PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART

FACILITIES & OPERATIONS OFFICE

P.O. BOX 7646

PHILADELPHIA,  PA 19101

215 684 7791 OR 7798

 

 

FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL SHEET

To: Mr. Jose L. Rivera                                                     

Company: Fairmount Civic Association

From: Gail Harrity

Date: 4/11/200

 

 

 

NOTES/COMMENTS:

 

Following please find the response to your letter of March 27. 

 

The original of this letter is being mailed to your today.

 

Thank you.

 


 


 

PHILADELPHIA

 

MUSEUM

 

OF ART

 

Box 7646. Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646  215 604-7702 Fax 215 232-4338

 

 

 

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OPERATIONG OFFICER

 

 

 

April 7, 2003

 

Mr. Jose L. Rivera, President

Fairmount Civic Association

P.O. Box 56326

Philadelphia, PA 19130

 

Re:         Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building Renovations

 

 

Dear Mr. Rivera:

 

Thank you for your thoughtful letter of March 27 regarding the Museum’s plans to renovate and expand the Perelman Building We are very pleased to hear that the membership of Fairmount Civic Association ("FCA") overwhelmingly supports tile project and very appreciative of your efforts to address the concerns of the Fairmount neighborhood. We too look forward to our continued communication and cooperation.

 

Please be assured that the concerns that you raise in your letter are concerns that we have endeavored to address and will continue to address in the course of the approval process and construction.

 

1.          Design of the Addition

 

As set forth in the shadow study presented at our meeting with FCA On February 27, there will be little or no blockage of the winter sun attributable to the addition. Furthermore~ the operation of the mechanical Systems is not expected to have an adverse effect on neighbors.

 

2.            Parking

 

We all recognize that parking is currently a significant issue in the community. It is important to note that the amount of space given to the gallery portion of the Perelman Building is less than 10% of the total building square footage or approximately l5~000 square feet. The number of

automobile trips by visitors in the peak summer season is estimated to be 15 - 20 per hour.  In any event, we shall endeavor to take measures within our abilities to mitigate any adverse effect on parking

 

 

 

3.         Construction and Operation

 

We recognize that construction projects are often disruptive and will take all reasonable measures, including monitoring the construction schedule, to address the concerns of the near neighbors during construction. Also, we will endeavor to minimize the impact of daily operations on the surrounding community.

 

4.         Scale and Appearance

 

Measures have been taken and will continue to be made to assure that the scale of the addition is consistent with appropriate design standards and that the building is handsome.  We anticipate that as part of the ongoing discussions among FCA, the near neighbors, and the Museum, we will address all of these concerns. While we may not be able to satisfy everyone, we will do our best to achieve a mutually satisfactory result.

 

As we go forward, we shall propose a meeting with FCA representatives in an effort to provide further information regarding our plans

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Gail Harrity

 

GH/km

cc.           Mayor John Street

David Auspitz, Chairman, Zoning Board of Adjustment

Robert J. D'Agostino, Administrator, Dept. of Licenses and Inspections

Ralph P. Blakney, Deputy Mayor for Community Services

Clarena Tolson, Commissioner, Dept. of Streets

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown

Councilman Darrell Clarke

Councilman David Cohen

Councilman W. Wilson Goode, Jr

Councilman James F. Kenney

Councilman W Thacher Longstreth

Councilman Angel Ortiz

Councilman Frank Rizzo