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