Open Space Opportunities

The parks, playgrounds, gardens, parking lots and sidewalks of a neighborhood create a network of green infrastructure. This green infrastructure network can manage stormwater, offer spaces for recreation, increase the sense of civic pride in the neighborhood and improve the neighborhood’s air quality.

Stormwater Management

1.) In parking areas, including driveways, porous pavers can be installed so that water is allowed to infiltrate. In addition to allowing for water infiltration, this paving strategy allows parking spaces to be distinguished from the road surface.
2.) Vegetated medians and buffers improve the safety and experience of pedestrians as they use streetscape spaces.
3.) Sidewalk plantings allow space for artistic expression and stormwater planters
4.) The street system is an important form of open space that can be used to manage stormwater and link other open spaces. Vegetated areas can be integrated into parking lanes, sidewalks and curb bumpouts.

Community Participation in the Creation of Green Space

1.) Community-based green spaces promotes the long-term sustainability of the space, while building partnerships between community members and partner institutions
2.) Powelton Village is already a model of community-based green space creation - they should build on this success

Utilization of Residual Space

1.) Many streets are wider that they need to be to accommodate traffic needs- green space should be created in these leftover areas
2.) In large intersections, pocket parks should be integrated into leftover spaces

Case Study: Siskiyou Green Street, Seattle, WA


This green street in Seattle, WA utilizes curb inlets and deep rooted grasses to allow water flow from the street into the garden, and to help dilute pollutants prior to infiltration.

Streetscape Case Studies

Commercial Corridor Improvements
Commercial corridors should be kept clean and free from litter; trash receptacles should be placed on every block.

a.) People (i.e. customers) should feel safe and comfortable while strolling along the sidewalk. This can be achieved through well-lit sidewalks and streets, the regular presence of police, the enforcement of loitering regulations, clean sidewalks, and the presence of street trees.
b.) The district should be identifiable. Banners and gateway signs/installations can make a commercial corridor more identifiable, conspicuous, and festive.
c.) Streets should be safe for people to cross. On especially wide commercial streets, curb “bump-outs” and countdown signals can help make the crossing experience more comfortable.
d.) Improve the pedestrian experience through artisitc expression and landscaping in the streetscape.
People (i.e. customers) should feel safe and comfortable while strolling along the sidewalk.

Case Study: Wadsworth Avenue Corridor, Philadelphia
Investment in street trees, pedestrian-scale lighting, and trash receptacles along this commercial corridor in Northwest Philadelphia in 2008 created an environment that has drawn additional customer traffic and motivated store owners to invest in façade improvements. Furthermore, the creation of a landscaped gateway and the installation of a “Welcome to” sign at the intersection of Wadsworth Avenue and Cheltenham Avenue taps into the significant automobile traffic along Cheltenham Avenue. New banners on the existing light poles further define the area to passing motorists and pedestrians.


The streetscape along Lancaster Avenue already incorporates many artistic elements. What else should happen along Lancaster Avenue to improve this commercial corridor?

Housing Case Studies

Powelton Village is not alone in trying to preserve its single family residential neighborhood in the shadows of a major university. The following is a sampling of effective strategies that various communities have enacted:

Possible Strategies to Increase Home Ownership

1) Encourage faculty and staff to purchase homes within a designated homeownership zone. Offer mortgage guarantees and cash incentives.

Case Study: University of Pennsylvania
a.) Guaranteed Mortgage Program- Offers employees a 105% mortgage.
b.) Enhanced Mortgage Program- A $7,500 forgivable loan, as an incentive for faculty and staff interested in living in West Philadelphia.
*All of the Powelton Village study area is within the Enhanced Mortgage Program boundaries.

2) Rehab loan programs for owner-occupants.

Possible Strategies to Regulate Rental Housing

1) All applicable zoning/building code regulations should be enforced to reduce the number of unrelated individuals permitted in a single-family house
*Philadelphia’s definition of family ¬– “a person living independently or a group of persons living as a single household unit using housekeeping facilities in common, but not to include more than three persons unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption.”

2) Neighborhood Overlay Districts can be implemented where single-family rental housing is maintained at no more than a specified percentage.

3) A voluntary online training program for landlords can be created.

Case Study: Ithaca, NY
a.) Smart Landlord Program- Assists landlords in understanding their rights and responsibilities, and to promote proper screening of tenants.
b.) Such a program can be implemented in Powelton Village with full endorsement from Drexel University.
c.) After successfully completing such a training program, a landlord can receive a Certificate of Completion that they’re asked to display or mention on all marketing materials.