Altman debunks rumors of his departure

Don’t believe the rumor that Andy Altman is quitting as the city’s deputy mayor of planning.

“It’s not true,” he said Friday morning. “There’s too much work to do.”

Altman said he’s fascinated by the rumor’s persistence. He said he’s been asked about it all week, by reporters and people on the street.

“I guess I’m flattered if people are concerned,” said Altman, who was appointed by Mayor Michael Nutter in January.

A native Philadelphian, Altman served for five years as the planning director for Washington D.C. under Mayor Anthony A. Williams, and was appointed the first President and Chief Executive Officer of the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation founded to guide the ambitious regeneration of the National Capital waterfront – a project that has been nationally recognized by the American Institute of Architects, the American Planning Association, Places Magazine (ERDA award) and the American Society of Landscape Architects as one of the most innovative urban redevelopment initiatives in the United States.

Posted by Kellie Patrick Gates. Contact her at kelliespatrick@gmail.com