|
|
 Existing Conditions at Cottman and Torresdale Avenues |
 Proposed Corner Treatment to Emphasize a Gateway into the Neighborhood |
 Existing Banners |
 Proposed Lighting Fixtures with Banners |
 Existing Crosswalks |
 Proposed Crosswalk with Honeycomb Pattern, which Adds Texture with Thermal Plastic to Enhance Character and Street Appeal |
 Read the Oct. 19 Northeast Times Article on the MARC in the News Page |
October 13, 2006 – The Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) and Urban Engineers met with local civic and business leaders on Thursday, Oct. 12 to discuss the nearly $2 million in federal and state funding slated for improvements along Torresdale Avenue.
State Representative Michael P. McGeehan (D-173) along with officials from MARC, Urban Engineers and Cope Linder Architects provided an update on the current plans and status of the Torresdale Avenue Project (TAP). The goal is to create more attractive business districts in Tacony and Wissinoming starting with gateways at the intersections of Cottman Avenue and Harbison Avenue. Their ideas for the gateways include flower beds and banner poles with either Tacony or Wissinoming banners.
“We want to make people feel like they have arrived somewhere,” said Sam Bonsall, from Cope Linder Architects. “It is important to have a certain continuity throughout the district.”
That continuity will be enhanced with similar crosswalks, benches, trash bins and newspaper honor box corrals along the avenue. The decision on the appearance of these items will be made during future meetings with the local civic and business organizations. SEPTA is also planning improvements to their facilities in the district, which will blend in with what the community chooses.
Meanwhile, they also plan to double the amount of light shown on the business district by adding light fixtures and improving existing light fixtures. The new lighting fixtures will be reminiscent of those found in Center City. They are shorter, only 17 feet tall, and shed more light on the sidewalk.
“People will feel more comfortable walking the streets at night with the added light,” said James A. Bilella, II, from Urban Engineers. “Like we saw in Center City, lighting can provide a chain reaction that will keep business open later because people feel safe.”
After the presentation, business owners and civic leaders wanted to know what was being done about parking. Currently, MARC, the Tacony Community Development Corporation and the Tacony Business Association are looking into viable options for a potential parking lot.
Assuming all goes as planned, work should begin in the spring of 2008. Updates of the project’s progress will be available on MARC’s web site.
Local Residents and Business Owners Help MARC Improve Torresdale Avenue
October 16, 2006 – The Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC) requests the input of local residents and businesses regarding streetscape improvements along Torresdale Avenue.
Simply download the survey, answer the questions and sent it back to MARC.
Participants can print out the survey and mail it to Major Artery Revitalization Committee, P.O. Box 8904, Philadelphia, PA 19135. Or, they can attach the completed survey to an email and sent it to marc.cleansweep@gmail.com. Also, feel free to cut and paste your responses into the body of the email. Just don't forget to include your name, address and phone number.
MARC thanks you for your assistance in improving the neighborhood.