Oct
8
Written by:
Andrew Marx
10/8/2009 7:41 AM
Becky and I went to a Zoning Code Commission public forum last night to hear about the planned changes to Philly’s zoning codes. It was a full house, which made our end seats all the more valuable when we decided to duck out early due to the fact that, with the main projector broken, the slideshow that described most of the presentation was visible to maybe 10 people in the crowd. They’ve promised to put it on their website tomorrow, and there are community meetings occurring throughout the month that will recap last night’s discussion with the added benefit of more public input. I’ll be at one on Tuesday, Oct. 27th from 6-8pm at the High School for Creative and Performing Arts.
The most desirable feature I’d like to see in the new code is zoning for urban farms and green space, which was addressed as a concern last night, as was transit-oriented development and smart growth. The commission’s member list is impressive, and includes years of zoning experience here in Philly and in cities spanning the globe. Don Elliott of Clarion Associates enumerated the goals the Commission has been tasked with, and his enthusiasm and unencumbered speaking style made Mayor Nutter’s opening remarks sound like Ben Stein in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. No offence, Mayor—we love ya!
By the way, did you ever hear the one about the drunken councilman in the City Council Chambers? Well, now you have. Read the whole PDF—it’s worth it. This, from the period that gave us our first taste of sideburns.
Not much to report by way of the garden. The tomatoes have trickled off, the peppers have been picked, and our Cascade-enhanced pale ale is bottled (and delicious). I just have to keep it clean until the Newbold 2009 Beer Tour, of which we are the last stop. It’s been sold out since day 3—if you got a ticket, good call. Any suggestions for our house’s food items? We get $50 to feed people with…