For decades, we've been stymied by leadership that saw planning as an obstacle, not an asset, in cutting deals for development. This ignored the experience of comeback cities such as New York, Chicago and Washington - not to mention our own past. Only a few decades ago, Philadelphia was a model for planning for growth and setting rules for development, while preserving, respecting and enhancing our own sense of self as a city.
In the interim, unfortunate development - such as the world's only waterfront Wal-Mart - went up on the Delaware River, and we inherited acres of surface parking lots and structured garages, the legacy of failed mega-projects such as the Disney Quest hole at Eighth and Market Streets. All done without a vision or plan.
The mantra was that any development was good development - a sign of both desperation and lack of sophistication. We got away with it because, by charter, city planning in Philadelphia is only advisory to the mayor and council, with no jurisdictional power.
For years, the indelicate hand of commerce ruled. The Zoning Board of Adjustment capriciously meted out variances on a deal-by-deal basis - littering the landscape for generations to come. Any who objected were told that if we hindered development, the city would close shop. Planners were sidelined.
This seems slated to change.
The Nutter team has smartly nested, under one experienced deputy mayor, numerous city agencies and functions that touch on physical planning and economic growth: commerce, zoning, historical, art, housing, licenses and inspections, and more. The curtain of deal-making and myopic city-asset management is swept aside, allowing the clear light of smart growth, sound planning and economic development to shine.
These moves could help city and region:
Create a thoughtful, sensible, comprehensive 21st-century plan and modernized zoning code that reflect Philadelphia's economic potential.
