Two adjacent parcels in the Bridesburg neighborhood were ranked as a high-priority restoration site in PEC’s Philadelphia North Delaware River Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report (November 2009) - based on the size of the parcels, the opportunity to restore tidal wetlands, and landowners’ willingness to engage in restoration PEC received funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to develop a preliminary restoration design for the parcels, one owned by the City of Philadelphia and the second owned by a private company (National Grid).

The NFWF funding allowed PEC to hire Conestoga-Rovers & Associates to characterize site conditions and develop a preliminary design. The urban waterfront workgroup, landowners, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders were engaged in the design’s review process. Key partners include the Delaware River City Corporation (DRCC), the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE).

The result is a preliminary design that envisions restored riverfront and upland habitat areas as well as areas for passive public recreation. There is an excellent opportunity to enhance existing tidal wetlands, and the potential to restore additional tidal wetlands.

The passive-recreation amenities proposed in the plan would provide opportunities for both local residents and East Coast Trail users to access the Delaware Riverfront. These amenities include a trail that could offer access to the Delaware River for fishermen, birdwatchers, and walkers.

The project’s next steps include further negotiations with landowners and local stakeholder groups to confirm the scope and direction of restoration and recreation activities. Fund raising is required to cover final-design and construction costs.

Aerial shot of Bridesburg site.