2011
Green Spaces Plan: EKNA members continue to work on smart planning for the East Kensington Neighborhood. A plan regarding targeted open space preservation has been completed. East Kensington Green Spaces outlines priority spaces in the neighborhood for green space protection, enhancement, and creation. Seven priority spaces are highlighted with narrative, data, and maps. The plan also addresses issues facing East Kensington such as vacant land management, public ownership, surging development, guerrilla gardens, abandoned buildings, Sheriff Sale debacles, and the vital importance of quality green spaces to this neighborhood.
2009-2010
EKNA has laid the groundwork for an informed resident driven neighborhood planning conversation.
Steps already taken:
Goal Setting: In Fall 2009- A resident brainstorming/goal setting session was held for residents- ‘protecting neighborhoods’ and neighborhood planning were identified as high priorities.
Mapping: A series of professionally rendered inventory maps are currently being created for the neighborhood
Policy and Process: EKNA is now involved with both city zoning policy changes and the current work of the City Planning Commission (PCPC).
EKNA has been deeply involved in the work of the Phila Planning Commission as it has charged the ZCC ( Zoning Code Commission ) with the process of rezoning / remapping / and coordinating planning efforts throughout the entire city.
EKNA’s President and Zoning Chair recently testified before the ZCC with City Council leaders present at the October hearing in City Council chambers, providing feedback on the new draft of the Zoning Code.
Engage Neighborhood Planning Organizations/Resources: EKNA has begun discussions with the City of Phila. Planning Commission, Planning Collective, DVRPC, Community Design Collaborative, and other area non-profits to facilitate the next stage of resident driven planning. Contacts have been established with Department of Parks and Recreation, Water Department planning, and the Phila Parks Alliance.
Increase resident awareness: In fall 2009 EKNA began to highlight the importance of neighborhood planning and incorporating planning primers at all monthly and special meetings.
Increasing awareness of the existing 2003 Neighborhood Plan prepared by WRT for the New Kensington CDC and PA Horticultural Society has been one item for attention.
Residents will decide to seek further implementation and/or revisions of the older WRT plan, or to take advantage of the resources available to author a new comprehensive plan altogether.
Guidance: Amy Miller, a resident and planner from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), volunteered to facilitate the resident planning conversation.
