Vision 20/20 Review

BY TOM SAUERMAN, PRESIDENT   

 “We’ve re-acted to the actions of others far too long,” said one man. “It’s time we become pro-active and take the initiative to chart our own course.” The EFCC initiated six community meetings to find out what residents want East Falls to be like in the year 2020. Sixty-one people attended the meetings and were in close agreement on almost all topics.  Here is a synopsis of findings:

East Falls’ best qualities
The most frequently mentioned assets were accessibility to downtown and the region, residential nature, socioeconomic diversity, public transportation, range of affordable housing, the library, “Fallser”, waterfront, parks, trees, green spaces, stability, recreation centers, sense of community, and good for families.
“We’re like a small town in a big city,” was how one person described East Falls. There’s a strong desire to maintain for others in the future the benefits that we enjoy today. The plans to add a children’s playground and upgrade the basketball courts at Inn Yard Park was seen as a model for other recreation and park areas.

Our institutions
The future of our institutions (Penn Charter, Drexel Univ., Philadelphia Univ., and Eastern Univ.) is a mixed bag. They are located in residential neighborhoods and institutions like these often need to grow and expand in order to be viable and competitive. Neighbors do not want institutional or commercial growth to destroy the residential texture of East Falls.

The desire for closer institutional cooperation and sharing with the community was expressed, among which were suggestions such as use of their gym, faculty help, meeting space, etc. Also suggested were more frequent dialogue, joint planning, and reducing student problems in the community.

Our business area
It was expressed that by 2020 participants would like more attractive Ridge Ave. gateway approaches to East Falls, improved parking and lighting, and a more aesthetic appearance. Better access to the river is also desired. The desire for a supermarket, healthcare facilities, and a diversity of retail stores was expressed at every meeting. 

Our housing developments
Abbottsford residents want land developed in the area with subsidized and market housing, a laundromat, increased SEPTA transportation, retail stores, and recreation for all ages. Falls Ridge residents wish to have sidewalks along Ridge Ave. and places nearby where they can sit and enjoy the outdoors. 

Our organizations
There is some confusion as to the roles of the three main East Falls organizations (East Falls Business Association, East Falls Community Council, and East Falls Development Corp.). These roles need to be clarified and better cooperation among them is desired.

Our next steps
So what do we do with this and other information gleaned from the meetings? A committee will meet over the summer to bring a recommendation to the September or October EFCC meeting as to a next step.  The city has zoning and planning meetings underway that need to be considered as we move forward.
The EFCC goal is to improve the quality of life for all East Falls residents. The EFCC strives to do that—while maintaining a balance with the East Falls institutional and business interests.

While 61 people do not represent the 10,000 residents of East Falls, the common themes at the six meetings provide guidance for the EFCC Executive Committee and general membership to consider as the EFCC members and officers attend city planning and zoning meetings. The strong desire to maintain the residential nature and richness of the neighborhood and the positive suggestions for the future enable us to set goals for 2020.