Strengthening Role of Planning Commission

PCPC Meeting

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission took action on Tuesday that works to expand the authority of the commission and its director. Consistent with Mayor Nutter’s goal to restore the planning commission to a position of prominence, commission members recommended approval of Bill 090294, which would grant PCPC authority to approve plans of development in the Commercial Entertainment District. The commission also amended its regulations to grant Director Alan Greenberger authority to extend a sunset clause without formal action.

Although Bill 090294 was introduced in relation to the development of a casino at the site of the former Strawbridge’s department store, the point of the bill is to help bring all major development within the purview of the planning commission. All new plans of development and amendments to plans of development in the CED would need PCPC approval only, taking control away from City Council. Public testimony at the meeting raised concern that a decision related to the controversial issue of casinos would now be in the hands of an unelected body. A hearing is scheduled for Bill 090294 in the Committee on Rules, May 7, 2009 at 1 PM in Room 400, City Hall.

The new power to extend the sunset period on plans of development builds on the discretionary authority granted to the director in November to provide legislative testimony and make certain recommendations to City Council and the Zoning Board of Adjustment and take other minor actions that are consistent with previous approvals or policies.