The future of a long-awaited elevated park project in North Philadelphia could hinge on a ruling by an obscure federal board.
Why it matters: Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration wants to acquire an unused railway viaduct and transform it into a hip public park — and a favorable decision from the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) could help.
Catch up quick: The elevated viaduct ceased operations as a railroad in the early 1980s. It winds more than half a mile from Vine Street to Fairmount Avenue — and is overgrown with weeds.
- The Center City District has grand plans to convert it into the Viaduct Greenway, a park with walking and biking paths that connect to The Rail Park. The greenway is projected to cost up to $110 million.
- Owner Reading International has resisted the city’s efforts to acquire the property for years.
Now, the city wants to take it over via condemnation, per public documents…