Philadelphia planners are halfway through the Philadelphia2035 River Wards District Plan, which will help guide development and investment for a broad swath of troubled neighborhoods proximate to the Delaware River.
Matt Golas reports on the current state of the 10-month planning process for the Philadelphia2035 River Wards District Plan, which recently began holding public meetings.
Here is how Golas describes the planning challenge presented by the River Wards:
"The River Wards are dense rowhouse neighborhoods located to the east of the Market-Frankford El. Since large factories left the district, many residents have struggled to find new employment. New big-box retail stores along formerly industrial Aramingo Ave. provide entry-level jobs and convenience shopping. However, the shopping on Aramingo Ave. adds to traffic congestion and competes with traditional commercial districts like Kensington Avenue, Girard Avenue and Allegheny Avenue."
Golas describes more of the challenges facing these transitioning neighborhoods, including a full video of the meeting held on January 13, 2015, which included a presentation of the work completed so far on the River Wards District Plan [pdf].
FULL STORY: PCPC hears about River Wards district planning

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Opinion: Transit Agencies Must View Service Cuts as Last Resort
Reducing service could cripple transit systems by pushing more riders to consider car ownership, making future recovery even less certain.

‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies
Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms
The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service