[BIKE] Joe Syrnick named as SRDC Executive Director

[John Boyle]

City engineer to direct Schuylkill development   http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/cities_neighborhoods/philadelphia/9902925.htm By Stephan Salisbury Inquirer Staff Writer Joseph R. Syrnick, the city's chief engineer and surveyor, has been named executive director of the Schuylkill River Development Corp., the lead agency working to revitalize the riverfront. "I have followed the Schuylkill River Development Corp. and its progress over the last dozen years and believe the project has enormous economic and social potential for our city," said Syrnick, who is also a member of the Fairmount Park Commission. The creation of the Schuylkill River Park has been the main focus of the nonprofit corporation over the last decade. Involvement in that project has led to a broadening of goals and activities, however, and Syrnick will join an organization that is coordinating a $2.5 billion investment campaign aimed at revitalizing the lower river and its immediate surroundings. "Our ongoing capital program remains ambitious," said Gerard Sweeney, president and chief executive officer of Brandywine Realty Trust and board chairman of Schuylkill River Development Corp. Sweeney said Syrnick's "30-plus years of engineering experience" would prove "invaluable as we continue to develop the Schuylkill riverfront." The last section of Schuylkill River Park, stretching from Walnut Street to South Street, is under construction and is expected to be completed next year. In addition to this $8.2 million project, the corporation is also working on completing a pedestrian and bicycle ramp for the South Street bridge, plus various pedestrian enhancements for other Schuylkill bridges. It also plans to construct docks at the Fairmount Water Works, Walnut Street, and Bartram's Garden. Other projects include the Schuylkill Gateway, a plaza and bridge improvement project at Market Street, environmental restoration, and river trails.

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