Return to Compass Features for November 19-26, 1996
The issues were how to improve safety and enhance the quality of life on and around campus, and a group of Penn administrators attending a management development program were considering the challenges posed by this important mandate. But what began as a theoretical problem quickly evolved into a real life exercise, when the group left their conference room and went on a "field trip" to the 40th Street retail corridor.
Once there, they identified a variety of problems that impact on safety, the perception of safety and the quality of life, such as inadequate lighting, unattractive building facades and sidewalks in need of repair. Then, they returned to the conference room for a brainstorming session that drew upon their individual areas of expertise.
"What emerged from that entire exercise was the idea of forming a team that could deal with some of the short-term problems of 40th Street, and develop longer-term recommendations as well," said Laurie Cousart, Director of Telecommunications.
And so the 40th Street Action Team was born, with the charge of implementing a number of short-term enhancements along 40th Street within 45 days.
"Our goal is to make the area cleaner, safer and more attractive by the end of the semester," said Maureen Rush, Director of Operations, Division of Public Safety, who is serving as the team's co-chair.
The team is concentrating its efforts on 40th Street, from Sansom Street to Baltimore Avenue. The improvements it is working on include increasing lighting, treescaping, painting, repairing sidewalks and cleaning.
"The purpose of this project is to make an immediate impact in a short period of time that will improve the quality of life for our students, faculty, staff and community members," said Executive Vice President John Fry. "This is part of a comprehensive, long-term strategy, working with our neighbors, designed to provide a safer, more attractive and exciting environment to our entire West Philadelphia community."
Among the long-range initiatives cited by Fry were plans to offer incentives for commercial development on 40th Street, to offer greater incentives for home ownership in the immediate area and to work with the community and public school system to enhance area schools.
The home ownership incentives would include enhancing Penn's mortgage program. Other efforts would include leveraging public and private sources of funds to acquire residential properties, to renovate them, and to offer them for sale or rent to faculty, staff and community members.
At the team's initial meeting Nov. 8, Rush; co-chair Diane-Louise Wormley, the University's associate treasurer; and team members focused primarily on the section of 40th Street from Sansom to Spruce Street. The next meeting on Nov. 15 identified additional projects for the area from Spruce Street to Baltimore Avenue. Tasks were assigned to team members based on their areas of expertise.
The projects currently underway include:
Added Wormley, "It gives people an opportunity to make a real difference to the community where they live, work and study."
Hotlines for 40th Street improvement ideas & graffiti removal:
The team has established a hotline and e-mail address to solicit suggestions for improvements to the 40th Street area. Suggestions can be made by calling 57-FUTURE, or by e-mail to future@pobox. In addition, graffiti on University-owned buildings can be reported by calling 898-0000, or by e-mail message to zerotol@pobox.
Return to Compass Features for November 19-26, 1996