A plan for a 6,000-seat velodrome in South Philadelphia’s FDR Park was officially rejected by the city’s Commission on Parks and Recreation. Despite the desires of project advocates to create a community space for cyclists and non-cyclists alike, the decision was met with relief from many neighbors of the 300-plus-acre park that sits near the city’s sports stadiums.
Proposed last year, “Project 250” gained support from cyclists excited about the idea of an Olympic-size arena that could be used for races or youth cycling programs, and serve as a community-wide rec center. Residents, however, viewed the proposal as “another large facility encroaching on South Philadelphia,” the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
“This is the elephant in the room. We are already impacted so severely,” said one resident, when the project was first proposed in December. “I’m tired of outsiders coming into our community.”
“While a velodrome is a worthwhile project, it would be better located in a different location,” said the commission in its decision letter. The community resistance was a key factor in the decision; the commission noted that it does not meet the requirements of the city’s Open Lands Protection law due to lack of public interest.
Technically the proposal isn’t entirely dead, even if Project 250 can’t find another space for the $100 million cycle-track. However, the city’s historical commission and council, as well as federal and state agency officials, give “substantial weight” to the commission’s advice, Nancy Goldenberg, commission chairwoman, told the Inquirer.
Marielle Mondon is an editor and freelance journalist in Philadelphia. Her work has appeared in Philadelphia City Paper, Wild Magazine, and PolicyMic. She previously reported on communities in Northern Manhattan while earning an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University.
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