An Open Letter to Users of Schuylkill River Park From Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis

13 July 2011

On June 27, 2011 a group of citizens, under the name ‘Citizens for Saving Schuylkill River Park’, filed a lawsuit to halt construction of the pedestrian overpass which will connect Schuylkill River Park and Schuylkill Banks over the CSX railroad tracks. Construction of the overpass is required by a 2007 Federal court settlement between the City and CSX Railroad.

Over a two week period the City negotiated to address all of the citizen’s reasonable and logical demands. As a result the City will:

•         Enlarge the temporary dog area to 14,970 s.f. with appropriate fencing, gates, vestibules and signage,

•         Provide a water spigot in the
temporary dog area,

•         Install two 10' x 10' tents for shade
in the temporary dog area,

•         Provide wood chips as needed to partially cover low-lying areas in the temporary dog area (the woods chips will be distributed by volunteers), and

•         Permit the citizens to install 3’ high
screen material against the chain link fence.

The City will also preserve 14 of the 27 trees originally designated for removal and plant larger replacement trees in the new permanent dog area.

We would like to acknowledge the support of the following citizen and civic organizations:

•         Friends of Schuylkill River Park

•         Schuylkill River Park Alliance

•         Schuylkill River Development Corporation

•         Center City Residents Association

•         25th Street immediate neighbors

We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Mayor’s Office and the good work of the City Streets and Law departments, our construction management firm and contractor, Rockport Construction.

We are pleased to have reached this agreement and look forward to continuing construction of this important project and the improvements it will bring to both Schuylkill River Park and Schuylkill Banks.

Michael DiBerardinis

Deputy Mayor
for Community and Environmental Resources
Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

See letter here