Tree removal for construction was completed in December per approved City of Philadelphia permit. Trees were removed to facilitate the entrance roadway, the underground water retention cistern, and the pedestrian/bike trail.
At the request of neighbors, the College hired Rockwell Associates to complete a full inventory of trees within striking distance to the trail and Germantown Avenue, as well as complete a risk assessment and a health and longevity review and condition rating for each tree. CHC has asked Morris Arboretum’s Urban Forestry consultants to meet with Rockwell onsite to define project protocols as well as to review the findings and recommendations of the report. In addition, the College has invited the near neighbors’ arborist to participate in this survey and to review the report.
How was the location of the trailway determined and how has the location changed over time?
The trailway was originally located adjacent to Germantown Avenue. The trailway design was relocated from this position in response to initial concerns raised by some members of the community. During site clearing in late 2021, the trailway was moved further into the site to provide additional distance from Germantown Avenue.
There was never a formal agreement to move the trailway directly into the upper campus as the request from the vast majority of the community was for a trailway that could be used by the community from the Hillcrest intersection to the Wissahickon bridge.
Clearing for the path occurred early because the tree removal equipment was already on site for the intersection work. Additional rerouting of the trail at this point would involve clearing additional viable trees.
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What will the college do to ensure safety on the trailway at night?
The trailway has been located so that it is visible from Germantown Avenue for most of its length in order to create a defensible pathway. The pathway will also be lighted at night. The lighting plan and illumination level documentation are available on the chc.edu/sugarloaf webpage.
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Has the college conducted a recent traffic study that looks at the impact of the proposed project in terms of light timing, etc? Is there any consideration being given to rounding off the corner at Bells Mill that drastically affects traffic flow?
A traffic study was completed per permit requirements. The Bells Mill corner configuration was not addressed by the City. This study is available on the chc.edu/sugarloaf webpage.
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Will the college agree to restore the stone wall surrounding the south end of the campus in the "estate lawn zone"?
The wall that was removed was cited as a hazard by the city. It was taken down due to safety concerns. Replacing the wall is not part of the plans at this time.
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Can the approved master plan be shared with the community?
The master plan is incorporated in the SPIN Zoning. The SPIN zoning is public information. Both the master plan and SPIN Zoning are available on the chc.edu/sugarloaf webpage.
The work underway was approved of the master plan by City Council after months of negotiation. That process included community input and the discussions led to revisions to the plan in direct response to requests from the community.
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What are the materials being used in the intersection construction? Can the retaining walls be covered with a schist veneer or some other local stone?
While the renderings available on the website give a good sense of how the entryway will ultimately look, they do lack detail in some areas. The walls are being constructed of a modular Block that resembles schist.
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What stormwater remediation measures are being taken?
Stormwater will be collected via storm drains and directed via underground storm piping to an installed underground water retention structure which will be covered by soil and landscaping. These measures conform to City and DEP requirements and have received permits, and the Philadelphia Water Department conducts regular site inspections and, to date, has identified no issues or concerns to be addressed. The area surrounding the project will be restored using native plant species.
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What is the plan for landscaping?
The City-approved landscaping plan, which is part of the construction contract, includes the following plantings using native species of vegetation:
131 Trees: 48 shade trees, 34 evergreens, and
49 ornamental/flowering trees
319 Deciduous Shrubs
686 Perennials, and Grass
The College has asked the Morris Arboretum to review and comment on the current plans. Meetings are scheduled with the Arboretum to discuss recommendations.
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What is the method for rock demolition and why was this method selected?
Rock removal for the upcoming phase of construction is limited to the cut for the roadbed and utilities. Testing at the site has determined the location of the rock to be cut.
Neighbors within the required radius were contacted by a survey company that is a third party hired by the contractor doing the work. The survey is voluntary, intended only to provide a record that protects both the homeowner and the contractor in the highly unlikely event of any damage.
While the survey would help expedite claims, no resident is precluded from making a claim. Where surveys are declined, the contractors will employ monitors near the property to record activity and measure potential impact.
Targeted demolition is the safest and least intrusive option for completing the necessary work for the road cut. This method is fairly typical for moving earth and rock for a road project. The process involves a limited number of low-level ignitions over a period of 3-to-4 weeks that will last a second or two each. Matting protects the discharge area and limits dust.
Conversely, hammering the rock would require 8-to-12 additional weeks beyond the targeted demolition timeline. The hammering would require continual noise disruption and extended vibration throughout the workday.
