Zoning and Waterfront Development
Paid for by Neighbors United to Re-elect Frank DiCicco
PO Box 36626, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Brian Abernathy, Treasurer
2005 Public Spirit Award, Weccacoe Development Association:
Frank DiCicco
1998 Appreciation for Services, Inner City Missions and the Kensington Community of faith:
Frank DiCicco
New development projects change neighborhoods. Whether the project changes traffic patterns, parking or the visual landscape, the people best equipped to identify potential problems are those most affected by the project.
Keeping this in mind, I have created a development process in my district that empowers civic associations and neighborhood groups. Every developer in the City recognizes that I will not support a project without a community’s support. Whether the project is a residential home, a condo tower or a big box store, I force the developer to meet with the community before lending my support.
Most importantly, by working together, builders and neighbors have reached agreements that have improved projects and improved our neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, it is no secret that Philadelphia’s zoning code is antiquated, confusing and impossible to understand. The document, in and of itself, discourages development and makes it nearly impossible for the average person to determine exactly what is required or permitted in their own neighborhood.
Two years ago, with the help of the Building Industry Association and Councilman Kenney, I began to explore how we could create a better and simpler system. These efforts resulted in a zoning reform package that was introduced in September 2006. The package includes the creation of a Zoning Code Commission to suggest substantive revisions to the Code. Chaired by the Executive Director of the Planning Commission, the Commission will include zoning attorneys, urban planners, architects, city officials, the building trades and, most importantly, neighborhood activists.
The package also includes creating professional guidelines for members of the Planning Commission. We will explore standardizing community impact fees and will require posting of legislative zoning changes. Each of these reforms will create a better system of controlling development and insure appropriate community input.
From public space and access to appropriate construction, the City has gone without a Central Delaware Waterfront plan for too long. Working with the Administration throughout the summer and with the blessing of the communities in closest proximity, the Mayor and I announced a partnership with PennPraxis to help guide this process. Through their urban planning expertise and with the generous support of the William Penn Foundation, they will create an infrastructure plan that will give us the long-term plan we need and recommend a governance structure for implementation.
