Manayunk Neighborhood Council

December
2003

Inside This Issue:

First Annual Car Float

MNC and Friends of the Mana-yunk Canal held a press conference on Nov. 17. Toy cars were flushed into the canal to depict what a flood will do to cars parked on Venice Island.

Channel six news telecast MNC President Kevin Smith wearing a life jacket and reading a clip from his statement.

Press Statement

In overturning the Zoning Board approval, Common Pleas Court Judge Flora Barth Wolf stated "While at first blush, this proposal seems desirable: a residential development adjacent to a burgeoning commercial district with charming waterfront ambience adding new residents to the City's tax roles. On closer inspection, however, the residential development proposed by Dranoff poses too great a risk to human life and property even to approach the high standard for approval of a variance. This Court cannot permit one project to put the entire City's participation in the FEMA program at risk, expose the City to legal action and jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of the community as a whole."

In overturning Judge Wolf and approving the projects, the state courts have simply buried their heads in the sand. In doing so, they have made a mockery of the zoning laws. No longer do developers have to show hardship. No longer do they have to show safety. No longer do they have to consider adverse impacts.

As clearly seen in the transcripts of the Zoning Board hearings, the decision to approve these apartments was a foregone conclusion. The Zoning Board, then under the directions of Tom Kelly, mocked us and they mocked our experts--some of the finest in the country.

What we did not expect, was the same level of pandering to special interests from our state court system. We did not expect the same indifference to public safety. We did not expect the same indifference to even minimal standards of evidence and logic.

We are here today, in part, to express our outrage and dismay at the failure of our legal system. Beyond that, we are here to say the fight is not over. We believe these developments have fundamental flaws and they cannot be made safe. These are the undisputed facts.

Venice Island is within the Floodway of the Schuylkill River. The floodway is the part of the river, in a flood, where water flows the deepest and fastest.

With heavy rainfall, Venice Island could flood in as little as three hours.

During Hurricane Floyd, water topped the island about the same time the flood warning was issued.

In a severe flood, the water will be over 10 feet deep and flowing too fast for rescue boats.

Helicopter rescues are the most dangerous form of rescue and my not be possible in severe weather.

It takes only two feet of water to float a car.

Philadelphia does not have adequate rescue capability on the Schuylkill River. It will cost millions and take years to develop that capability. Manayunk has only four firefighters and no water craft.

People will wait to the last minute and try to save their cars, pets, and other belongings. Vehicle access to these developments will be the first to flood. This utterly predictable behavior was seen most recently in the Southern California fires, causing several deaths.

There is no place within a mile of these developments where vehicles could be evacuated. The 600 cars from these developments will require almost two miles of curb space. With no place nearby, people will be prone to delay evacuation and ignore warnings.

Police cannot force residents to evacuate.

The zoning battle for the Dranoff project may be over but there is still a long way to go before apartments can be built on Venice Island. These developments must receive permits from city, state and federal agencies. These developments will be under the scrutiny of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state Department of Environmental Protection, national environmental groups and local residents like us. It's not over until the next 100-year flood.

Throughout the state and around the country federal funds are spent to relocate homes and businesses away from flood danger. Residential development on Venice Island will ultimately burden city, state, and federal taxpayers and will endanger residents and rescuers. Future flooding on Venice Island is not just likely, it is certain. The future loss of life and property is not just possible. It is certain.

PRETZEL PARK

Drinking Fountains

The two drinking fountains proposed for Pretzel Park may be reduced to only one. After an initial estimate from one plumber, it looks like our funds will only cover the cost of one drinking fountain. We are still looking for plumbers to give us estimates but local plumbers have not responded to our calls. We are also looking for an estimate to extend the water supply through the park house with an outside faucet in the back.

A single drinking fountain will likely be installed near the park house. The project is in the design phase with installation planned for the spring.

Meanwhile, we are considering the purchase of a 55-gallon water barrel with a spigot for the dog run. This will replace the five gallon bottles that Irene Biernacki has been lugging across the park.

St. John's donated water when we had none in the park. Irene hauled water from there to the dog run. The faucet was working for a while but is again out of use.

We have asked Councilman Nutter for funding for holiday lights. We will also be seeking funding for new lighting and new signs in the park.

The Real Pretzel Park

A request has been sent to Councilman Nutter to officially change the name of the park to Pretzel Park. The formal name on the city records is Manayunk Park.

There are many stories about the origin of the name Pretzel Park. We believe the name relates to the pretzel shape of the sidewalks. That pretzel shape has been recreated with the recent park renovations which the Councilman funded.

In the minds of residents and as far back as anyone can remember, Pretzel Park has been Pretzel Park. It is time for the official name of the park to come into line with the "real" name of the park.

The proposed name change was presented at the November Manayunk Neighborhood Council general meeting and the November Friends of Pretzel Park meeting. The proposal received unanimous support.

Please Call 911

It takes the watchful eye of local residents and people that use the park to deter vandalism. Please call 911 if you see suspicious activity in the park. Do not confront vandals.

A call to 911 is the correct procedure to follow. It does not need to be an emergency to call 911. The operators will prioritize the call and alert police. They will respond quickly unless they are detained by other, more important, activities.

Pretzel Park, the Album

Local band 4 Way Street titled its first album Pretzel Park (click to visit www.4WaySt.com). We plan to have them play in the park to kick off our annual concert series. 4 Way Street is the collaboration of musicians: Ben Arnold, Scott Bricklin, Jim Boggia, Joseph Parsons, and drummer Scott Muir.

"4 Way Street takes its most obvious influence from the band who recorded a classic live album, "4 Way Street" - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. While the harmonies soar and the guitars sparkle and jangle, Pretzel Park transcends the Southern California sound of the 70's, updating it for a new generation of fans of singers and songwriters." - www.wxpn.org

Mural Dedication

December 16 5:00 to 6:30 PM Manayunk Train Station Mural Dedication Cresson St between Gay and Carson Sts

JUST A FEW MINUTES...

November 5, 2003 General Meeting

Kevin Smith opened the meeting with acknowledgement and adoption of the October minutes, which were printed in the Newsletter. The Financial report was also noted on the agenda and it included an Activities Fund grant that will pay for future summer concerts in Pretzel Park.

Rick Dickson, with the Parking Authority spoke to the group about permit parking for our neighborhood. He said that this program is in place in various Philadelphia neighborhoods with 15,000 permits listed thus far. He explained that the program limits parking on residential blocks except for residents who can get a permit for unlimited parking. Permits cost $35 for the first year and $25 thereafter. Guest permits cost $15 and can be used for up to 15 days. Permits are issued only to people whose vehicles are registered to their home address.

There was a full discussion including both the pros and cons of this plan with most objections centering on parking for guests and visiting relatives. In addition, even a permit doesn't guarantee a specific parking place. The plan is meant to open street parking primarily in favor of local residents and homeowners. Rick had packets available with sign-up sheets. The process is limited to a street-by-street basis with a 51% majority of signatures required.

Rick also talked about a pilot program in Wissahickon for booting cars whose owners have outstanding scofflaw violations. He reported that since May 2003, fifty cars have been booted. There was a question about the expansion of the program. This is possible if the neighborhood is interested.

Several zoning matters were discussed, specifically the adoption of guidelines for developers drawn up by Wissahickon Neighbors. Additionally, there was news that the Parkway Corp. leased a SEPTA lot off Green Lane near Main Street. This would add a minimum of 172 spaces with monthly paid parking rates available. The only concerns raised were issues of traffic congestion especially around special events such as Bike Race Sunday. A motion to approve the proposed parking lot was introduced and carried.

Kevin reported that we're opposing conversion of a historic building at 358-374 Shurs to condo development due to a dispute with the developer about the number of parking spaces per unit. The Zoning Board now has this issue under advisement.

A motion was also introduced and carried that supports zoning changes from R9 and R9A to R10 to R10A. This will prohibit multi-family dwelling conversions.

Two existing Manayunk eating and drinking establishments have plans to change their operations. Bella Tratoria's owner wants to open an additional restaurant on the site of the former Vega Grill. The Manayunk Brew Pub has a pending renewal for their dance hall license. This is our opportunity to become involved around objections to noise and disorderly behavior at this location. A motion was introduced and carried supporting our involvement.

CLIP/TRASH

Not much is new in this area. Some residents received computer generated phone messages from the City reminding about trash days and guidelines for trash pickup. Work is still in progress regarding our proposal to the City for more specific projects for our neighborhood. Some work has already been accomplished by NTI such as tree removal.

PRETZEL PARK

A motion was made and carried to approve the name change of Manayunk Park to Pretzel Park.

BY LAW CHANGES

There will be a vote at the next meeting (December) about the proposed changes outlined on the back of the agenda.

UPCOMING EVENTS

A fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, November 21 at the Philadelphia Canoe Club featuring live music and refreshments. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Kevin talked about a Press event to call media attention to the planned apartment construction at the Venice Island. Date and time will be announced.

Membership

Please join or renew if you are not a current member. Membership Information & Form

Thanks!

THANK YOU! The streets along Fountain, Silverwood, Tower, Leverington and Cresson were cut and cleared in response to our requests. NTI, Councilman Nutter, the Managing Director's Office, and local city representatives are to thank for this work. We're making progress. There are still hurdles to cross but slowly and steadily we are making a difference.

THANKS TOO! Thanks to the many boogie animals that attended our fundraiser at the Canoe Club. It was a huge success and lots of fun. Thanks also to the Canoe Club for donating their site, Matt Lafferty & the All Stars for donating their performance, and Yards Brewery for donating a keg of Saison.

NOTES

Kansas City Prime has been sold to the owner of the Irish Pub in West Chester, PA. The name of the restaurant will be Kildare's Irish Pub. It is not a chain but the third restaurant for the owner. The owner will be the on-site manger here.

The restaurant is being designed and built by an Irish consulting team to create an accurate Irish experience. It will not be a sports bar but will show Irish soccer teams and showcase Irish music. The menu will include American and Irish fare.

We will be meeting with the new owner to give him background information about our community and ask him to be a good neighbor.

PERMIT PARKING

Permit Parking greatly enhances the quality of life for residents of congested areas by limiting long term parking on selected blocks to permit holders only. The permit increases the resident's chances of finding parking by spurring turnover and removing storage of nonresident vehicles, however, it does not guarantee a parking space. There are not many Manayunk residents that can say they have a guaranteed parking space or even an easily accessible space. Permit parking may be for you.

A permit costs $35 per vehicle for the first year and $20 for annual renewal. To be eligible, a vehicle must display a valid Pennsylvania license plate and be registered to an address in the permit parking district.

You can get a permit for a company car if you prove that you are a resident and the principal operator of the car. Guests may park for the posted time limit. For longer stays, you can obtain a temporary parking permit.

Information and petition forms are available on our website at: www.ManayunkCouncil.org

EVENTS

Main Street Holiday Events - Weekends, Nov. 28 to Christmas

Breakfast with Santa at Le Bus, 4266 Main Street - Saturdays from 9-11 a.m.

Photos with Santa and Video Greeting Cards at Ben & Jerry's, 4358 Main Street, Weekends, Noon to 4

Dickens Carolers and Street Performances along Main Street - Saturday afternoons

Next Meeting:

Captain Willie Maye, Fifth District Police

Wednesday, December 3, 2003

7:30 PM

Venice Island Rec Center

The Council Crier - December 2003
Executive Board
Kevin Smith, President
Charlie Hewins, Vice President
Mary Turtle, Treasurer
Peg Ingram, Recording Secretary
Jane Glenn, Corresponding Sec.
Joyce Finnen, Trustee