Next Great City: Philadelphia - Volume III, Issue VIII
| MAYOR NUTTER UNVEILS GREENWORKS |
| In what may be the biggest news of the year for sustainability in Philadelphia, on Wednesday, April 29, Mayor Michael Nutter unveiled the city's first sustainability framework - Greenworks Philadelphia. |
| DVRPC CALCULATES REGION'S GHG EMISSIONS |
| For the Greater Philadelphia region to become more environmentally sustainable and economically competitive, a strategy is needed to effectively address greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. Providing regional leadership on this important issue, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) completed a new study to measure our region's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and its carbon footprint. The report, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, is the first step in developing a plan to reduce energy use and the emission of gases that contribute to global climate change. |
| CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTS CIVIC VISION |
| On April 21, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission met to consider adopting the Civic Vision for the Central Delaware as the framework for future development along the stretch of land between Oregon and Allegheny Avenues, and I-95 and the Delaware River. After an overwhelming show of public support, both at the meeting and through your emails, the Planning Commission decided to accept the Vision. This is a great step towards gaining public access along our rivers. The process continues in May and June as the Planning Commission and City Council meet to consider the proposed interim zoning overlay to ensure that development that takes place between now and when a Master Plan is released does not create obstacles to fulfilling the Vision. |
| EAST COAST GREENWAY PA SUMMIT |
| Do you want to get involved with the completion of the East Coast Greenway in Pennsylvania? Then mark your calendars for Friday, May 8, when the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the national East Coast Greenway alliance will be hosting an East Coast Greenway Pennsylvania Summit. |
| TIME TO GO TO MARKET |
| It's that time of year again. Spring is here and seasonal farmers markets are getting ready to open. Check out The Food Trust or Farm to City to find the wheres and whens for a market near you! |
| COMMUTER CHECK FOR BICYCLISTS |
| Just in time for National Bike Month, the federal government has passed an incentive that allows employees to reduce their commuting costs by up to 40% while helping employers save 10% or more on payroll taxes. As part of a federal law designed to encourage the use of alternative forms of transportation, bike commuters can choose to apply commuter check vouchers for $20 per month to their favorite participating bike dealer. That's $240 per year, tax free. Use your tax dollars on any bike-related expense, including repairs and storage fees. Now you can save money and reduce your impact on the environment! |
| NEWS |
| · The Mayor's Office of Sustainability releases Greenworks, the city's first sustainability framework, with a special focus on the jobs that will be created in an effort to meet the framework's ambitious goals. · The City took a big first step in reducing litter and improving recycling in the city with the introduction of the first of 500 new solar-powered trash compactors and over 200 pedestrian recycling containers. · As part of their "Rethinking Philly" series, the Daily News observes that now is the time for Philadelphia to regain its greatness. It looks at and some of the steps Philly is taking to get us there in the areas of sustainability, transit oriented development, zoning, energy, collectivity, and 'job sprawl', and where we are lagging behind, as well as who to go to to make progress happen. · For Philadelphia to become the Next Great City, we might need to take some notes from Atlanta's Zero Waste Zone. · The University of Pennsylvania can now add sustainability to its list of areas in which it excels. · The Energy Coordinating Agency is way ahead of the curve in the green jobs movement. With a new training center in Kensington, they are leading our city on the path to a greener future. · Earth Day has something for everyone, whether you are an ecological novice or a veteran environmentalist. Looking to bridge the gap before next earth day? Check out one Philadelphian's efforts to reducer her impact on the planet. · One person's trash is Tom Szaky of TerraCycle's business. |
| EVENTS |
| · Friday, May 1 to Wednesday, May 6- Riverwards Restaurant Week at various locations in Port Richmond, Kensington, and Fishtown · Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. - Trip to Terrain at Styers leaving from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at 100 North 20th St. · Sunday, May 3, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.- Headhouse Farmer's Market Opening Day at 2nd and Lombard St. · Wednesday, May 6, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. - Coming Up Green II at PNC Bank at 1600 Market St., 3rd Floor · Wednesday, May 6, 6:00- 9:00 p.m. - Green Drinks Philadelphia at Standard Tap at 910 North 2nd St. · Thursday, May 7, 5:30- 8:00 p.m. - Party for the Park at 43rd St & Kingsessing Mall · Thursday, May 7, 6:30- 8:00 p.m. - Bald Eagles in Philadelphia - A Successful Recovery at The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education at 8480 Hagy's Mill Rd. · Friday May 8, 8:30- 10 a.m. - A Clean Break Round Table at the Philadelphia Center for Architecture at 1218 Arch St. · Friday, May 8, 8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. - East Coast Greenway PA Summit at the Hub at the Cira Centre at 2929 Arch Street · Friday, May 8, all day - Online Registration for Make an Impact on Election Day, May 19 Municipal Primary · Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10, 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. - Used Electronics Drive - Ethical Recycling at the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting at 100 East Mermaid Lane. · Wednesday, May 13, 10 a.m.- City Council Hearing on Bicycle Parking Zoning Bill at City Council Chambers, Room 400 |