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East Falls Development Corporation, Pennsylvania

Construction Update

Midvale Avenue OPEN and Two-Way! (updated 3/18/08 - written by Julie Camburn, The Fallser and Gina Snyder)

Midvale Avenue is Open! Midvale Avenue is open for two way traffic and parking has been restored. After a disastrous two and a half month water and sewer construction project, the intersection at Ridge and Midvale Avenues in East Falls is again fully operational for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Much thanks for this timely conclusion is due to our new Councilman, Curtis Jones Jr.

After not getting a lot of information or assistance, the East Falls Development Corporation (EFDC) and East Falls Business Association (EFBA) approached Councilman, Curtis Jones Jr. on his second day in office. By January 10th, the Councilman had two high-level PWD staff cooperating on a plan to get extended working hours from the contractor. Councilman Jones also asked for, and received, weekly updates on the project. As a result, PWD finished a week earlier than originally projected. He also got relaxation of the Parking Authority ticketing.

The Commerce Department, the Mayor's Business Action Team, and the Mayor's Office have been invaluably helpful as well. Not only have they supported the area, but they brought in The Merchants Fund, an organization committed to providing for the economic needs of the merchant community that supports local businesses. Together, this group is committed to making sure East Falls is a vibrant and sucessful area. It has been heartening and humbling to see such active support from so many sides.

Although hard hit, local businesses did manage to maintain operations. They are plannign a Grand Reopening Party on Sunday, April 13, from noon to 4 p.m.

The Parking Authority had relaxed parking enforcement near the construction. They will now be enforcing all rules: 2-hour residential parking, safety, fire hydrants, bus stops and two-hour restrctions on Ridge Ave.

See you by the River.

Traffic Advisory: Kelly Drive (Aug. 2007)

On Thursday, August 16, Kelly Drive traffic will be reduced to one-lane City bound and one lane City outbound for a period of five months to allow for construction as part of a stormwater sewer project.  This project will provide flood relief benefits to parts of the Northwest section of the city and improve water quality in the Schuylkill River.

The upcoming construction is part of a two year project that will install a 12.5' diameter tunnel that will be bored under Kelly Drive, the adjacent cemetery and into the community.  When the project is completed, a new scenic overlook on the Schuylkill River will include benches and other amenities.

More updates will follow as necessary.

Private Projects in East Falls

East Falls is the site for various ambitious and one-of-a-kind capital projects that are expected to draw a regional audience.

  • The new Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center. The only tennis center in the country dedicated to children opened in East Falls this summer. The 9.2 acre site in Fairmount Park is located between Ridge Avenue and Lincoln Drive in East Falls. The Center features eight all-weather courts, eight indoor courts and a 10,000-square-foot area building.
  • Sherman Mills at East Falls. A 19th century mill near Scotts Lane, Allegheny Avenue and Henry Avenue is being transformed into a 17-acre contemporary arts and crafts community. Craftsmen and artists in residence will live and work with like minded people. Residents will benefit from restaurants, studio tours, event venue, health spa and yoga studio. For more information, contact The Mills.
  • Hilltop at Falls Ridge. This brand new Westrum Development project will consist of 128-unit townhouse style homes overlooking the Schuylkill River on the top of a hill, near the intersection of School House Lane and Ridge Avenue.  Homes are under contstruction and on sale now.
  • The Dobson Mills. Former textile factory between Ridge Avenue and Scotts Lane and Route 1 ramps is being converted to 300 apartments by the Winther Investment company.

East Falls Public Improvement Plan Overview and Status: February 2008

Philadelphia’s East Falls Riverfront district features a mile of Schuylkill riverfront, a wealth of history and character, and a cozy downtown cluster of independent shops and restaurants. Efforts to call attention to these assets resulted in the East Falls Reconnects to the River, the 2003 Public Improvement Plan. The plan’s goals are to increase residents’ quality of life, attract visitors, and stimulate commerce in one of Philadelphia’s most hidden treasures.

The plan, led by the East Falls Development Corporation (EFDC) and endorsed by the East Falls Community Council, features four phases. As of January 2007, two of the four phases have obtained over $1 million of public and private funding, with recent completion of a much needed 50-space parking lot. Public improvements will complement a mix of private development projects, including a cutting-edge artist community and a mixed use condominium complex.

Phase I: The Welcome Mat

This component of the East Falls Public Improvement Plan comprises the area along the riverfront, with an emphasis on visitors’ gateways and ease of travel in the neighborhood. Projects will create a welcoming atmosphere for the East Falls business district and improve pedestrian experience and safety.

Phase I includes:

  • Constructing a 50-space parking lot under the twin bridges between Ridge Avenue and Kelly Drive. (completed Oct. 2007)
  • Forming a pedestrian island where Midvale Avenue meets Kelly Drive. (design complete)
  • Placing pedestrian scale street lights along the East River road. (design complete)
  • Improving pedestrian crossing areas(e.g. specialized pavement markings and landscaping).
  • Changing the direction of East River Road - block behind the fire station).

Status:Construction projects will begin within a year..

Phase II: The Heart of the District

This section of the improvement plan includes Ridge Avenue about one mile east and west of Midvale Avenue, and Midvale Avenue from the Falls Bridge to the East Falls Regional Rail station. It will serve to slow traffic on Ridge Avenue to the 35mph speed limit.

Phase II includes:

  • Narrowing Ridge Avenue lanes from its 13-foot width designed for highways to an 11-foot width used for surface streets.
  • Widening the northern Ridge Avenue sidewalk.
  • Adding trees, lighting, planters, benches and attractive trash receptacles on both sides of Ridge and Midvale Avenues.
  • Burying the electric power wires and phone lines on the south side to west side of Midvale Avenue.

Status:

  • Finding the funding for this $3-4 million project is still underway. Two requests have been made to the Hometown Street project. Federal and state funding is being explored.

Phase III: The Riverfront District

This section of the plan attempts to infuse the revitalized development momentum and improvements beyond the business district. The area of focus spans the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center on Ridge Avenue to the Laurel Hill Cemetery, and continues from Ridge Avenue and Scotts Lane to the 17-acre multi-use community, Sherman Mills at East Falls.

Phase III includes:

  • Placing complementary street improvements such as lighting, planters, landscaping, trash receptacles and an effort to ease traffic flow and speed.

Status:

  • Funding for the estimated $2.5 million phase is currently underway.

Phase IV: The Rivage Block

Public improvements in this phase focus on the Rivage Block, a city-owned property at the southwest corner of Calumet Street and Ridge Avenue. The Redevelopment Authority intends to put the site out for development in Spring 2007. The property is available through the RDA. The developer has been selected - Riverfront District Partners, who are building "East Village.:Read out the East Village Plans

Phase IV public improvements include:

  • Widening the south side of Ridge Avenue along the Rivage Block. The space will be used as a parking area, except during morning rush hour when it will become a turning lane.
  • Adding a turning lane on Calumet Street to allow cars to make a left turn onto Kelly Drive.

Status:

  • As part of their agreement with the city, the developer will make. public improvements  including widening Ridge Avenue and Calumet Streets.