Philadelphia, December 18, 2012 - The Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commission (PaRC) is inviting public input on a proposal by Temple University to build a new boathouse on the east bank of the Schuylkill River immediately adjacent to the Strawberry Mansion Bridge.
Temple University is seeking a permanent home for its rowing teams along Kelly Drive. The University currently uses temporary tent structures located across the parking lot from the site of the proposed permanent boathouse. Temple University utilized the East Park Canoe House until 2008 when it was closed. The Canoe House is now awaiting the start of extensive renovations.
In compliance with the Open Lands Protection Ordinance, (Bill NO. 110002-A, signed by Mayor Michael A. Nutter on April 27, 2011) PaRC is conducting a review of the boathouse proposal submitted by Temple University, including ample opportunity for the public to comment. Following review and public comment, the Commission must render a determination on the proposed land transfer. The ordinance states "City Council and all other City officials shall give substantial weight to the Commission's determination."
Commission Chairperson Nancy Goldenberg said, "We want to ensure a public process in which all community and user organizations, interested stakeholders, and individuals have ample opportunity to voice their opinions about the proposal. We will give a great deal of consideration to public input in drawing up our recommendation to the Mayor and City Council."
The Temple University analysis contains detailed plans for the project, including environmental and traffic impact and an analysis of alternative sites for the boathouse.
Debra Wolf Goldstein, Chair of the Commission's Land Use, Planning & Design Committee, said the Open Lands Protection ordinance is critical to ensuring a transparent process. "We designed the ordinance to make sure any proposed transfer of parkland, like the Temple University boathouse proposal, is subjected to a fair and collaborative review process."
The Commission is providing a number of ways for the public to review and comment on the Temple University boathouse proposal. In addition to providing comments directly via email, regular mail and on the Scribed.com website where Temple's proposal is posted, the Commission will hold a public hearing on January 16th, 2013 at Lloyd Hall, located at One Boathouse Row off Kelly Drive in Philadelphia. The hearing will be part of the Commission's regularly scheduled public meeting and starts at 6:00pm.
To read and post comments about the Temple University proposal, visit here
It is also accessible via the "Notes" section of the Commission's Facebook page.
Those wishing to submit written testimony may send comments to the Commission via email at: [email protected]
Written comments may also be submitted to this address:
Parks and Recreation Commission
Attn: Temple University boathouse
10th floor
1515 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102