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City official says America 250 public-art installations will be neighborhood-led and economically activating
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Summary
Michael Newmas told the Streets and Services Committee the America 250 program places public-art bells and other encroachments across all 10 council districts, with local artists and community partners selecting installations; the committee heard the bill authorizing encroachments on South Broad and related sites and incorporated his testimony into a package advanced for first reading.
Michael Newmas, testifying for the city, told the Committee on Streets and Services that bills 260131 and 260161 complete neighborhood enhancements authorized under prior legislation and are intended to place America 250 public-art installations and related encroachments across all 10 council districts.
"This program works because of the organizations and residents behind it," Newmas said, describing partnerships with Mural Arts Philadelphia and local corridor organizations. He said the city selected local artists in collaboration with neighborhood stakeholders and described 3-by-3-foot fiberglass Liberty Bell sculptures and other encroachments that will be installed on private property or in parks where possible; the bills authorize installations that require right-of-way encroachment legislation.
Noelle Marconi of the Department of Streets told the committee the department does not oppose the encroachments where the Avenue of the Arts will assume maintenance responsibilities under an encroachment agreement. Sarah Chiu of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission said the program aims to distribute benefits to every council district and that planning staff surveyed proposed sites for pedestrian safety and regulatory compliance.
Chair Young thanked city staff and partners for coordinating with community groups and private partners, and the committee moved the related bills out of committee with a favorable recommendation to permit first reading at the next Council session. Final installation and maintenance details will be governed by encroachment agreements between private partners (for example Avenue of the Arts Incorporated) and the city.
