PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 21, 2025) – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declined to approve Philadelphia Parks and Recreation’s recent water obstruction and encroachment permit application related to the proposed redevelopment of FDR Park. Instead, DEP issued a deficiency letter which outlined several concerns with the current plan, including the failure to analyze alternatives to the destruction of trees and other natural resources. The proposal calls for the removal of 300 trees and fails to map many other trees that may be removed from FDR park. The deficiency letter also points out that the application did not demonstrate how the benefits of the project would outweigh the harms to the public and the environment.
“The public has been extremely strong and consistent in speaking out against this destructive plan, and DEP listened,” said Alex Bomstein, Clean Air Council Executive Director. “DEP recognizing the significant problems with this permit is a win for climate resilience, Philly’s tree canopy, the local ecosystem, and the many people who use the park.”
“They want to install 33 acres of toxic turf at the cost of destroying hundreds of trees and erasing 80 years of ecological growth and benefits—a do-over we can’t afford,” said Avigail Milder of Save The Meadows. “That’s the centerpiece of the Master Plan. The so-called Nature Phase is just a distraction. Thankfully, the DEP realized that.”
This permit was applied for under Pennsylvania’s Chapter 105 regulations which state that, “Work shall be conducted in a manner to minimize the destruction of or damage to trees and other vegetation on and adjacent to the construction site.” Parks and Rec’s proposal to destroy over 300 trees in FDR Park clearly did not meet that standard. Parks and Rec’s required “alternatives analysis” did not consider protecting the 300 existing trees in the proposed project area.
If Parks and Rec seek to continue with its proposal, it must respond to DEP’s deficiency letter within 60 days addressing the concerns or completely reapply for its proposed Chapter 105 water obstruction and encroachment permit.
(JUNE 25, 2020 – PHILADELPHIA, PA) — Clean Air Council and Feet First Philly applaud City Council for passing bills 200351 and 200352. Expanding outdoor dining for Philly’s restaurants and permitting right of way closures including street parking is key to preventing the spread of COVID19 while businesses begin to open.
Both bills are extremely important. However, we strongly support bill 200352, permitting right of way closures. Without this bill, restaurants and businesses wouldn’t have access to extra space to ensure customers and pedestrians are able to maintain safe social distancing. Converting parking spaces and permitting expanded use of the parking lane will allow safe passage for pedestrians and ample room for outdoor seating.
Clean Air Council and Feet First Philly support these bills and other measures to use public space effectively to aid in the safe reopening of the region’s businesses. Read more about our Recovery Streets platform put together with 5th Square and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.
We are aware that the city’s hospitality industry suffered tremendously from closures due to the public health emergency. Clean Air Council and Feet First Philly applaud the creative efforts restaurants have utilized to ensure that people are able to safely walk up to establishments they wish to patronize. We hope that the City of Philadelphia continues to match this creativity, and adopt new measures to rethink how our public space is used to benefit everyone.
Jennifer Dougherty, Chair of Feet First Philly – “These bills support both the economic and personal health of Philadelphians. Now is the time to reimagine our street space to allow for a healthier, more vibrant, and safer Philadelphia today and in the future.”
Joseph Otis Minott, Executive Director and Chief Counsel of Clean Air Council – “Allowing expanded outdoor dining is key to helping Philly’s diverse restaurant scene survive during the public health emergency. Bill 200352 is a big step in the right direction for better use of the city’s public space. These bills ensure that restaurants can use the public right of way to keep their staff and diners safe as the city begins to reopen.”
CONTACT: Ptah Gabrie pgabrie@cleanair.org 215-567-4004 x 127 for more information
