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Gary J. Jastrzab, Acting Executive Director

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PUBLICATIONS BY YEAR
(1990—Present)

PCPC Newsletter
(August 2005)


Parks & Plazas
(June 2005)


City of Philadelphia: The FY2006-20011 Capital Program
(June 2005)


CityStats
(January 2005 Update)


The Political and Community Service Boundaries of Philadelphia (PCPC Map Series, 13.9MB PDF File)
(June 2004 Reissue)


Neighborhood Design Guidelines
(June 2004)


Philadelphia Shops Update 2002-2003
(April 2004)


Design Guidelines for Commercial Façade Improvements
(December 2003)


City of Philadelphia: The Recommended FY2004-2009 Capital Program
(January 2003)


Blight Certification and Redevelopment Area Plan Reports
(February—November 2002)


Community Heritage Preservation Program
(September 2002)


Investing in Philadelphia: The FY2003-2008 Capital Program
(June 2002)


Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan for the North Delaware Riverfront
(September 2001)


New Century Neighborhoods and Technical Reports
(July 2001)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 2002-2007 Capital Program
(May 2001)


Guide to Data Sources
(June 2007 Update)


Lancaster Avenue: Strategies for Corridor Revitalization
(June 2000)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 2001-2006 Capital Program
(June 2000)


Zoning Remapping in Philadelphia
(May 2000 Update)


Parkside National Register Historic District Redevelopment Area Plan
(February 2000)


Center City/University City Residential Rent and Occupancy Study
(January 2000)


Extending the Vision for South Broad Street
(October 1999)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 2000-2005 Capital Program
(June 1999)


52nd & Lancaster/West Parkside Transportation Study
(December 1998)


At Home: A Strategic Plan for the Seventh Street Neighborhood
(December 1998)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 1999-2004 Capital Program
(June 1998)


Findings of the Opinion Survey of Manayunk Residents
(March 1998)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 1998-2003 Capital Program
(June 1997)


City Avenue District Transportation Study
(June 1997)


Philadelphia Shops Update: A Citywide Inventory of Retail Centers
(December 1996)


Findings of the North Delaware Waterfront Survey
(November 1996)


Design Guidelines for Off-Street Parking
(September 1996)


A Renewal Agenda For Off Broad East
(July 1996)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 1997-2002 Capital Program
(June 1996)


Northeast Philadelphia Rapid Transit Needs and Preferences Study
(July 1995)

Vacant Land in Philadelphia
(June 1995)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 1996-2001 Capital Program
(June 1995)


Political and Community Service Boundaries of Philadelphia
(October 1994)


The Plan for West Philadelphia
(June 1994)


Destination Philadelphia: A Strategic Plan for the Visitor Industry
(March 1993)


Byberry Hospital Reuse Study
(1992)


Selected Tables Population & Housing Data:1990 & 1980
(1991)


Industrial Philadelphia: A Study of Industrial Land Use
(1990)



PUBLICATIONS BY TITLE
(1990—Present)

52nd & Lancaster/West Parkside Transportation Study
(December 1998)


A Renewal Agenda For Off Broad East
(July 1996)


At Home: A Strategic Plan for the Seventh Street Neighborhood
(December 1998)


Blight Certification and Redevelopment Area Plan Reports
(February—November 2002)


Byberry Hospital Reuse Study
(1992)


Center City/University City Residential Rent and Occupancy Study
(January 2000)


City Avenue District Transportation Study
(July 1997)


City of Philadelphia: The FY2006-20011 Capital Program
(June 2005)


City of Philadelphia: The Recommended FY2004-2009 Capital Program
(January 2003)


CityStats
(January 2005 Update)


Community Heritage Preservation Program
(September 2002)


Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan for the North Dealware Riverfront
(September 2001)


Design Guidelines for Commercial Façade Improvements
(December 2003)


Design Guidelines for Off-Street Parking
(September 1996)


Destination Philadelphia: A Strategic Plan for the Visitor Industry
(March 1993)


Extending the Vision for South Broad Street
(October 1999)


Findings of the North Delaware Waterfront Survey
(November 1996)


Findings of the Opinion Survey of Manayunk Residents
(March 1998)


Guide to Data Sources
(June 2007 Update)


Industrial Philadelphia: A Study of Industrial Land Use
(1990)


Investing in Philadelphia: The FY2003-2008 Capital Program
(June 2002)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 2002-2007 Capital Program
(May 2001)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 2001-2006 Capital Program
(June 2000)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 2000-2005 Capital Program
(June 1999)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 1999-2004 Capital Program
(June 1998)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 1998-2003 Capital Program
(June 1997)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 1997-2002 Capital Program
(June 1996)


Investing in Philadelphia: The 1996-2001 Capital Program
(June 1995)


Lancaster Avenue: Strategies for Corridor Revitalization
(June 2000)


Neighborhood Design Guidelines
(June 2004)


New Century Neighborhoods and Technical Reports
(July 2001)


Northeast Philadelphia Rapid Transit Needs and Preferences Study
(July 1995)


Parks & Plazas
(June 2005)


Parkside National Register Historic District Redevelopment Area Plan
(February 2000)


PCPC Newsletter
(August 2005)


Philadelphia Shops Update 2002-2003
(April 2004)


Philadelphia Shops Update: A Citywide Inventory of Retail Centers
(December 1996)


The Political and Community Service Boundaries of Philadelphia (PCPC Map Series, 13.9MB PDF File)
(June 2004 Reissue)


Political and Community Service Boundaries of Philadelphia
(October 1994)


Selected Tables Population & Housing Data:1990 & 1980
(1991)


The Plan for West Philadelphia
(June 1994)


Vacant Land in Philadelphia
(June 1995)


Zoning Remapping in Philadelphia
(May 2000 Update)


PUBLICATION ABSTRACTS


PCPC Newsletter (August 2005)

Catch up on what's new in planning this summer, including: the New River City Initiative, skateboard park update, PCPC wins national award, and "Around Town."

This publication is available as a 4.2MB PDF file.


Parks & Plazas (June 2005)

This design study examines the Parks and Plazas in the area of City Hall. With the nature of the core of Center City changing from a predominately daytime place of office workers and shoppers to a twenty-four hour place of workers, shoppers, residents and guests, the public spaces in the city core need to be made new again.

This publication is available as a 1.6MB PDF file.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

City of Philadelphia: The FY2006-20011 Capital Program (June 2005)

The Capital Program is the City of Philadelphia's six-year plan for investing in its public buildings, community facilities, and physical infrastructure. While much of the Capital Program focuses on improvements to the City's neighborhoods and the quality of life of its citizens, the plan supports numerous other municipal government priorities. Among these are "growing" the City's economy, improving conditions related to public health and safety, and promoting the City's fiscal stability by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of governmental operations.

The FY2006-2011 Capital Program allocates nearly $5.5 billion over this six-year period to develop new facilities where needed, to renovate the City's existing stock of public and community facilities, and to modernize its physical infrastructure.


CityStats (January 2005 Update)

CityStats contains socio-economic and business trends data frequently requested of the City Planning Commission. Subjects include population, employment, income, retail sales, housing and office market activity, and an inventory of major development projects. Some tables compare City statistics with data for the Philadelphia PMSA. The following tables are included in CityStats:
  • Population Trends for City and Region (MSA), 1990-2000
  • Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment Rate, 1993-2003
  • Establishment Employment by Economic Sector, 1993-2003
  • Selected Income Data and Consumer Price Index, 1993-2003
  • Retail Sales, 1993-2003
  • Major Employers, 2004
  • Housing Stock Characteristics, 2000
  • Population by Race for PAS (1980, 1990, and 2000)
  • Median Single-Family Home Sales Prices by Neighborhood, 1997-2002
  • Office Leasing Activity, 1989-2004
  • Comparison of CBD Office Rents and Vacancy Rates for Selected Cities, 2004
  • Major Development Projects Completed, 2000-2004
  • Major Projects Under Construction, 2004
  • Major Proposed Construction Projects, 2004
CityStats is updated periodically.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

The Political and Community Service Boundaries of Philadelphia (June 2004 Reissue)

The Political and Community Service Boundaries of Philadelphia presents an all new series of maps showing political and administrative boundaries for the City of Philadelphia.

Section I shows the districts for Philadelphia City Council, Pennsylvania State Senate, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U. S. Congress. Constituent political wards are shown for each type of district.

Section II shows the boundaries of the City's twelve Planning Analysis Sections (PAS). Individual PAS maps show constituent political wards, as well as the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the City Council representatives for these areas. These maps also list some of the neighborhoods found in each PAS.

Section III identifies the administrative boundaries of many public services and programs available in Philadelphia. Included are maps showing administrative districts for the County Board of Assistance; Municipal Court; the Fairmount Park Commission; the Police, Fire, Health, and Recreation departments; and several other governmental functions. Many of these maps show the location of important public facilities (e.g. police and fire stations, health and recreation centers) and list telephone numbers for services and information.

This publication is available as a 13.9MB PDF file.


Neighborhood Design Guidelines (June 2004)

Neighborhood Design Guidelines is presented as a means to achieve good design and enhance the physical environment of Philadelphia's neighborhoods. The guidelines are not requirements in any formal or legal sense. Rather, they seek to inform communities, developers, and others involved in building and rebuilding Philadelphia about the design treatment necessary to sustain our neighborhoods.

Since neighborhoods are composed of various supportive uses, the guidelines address residential, as well as commercial and open space, elements.

This publication is available as a 745K PDF file.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Philadelphia Shops Update 2002-2003 (April 2004)

Philadelphia Shops Update 2002-2003 is based on inventories of the conditions and characteristics of an extensive sample of the City's commercial corridors, centers, and districts. The Philadelphia Shops inventories are intended to help decision makers evaluate how consumer-oriented establishments can complement communities' visions for the future, while meeting the retail and service needs of City residents, workers, and visitors. This update highlights market and industry trends, presents relevant inventory findings, and suggests ways to address commercial development needs at both the citywide and neighborhood levels.

This publication is available as a 1,200K PDF file.


Design Guidelines for Commercial Façade Improvements (December 2003)

Design Guidelines address aesthetic issues that business and property owners face in planning commercial and retail improvements. They are intended to provide ideas, stimulate thinking, and promote good design among the many participants in neighborhood commercial corridor revitalization by addressing storefront façades and building maintenance.

This publication is available as a 352K PDF file.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

City of Philadelphia: The Recommended FY2004-2009 Capital Program (January 2003)

As recommended by the City Planning Commission, the FY2004-2009 Capital Program provides nearly $3.8 billion over this six-year period to provide new facilities where needed, to renovate the City's existing stock of public and community facilities, and to modernize its physical infrastructure. The total cost for the 107 projects recommended for FY2004, the first year of the Program, is almost $619 million.


Blight Certification and Redevelopment Area Plan Reports (February—November 2002)

The City Planning Commission is responsible for determining areas eligible for urban renewal, and reviewing urban renewal plans developed by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. This process begins with the City Planning Commission creating a "Redevelopment Area" by certifying an area as "blighted" according to criteria established by Pennsylvania Urban Redevelopment Law. This is followed by the preparation of a Redevelopment Area Plan that establishes goals for future development and makes recommendations pertaining to land use, zoning, and site planning.

The following Blight Certification and Redevelopment Area Plan reports are available as Portable Document Format (PDF) files for viewing or downloading:
  • Frankford Creek Redevelopment Area Plan (November 2002)

  • Frankford Creek Blight Certification (November 2002)

  • 42nd and Lancaster Area Blight Recertification (November 2002)

  • 44th and Aspen Redevelopment Area Plan (November 2002)

  • 30th and Girard Area Blight Recertification (July 2002)

  • 45th and Sansom Redevelopment Area Plan (February 2002)

  • 45th and Sansom Area Blight Recertification (February 2002)
[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Community Heritage Preservation Project (September 2002)

The City plans to redevelop and rehabilitate large areas of Philadelphia that have become blighted. This neighborhood restoration will include building demolition and the treatment of vacant lots. While it is essential that the City rehabilitate its neighborhoods, the PCPC hopes to document, preserve, and salvage the important architectural and cultural resources of these communities.

A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts has helped to enable the Philadelphia City Planning Commission to create a model program to record and document the cultural resources and diverse architectural heritage of its neighborhoods.

This project is the recipient of the American Planning Association's 2003 Outstanding Project Award.


Investing in Philadelphia: The FY2003-2008 Capital Program (June 2002)

The FY2003-2008 Capital Program is the City of Philadelphia's six-year plan for the construction and renovation of public buildings, facilities, and other physical infrastructure. It provides nearly $4.3 billion to renew the extensive stock of City-owned properties used to provide public services.

The total cost for the 567 projects in FY2003, the "budget year" of the program, approaches $1.6 billion. Of this, $508 million (32%) is appropriated for 98 new projects, with the remainder being carried forward from the FY2002 Capital Budget.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan for the North Delaware Riverfront (September 2001)

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission is updating the City's land use and development plans for a portion of the Delaware Riverfront from Center City to Bucks County. This effort, the Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan for the North Delaware Riverfront, seeks to apply world-class standards for land use and design to one of the Philadelphia Region's major assets–its riverfront.


New Century Neighborhoods and Technical Reports (July 2001)

New Century Neighborhoods and its four accompanying technical reports presents a market-oriented framework to create residential "products"–homes, apartments, city blocks, and entire neighborhoods - that more effectively attract and retain households. The framework highlights Philadelphia's need to upgrade its overall menu of residential choices to meet the demands of present and future generations.

These reports are presented as a series of Portable Document Format (PDF) files.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Investing in Philadelphia: The 2002-2007 Capital Program
(May 2001)


The Capital Program is the City's six-year plan for the construction and renovation of public buildings, facilities, and other physical infrastructure. The 2002-2007 Capital Program provides $3.9 billion over this period to renew Philadelphia's extensive system of public facilities. The cost for the 559 projects in Fiscal Year 2002, the first year of the Program, totals $1.7 billion. Of this total, $560 million is new funding, with the remainder being carried over from the 2001 Capital Budget.


Guide to Data Sources (June 2007 Update)

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission Guide to Data Sources contains a list of public and private sources of frequently requested planning and marketing data. For each of the categories listed below, the names, postal addresses, and telephone numbers of source agencies and firms are provided. The Web version of this document contains hypertext links to data sources.
  • Abstracts and Bibliographies
  • Census Data
  • Census Maps and Aerial Photos
  • Economic and Employment Data
  • Housing Program and Residential Sales Data
  • Property and Environmental Data
  • Public and Parochial School Data
  • Transportation and Parking Data
  • Vital Records
  • Zoning Information
  • Agency Reference List
The Guide to Data Sources is updated periodically.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Lancaster Avenue: Strategies for Corridor Revitalization
(June 2000)


The 1994 Plan for West Philadelphia identified Lancaster Avenue as a "Corridor in Decline," and recommended that ways be found to create a cleaner, more organized environment along the length of this important thoroughfare. This follow-up study focuses on Lancaster Avenue between 52nd Street and Woodbine Avenue. It establishes goals and recommends actions to improve the appearance and function of this section of the Lancaster Avenue corridor.


Investing in Philadelphia: The 2001-2006 Capital Program
(June 2000)


Capital investment in Philadelphia's physical infrastructure is an investment in the City's future. The 2001-2006 Capital Program provides $4.1 billion to renew Philadelphia's extensive system of public facilities, and represents a significant commitment to sustain and enhance the City's competitiveness as a place to live, work, and visit in the 21st Century. The cost for the 569 projects in Fiscal Year 2001 totals $1.7 billion.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Zoning Remapping in Philadelphia (May 2000 Update)

Since 1965, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission has been engaged in rezoning major portions of the City through the Zoning Remapping Program. By the end of 1999, 183 different City neighborhoods had been rezoned through this program, representing 70% of the land area of the City.

Zoning Remapping in Philadelphia is a primer for land use planning in the City of Philadelphia. It contains sections entitled:
  • What is Zoning?
  • How Does Zoning Work?
  • How Does the Zoning Remapping Program Work?
  • A History of Zoning in Philadelphia
  • An Overview of the Philadelphia Zoning Code
    • Residential Districts
    • Commercial Districts
    • Industrial Districts
    • Special Purpose Districts
    • Miscellaneous Zoning Controls
The full text of the Philadelphia Code of Ordinances, including the Zoning Code, can be viewed by following this link to the American Legal Publishing Corporation.


CityStats (January 2005 Update)

CityStats contains socio-economic and business trends data frequently requested of the City Planning Commission. Subjects include population, employment, income, retail sales, housing and office market activity, and an inventory of major development projects. Some tables compare City statistics with data for the Philadelphia PMSA. The following tables are included in CityStats:
  • Population Trends for City and Region (MSA), 1990-2000
  • Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment Rate, 1993-2003
  • Establishment Employment by Economic Sector, 1993-2003
  • Selected Income Data and Consumer Price Index, 1993-2003
  • Retail Sales, 1993-2003
  • Major Employers, 2004
  • Housing Stock Characteristics, 2000
  • Population by Race for PAS (1980, 1990, and 2000)
  • Median Single-Family Home Sales Prices by Neighborhood, 1997-2002
  • Office Leasing Activity, 1989-2004
  • Comparison of CBD Office Rents and Vacancy Rates for Selected Cities, 2004
  • Major Development Projects Completed, 2000-2004
  • Major Projects Under Construction, 2004
  • Major Proposed Construction Projects, 2004
CityStats is updated periodically.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Parkside National Register Historic District Redevelopment Area Plan (February 2000)

The Parkside National Register Historic District is a 105-acre section of West Philadelphia, adjacent to Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia Zoo. The Parkside National Register Historic District Redevelopment Area Plan was created to facilitate property rehabilitation and redevelopment in the Parkside Historic District.

The goal of the Redevelopment Area Plan is to provide a framework for current and future redevelopment proposals. This framework is intended to maintain the character of the neighborhood by supporting the rehabilitation of existing housing, encouraging additional residential construction, and permitting new commercial and other community services at appropriate locations.


Center City/University City Residential Rent and Occupancy Study (January 2000)

The Center City/University City Residential Rent and Occupancy Study was conducted from October 1998 to October 1999. Between May and October 1999, 2,961 units were surveyed in Center City (12.1% of the 24,470 rental units in Center City at the time of the 1990 census). From October 1998 to July 1999, 1,148 units were surveyed in University City (7.8% of the 14,784 rental units in University City at the time of the 1990 census).

As of October 1999, 97% of rental units in Center City were occupied, with a median rent of $1,000 per month. Occupancy for different unit types ranged from 94% for two-bedroom units to 100% for units with three or more bedrooms. Among Center City neighborhoods, the Callowhill/Northern Liberties area had the lowest occupancy rate (89%) and Old City had the highest (100%). Callowhill/Northern Liberties also had the lowest median rent ($650 per month), while Franklintown had the highest ($1,135 per month).

As of July 1999, 92% of rental units in University City were occupied, with a median rent of $475 per month. Occupancy for different size units ranged from 84% for studios to 96% for units with three or more bedrooms. Among University City neighborhoods, Walnut Hill had the lowest occupancy rate (86%) and the area immediately adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania had the highest (98%). The University area also had the highest median rent ($575 per month). The Spruce Hill neighborhood had the lowest median rent ($464 per month).

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Extending the Vision for South Broad Street: Building Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts in the 21st Century
(October 1999)


Reinventing South Broad Street as the Avenue of the Arts, a world class cultural destination, has been a civic goal in Philadelphia for nearly two decades. Extending the Vision for South Broad Street defines a development strategy for the Avenue of the Arts from City Hall to Washington Avenue. The objective is to create a realistic blueprint for future development that encourages new activities and uses that support the district and expands public and private investment in the Avenue of the Arts.

Avenue of the Arts, Inc. created the South Broad Planning Task Force to guide the development of this plan. The Task Force was headed by Peter Solmssen, President of the University of the Arts; Robert Butera, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority; and John Connors, a Center City real estate developer. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission participated in the Task Force, and prepared Extending the Vision for South Broad Street.


Investing in Philadelphia: The 2000-2005 Capital Program
(June 1999)


Capital investment in Philadelphia's physical infrastructure is an investment in the City's future. The 2000-2005 Capital Program provides $4.7 billion to renew Philadelphia's extensive system of public facilities, and represents a significant commitment to sustain and enhance the City's competitiveness as a place to live, work, and visit in the 21st Century. The cost for the 537 projects in Fiscal Year 2000 (both new projects and projects carried forward from previous fiscal years) totals $1.9 billion.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

52nd & Lancaster/West Parkside Transportation Study
(December 1998)


The 52nd & Lancaster/West Parkside Transportation Study is a technical report that follows up on transportation planning issues identified in The Plan for West Philadelphia (1994). For the West Parkside neighborhood, as well as parts of Overbrook, Wynnefield, and Cathedral Park, these issues included:
  • Poor access to the West Parkside Industrial Park from surrounding streets and the transit system;
  • The blighting influence of the abandoned train station at 52nd Street;
  • The loss of regional access resulting from the abandonment of the station, and;
  • Transportation needs for reverse commuting from the study area.
The 52nd & Lancaster/West Parkside Transportation Study examines these issues and their economic impacts on the study area, and makes recommendations for a range of transportation improvements. Special emphasis is placed on potential transit improvements that could increase reverse commuting opportunities for area residents.


At Home: A Strategic Plan for the Seventh Street Neighborhood (December 1998)

At Home: A Strategic Plan for the Seventh Street Neighborhood is a guide for revitalizing a diverse, low-income community in South Philadelphia. The strategic plan was written collaboratively with the Seventh Street Roundtable, a coalition of non-profit organizations serving the Seventh Street neighborhood. At Home provides a current snapshot of the Seventh Street neighborhood, and recommends steps to set the community development process in motion.

Recommendations are organized around the following long-range community development goals:
  • Encourage people and businesses to remain and invest in the neighborhood;
  • Sharpen the community's public image and make it an attractive destination;
  • Protect and preserve stable residential blocks;
  • Stabilize and improve high-vacancy blocks;
  • Develop the capacity to address community development needs effectively;
  • Build relationships to tackle problems together;
  • Provide support and personal development opportunities to adults;
  • Expand the scope of available youth activities and social outlets;
  • Respond to the special needs of the growing elderly population.
Although At Home focuses on a specific neighborhood, it can also serve as a model for other urban neighborhoods contending with scattered vacancy.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Investing in Philadelphia: The 1999-2004 Capital Program
(June 1998)


Each year, the City of Philadelphia prepares a six-year Capital Program. The Capital Program schedules the expenditure of funds needed to build and renovate public facilities in Philadelphia. Investing in Philadelphia: The 1999-2004 Capital Program provides an overview of the budget and program years, identifies and describes capital projects by City department, and specifies funding amounts and sources for each of these projects.

The 1999-2004 Capital Program provides $4.1 billion to renew the City's extensive system of public facilities. The cost for 472 projects in FY 1999, the first or budget year of the program, totals $1.7 billion.


Findings of the Opinion Survey of Manayunk Residents
(March 1998)


In March 1997, the City Planning Commission mailed over 4,300 survey questionnaires to Manayunk households as a way to augment and inform the process of preparing a new comprehensive plan for the Manayunk neighborhood.The survey provided neighborhood residents with an opportunity to voice their opinions about a variety of quality of life issues, and to help public and private actors focus their energies on solving community problems. A total of 1,624 survey responses were received, a return rate of 37.1%.

Findings of the Opinion Survey of Manayunk Residents summarizes the results of this neighborhood survey. Included in this report is a demographic and socio-economic profile of survey respondents, residents' opinions about a variety of quality of life issues affecting Manayunk, and ratings of the residential and commercial character of the Manayunk neighborhood.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Investing in Philadelphia: The 1998-2003 Capital Program
(June 1997)


Each year, the City of Philadelphia prepares a six-year Capital Program. The Capital Program schedules the expenditure of funds needed to build and renovate public facilities in Philadelphia. Investing in Philadelphia: The 1998-2003 Capital Program provides an overview of the budget and program years, identifies and describes capital projects by City department, and specifies funding amounts and sources for each of these projects.

The 1998-2003 Capital Program provides $4.1 billion to renew the City's extensive system of public facilities. The cost for 466 projects in FY 1998, the first or budget year of the program, totals $1.6 billion.


City Avenue District Transportation Study (June 1997)

The City Avenue Transportation Study is an assessment of transportation problems and solutions in this 4.4 mile corridor along U.S. Route 1 from the Schuylkill River to Cobbs Creek, including the neighborhoods on both sides of City Avenue in Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township. The study was multi-modal in its approach. A major focus of the research was on the potential for shifting automobile drivers to other modes of transportation.

Based on the technical and non-technical analysis contained in this study, several actions are recommended for implementation. These include:
  • reduced fares at one of the commuter rail stations in the area;
  • more bus shelters and benches;
  • improvements to the pedestrian environment;
  • employer-based travel demand management (TDM) programs;
  • creation of a zoning overlay to regulate curb cuts, internal circulation, pedestrian access, and signs;
  • feasibility or engineering studies to replace the traffic signal system;
  • installation of a footbridge at one location;
  • changing certain bus routes;
  • retaining and improving some form of rail service on a threatened commuter rail line;
  • developing a coordinated, bi-jurisdictional network of bicycle lanes/routes.
[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Philadelphia Shops Update: A Citywide Inventory of Retail Centers (December 1996)

Philadelphia Shops Update summarizes the findings from a 1995-1996 inventory of 258 retail/service areas within theCity of Philadelphia. For individual areas, data include total number of commercial units/spaces, percent vacancy, gross leasable area (GLA), and parking index. These data are compared to the 1988 retail area inventory. Total commercial units, GLA, and vacancy data are also aggregated for the City's twelve Planning Analysis Sections.


Findings of the North Delaware Waterfront Survey
(November 1996)


The North Delaware Waterfront has a long history as an industrial area. In recent years the character of the southernmost portion of this area has begun to change with the development of nightclubs and restaurants, and the conversion of older industrial buildings to office space. In order to better understand these changes, the City Planning Commission conducted a detailed survey of businesses in the area between Interstate 95 and the Delaware River, from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to Allegheny Avenue.

This study reports on the findings of the North Delaware Waterfront Survey. The area is profiled in terms of business activities, number of employees, and size and condition of physical facilities. The responses of businesses to questions about space needs, taxes, transportation, and public services are summarized. The report concludes with a series of recommendations for City action to protect existing businesses, while promoting continued development in the area.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Design Guidelines for Off-Street Parking (September 1996)

Design Guidelines for Off-Street Parking provides information about Philadelphia Zoning Code requirements for the development of new parking lots and parking structures. It contains guidelines to improve the design and function of these facilities; to preserve the character, appearance, and value of the areas surrounding them; and to promote a safer environment for pedestrians. It is also intended to help expedite the review of plans submitted for parking facilities, and to make the permit application and approval process easier to understand.

To assist in the design of parking facilities, Design Guidelines for Off-Street Parking includes lists of recommended planting and landscaping materials, shows sample parking lot site plans and screening treatments, and provides suggestions for the design of parking structure facades. Also contained in the report is the text of the Philadelphia Zoning Code dealing with parking requirements, a checklist of required City approvals, and the criteria used in the review of parking garage proposals.


A Renewal Agenda For Off Broad East (July 1996)

A Renewal Agenda For Off Broad East focuses on the strategic Center City precinct located between Market Street East, Locust Street, Ninth Street, and the Avenue of the Arts on South Broad Street. The Renewal Agenda reviews current problems and opportunities in this area, and proposes a specific vision and set of recommendations to guide future public and private investment. These recommendations emphasize the remaking of Chestnut Street, the introduction of new entertainment, retail, and residential uses, and the targeted redevelopment of key properties within the district.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Investing in Philadelphia: The 1997-2002 Capital Program
(June 1996)


Each year, the City of Philadelphia prepares a six-year Capital Program. The Capital Program schedules the expenditure of funds needed to build and renovate public facilities in Philadelphia. Investing in Philadelphia: The 1997-2002 Capital Program identifies and describes capital projects by City department, provides funding amounts and sources for each of these projects, and contains a series of Planning Analysis Section maps showing project locations.

The 1997-2002 Capital Program provides $4.3 billion to renew the City's extensive system of public facilities. The cost for all projects in FY 1997, the first or budget year of the program, totals $1.5 billion.


Northeast Philadelphia Rapid Transit Needs and Preferences Study (July 1995)

Northeast Philadelphia Rapid Transit Needs and Preferences Study provides an overview of the several phases of this study and describes the conclusions of the consultants. The objective of this study was to determine the technical feasibility, construction costs, and transportation benefits of a rapid transit extension to Northeast Philadelphia, and to ascertain the views of the affected communities on this subject.

The City Planning Commission's primary recommendation is that the concept of rapid transit extension be advanced to the more detailed level of study required to obtain federal funding for construction. A lengthy appendix features correspondence from various stakeholders, including community groups, public agencies, and elected officials.

[ Publications by Year | Publications by Title | PCPC Home Page ]

Vacant Land in Philadelphia: A Report on Vacant Land Management and Neighborhood Restructuring (June 1995)

Vacant Land in Philadelphia focuses on the causes, effects, and reuse potential of vacant land in Philadelphia's distressed residential neighborhoods. The study describes the dimensions of the vacant land problems confronting Philadelphia, and discusses issues concerning the City's management of vacant land. The report recommends specific actions for managing vacant land problems more effectively.

The study also presents four neighborhood case studies which document common patterns of vacancy in distressed neighborhoods, and makes recommendations for the treatment and reuse of vacant land and buildings. Based on these case studies, a set of principles for the long-term restructuring of deteriorated neighborhoods are presented.


Investing in Philadelphia: The 1996-2001 Capital Program
(June 1995)


Each year, the City of Philadelphia prepares a six-year Capital Program. The Capital Program schedules the expenditure of funds needed to build and renovate public facilities in Philadelphia. Investing in Philadelphia: The 1996-2001 Capital Program identifies and describes capital projects by City department, provides funding amounts and sources for each of these projects, and contains a series of Planning Analysis Section maps showing project locations.

The 1996-2001 Capital Program provided $4.3 billion for 564 projects to renew the City's extensive system of public facilities. In the budget year of the Program (FY 1996), 465 projects were funded at a total of $1.4 billion.

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Political and Community Service Boundaries of Philadelphia (September 1994)

Political and Community Service Boundaries of Philadelphia presents a series of maps showing political and administrative boundaries for the City of Philadelphia.

Section I shows the districts for Philadelphia City Council, Pennsylvania State Senate, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U. S. Congress. Constituent political wards are shown for each type of district.

Section II shows the boundaries of the City's twelve Planning Analysis Sections (PAS). Individual PAS maps show constituent political wards, as well as the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the City Council representatives for these areas. These maps also list some of the neighborhoods found in each PAS.

Section III identifies the administrative boundaries of many public services and programs available in Philadelphia. Included are maps showing administrative districts for the County Board of Assistance; Municipal Court; the Fairmount Park Commission; the Police, Fire, Health, and Recreation departments; and several other governmental functions. Many of these maps show the location of important public facilities (e.g. police and fire stations, health and recreation centers) and list telephone numbers for services and information.


The Plan for West Philadelphia (June 1994)

The Plan for West Philadelphia is a long-range comprehensive plan for the fourteen square mile district of the City bordered by the Schuylkill River, City Avenue, Cobbs Creek, and Baltimore Avenue. With a total population of 219,713 (1990), the district comprises 25 neighborhoods, and includes the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and West Fairmount Park.

The Plan presents an overview of West Philadelphia, describes its physical development, and makes recommendations for its future growth. Key recommendations are to revitalize the district's residential neighborhoods, consolidate shrinking neighborhood shopping districts, redevelop deteriorated highway corridors, and improve the coordination and delivery of social services.

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Destination Philadelphia: A Strategic Plan for the Visitor Industry (February 1993)

Destination Philadelphia presents a comprehensive analysis of the City's visitor industry. It outlines a strategy to redefine Philadelphia's image as a visitor destination, and recommends specific actions for enhancing the City's visitor attractions, special events, and hospitality services.

The first section of this report analyzes the economic impacts of the City's visitor industry, comparing Philadelphia against competing visitor destinations, assessing the City's market niche for visitors, and identifying conditions that affect the visitor experience.

The second section presents a series of recommendations for enhancing visitor attractions and special events, improving hospitality services and visitor amenities, and coordinating the actions of the many local organizations that present Philadelphia to the world.

The final section of this study is an action plan that focuses on the implementation of the report's recommendations.


Byberry Hospital Reuse Study (1992)

Byberry Hospital Reuse Study was initiated by the City of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in response to the planned closing of the Philadelphia State Hospital, known locally as Byberry. The purpose of the study was to prepare a reuse plan for the hospital site which would permit the state to dispose of the property in a constructive manner, while addressing the concerns of the surrounding community and providing an economic development opportunity. The study was overseen by a steering committee composed of representatives of the City and State Departments of Commerce, the adjacent communities, and local elected officials.

The study area included the 185 acre Byberry Hospital site, the adjacent 274 acre Benjamin Rush State Park, and other publicly-owned vacant land. The report summarizes physical conditions, demographic trends, and real estate development trends; articulates development objectives; discusses issues associated with major reuse possibilities; and presents a series of alternative land use plans.

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Selected Tables Population & Housing Data: 1990 & 1980 (1991)

This report contains a selection of tables on population and housing subjects taken from the Census Bureau's Summary Tape File 1 for the City of Philadelphia. Data is presented by census tract and aggregated by Planning Analysis Section for both the 1990 and 1980 decennial censuses. The report also contains census tract maps for 1990 and 1980, a Planning Analysis Section map, and definitions of census terms.

The report includes the following tables:
  • Total Population by Race
  • Total Population by Age Group
  • Persons in Households and Group Quarters
  • Number of Households by Type
  • Persons of Hispanic Origin
  • Total and Occupied Housing Units
  • Vacant Units and Multi-Unit Structures
  • Owner-Occupied Housing Units
  • Median Housing Value and Rent
  • Occupied Housing Units with Householder 65 Years and Over


Industrial Philadelphia: A Study of Industrial Land Use (1990)

Industrial Philadelphia: A Study of Industrial Land Use examines conditions affecting industrially-zoned land in the City of Philadelphia, and investigates issues concerned with the future use of this land.

The study identifies and profiles thirteen "industrial districts" in the City. The industrial sector of the City's economy is analyzed through employment trend data, the supply and use of industrial land, and the demand for industrial real estate by industrial district. Recommendations are presented for preserving the City's dwindling supply of industrial land, and for encouraging additional industrial development.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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