Creating a Civic Vision for the Delaware Valley
Moderator Report
August 2, 2007

Location: Music School
Philadelphia, PA

Large Group Discussion:  What excites us?
Green sustainable space
Nature, the river.
Thinking in terms of sustainable water, wind and solar energy
Considering development in the context of long-term environmental issues – GLOBAL WARMING
Green architecture
Experimental turbine demonstration project, using energy from tides.

Opportunity to update City’s infrastructure
Storm water management, sewers, etc.
Alternative transportation systems that interface with other transportation systems

Need to consider city services
Where are the schools? Police departments, etc.
Can we link these to resources of the area?  Example: Old ship becoming a maritime technology school.

Opportunity for Housing
Single-family homes
Affordable housing
Mixed income
Diversity
Tax-base
Walkable lifestyle
Families supporting businesses

Philadelphia’s density could reach water through platting.
Recreation, entertainment, tourism
New mayor and elected officials could support this through zoning laws

What actions could citizens take?
Create a “citizen’s council” to promote citizen involvement in planning processes
Build civic leaders (like Baltimore)
Advocate for real transparency.  Casinos are an example of how things should NOT be done
Value citizen engagement

Concerns:
Do we have the political and civic capacity to do this?
Is there a need for a phasing process connected to the zoning plan?