Tidal Delaware Initiative
Many of the Philadelphia region's poorest communities, those that have been the most economically and physically diminished in the post-industrial era, are those clustered along the 56 mile tidal Delaware River corridor. These communities are declining in population and prosperity.
From a sustainable regional development perspective, these communities represent critical reinvestment opportunities to attract residents and jobs which help improve the environment and enhance quality of life.
For years the Delaware River was a "back door" to Philadelphians. With the support and urging of local elected officials, Mayor Street, former Congressman Bob Borski, Philadelphia City Planning Commission, the Delaware River Port Authority and many others, the Council launched a new vision plan for the Delaware Riverfront.
- To increases access opportunities both along the riverfront corridor and in the river by creating trails, parks and other recreational amenities.
- To facilitate ecological restoration projects along the riverbank to increase wildlife habitat, mitigate stormwater damage and enhance the aesthetic value of the riverfront.
- To encourage sustainable redevelopment of the corridor's former industrial sites into livable working communities
- Completion of the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway Master Plan, which calls for new parks, trails and green connector streets along the 11 mile stretch of the Delaware River from Penn Treaty Park to the Bucks County line.
- Creation of the Delaware River City Corporation (DRCC), the organization tasked with implementing the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway Plan.
RFP issued for Tidal Delaware Water Trail user demand analysis. PEC is undertaking a research project that will identify user habits, and barriers to boating on the Tidal Delaware River. Interested consultants can review the RFP by clicking here.
Ecological Restoration Demonstration Sites: The Council works with landowners to assess, design and implement ecological restoration projects. The Council focuses its work in partnership with the DRCC on the K & T Rail-Trail, slated for construction in 2008; and Lardner's Point Park, already designed and partially funded for construction. The Council continues to work on identifying and prioritizing restoration sites, with a goal of additional restoration projects in the coming year.
Tidal Delaware Water Trail and East Coast Greenway: These trails will bring people to the River and encourage active stewardship and engagement with the landscape.
In cooperation with many stakeholders, the Council created the Tidal Delaware Water Trail map and web site as a comprehensive guide for paddlers, motor boaters and sailors to access and experience the river. The Trail map, an official Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission water trail, provides safety information and guidance for visiting the ecological, cultural and historical sites along the river. Future plans for the Water Trail include facilitating a user community to conduct stewardship activities and plan river excursions, and the promotion of ecotourism in the region, partially through the creation of "trail towns."
The East Coast Greenway is an "urban Appalachian trail" that connects 3,000 miles of urban areas from Maine to Florida. This walking and biking path enters Pennsylvania from New Jersey in Morrisville (across the Delaware River from Trenton). It will pass through lower Bucks County, Philadelphia, and Delaware County, crossing into the State of Delaware near Marcus Hook. The North Delaware Riverfront Greenway will become part of this trail network. Additionally, the Council works on the trail segments in Southwest Philadelphia/Delaware County and through Center City.
Reform the Waterfront Redevelopment District: The Council sponsored the Design Advocacy Group's (DAG) review of proposed and approved development designs along the North Delaware. This review documented the inadequacies of the zoning classification originally created to facilitate development along the river. The Council, together with DAG and the DRCC, works towards making significant changes to encourage development compatible with the Greenway Plan, including clear design guidelines to be adopted by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. Additionally, the Council promotes a city-wide policy of mandated public riverfront access.
Tax-Increment Financing (TIF): The Council supports TIF as a way to generate financial resources to acquire open space, build trails, build new parks and develop recreation facilities along the Delaware Riverfront. The Council works on education directed at City officials and area civic leaders to understand the use of TIFs to implement green infrastructure.
GreenSpace Alliance Branding Effort: Working the GreenSpace Alliance, the Council convenes key regional stakeholders to launch a corridor "branding" effort that builds awareness and cooperation among corridor stakeholders.