Last week, the SEPTA Board adopted a Finding of Special
Opportunity resolution providing for a request for proposal for redeveloping
two authority-owned parcels next to the Frankford Transportation Center (FTC).
The FOSO comes in response to community concerns over the
construction of a break room for SEPTA employees on an empty lot next to the
FTC.
The Frankford Community Development Corporation believed
that SEPTA was open to developing that large, L-shaped lot into a mixed-use
development anchored by a supermarket. The nearby Thiftway just on the other
side of Frankford Avenue has been purchased by Rite-Aid, which plans to build a
large pharmacy there, which will leave the neighborhood without a proper food
store.
Neighbors were surprised to find out this summer that
SEPTA instead decided to build a break room and backup command center and
promised to protest. Dozens showed up to the SEPTA Board meeting in July to
express their displeasure.
Following an impromptu meeting among outgoing SEPTA GM
Joe Casey, Assistant General Manager of Public and Government Affairs Fran
Kelly and community members led by Frankford CDC executive director Kimberly
Washington, a new plan was set into motion.
SEPTA operates an employee parking lot next to the FTC
and the L-shaped lot. The parking lot can fit over 300 cars, but is regularly
used by under 100. In meetings with potential developers, SEPTA and the
Frankford CDC believe that parking lot could be converted into a supermarket.
SEPTA says it is willing to give up two-thirds of the lot for redevelopment.
The FOSO approved last week allows SEPTA to skip the
public bidding procedures that usually govern the authority’s transactions. If
SEPTA wants to sell off a piece of property, then it usually needs to sell to
the highest bidder, without regard to what that bidder wants to do with the
property. By making the FOSO resolution, the board allows the staff to consider
other, explicitly listed issues, such as the desired use for the property.
SEPTA will soon issue a Request for Proposals, allowing
for the negotiation of specific terms and conditions related to the property.
Representatives from Frankford CDC and SEPTA have already met with some
potential developers, including some developers who frequently build Sav-A-Lot
stores. In preliminary discussions, they’ve expressed interest in building a
special Sav-A-Lot featuring fresh produce and a butcher.
The FOSO also calls for the development of the remainder
of the oddly-shaped lot fronting on Frankford Avenue. The elevated track
structure along the property make it less attractive to development, and the
FOSO allows for that property to be developed separate from the parking lot.
Neighborhood representatives questioned the decision to allow the parcels to be
developed independently, saying it would be better to ensure reuse for the
whole, long-blighted parcel. SEPTA officials responded by saying that they
needed flexibility to strike a deal for just one of the parcels.
SEPTA has worked with the Frankford CDC to secure
multimodal transportation grants to study the possibility of converting Griscom
Street into a bus loop, which would then allow the tractor trailers necessary
for supermarket deliveries to use Pratt Street, which is too narrow for
eighteen wheelers when there are buses on it.
Frankford CDC’s Washington said SEPTA’s help in securing
funds for that study went a long way to repair the rift between the
neighborhood and the transportation authority.
There’s still potential for conflict: the FOSO seeks the
development of the two parcels “compatible with the goals of the Frankford
Community Development Corporation… and SEPTA’s parking requirements”.
“We’re still a little wary, because of what happened in
the past,” said Washington. But she’s hopeful that a deal that makes everyone
happy can be reached.
“If SEPTA is willing to give a little, we’ll give a
little as well.”
Source: Plan
Philly
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