W. Philadelphia Initiative looks to improve city

The Initiative intends to spruce up the city by focusing on growth in areas such as the quality of schools and housing. The days when University City had a family-oriented, suburban atmosphere may soon return -- at least if the West Philadelphia Initiative continues the way it has. Moving off campus has more to offer than ever before, with students and faculty alike discovering the many advantages that lie west of 39th Street. Thanks to several University initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in the area, there are more safety ambassadors, brightly lit streets and cleaner sidewalks than ever before in University City. "The University cannot survive if it is surrounded by a decaying neighborhood," said Esaul Sanchez, director of neighborhood initiatives. "Slowly, University City is becoming the place to be 'in'." The University's West Philadelphia Initiative is a five-part program that seeks to improve on five aspects of urban living -- economic growth, business development, improved housing, a"clean and safe" environment and the quality of schools. These programs were conceived in the spirit of strengthening the community itself and also to better the relationship between the University and its surrounding neighborhood, Penn's Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman said. Scheman explained that working on all five parts of the West Philadelphia Initiative is crucial to the continued improvement of University City. "As far as improving the neighborhood, we're trying to make sure we have the most attractive community possible," Scheman said. Retail projects are also sprucing up many areas of West Philadelphia, specifically the development of Hamilton Village and the 40th Street corridor. That project reflects the University's desire to encourage "high quality and diverse retail," Scheman said. Another initiative designed to boost community partnership is the new Penn-assisted public school that is scheduled for construction at 42nd and Spruce streets beginning in March. Penn has promised to give the pre-k-8 school $700,000 -- $1,000 for each of the school's projected 700 students -- annually for 10 years. The school will also draw technological and teaching support from Penn. Additionally, Penn has created a home loan and mortgage incentive program for Penn faculty and staff who purchase homes in University City. UCBrite, a Penn initiative aiming to light up area sidewalks, lit up 153 blocks in West Philadelphia before its end in 1998. Along the same line, another initiative, UCGreen, was instrumental in adding dozens of trees and flowers to the area's once-sparse streets. And the University City District, a non-profit organization that is currently funded by Penn and other West Philadelphia businesses and institutions, is also working to improve the quality of life in area for all residents. "It was in the interests of all these institutions to stabilize the surrounding community," UCD Executive Director Paul Steinke said. UCD provides the 35 yellow-jacketed safety ambassadors who patrol the street by foot and bicycle from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. They are also responsible for a public space maintenance project that cleans 130 blocks in University City. The organization opened a new headquarters last summer. Third Thursday, another program created by UCD, attracts Philadelphia residents from all over the city to West Philadelphia each month to sample the local food and culture.

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