Second public meeting will further discuss Philadelphia 2035 plans
As part of the citywide Philadelphia 2035 plan, research is being done to evaluate the strengths and weakness of various parts of the city, including the South District.
A first public meeting was held in December. After receiving feedback from the first meeting and from the interactive maps online, a second meeting is being held on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Philadelphia High School for Creative & Performing Arts to further refine the plans for the growth of the South District in the years to come.
At the first meeting, strengths and weaknesses were pinpointed. The community found that parks, playgrounds, rec centers and the four subway stations in the South District are strengths. They also labeled locations such as the Italian Market, East Passyunk Ave. and Columbus Boulevard big box retail as some of the strengths of the South District.
Weaknesses included a lack of green space, Grays Ferry Avenue, the Snyder Broad Street Line station, Girard Park and more.
Key statistics were also presented at the meeting.
The statistics from PlanPhilly:
- The population of the area grew by about 1,300 residents between 2000 and 2010,
- The biggest portion of the population (39 percent) is between the ages of 20 and 44,
- Housing occupancy rose from 87 percent to 89 percent between 2000 and 2010,
- 40 percent of households in the district don’t own cars.
This second meeting will expand upon what was discussed at the first meeting and will allow the community to weigh in on what improvements they would like to see happen in the future.
For more information on the plans, visit the Philadelphia 2035 website.
What improvements would you like to see in the South District?
