and you may have even heard of Mariposa and the Energy Co-op. Yet, there’s one you may not have heard of that’s working with federal and city lawmakers to pump up the clout of local co-ops. This co-op is the Kensington Community Food Co-op (KCFC), which was founded in 2008.

One of KCFC’s top priorities is to get the United States House of Representatives to pass the National Cooperative Development Act, according to Peter Frank, the vice president of KCFC and the campaign coordinator of the movement to pass the act. While this is national legislation, Frank is unequivocal that the passage would be a great thing for the Philadelphia-area. “Philadelphia also has a good 'co-op infrastructure' in place to support further co-op development,” says Frank.

This would explain the November launch of the Philadelphia-area Cooperative Alliance (PACA). Along with KCFC, the Alliance counts members from Weaver’s Way, Mariposa, the Energy Co-op, and credit unions. Frank says PACA is orchestrating a cooperative conference at Drexel University in June, which is being organized by the grandson of former mayor Richardson Dilworth on Drexel’s behalf. One of PACA’s first tasks will be to work with Philadelphia City Council to pass a resolution recognizing the social and economic windfalls of cooperatives in the city. 

KCFC’s Vice President is so passionate about the National Cooperative Development Act and PACA because of the positive impact they can have on Kensington. For one thing, KCFC has been looking to open up its own grocery store for some time now, but has not had the funds to do so. The proposed bill could turn the key for this grocery store. Going beyond just KCFC, Frank lauds cooperatives as a chance for decent jobs, vital grocery and banking services, and a means of keeping money in and around Kensington.  

The myriad local benefits of cooperatives justifies why local representative Chaka Fattah wrote the Act, while fellow local Reps. Allyson Schwartz and Bob Brady co-sponsored. Specifically, the bill would provide capital funding for co-ops, along with free technical assistance and training, says Frank. The bill was officially introduced to the U.S. House as H.R. 3677 a couple of weeks ago. No word on when it will go up for vote.

Source: Peter Frank, Kensington Community Food Co-op
Writer: Andy Sharpe

This past year was notable for the amount of cooperation between Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Utilities (MOTU), the Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC), SEPTA, the Center City District, and others to improve sustainable transportation in the city. Along with this, SEPTA received grants and private sector investment to decrease the footprint of its buses and trains. 

The city and SEPTA had a common goal of trying to speed up buses in 2011. The two have been deeply intrigued by giving transit vehicles traffic signal priority, which would entail using smart traffic lights that can sense when a SEPTA vehicle approaches and then stay green for a little longer. The city and SEPTA were rewarded for these efforts just in time for the holidays with a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to install transit signal priority along Castor, Oxford, and Bustleton Aves. in Northeast Philadelphia, according to the office of U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz.

It was also a fruitful year for bicycle and pedestrian proponents in Philadelphia. MOTU embarked on an experiment to remove a lane of vehicular traffic on Market St. and JFK Blvd. between 15th and 20th Sts. to test the feasibility of making the lanes buffered bike lanes with vegetation. From all accounts, it looks like this experiment was a success. The City Planning Commission also presented an ambitious plan to dramatically bolster conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians in Southwest and West Philadelphia.  

Sources: Andrew Stober and Aaron Ritz, Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Utilities, Dan Goodman, Toole Design
Writer: Andy Sharpe