Planning Commission talks development, rezoning, remapping, overlays, and updates; University City elementary schools

PlanPhilly is at the Philadelphia Planning Commission Meeting right now, because today’s agenda is jam-packed.

• As previously reported for PlanPhilly/NewsWorks by Amy Z. Quinn, Chelten Plaza’s Dollar Tree debate could be decided through a revision to the Germantown Avenue overlay presented by Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. Miller’s bill will be heard today, so stay tuned for Amy’s report.
• Anthony Campisi will detail informational presentations on three upcoming projects: a proposed 16-story residential tower at 205 Race Street, a mixed-use development at Broad and South that could be up to 7 stories, and a 17-story office tower at 3400 Market Street by the University City Science Center.
• Jared Bray will break down zoning-related items, including Councilman Darrell Clarke’s bill to prevent the construction of new multi-family housing around Temple – from 9th to 19th, between Cecil B. Moore and Lehigh avenues. Clarke presented this bill in response to town-gown complaints by neighbors.
• All the rest will be covered by Matt Golas – from Blight Recertification for the Callowhill Industrial District and Philadelphia2035 District Plan updates to street striking.

In advance of the Philadelphia School District’s school closure recommendations due out this month, PlanPhilly continues its coverage of school closures and consolidation news in partnership with Public School Notebook. This week, Patrick Kerkstra looks at the School District’s Facilities Master Plan through the lens of elementary schools in University City. How will changes to Penn Alexander’s catchment, and the possible merger of Alexander Wilson and Henry C. Lea in turn change the neighborhoods they serve?