“I thank Lynette Brown-Sow for her five years of dedicated service to the Board and for her strong leadership as Chair for the last three years,” said Mayor Nutter.   “I now look forward to working with Julia Chapman to ensure the City maintains a clear, transparent and predictable zoning process.”

Ms. Chapman is an attorney who previously served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for Mayor Nutter until 2009 as well as Councilman Nutter’s Chief of Staff from 1995 to 2008.  During her tenure with the City, Ms. Chapman provided guidance on zoning and development issues and supported the efforts which lead to a ballot referendum in 2007 to create a Zoning Code Commission. The commission’s work ultimately led to the enactment of a new zoning code on December 22, 2011.

“Throughout my many years of public service, I have been keenly aware of the critical role the Zoning Board of Adjustment plays in balancing neighborhood preservation and the economic growth of the City while insuring the integrity of the zoning code,” said Ms. Chapman. “I look forward to this challenge and am honored to be asked to serve.”

The Zoning Board of Adjustment has five members appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the Mayor. It hears and decides appeals in zoning matters, considers special exceptions, and grants variances.

economic growth and recovery.

“One example of his leadership is his strong advocacy for his 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan, a growth stimulating investment in his region’s public transportation network that includes 25 miles of commuter rail, 21 miles of light rail, 16 miles of streetcar, 14 miles of bus rapid transit, and an expanded network of buses and other transit services.

“Mayor Foxx brings a wealth of experience to the table and I look forward to working with my friend and Secre

“I want to thank U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Assistant Secretary Sandra Henriquez and Estelle Richman, the Secretary’s senior advisor who acted as PHA’s sole board member through this time of transition. I deeply appreciate their cooperation and support. Now, with PHA’s return to local control, the City of Philadelphia has the opportunity to better coordinate housing policy, related investment decisions and neighborhood revitalization in a transparent and coherent manner that involves all housing agencies and stakeholders for the benefit of the people who live in PHA housing and all Philadelphians,” said Mayor Nutter. “Equally important, the re-establishment of local control with a new governance structure means real accountability. The Authority in all its actions is responsible to the Mayor who in turn is answerable to the voters. This significant reform could not have been achieved without the strong support of the Philadelphia City Council, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the Pennsylvania Senate and Governor Corbett. Under PHA President Kelvin Jeremiah’s leadership, PHA has instituted strong internal controls, and now with a talented PHA Board of Commissioners prepared to carry out its duties, a new era of accountability, responsibility and transparency begins that will benefit PHA residents and staff and all Philadelphians.”

Philadelphia, February 25, 2013- The Philadelphia City Planning Commission has adopted a strategic plan for the Callowhill and Chinatown North neighborhoods that includes proposals for new zoning controls, park spaces, and streets to create a more pedestrian-friendly scale in this recently industrial area.

The plan, which is part of the Commission’s ongoing Philadelphia2035 planning effort, was adopted on Feb. 19. It provides in-depth recommendations for the area, which spans from Delaware Avenue to Broad Street, Vine to Spring Garden and Fairmount Ave. A plan for the entire Central District, which stretches roughly from Girard to Washington Avenues between the two rivers, will be unveiled in draft form to the public following an open house at 5:00 pm in the Mayor’s Reception Room on February 27.

The City Planning Commission decided to give special attention to the Callowhill and Chinatown North areas due to several factors: outdated zoning, the industrial layouts of the areas and the increased interest from developers in certain parcels, particularly those along North Broad Street and the abandoned Reading Viaduct.
The plan reaffirms the City’s intention to construct a park on the viaduct structure. It also calls for rezoning 70 acres of land to permit a mix of residential and light industrial uses, a combination that the City’s recently adopted zoning code allows. Industrial land between 5^th Street and the Delaware River would transition to medium density commercial and residential development, while zoning along the growing North Broad Street corridor would permit higher density development.

The plan proposes a number of infrastructure improvements to support the new development, including increased parking along the Ridge Avenue commercial corridor, doubling the area’s bike network and creating new park spaces prior to the transformation of the viaduct. Noble Street, a narrow east-west street removed during the 1960s, would be reintroduced to the street grid to improve circulation and create a more typical neighborhood scale.

Zoning and infrastructure changes are also the focus of the City’s forthcoming plan for the entire Central District. Wednesday’s open house at City Hall will cover the plan’s major recommendations, including the growth of a new neighborhood bordering Franklin Square, exploration of new rapid bus service in an underground rail tunnel and filling in the most prominent development gaps remaining in the city’s core, including key blocks on both east and west Market Street.

“In and around Center City, we are seeing significant population growth and a corresponding boom in new development projects,” said Gary Jastrzab, Executive Director of the City Planning Commission. “Philadelphia2035 is about charting a course for the city’s future that builds on our current strengths. The Central District Plan and Callowhill/Chinatown North Plan are tools to help decision-makers identify priorities and allocate limited resources strategically. Our office looks forward to working with City Council on the zoning aspects and helping our partner agencies move forward with the proposed improvements.”

The Callowhill/Chinatown North Strategic Plan is available on the Planning Commission’s website, www.phila.gov/cityplanning. The open house for the Central District Plan takes place from 5:00 – 7:30 pm in the Mayor’s Reception Room, 2nd floor of City Hall, on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

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For more information, contact Laura M. Spina: Laura.spina@phila.gov, 215-683-4638

Philadelphia, February 15, 2013 – Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PP&R) in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo & Company, announced that registration for the spring 2013 TreePhilly giveaway is now open. TreePhilly is a yearlong initiative that engages Philadelphia property owners, businesses and neighbors to plant and maintain trees. Starting today through March 31^st, property owners can submit requests for a free yard tree to plant on their private property.

“TreePhilly is an investment in our city’s future,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.  “Our city will be healthier, safer and more attractive as a result of the trees we plant through this program. This year, Philadelphians can ask for more than one tree and we have more locations for pick-up.  I would like to thank Wells Fargo & Company and the Fairmount Park Conservancy for their support of this important initiative.”

As TreePhilly embarks on its second year, there are a few new features to the program.  More trees will be available for residents this year, increasing the yard tree give away totals from 4,000 to 5,000 trees (2,500 for this spring). Philadelphia residential property owners can request up to two trees and community groups that own large private properties with community access, such as faith-based institutions and senior centers, can register for up to 10 trees. TreePhilly is offering a total of nine pick-up locations on seven different days in April (see details below). Participants who pre-register for the yard tree giveaway will be able to select their pick-up site and date.  At each pick-up location, TreePhilly will offer tree planting and care demonstrations. Those who participate in the demonstration will receive a free raffle ticket for a free tree watering bag. Additionally, TreePhilly will be offering free mulch for TreePhilly participants at select pick-up locations.

“With the continued support of our great partners and building off the tremendous success of last year’s TreePhilly campaign, the2013 TreePhilly campaign will enable even more Philadelphia property owners to receive free trees and learn about the numerous benefits of planting trees.  This spring we are very excited to offer community groups, such as senior centers and faith-based institutions, as many as ten free trees to plant on their properties and be enjoyed by their communities,” said Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Community Resources.

“We have seen great success in engaging Philadelphians to plant and care for trees as part of the TreePhilly program.  Wells Fargo has been an extraordinary corporate partner of Treephilly, from their financial support to promoting TreePhilly through their branches and ATMs.  The Fairmount Park Conservancy is truly grateful for their support both last year and this year – an example of how successful public-private partnerships can be,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

“Wells Fargo is pleased to renew our commitment to the TreePhilly program because of this program’s success in making Philadelphia more attractive and environmentally sound for generations of future Philadelphians,” said Vince Liuzzi, Wells Fargo’s regional president for Greater Philadelphia/Delaware. “Tree Philly aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and will further the vision of Philadelphia’s founding father, William Penn, of Philadelphia as a ‘greene country towne’.”

The yard tree pick-up dates and locations are as follows:

• Sat. April 6th, 2-4pm, Second Baptist Church of Frankford (1801 Meadow St. 19124)
• Sun. April 7th, 11am-1pm, New Kensington CDC Garden Center (1825 Frankford Ave. 19125)
• Thurs. April 11th, 4:30-6:30pm, Haddington Library (446 N 65th St. 19151)
• Sat. April 13th, 10am-12pm, Columbus Square Playground (1200 Wharton St. 19147)
• Sat. April 13th, 10am-12pm, Pennypack Environmental Center (8600 Verree Rd. 19115)
• Sat. April 13th, 1-3pm, Pennypack Environmental Center (8600 Verree Rd. 19115)
• Sat. April 13th, 3-5pm, Pennypack Environmental Center (8600 Verree Rd. 19115)
• Sun. April 14th, 2-4pm, West Oak Lane Library (2000 Washington Lane, 19138)
• Sat. April 20th, 12-2pm, Hunting Park Recreation Center (900 Hunting Park Ave. 19140)

Residents with limited mobility can apply for free tree delivery and planting by a representative from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Space for this service is limited and residents are encouraged to apply early by contacting Erica Smith Fichman at 215-683-0217 or by visiting www.treephilly.org. Finally, if a resident does not register for a tree, there will be a “leftovers” day schedule in April (exact date to be determined), , where extra trees will be available to residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are several ways citizens can get involved with TreePhilly, including planting and caring for trees on their property, volunteering for a tree planting event in their local park, or sponsoring community service days to plant and maintain trees. For more information, citizens can visit www.treephilly.org or call 215-683-0217. For more information about the Fairmount Park Conservancy, please visit www.myphillypark.org. To stay up to date on Fairmount Park Conservancy projects and news, visit the Conservancy’s Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/FairmountParkConservancy or follow the Conservancy on Twitter @myphillypark.

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About Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is the City department that is most engaged in the lives of residents and visitors alike on a daily basis. Through its programs, policies and physical amenities, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation promotes the well-being of the City, its citizens and visitors, by offering beautiful natural landscapes and parks, historically significant resources, high quality recreation centers and athletic programs, along with enriching cultural and environmental programs.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.4 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com), and has offices in more than 35 countries to support the bank’s customers who conduct business in the global economy. With more than 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune’s 2012 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.

About the Fairmount Park Conservancy
The Fairmount Park Conservancy exists to champion the Fairmount Park system.  Its mission is to work as a collaborative partner to lead and support efforts which preserve and improve Fairmount Park to enhance the quality of life and stimulate the economic development of the Greater Philadelphia Region. The Fairmount Park Conservancy fulfills its mission by leading signature capital projects and innovative programs throughout Fairmount Park; by developing and leveraging resources for the park; and by promoting the parks’ unique assets and contributions. The Fairmount Park system covers more than 10,200 acres and is considered one of the largest urban park systems in the world.  It includes a network of more than 100 neighborhood parks and contains some of the region’s most famous treasures and attractions. For more information, please visit www.myphillypark.org. “Like” the Fairmount Park Conservancy on Facebook at facebook.com/FairmountParkConservancy and “Follow” via Twitter @myphillypark. 

Philadelphia, January 22, 2013– The City of Philadelphia and US Airways announced agreement today on the terms of a two-year lease extension for Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) that runs through June 30, 2015. This extension reflects the objectives agreed upon by Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Doug Parker, US Airways Chairman and CEO, which includes a road map for agreed upon projects to modernize PHL, including several of those under the Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP).

The agreement between the City of Philadelphia and the airline will allow for $734 million in new capital investments at PHL. These projects will create a better customer experience throughout the airport that serves as US Airways’ largest international gateway.  The enhancements include:

• A 1,500 foot extension of runway 9L-27R that increases the total runway length to 12,000 feet, providing the capability to accommodate large, long-haul aircraft flying to any point on the globe;
• A redesigned and enhanced Terminal B and C ticketing area , which will include a new, automated baggage handling and screening system and a new, more spacious, centralized  passenger security screening checkpoint to provide for greater efficiency and enhanced passenger flow;
• Replacement of the current rental car facility surface lots with a new, multi-story consolidated rental car facility;
• An initial design for an automated people-mover system between concourses that will make it easier for passengers to connect to other flights;
• Airside improvements to include new taxiway/aircraft holding bays/apron to better queue for departure;
• Continued rehabilitation of other existing airport infrastructure  projects to include security upgrades, roof and window replacements, escalator upgrades, airport restrooms, roadways, concession programs and flight information display systems.

“The City values US Airways and all of the airlines flying from PHL.  Our airline carriers are vitally important partners in our mission to sustain and fuel the economic engine of the entire Philadelphia region,” said Mayor Nutter. “We share a mutual goal of increasing the region’s connectivity and significance in the global marketplace. This agreement facilitates the continuation of our partnership to move forward with the projects that are crucial to the Airport and the region.”

In addition, moving ahead with these major projects will have a significant impact on the regional economy through job creation and construction opportunities at the airport.

“We want to thank Mayor Nutter, Deputy Mayor Cutler and Airport CEO Gale for all of their efforts and assistance in reaching this important milestone,” said Parker.  “With the Mayor’s leadership we have reached agreement on the near term completion of projects critical to the continued improvement of US Airways operations and customer service at PHL as well as a playbook for pursuing the long term development of the airport.”

Both the City of Philadelphia and US Airways pledge to continue working together on identifying areas of mutual agreement that advances the CEP in a responsible manner and supports the vitality of this great region.

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US Airways, along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates more than 3,000 flights per day and serves 195 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The airline employs more than 32,000 aviation professionals worldwide, operates the world’s largest fleet of Airbus aircraft and is a member of the Star Alliance network, which offers its customers more than 21,900 daily flights to 1,329 airports in 194 countries. Together with its US Airways Express partners, the airline serves approximately 80 million passengers each year and operates hubs in Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia and Phoenix, and a focus city in Washington, D.C. at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Aviation Week and Overhaul & Maintenance magazine presented US Airways with the 2012 Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of the Year Award for demonstrating outstanding achievement and innovation in the area of technical operations. Military Times Edge magazine named US Airways as a Best of Vets employer in 2011 and 2012. US Airways was, for the third year in a row, the only airline included as one of the 50 best companies to work for in the U.S. by LATINA Style magazine’s 50 Report. The airline also earned a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality index for six consecutive years. The Corporate Equality index is a leading indicator of companies’ attitudes and policies toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and customers. For more company information visit usairways.com, follow on Twitter @USAirways or at Facebook.com/USAirways. (LCCG)

Contact: Todd Lehmacher, US Airways Corporate Communications Department, (480) 693-5729, media.relations@usairways.com.

“The City’s comprehensive efforts around planning have tangible results—our citizens are better informed and more empowered; our regulations and standards are modernized and predictable; and we have a guiding roadmap for physical development and public investment in the Citywide Vision and ongoing District Plans of Philadelphia2035,” Mayor Michael A. Nutter said.

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) coordinated three distinct planning activities – the Citizens Planning Institute, Philadelphia2035 (the city’s comprehensive plan), and a new zoning code and map revision. Individually, these activities educated hundreds of citizens and professionals, and engaged thousands in envisioning the future of Philadelphia and improving the way development is regulated. Collectively, they created an environment that hadn’t existed for 50 years. The city not only adopted a new comprehensive plan and zoning code but did so in the same calendar year (2011) and has moved forward with implementation:

• The Citizens Planning Institute is the PCPC’s education and outreach entity, established in 2010 to create a cadre of informed community leaders across all neighborhoods, and to help residents become active participants in planning their communities and understand anticipated changes to zoning regulations. The CPI now boasts 145 “citizen planners.”
• Philadelphia2035 is the city’s first comprehensive plan adopted in more than 50 years, focusing on the three themes of Thrive, Connect, and Renew.
• Zoning reform included both the rewrite of the city’s 50-year-old code and multiple zoning-map revisions as recommended in District Plans.

“In any city, let alone one as large and politically complex as Philadelphia, undertaking either a comprehensive plan, zoning code rewrite, or citizen planner leadership program, would have been a major accomplishment,” said Dennis G. Puko, APA Pennsylvania Awards Committee chairman. “Philadelphia through 2011 to 2012 did all three, and integrated them to achieve the most positive outcomes.”

Ann C. Bagley, FAICP, 2013 APA Awards Jury Chair, said, “The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) has created a unique and effective process that is fully transferable to other planning organizations, particularly when planning and regulatory activities occur simultaneously in a short period of time. Their approach demonstrates how education results in policy reform that leads to innovative regulatory changes that in turn results in implementation of the community vision and plan.”

Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Alan Greenberger added, “The work of the City Planning Commission has engaged our citizenry to shape the future of Philadelphia on a path of sustainable growth. The Commission is actively working to implement the vision of the comprehensive plan and the new zoning code.  By updating the zoning maps and working with other City agencies on capital projects, Philadelphian’s will see this vision come alive through new trails on our waterfronts, thriving commercial corridors, and new development projects that create jobs.”

The Best Practice award for Philadelphia’s Integrated Planning and Zoning Process will be presented at APA’s National Planning Conference in Chicago on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. The process also will be featured in Planning magazine, APA’s flagship publication.

For a list of all of the APA 2013 National Planning Excellence and Achievement Award recipients, visit www.planning.org/awards/2013. APA’s national awards program, the profession’s highest honor, is a proud tradition established more than 50 years ago to recognize outstanding community plans, planning programs and initiatives, public education efforts, and individuals for their leadership on planning issues.

The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the art, science and profession of good planning — physical, economic and social — so as to create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. Members of APA help create communities of lasting value and encourage civic leaders, business interests and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people’s lives. APA has offices in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Ill. For more information, visit www.planning.org.

“Philadelphia is an innovation city with immense talent and a great start-up environment.  It is the right blend of forward-thinking and entrepreneurial idealism to establish the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics,” said Mayor Nutter.  “New Urban Mechanics will have the flexibility to experiment, the ability to re-invent public-private partnerships and the strategic vision to create real change for Philadelphia.  I am excited to establish the Office of New Urban Mechanics as a civic innovation tool for urban transformation.”

The Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics will be co-directed by Jeff Friedman and Story Bellows.  Jeff Friedman has been with the Nutter Administration since 2008, previously working as the Philly 311 Project Manager, Chief of Staff to the Chief Technology Officer and Manager of Civic Innovation and Participation.  Story Bellows, who joined the Administration in April 2012, served previously as the Director of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design in Washington, D.C.

“Philadelphia has an incredibly rich mix of passionate and creative civic minded individuals – both in and outside of government. We are excited to work with and bring together these people to strengthen and sustain the civic innovation movement that is developing here in Philadelphia,” said Story Bellows.

The Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics is modeled after the office of the same name in Boston, Massachusetts and is only the second of its kind in the country.

Fox Chase Cancer Center, Drexel University, White and Williams, LLP and the Philadelphia Orchestra also signed MOUs with partner institutions in Tianjin.

“Establishing new ties and bolstering existing relationships are important steps for Philadelphia’s economic development,” said Mayor Nutter. “By working with our partners in China, especially in Tianjin, and sharing best practices and experiences, both sides can continue to develop and grow. I look forward to these relationships continuing in the future and am excited to see what results they will yield.”

Fox Chase Cancer Center signed an MOU with the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute to establish a sister-hospital relationship to further develop oncology expertise in Tianjin and throughout China. Some of the focuses of this new agreement will include aligning Tianjin with world-class Western cancer care, training Tianjin students, fellows, interns and nurses at Fox Chase as well as establishing and expanding clinical trials programs in Tianjin.

“We’re very excited to be signing a memorandum of understanding with Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital,” says Michael V. Seiden, M.D., Ph.D., President & CEO of Fox Chase Cancer Center.

“These kind of sister-hospital relationships, which align the skills and resources of cancer research, diagnosis and treatment resident at Fox Chase with the extraordinary growth of cancer treatment and diagnostic requirements in China and other nations, help us expand our Center’s mission of prevailing over cancer internationally,” says Kurt Schwinghammer, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Development Alliances at Fox Chase and Head of Fox Chase International.

Drexel University and Nankai University, located in Tianjin, signed an MOU to “to promote the advancement of scholarship, innovation, and learning through student and faculty exchange, research, joint publication, and service.” The universities will collaborate on and exchange materials related to research and education, jointly participate in conferences and engage students and faculty in education and community service.

“Urban universities, such as Drexel and Nankai, are critical drivers of innovation and economic growth as well as key partners in building and strengthening the local and global nexus of collaboration” said Drexel President John A. Fry. “Drexel is very proud to be a part of Mayor Nutter’s delegation to Tianjin and to make our growing partnership with Nankai University a part of Philadelphia’s Sister City Program.”

White and Williams, LLP reaffirmed an already existing with the Winners Law Firm. The firms signed a restated strategic alliance. The original alliance was signed in Philadelphia in February and witnessed by Mayor Nutter. The new agreement expands the focus of cooperation in the areas of clean-technology, including the further development of commercial protocols for the protection of intellectual property jointly developed between U.S. and China companies and institutions.

“The law firm of White and Williams is honored to be included in this historic event.  Our longstanding relationship with the City of Tianjin is far-reaching and expands upon the Strategic Alliance we entered into with the Winners Law Firm in February of this year, which Mayor Nutter graciously hosted at City Hall.  We look forward to growing these relationships with Philadelphia’s Sister City of Tianjin and with the businesses and institutions represented in both cities,” said Gary P. Biehn, Chair of Business Department for the China Business Group and International Group, White and Williams, LLP.

The Philadelphia Orchestra, which has a long and illustrious history with China, signed an MOU to continue to explore ways to work together in the future with the city of Tianjin and the Tianjin Grand Theater, where The Philadelphia Orchestra made its Sister City debut in 2012.

Said Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore, “The City of Tianjin was incredibly hospitable and gracious during our visit last spring.  In particular, it was a great pleasure to meet with Tianjin Mayor Huang and Tianjin Grand Theater President Qian Cheng.  We look forward to the flowering of our future relationship with Philadelphia’s Sister City.”

“Establishing the Civic Design Review Committee demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that development projects make the most positive impact possible on Philadelphia’s treasured public spaces, both downtown and in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.

The committee intends to meet monthly, two weeks prior to scheduled City Planning Commission meetings, but only if projects are submitted for review that month and have been identified by the Department of Licenses and Inspections during the permitting process.  The meetings will be open to the public and advertized on the City Planning Commission’s website:  www.phila.gov/cityplanning.

According to the zoning code, projects to be reviewed by the committee are determined by such factors as use, size, height, location, and zoning.  For instance, any large nonindustrial project with more than 100,000 square feet of floor space or 100 dwelling units will qualify. Smaller projects also may require review, particularly if they are very different in proposed size from nearby properties.

Six members of the committee have been appointed by Mayor Nutter; under the zoning code, each of the six must have a specific set of professional credentials. Committee members include:

• Nancy Rogo Trainer, principal at VSBA, LLC, architect, and member of the City Planning Commission since 2008;
• Michael Johns, acting deputy executive director for operations at the Philadelphia Housing Authority and architect;
• Anita Toby Lager, managing principal at LRSLAstudio and landscape architect;
• Dan Garofalo, environmental sustainability coordinator and senior facilities planner at the University of Pennsylvania;
• Anne Fadullon, director of real estate development and investment at the Dale Corporation; and
• Cecil Baker, architect and long-standing Washington Square West Civic Association zoning committee member.

The seventh seat on the committee is rotating for each project, to be filled by a representative of a local registered community organization in the project’s area.  The new zoning code also established a formal registry of community organizations to help ensure involvement by communities in the development process.

Nancy Rogo Trainer, the committee’s City Planning Commission representative, will serve as chairman as stipulated in the code.  Gary J. Jastrzab, the City Planning Commission’s executive director, will advise the Civic Design Review Committee but is not a voting member.

“Thank you, Kathryn Klaber, for the introduction.

Let me also thank Shari Williams for all of her hard work and assistance today.

Welcome to Philadelphia! I appreciate you choosing Philadelphia as the site of your important conference.

I hope you have been taking advantage of everything that Philadelphia has to offer, including respecting our great right of free speech. We have world famous museums, fantastic restaurants and beautiful parks. I encourage you to explore this city. It is expected to generate $5.5 million for the city.

This conference’s title is “Shale Insight,” so I’d like to offer a little insight on where Philadelphia and much of Southeastern Pennsylvania stands on Marcellus Shale and a variety of issues that it raises.

We recognize that there may be some short- and medium-term economic opportunities created for the region by the natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale.

President Obama is pursuing an “all of the above” energy strategy that includes the safe and responsible development of natural gas resources, which will mean more jobs in Pennsylvania.

But many of us are deeply concerned about natural gas drilling that could compromise river water quality in the Delaware River Watershed.

The watershed provides drinking water to tens of millions of people from New York to Delaware, including millions of people in Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.

And so let me state my core and concern value on this issue: there is no economic opportunity for which jeopardizing our water quality is acceptable.

I have yet to see progress from industry on the most important measures to build public confidence in your practices. Here’s what I’d like to see:

• That industry will fully fund its participation in the Delaware River Watershed Early Warning System to make notifications of accidents or other incidents.

• That industry will adequately and fully fund a forest restoration bond to ensure that decades from now when drilling ends, our forests can and will be restored to better than their current condition.

• And, if industry wants to earn the public’s trust, it will fully fund upstream environmental monitoring enhancements to demonstrate that shale activities are not—and will not—have impacts on the Delaware River Watershed.

Last, all the stakeholders need a process or framework so that the shale gas industry, environmental regulators and concerned stakeholders can discuss, monitor and evaluate the shale gas activities as they occur in the Delaware River Basin.

I believe that while a moratorium on drilling in the Delaware River Basin is in place, we all have a unique opportunity to establish the foundation of a strong framework to protect the environment and the drinking water of millions people in the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania.

Elected leaders and the public across the area are ready to engage with industry, but our trust must be earned.  As every business knows, actions speak louder than words.  I look forward to your “confidence building” actions.

Enjoy Philadelphia. Thank you.”