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100 Participants in the 3rd District Call for a Fair and Efficient Zoning Process

February 24, 2009

ZCC 3rd District Meeting

Discussions on zoning reform in the 3rd Councilmanic District focused on how to provide a fair and efficient zoning approval process. About 100 participants at University City Square ranked “process” as the number one priority for zoning reform in Philadelphia. Protecting neighborhoods and public involvement were also raised as top concerns.

The group of residents, business-owners, and community organizers described the current process as confusing, inaccessible, and political. “Citizen input is tolerated,” one participant said, “not welcomed.” The lack of clarity in the code, inconsistent information from L&I, the length of the process and number of continuances, and uncoordinated activities among city agencies were all noted as obstacles to meaningful public involvement.

The group thinks the code should be clear on how the rights of property-owners/developers are balanced with the rights of the community overall. The code should be clear and the process transparent. Specific recommendations included:

  • Providing a forum for public input up front
  • Establishing a lower level arbitration system for mediating disputes
  • Creating a zoning “ombudsman” with real influence
  • Developing a zoning training program for the public
  • Ensuring staff at L&I are knowledgeable and can provide correct and consistent information
  • Establishing an online central clearinghouse where reliable information and services are available, including a property database, public notification system, and project updates.
  • Providing regulations that maintain neighborhood context, balance the type and quantity of uses in an area, encourage rehabilitation over demolition, and promote the reuse of vacant upper floors and abandoned properties.

The next public outreach meeting is scheduled for the 4th District on Tuesday, March 3, 7:00-9:00 PM at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, 5800 Ridge Avenue. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.zoningmatters.org .