Riverfront North Partnership is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect residents in Northeast Philadelphia to its nearby Delaware River waterfront, through the completion and programing of riverfront trails and parks. NV5 and ESI helped the partnership develop a Greenway Master Plan aimed at improving connectivity and functionality of the riverfront, as well as nurturing existing ecosystems and growing existing opportunities for placemaking along the water.
ESI assisted with an evaluation of the ways that Riverfront North Partnership could leverage its plans for the riverfront into economic development for the surrounding neighborhood, providing case studies and research to support the economic case for waterfront amenities and trail networks. ESI’s analysis involved: identifying properties of interest for trail easement and categorizing parcels by potential for open space, other complementary uses, or easement; assessing current market value using city assessments and market comparables; recommendations for prioritizing acquisition of vacant land with a clear connection to the existing network and engaging with current owners and developers; in addition to evaluating potential funding mechanisms for acquisition and long-term operations, including tax increment financing, tax-exempt bonds, grants, and institutional support.
Impact on Client Decision-Making: The Greenway Master Plan with the research, analysis, and recommendations provided by ESI enabled the Partnership to seek assistance with further development of the Delaware Riverfront greenway.
ESI provided the master planning team with a presentation that encapsulated the research into properties and recommendations for economic development potential that could support the goals of the greenway master plan.
