Grays Ferry residents and experts oppose CHOP’s proposal for an off-campus garage.

The proposed construction of a 1,005-unit parking garage by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in Grays Ferry has drawn significant criticism from city planners, design experts, and local residents during a recent Civic Design Review (CDR) committee meeting. Concerns regarding the project were voiced emphatically, with many questioning the necessity and impact of introducing such a large parking facility in a densely populated neighborhood.

Critics of the project expressed incredulity over CHOP’s decision to shift 1,000 vehicles off-campus, especially considering the hospital’s substantial resources and influence within the community. Dan Garofalo, Vice Chair of the CDR committee, highlighted the negative ramifications that increased traffic could have on the surrounding area, indicating that the project could exacerbate existing congestion issues.

Public sentiment was overwhelmingly against the garage, situated at 3000 Grays Ferry Avenue, with both written objections and verbal testimonies presented. The advisory committee exercised its advisory role by encouraging CHOP to reconsider the feedback and return for a subsequent review, reflecting the community’s strong disapproval.

CHOP acquired the land for the garage in 2024 for approximately million, and estimates suggest that construction costs could reach as much as 0 million. The garage, planned to encompass 350,000 square feet, is expected to require workers to use a shuttle service for transportation to the main hospital campus, which is about a mile away.

Despite the project’s requirements not necessitating any zoning variances, and therefore lacking the typical avenues for community opposition, residents and advocacy groups voiced their concerns. Notably, a 2023 Planning Commission report indicated that parking facilities in University City were operating at less than 75% capacity, prompting skepticism about the need for additional parking.

Urbanist advocacy group 5th Square criticized the garage’s design, asserting that it resembles developments more suited for suburban locations lacking reliable public transit infrastructure. In response to criticisms regarding accessibility and the reliance on automobile transportation, CHOP pointed to its comprehensive transit benefits program and recent investments in cycling facilities. While 22% of employees commute via public transit, the majority still rely on personal vehicles.

CHOP representatives also stated they would engage with the 5th Square group to discuss ongoing concerns. Furthermore, they emphasized their commitment to community engagement, citing a community benefit agreement that provides support for local organizations and improvements to nearby parks. Nonetheless, residents like Melissa Freeman, living directly across from the planned site, expressed deep disappointment regarding the aesthetics of the proposed structure, describing it as unattractive and anticipating that construction would disrupt street parking.

As discussions continue, the fate of the parking garage proposal remains in flux, with local stakeholders eager to address the challenges presented by the project while balancing the needs of the hospital and its employees. The outcome of this contentious proposal will undoubtedly influence future urban planning considerations for the region.