PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia today released designs for public space and traffic safety improvements at the intersection of Broad Street and Germantown and Erie Avenues (BGE). The design reflects input from more than 750 community stakeholders, and all decisions in the design process were made jointly with the Broad, Germantown and Erie Task Force. The City and Task Force are now seeking final comments on the design.
“Overhauling the intersection at Broad, Germantown and Erie is a top priority for our administration,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “It is key to revitalizing this section of North Broad Street and the surrounding neighborhoods. I am grateful to the residents, workers, shoppers, and SEPTA riders who offered input on the design we released today.”
The proposed design for BGE includes a lawn, fixed seating, string lights, and bright colors. Trees and structures will provide shade.
The Broad, Germantown and Erie Task Force began its work in 2017. It is a collaboration between City agencies and neighborhood organizations. Its goal is to make the intersection safer, create jobs and support businesses, improve public spaces, and honor local history and culture.
Working with the community, the City developed a series of design options. The City and Task Force then sought input from residents, workers and transit riders in the neighborhood.
Feedback was collected through an online survey and socially distanced in-person interviews at the intersection. Participants also offered input via phone calls and text messages. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish.
“We want people who use the intersection to feel ownership over the design and the future of the space,” said Eleanor Sharpe, executive director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. “The proposal reflects their input and addresses their priorities.”
Based on community input the proposal includes a literature theme. Respondents preferred, and the design includes, a circles layout for the public spaces, a combination of structures and trees, and bright colors.
The work at BGE also includes major improvements to the roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, and bus stops. This will improve safety for pedestrians, transit riders and drivers.
“This is a busy intersection with a lot of users,” said Mike Carroll, Deputy Managing Director for the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability. “The improvements proposed will make it safer to cross the streets and easier to ride public transit. They also should reduce the number of car crashes we see.”
The design is available online. Comments or questions may be submitted to bge@phila.gov and via phone call or text message at (215) 436-9886. Community groups may email or call to request a presentation at a virtual community meeting.
The deadline to submit comments is February 14, 2021.
After final input from the community, the City will begin final design of the improvements in the spring. From July 2021 through Spring 2022, temporary improvements will be installed at Butler Triangle/Fish Park. Construction to install the permanent improvements will take place in 2022 and 2023.