[UC] FW: [grapevine] Sam Katz letter

[J. Matthew Wolfe]

Title: Sam Katz letter

Below is a letter that was forwarded to me that shows Sam Katz's position on a preservation/development issue of some importance, specifically the plan to demolish three buildings on Sansom Street and to construct a parking garage, movie theater and restaurant complex on Walnut Street near Rittenhouse Square.  There are people on both sides of this specific issue, but it does give some insight into Sam's general attitude towards both development and preservation issues.  Whether you agree or disagree, here it is.

 

It is probably well known that I am a Katz supporter, so it may not surprise anyone if I say that on this issue, I agree with Sam.

 

Matt Wolfe

 

_________________________________

 

Support Sam Katz for Mayor

 

J. Matthew Wolfe

Law Office of Alice W. Ballard, P.C.

1700 Lewis Tower

225 South 15th Street

Philadelphia, PA  19102

(215) 893-9990

Fax:  (215) 893-9997

 

4256 Regent Square

Philadelphia, PA  19104

(215) 387-7300

-----Original Message-----
From: Katherine Dowdell [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2003 9:34 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [grapevine] Sam Katz letter

Thought some might find this letter interesting - Sam Katz's take on a preservation issue in Center City.

September 10, 2003

Mr. Joseph P. Egan
Executive Director
Philadelphia Parking Authority
3101 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Dear Mr. Egan:

I am writing to express my concern about the parking garage and movie theater development that the Parking Authority proposes to develop at 19^th and Walnut Streets.  This is a very significant project for Philadelphia and one that concerns many people in the Rittenhouse Square area and in the historic preservation community and our city at large.

A primary reason for my concern is the importance of this site. In 1961, in her landmark book, "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," Jane Jacobs described Rittenhouse Square as "a beloved, successful, much-used park, one of Philadelphia's greatest assets today, the center of a fashionable neighborhood - in deed the only old neighborhood in Philadelphia which is spontaneously rehabilitating its edges..."   Forty years later, it is even more of a jewel, and an economic engine as well.  This is reflected by the fact that between1997-2002, resale value of residences in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood increased by 108%.  As you have said, it is one of the finest development sites in Philadelphia.  

We have an obligation to make sure that what is put here will make a lasting contribution to the City.  We want to be sure that future citizens of Philadelphia will want to preserve what we build today with the same dedication that we have for our historic buildings.   I am doubtful that a parking garage with a movie theater and shops below, constitutes the highest and best use for this premier site.

As you know, the project requires the demolition of three buildings in the Rittenhouse- Fitler Historic District.  All three buildings have distinctive architectural qualities such as bay windows, stone trim, classical stonework surrounding the doorways, and many other features that are simply not found in buildings of today, and therefore considered "significant" and "contributing" to the area's historic infrastructure.  The buildings subject to demolition contribute to the city's pedestrian scale and make secondary streets like Sansom Street among the most interesting places in the City to walk.  The historic character of Philadelphia is what makes Philadelphia, and Center City in particular, so distinctive. This character is one of Philadelphia's greatest competitive advantages for attracting new residents, businesses and visitors, so decisions that may impact it must be considered in the scope of long-term economic goals.

In addition, older buildings like these provide an important balance in the economic development of Center City by providing spaces for small businesses and shops to locate.  All three buildings are in workable condition and could be renovated for economic uses that will contribute to the vitality of Center City and Sansom Street.

I know that you inherited this situation from previous Parking Authority administrations when you were named executive director in May.   As you are well aware, the sorry record of development for the Parking Authority laid down by your predecessors does not inspire confidence.   Of particular concern is the experience at 8^th and Market where government agencies have poured millions of dollars into a hole. 

I am certain that, given your extensive experience with City development, you will be able to sort out the disorder of the Authority's ill-conceived projects.   I am excited about the progressive initiatives you are planning at the Authority to improve traffic flow, upgrade taxi services, introduce technology into on-street parking, and enhance the quality of life in our city.  

I believe that the City needs more affordable parking available in Center City to expand our retail business sector.  Their customers need reasonable rates for short shopping trips, shows and restaurant visits.   As Mayor, I pledge to work with you, City Council, the Center City District, and resident and business associations to make this happen.  

I know that taxpayers have spent sizable sums in the acquisition of this site and the planning of this garage.  This is regrettable.  However, the mistakes of the past are not a rationale to throw good money after bad.   When the site is developed to its highest potential, the public entities involved should be able to recover their outlays.

As you know, I am pro-development.  As Mayor, I will actively promote a balanced approach to business and residential development in every neighborhood in our City.  However, wherever development does occur, it must enhance, not destroy, the wonderful urban fabric we have inherited.  Here in this city, we have something unique and precious that cannot be duplicated or matched by our suburban competitors.

I know you share my vision for Philadelphia and that you are bringing a new vision to the Parking Authority.  I think that vision would be best served if we consider this site more carefully, and engage business interests, residents and the historic preservation community in a dialogue.   This is the way I would hope to work with community interests and public agencies if elected Mayor, but I think it is appropriate here under any circumstance.

I strongly urge that the Authority step back from the course of action set in motion in 1999 by others, and develop a thoughtful and inclusive process that will outline goals for the site.  Then we can request proposals from the very best, mixed-use urban developers to meet these goals.

Therefore, I respectfully request that you ask for a continuance of the application you have submitted to the Historical Commission.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Sam Katz