City to hear appeal of Smith demolition

A city review board will hear an appeal today by a group of University members and Philadelphia citizens trying to halt the University's planned demolition of historic Smith Hall. The appeal was filed in February in response to a January decision by the Philadelphia Historic Preservation Commission allowing the University to raze Smith to make room for the proposed Institute of Advanced Science and Technology. The city's Board of Licenses and Inspections Review, which will hold today's hearing in its downtown office, can overrule the Historic Commission's decision. The University will then be forced to file another appeal with a state court if it wants to go ahead with the demolition. Today's appeal is filed against the Historic Commission, not the University. While administrators may be called on to testify on behalf of the city, the Commission will bear the brunt of the defense. Alan Kaplan, attorney for the appealing group, said yesterday he will argue that the Historic Commission violated city laws by granting the University permission to raze the century-old building. Kaplan said the Commission did not follow a city ordinance that prohibits the destruction of historic buildings unless demolition "is necessary in the public interest," or unless the building cannot be used. He said the Commission failed to rule using either test, saying that the demolition is not in the public interest and that Smith Hall is used for classes. But the Commission's attorney, Maria Petrillo, defended the city, saying "the bottom line is the city had the authority and reviewed the records and concluded that the demolition permit could be granted." Petrillo would not elaborate on how the Commission would present its case. University administrators said they plan to use the Smith Hall site for the IAST, which will provide additional laboratory space for engineering and science departments, because its proximity to the Chemistry Building makes it a cheap and convenient location. The administration said in January that the city's go-ahead would help the University when it applies for a $10 million federal grant for the IAST. They said having a definite spot for the institute would show the University's commitment to the project. But Vice President for Facilities Management Arthur Gravina said yesterday the results of today's hearing will not impede the application process. "We're going to say that we have basically won in front of the Commission, and while this is an appeal, as far as we're concerned we have a decision and that will stand," Gravina said. He added that he thinks Senior Vice President Marna Whittington and Vice Provost for Research Barry Cooperman will be asked to testify.

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