Drexel University College of Medicine Community Meeting

March 22, 2011

 

Ten people were present at the meeting when school representatives and East Falls’ residents met to consider the roles of the school and community as they begin to develop a land use plan for the school.  Roger Marsh, East Falls Community Council 2nd VP, chaired the meeting and explained the purpose of the land use planning and the specific purpose of this meeting. Dr. Barbara Schindler and Mr. John Mahony made presentations about the history of the school, past construction, and current land use related to the property. Participants answered three questions:

 

What benefits does the school bring to the community?

Well kept, clean property appearance

Trees

It brings productive people into the community as renters and citizens

Students do a lot of community service

Security patrols in vans and on bike cover the neighborhood (also reduces auto

            break-ins)

Jobs for residents

Good use of public transportation (SEPTA)

 

What are the concerns?

On-street parking

Upgrading signage: What kind of lighting? How affect the neighbors?

Management of medical waste

 

What questions to be answered?

Is there effective utilization of on-campus parking?

What is the status of your Master Plan?

Are you interested in an “Institutional” zoning designation in the future?

When you renew the parking areas will you consider a pervious substance?

Do you plan any more programs in the future?

What incentives can you offer to have fewer people drive to the campus?

Do you help Mifflin School in your community service program?

How can you develop more of a partnership with the community?

How can you collaborate with the East Falls Village (aging in place?)

 

The meeting concluded with an invitation to participate in the land use tour on Saturday, March 26 at 2:00pm.