Groundbreaking at Pier 53 Set for Thursday Morning

Here is the official press release for the groundbreaking event at Pier 53 on Thursday morning. While the odd start time of 11am might make it difficult to attend, do try to make it on Thursday. This is a huge deal for the waterfront as well as the nearby neighborhoods of Queen Village and Pennsport. If you can't take an early lunch, remember that we've been on this since the beginning and we'll continue to keep you posted on all of the developments of the Southern Delaware Waterfront.        

                                            

MAYOR MICHAEL A. NUTTER AND THE DELAWARE RIVER WATERFRONT CORPORATION HOST
GROUNDBREAKING FOR PIER PARK AT WASHINGTON AVENUE
Site of Philadelphia’s historic immigration station and the nation’s first Navy Yard to become the waterfront’s newest pier park

WHEN:   Thursday, October 31, 2013, 11AM WHERE:  Washington Avenue Green, at Washington Avenue and Columbus Boulevard (between the Coast Guard Station and Sheetmetal Worker’s Union Hall, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd.) WHAT:  Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Delaware River Waterfront Corp (DRWC) will break ground for a new pier park on the site of Philadelphia’s historic immigration station and (city or nation’s) first Navy Yard.  The park’s features will include:

Rendering of Pier 53 park by AES

• Public access to the end of the pier and panoramic views of the river
• An elevated boardwalk as well as access to the river’s edge so visitors can touch the river
• Public art that recognizes the site’s significance as an immigration station
• Innovative ecological improvements which will provide environmental and habitat benefits

PROGRAM:  Official groundbreaking with remarks from Mayor Michael A. Nutter; Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Lauren Imgrund, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Cosmo Servidio, Department of Environmental Protection; and Dr. James Moylan, President of Pennsport Civic Association.  Tom Corcoran, President of DRWC, will serve as master of ceremonies.

PARKING: Sheetmetal Workers Union Hall Parking Lot, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd.

BACKGROUND:

DRWC is a 501(c)(3) created in January 2009, exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. The fundamental purpose of DRWC is to design, develop and manage the central Delaware River waterfront in Philadelphia. DRWC is transforming the waterfront into a vibrant destination for recreational, cultural, and commercial activities for the residents and visitors of Philadelphia.  Learn more about DRWC’s current projects and programs at www.delawareriverwaterfront.com and more about the Master Plan for the Central Delaware athttp://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/planning/masterplan-for-the-central-delaware.