Authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold public hearings to investigate sidewalk closures during construction projects and examine ways to improve pedestrian access to these sidewalks by requiring covered and protected walkways around construction sites.

WHEREAS, Construction projects, especially within Center City Philadelphia, often close bordering sidewalks for vehicle parking, scaffolding and other construction related purposes; and

WHEREAS, These closures, ranging from days to weeks to months, force pedestrians to cross back and forth over the street, which interferes with pedestrian traffic. When sidewalk closures last for long periods of time, usually during a major construction project, pedestrian traffic is significantly affected; and

WHEREAS, Anti-pedestrian construction is a nuisance and is contradictory to sustaining a dynamic urban area; and

WHEREAS, Lack of free pedestrian movement can interfere with shopping, dining and other activities; and

WHEREAS, Other cities such as New York, San Francisco and Washington DC have implemented policies that require construction sites to maintain safe and accessible walkways; and

WHEREAS, These cities have realized that while safety is a priority in and around construction sites, walkways should not be compromised. These cities demonstrate that protected walkways are both practical and necessary for pedestrian movement and access; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia must explore implementing code or permitting condition changes to ensure sidewalk closures are not the norm around construction projects, now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That City Council's Committee on Streets and Services is hereby authorized to hold public hearings to investigate sidewalk closures during construction projects and examine ways to improve pedestrian access to these sidewalks by requiring covered and protected walkways around construction sites.

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