Promote Green Infrastructure Development and Sustainable Open Spaces

The history of Philadelphia is one steeped in production factories, which mirrors the past of Sharswood, as discussed in Chapter 2. Today, the City of Philadelphia is a leader in the development of environmentally friendly buildings and city infrastructure. Much more work needs to be done to foster a truly green city, but, during planning exercises with neighborhoods throughout the City, the Planning Commission, residents, and city planners
agreed on the need to advocate for and incentivize green development. The residents of Sharswood/Blumberg also pushed for environmentally friendly development in the plans for the Lower North District and this Transformation Plan.

Strategy 1: Use Green Infrastructure and LEED-ND Principles in the Neighborhood Development Efforts

• 1.1 Educate residents about sustainable uses of open spaces.
• 1.2 Advocate for application of Green Infrastructure Principles of Street and Storm Water Management Projects.
• 1.3 Encourage property owners to apply green principles to home improvement projects.
• 1.4 Promote LEED-ND for all housing development projects.
• 1.5 Promote environmentally friendly landscaping projects in the community.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• Total number of energy efficient non replacement units that meet Energy Star standards for new construction
• Total number of green open spaces and landscaping projects
• Total number of energy efficient units constructed regardless of certification

Strategy 2: Promote Pedestrian-Friendly Neighborhood Design

• 2.1 Discuss with PHA the need for improved lighting, benches, and crosswalks to enhance the pedestrian experience.
• 2.2 Identify opportunities for bike lanes.
• 2.3 Break up the Blumberg Apartments complex by reconnecting 23rd Street.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• Total number of new bike lines created and pedestrian friendly amenities

Strategy 3: Mitigate Environmental Hazards During Demolition and Construction

• 3.1 Partner with environmental groups to expand the knowledge of theBrewerytown-Sharswood Community Civic Association on the environmental impacts of demolition, preservation, and rehabilitation of buildings and infrastructure.
• 3.2 Discuss resident concerns about the environmental impact of demolishing the old Blumberg towers with PHA.
• 3.3 Educate investors in the community about resident interests in limiting the environmental impact of their redevelopment plans.

Performance Indicators and Metrics

• (Not Applicable)

Partners

The following is a list of organizational partners that the Sharswood community views as important to the promotion of green infrastructure development/redevelopment:

• The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
• Green Philadelphia Environment Network
• City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation
• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
• Brewerytown-Sharswood Community and Civic Association
• City of Philadelphia Office Licenses and Inspections
• City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management