Preservation in Philly Is Attracting a Younger Generation

PlanPhilly’s Alan Jaffe reports on the growing number of young people getting involved in Philadelphia's development and preservation debate. The Young Friends of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, a strictly volunteer organization, has taken to social media for outreach to supporters informing them about events and local preservation issues.

"'I think young people don’t necessarily concern themselves with historic preservation. They think of it as preserving George Washington’s birthplace,' [Young Friends steering committee member Molly Lester] said. 'I think they’re more concerned with urbanization, especially with so many people moving back to the cities. They’re interested in quality of life issues and city planning,' which is reflected in the current popularity of urban exploring and an Instagram focus on city buildings."

Following its relaunch in 2014, the group has been involved in a number of preservation advocacy projects, and is now being asked to consult on the potential demolition and redevelopment of North Philadelphia's Sharswood neighborhood. "The plan includes the acquisition and demolition of nearly 1,300 parcels of private and public lots, which include the historic and cultural fabric of the existing community, Lester said." The Young Friends hope to see preservation receive more attention in the day-to-day planning affecting Philadelphia's changing neighborhoods.