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2011 was a good year for getting projects completed in East Falls’ Riverfront Business District.
Pedestrian Island.
The pedestrian island and lighting project at Ridge and Midvale Avenues is underway. Curb lines on Midvale Avenue as well as electrical work have been completed. Ramos and Associates will work on the pedestrian island in January. The island is located on Midvale Avenue at Kelly Drive, separating uphill and downhill lanes, maintaining the present number of travel lanes for cars. The landmark sign, designed by East Falls resident Mark Havens and Professor Tod Corlett of Philadelphia University, will announce East Falls to passers-by and visitors. The new pedestrian scale streetlights on East River Road will announce and define the Business District as well. We anticipate the entire project to be completed by spring.
Schuylkill River Trail/Kelly Drive Trail
The trail widening project from the Falls Bridge to Ridge Avenue (at the Wissahickon Creek) has been completed. A major improvement, this allows bicyclists to ride comfortably instead of navigating a narrow sidewalk. It also takes the trail behind the newly improved parking lot (instead of through it) near the PWD facility, making the area safer and more attractive for everyone. Add the perseverance of Fairmount Park’s Stephanie Craighead and Rob Armstrong to the coincidence of the PennDOT bridge project and we have a much wider turn area where the trail meets Ridge Avenue. The next stop on the Trail improvements is a plan to cross the Wissahickon Creek and navigate behind the SEPTA transfer center. Planning for this project (nicknamed the ‘Wissahickon Gap’) is underway. Anticipate a public meeting in the spring. Fine Wine and Good Spirits
Who would think an improved parking lot could make such a difference? For years, the EFDC has asked the PLCB for improvements to the parking lot at its 4177 Ridge Avenue store. That parking area is now graded, macadam-ed and lined. Heeding design suggestions from architect James Campbell and the EFDC Design Committee, expect a ‘green’ wall, new planting and tree beds plus a new awning to be in place in 2012. Parking Along the Inn Yard Park.
For years, the EFDC has worked on planning regarding the Inn Yard Park and the area around it. Our main focus has been how the Park relates to adjacent streets in terms of design and function. We participated in design planning for the Park as the sidewalks and surrounding streets were part of EFDC’s 2001 East Falls Reconnects to the River vision, which includes a public improvement plan for pedestrians, bicycles and cars. In 2008, because of the unattractive and dangerous parking on the Ridge Avenue sidewalk abutting the park, Fairmount Park convened the EFDC and the Friends of the Inn Yard Park to discuss ways to block that on-sidewalk parking. As a temporary measure, it was agreed that trees and bike racks would be installed. Approved by the East Falls Community Council in 2003 and 2004, the overall plan calls for cut-in, parallel parking on Ridge Avenue. Details include a pedestrian crossing at Stanton Street, and light poles on the sidewalk. The preliminary design anticipated 10 new parking spaces when the funding and approvals were in place, and the relocation of trees where possible. In 2010, when considering placement of the long-anticipated playground within the IYP, parking spaces and a crosswalk were again strongly supported by residents and local businesses. The Playground Committee worked diligently to have the playground built, garnering support thru petitions and letters for the adjacent parking as well. These new parking spaces will be available for all users. We are fortunate that Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. has committed to supporting the parking by funding it. We are working with his office to have those spaces designed and built. In Riva
We’ve welcomed a new business under the twin bridges. In Riva is a brick oven, Southern Italian style restaurant located at 4116 Ridge Avenue.
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