A number of West Philadelphia neighborhoods will soon go through major overhaul following the Philadelphia City Planning Commission’s adoption of the University Southwest District Plan.
The plan, adopted on Tuesday, June 11, is a part of Philadelphia2035, a broad 25-year vision to improve the city by reappropriating land use. The University Southwest District Plan calls for more transit routes, denser development near transit hubs, the improvement of cycling and pedestrian amenities and the protection of single-family housing stock in the area.
This plan will affect the West Philadelphia neighborhoods of Powelton Village, University City, Spruce Hill, Walnut Hill, Garden Court, Saunders Park, Cedar Park, West Shore and Kingsessing.
Spearheading the program is City Planner Andrew Meloney, who presented the proposal to the Commission. “I was very happy to finish the University Southwest Plan with a successful adoption,” Meloney said.
Meloney added that he received a myriad of comments from various stakeholders and residents in the area which he took into account while sculpting the plan. Meloney cited that input from community members directly led to three modifications.
“It is [now] time to look forward to implementing the recommendations and projects of the plan and continuing our work with the communities of the University Southwest,” Meloney said.
The next step for Meloney and the Commission is to hear from developers who will outline proposals for construction.
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