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As part of Philadelphia2035, a comprehensive development plan that will help create a more livable, healthy and economically viable city in the future, West Philadelphia residents are invited to the first public meeting for the West District Plan. The meeting will take place this Thursday, June 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at West Philadelphia High School (4901 Chestnut St.).

This is an opportunity for West Philadelphia residents to discuss what projects, policies and changes can be made today in the area. Philadelphia2035 makes recommendations for actions that the Mayor, City Council, government agencies and community partners can take to invest in neighborhoods and make the city more economically competitive.

The first component of the plan, the Citywide Vision, was introduced in 2011. There are also geographically specific recommendations, District Plans, that are being prepared for every section of Philadelphia. Some West Philly Local readers may remember a series of articles on the University Southwest District Plan meetings that took place in 2013. The majority of the District Plans have already been completed (see map), and now it’s turn for the West District Plan to be drawn with participation of community members. 

The following neighborhoods are included in the West District plan: Overbrook, Carroll Park, Haddington, Morris Park, Cobbs Creek, Dunlap, Mill Creek, Belmont, Mantua. The plan will make recommendations for zoning changes, city-owned land and facilities, and public investments in these neighborhoods.

Here are the some of the key issues identified for the area (from the Philadelphia2035 website):

“The West district is predominantly residential in character. Existing row homes are affordable for young families and there is a large area of new housing in Mill Creek. Major streets include Haverford Ave. and 60th St. Key issues in West Philadelphia are vacant homes, vacant lots and a lack of quality commercial options. The high vacancy rate contributes to crime problems, disinvestment and a lack of home equity. Commercial corridors are generally under-performing in comparison with the rest of the City. This means that residents have to travel further to get what they need, or settle for lower quality products and services.”

Those who would like to provide their input for the plan but can’t attend Thursday’s meeting are asked to do it online by visiting the interactive map of current zoning and land use in West Philadelphia. For more information about how to get involved in the planning process, visit: http://phila2035.org/home-page/district/west/west-get-involved.