Temple University
announced Thursday it is ready to present its plans to construct a $130
million football stadium in North Philadelphia to the city's Planning
Commission, a decision that largely ignores the sentiments expressed by
the surrounding community and even a portion of the school's own student
body.
"We have said from the
start that our first priority has been to engage with our neighbors and
local leaders to determine the potential for, and impact of, this
facility," Temple University President Richard M. Englert said in a statement announcing a project submission to the Planning Commission.
"After
more than two years of these discussions, and in light of the project's
tremendous value for Temple and North Philadelphia, I have concluded
that the time is right to take this step," he said.
The school's "first priority" is a committment the Kenney Administration takes seriously as Mayor Jim Kenney expressed skepticism of those plans during a town hall in Strawberry Mansion High School ahead of his inauguration.
On
Thursday, his office reiterated the mayor's prior stance, saying the
North Philly residents must be considered before shovels move ground.
"The
Mayor has long felt that if Temple wants to go ahead with the stadium,
it needs to be a situation where the neighborhood benefits as well as
the University. We now look forward to seeing the University’s specific
proposal, and we’re confident the Planning Commission will give it due
consideration," spokesman Mike Dunn said.
The
North Broad Renaissance, a nonprofit dedicated to the revitalization of
North Broad Street between City Hall and Germantown Avenue, said it
wants to be incorporated into the university's process so any
development plans address the needs of both the school and neighborhood.
"The NBR will be sure to share
this information with the community, and encourage engagement and
participation in the process, so collectively we can work together to
ensure that ultimate goal of improved quality of life for the entire
community," the nonprofit said in a statement.
Plans
for a potential stadium for the school's team surfaced several years
ago as the football team saw more success, like an appearance in the
Boca Raton Bowl Game in 2015, while at the same time a deal with the
Philadelphia Eagles to play at Lincoln Financial Field was heading
towards its end date. An amended agreement made the Linc available to
Temple football for two more seasons beyond the initial 2017 expiration.
The possibility of a stadium led
to multiple protests by both neighbors and students, whose
demonstrations often took place along side meetings of the University's
Board of Trustees.
Well-aware of
the community's concerns, Temple's proposal for a "multipurpose
facility" offers amenities that it says will benefit the entire
neighborhood – which often pointed out a stadium sees little to no
activity outside of a handful of games in the fall.
Classrooms,
which will operate year-round, meeting and research space, and retail
components aim to bolster the area where the stadium would go up.
The
facility would cover more than a full city block – bounded by North
Broad and 16th streets on the east and west, and Norris Street and the
existing Pearson-McGonigle halls and the Aramark Student Training and
Recreation (STAR) Complex on the north and south.
Temple
said it also aims to establish a Special Services District around the
site "that would oversee dedicated maintenance and services for the
benefit of the surrounding community."
At
an estimated cost of $130 million, Temple made clear it is already
taking steps to offset the expense. The university is working to secure a
deal for naming rights, among others, and is seeking donations to
defray costs.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal
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