Residents and activists stage protest against proposed garage development in Grays Ferry.
Residents of Grays Ferry gathered recently to voice concerns over a proposed parking garage project by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) that is set to occupy a 3.2-acre lot along Grays Ferry Avenue. The plan entails the construction of a 70-foot-tall garage capable of accommodating 1,000 vehicles, a development that has catalyzed significant opposition among community members and local organizations.
The protest, organized under the No CHOP Garage Coalition, included a diverse group comprising residents, pediatricians, and various community advocacy groups. Participants expressed their discontent not just with the garage itself, but also with the broader historical neglect of the Grays Ferry neighborhood, which has long been characterized by industrial development and a lack of green spaces. Many attendees suggested alternative uses for the lot, such as a community garden, dog park, affordable grocery store, or a restaurant featuring outdoor seating. Some argued for the maintenance of the lot in its current state, lamenting the loss of one of the few green areas in a neighborhood that has experienced extensive industrialization.
Local resident Magge Foster highlighted the potential personal impact of the garage on her family’s quality of life, stating that the view of the sunset from her daughter’s bedroom would be obstructed by the new structure. Protesters also raised concerns about a traffic study that they argue understates the volume of traffic on Grays Ferry Avenue, the potential heat effects of such a large building, and outdated zoning laws that continue to confine Grays Ferry to heavy industrial uses.
Additional health concerns were voiced by individuals like Vivian Chang from Asian Americans United, who pointed out that Grays Ferry has one of the city’s highest rates of asthma. Pediatrician Michelle Rose echoed these sentiments, advocating for increased recreational spaces for children as opposed to developments that could exacerbate health issues.
In response to community backlash, a CHOP spokesperson commented that parking issues are a “difficult side effect of growth,” asserting that the new garage would serve both employee parking needs and support future expansion plans. CHOP claims to be addressing local concerns, citing design modifications that integrate community health spaces, increased greenery, and improved pedestrian amenities.
The site is currently zoned CMX-3, which allows for garages to be built without extensive approval processes, further complicating the situation for community advocates seeking to alter the project’s trajectory. Environmental advocacy group Philly Thrive’s co-managing director, Shawmar Pitts, compared this struggle to previous fights against proposed developments, emphasizing the importance of grassroots community opposition in pushing back against projects perceived as harmful.
As discussions surrounding this development continue, many Grays Ferry residents remain vigilant and committed to securing a voice in decisions that undeniably shape their neighborhood’s future.
