Welcome to the Public Meeting!

Transcription

1 Welcome to the Public Meeting! Please sign in, grab a paper survey, and check out the boards around the perimeter of the room. Once you ve viewed all of the boards, come join us in the middle of the room to place your comments on the map! All of the materials presented here tonight, including a web-based version of the survey, and an interactive WikiMap, are also available at: or scan this QR Code: Phase 1 of the K&T Trail in Tacony What is Riverfront North? Riverfront North is the new name for the area of the Delaware River waterfront between Allegheny Avenue and Poquessing Creek in Philadelphia.

2 Why are we here tonight? In 2005, the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway Master Plan was released. This document helped generate the goals of the newly created Riverfront North Partnership (at that time known as the Delaware River City Corporation). Since 2005, a lot has happened! 6 miles of riverfront trail have been built The remaining 3 miles of trail are currently in design and are due to be built in the next 4 years! Lardner s Point Park has been opened Pennypack on the Delaware has expanded Design of Riverfront Park in Bridesburg has begun More open space parcels are being preserved Riverfront North Partnership full time staff has grown from one person to seven Now that we are on the cusp of completing a continuous bicycle and pedestrian path from Allegheny Avenue to Poquessing Creek, we are ready to enter the next phase of the development of YOUR Riverfront North. Tonight, we are asking YOU for assistance. What events and amenities do you want to see along the riverfront? How do you want to get there from your home? As you check out the boards, we will be asking you a few questions, and you can give your opinions on the boards, on the paper survey, or on the online survey.

3 Connections to the Greenway Having a continuous trail along the Delaware River waterfront will be a wonderful amenity for Northeast Philadelphia! In order to do that, we know that the riverfront trail must be a part of a safe, comfortable network. Accessible street and trail connections to neighborhoods will make it easy for you to walk, run, or ride your bike from your front door to the riverfront and back. The biggest barrier for these neighborhood-to-waterfront connections is Interstate 95 and other busy streets, such as Tacony Street and State Road. Enhancements to intersecting streets are required so that residents can reach the riverfront safely and intuitively without the use of a car. A father and son attempt to bike to Lardner s Point at Milnor Street These intersecting streets are called Connector Streets. Connector Streets run from neighborhoods, under I-95, and directly to the riverfront trail. While some alternatives for Connector Streets have already been identified, we want to confirm how you want to reach the waterfront, and what barriers exist. Come see the big map in the middle of the room or the interactive WikiMap to make your comments. A 2016 study determined Magee Avenue was a preferred Connector Street for Wissinoming and Tacony residents.

4 Open Space and Parks Riverfront North Partnership has worked with the City of Philadelphia to expand open space and add new parks to the Delaware River waterfront over the past 10+ years. And we re not done yet! The Riverfront Park in Bridesburg is currently in the final design stages and we are working with our partners to purchase more land to preserve and create even more open space along the riverfront. The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department is currently studying the eight existing parks and open spaces along the riverfront, and that study will help inform the master planning process. Where are some other places that could be parks or open spaces in the future? What do you want to see in the parks along the riverfront?

5 Facilities and Amenities Riverfront North and the City of Philadelphia have worked together to add new amenities to the trail and park spaces along the riverfront. As the trail expands and new open spaces come are added, we want to know what you expect to see along the riverfront. Some examples of amenities include: Drinking fountains Restrooms Bike Share (Indego Stations or Dockless Bikes) Lighting Parking Bike racks Riverfront North maintains the composting restrooms at Larder s Point Park. Benches Garbage/Recycling Cans Historic and Interpretive Signage Fishing and Boating Facilities Artwork Picnic Areas Let us know your ideas in your survey and on the map! Indego Bike Share at Race Street Pier.

6 Adjacent Land Use and Development Not too long ago, the Delaware River waterfront in Northeast Philadelphia was an industrial powerhouse, with all types of manufacturing and shipping-related businesses utilizing the river to move goods. Through much of the Greenway corridor, active and vacant industrial sites still dominate the area between Interstate 95 and the riverfront in Northeast Philadelphia. The greenway is envisioned to co-exist with its neighbors, while creating connections to the riverfront and opportunities to foster redevelopment of adjacent vacant sites into something that encourage uses that allow for open space and neighborhood connectivity. Phase 1 of the K&T Trail in Wissinoming Dietz & Watson expanded their Philadelphia operations and enhanced the Frankford Boat Launch parking area. MaST Charter School (currently under construction)

7 Outreach and Stewardship Riverfront North currently works with numerous non-profits, youth groups, and other volunteers to enhance and clean our riverfront. Throughout the Master Plan process, we ll be looking at ways to expand our outreach and stewardship opportunities. Do you have any ideas? Put them up on the board!

8 Programming As the trail is completed, it will provide easy access to the entire riverfront and its associated public spaces to the residents of Philadelphia. Riverfront North wants to capitalize on the increased connectivity by hosting more events. We want to know what kind of events you want to see along the riverfront! Not sure what kind of events we already host? Take a look at the list below, and feel free to add any other ideas that you have! Current Riverfront North Events: Nature Walks Potential Event Ideas: Hint: If you like an idea, add a check mark to the note! Concerts Yoga Bike Rides Kayak Rides Movie Nights Fishing Derby 5k Races