President of Friends of Rittenhouse Square stepping down

Last spring's uproar over proposals to bring commercial, money-generating events to Rittenhouse Square has quieted to a muffled grumble. But the rancor, expressed in e-mails, anonymous letters, and public meetings, has led Wendy Rosen, president of Friends of Rittenhouse Square, to resign after 16 years.

"I'm not bitter," she said Thursday. "It needed to be done, and if it has a new face, it will be better for the organization."

In May, word spread that under Rosen, the nonprofit, all-volunteer organization had paid New York consultant Dan Biederman $60,000 for two six-month contracts to come up with ideas for raising the $400,000 needed to maintain the historic square properly.

The group supplements state and city services to care for the park and its fountain, small structures, paths, and landscaping, but in recent years government budget constraints and a decline in dues-paying members have created a financial crisis.

The townhouses, condominiums, and apartments surrounding the square are home to many of the city's wealthiest residents. Neighbors consider the square their backyard, which they willingly share with the rest of Philadelphia as long as visitors respect the space and behave with decorum.

Looking for a steadier source of income, the Friends of Rittenhouse Square hired Biederman, who had done similar projects in other cities, including Bryant Park in New York. His proposals included closing 18th Street several times a year during events to allow the bordering restaurants to expand outdoor seating, and then share a portion of the revenue with the Friends. He also suggested getting corporate sponsorship to provide free WiFi; bringing in quaint kiosks where people could buy sandwiches, salads, and drinks; holding yoga classes and events for children; putting on a light show similar to those along the Avenue of the Arts; hosting concerts; and showing films.

When these ideas came to light, Rosen and the executive committee were criticized for a lack of transparency and accused of arrogantly carrying out plans without public input or consensus.

Rosen considered the personal attacks an instance of "blaming the messenger."

"People took us for granted," said Rosen, who has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for improvements and repairs.

As a result of the controversy, membership in the organization doubled from 390 in March to 780 in June, and dues plus extra contributions brought in about $90,000.

But the fight left Rosen bruised. "I have people who know how hard I work who have been so empathetic," she said. "I don't mind if people disagree. That's wonderful. But there's no need to be mean."

At the annual black-tie fund-raising ball held under white tents on the square in June, Rosen announced that she would step down as president when new elections are held at the Oct. 7 board meeting. She nominated Betsy Hummel, vice president of membership, to succeed her. Rosen will remain on the executive committee, primarily as a fund-raiser.

If the committee elects her as the next president, Hummel said, "I will probably work on getting more people involved and being more transparent."

She said the committee understood the strong opposition to some of Biederman's proposals, especially the kiosks. "The overwhelming feeling is people want to keep the park quiet."