September 22, 2020
Philadelphia officials are seeking the public's feedback on designs for an improvement project planned for two intersections in the area of Broad Street, Erie Avenue and Germantown Avenue.
The Broad, Germantown, and Erie Task Force formed in 2017, bringing together various city departments and neighborhood groups. The goal of the task force is to bring restoration, beautification, traffic safety and investment to the North Philadelphia intersection.
On Tuesday, the city unveiled three different design proposals for the triangles at two intersections: Broad, Erie and Germantown and Broad Street and Butler Avenue. The proposals also include upgrades to streets and sidewalks.
The three design themes — Literature, Motion and Music — each include features that appeal to different purposes for the triangles. The city plans to combine the desired elements from each of the proposals to come up with a final plan.
The Literature design, pictured below, encourages private or small-group reading. Tables, chairs and shade can be used for eating and relaxing. Quotes from prominent members of the community and historic figures could appear in the pavement and on the seat walls.
To gather public feedback, the city and its neighborhood partners will be conducting an online survey and sending postcards to 1,300 addresses. There also will be online meetings with organizations, businesses and residents, in addition to socially distanced in-person outreach in English and Spanish.
"This engagement work is an important milestone in delivering this transformation to North Philadelphia," Deputy Managing Director Mike Carroll said. "This project will deliver safer streets and welcoming public space to one of the busiest crossroads in our city."
To learn more about the designs, you can watch this video produced by the city and then fill out a brief survey to share your preferences.
City staff will be available to administer surveys in person on two Survey Drop-in Days. They will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24 and Thursday, Oct. 1 at the intersection of Broad and Erie from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Everyone is asked to wear a mask or face covering and stay 6 feet away from others.
Comments or questions can be sent to bge@phila.gov, or text or call at (215) 436-9886.