Draft District Plan Released in Philadelphia's Far Northeast

Planners are hard at work in a unique corner of the city of Philadelphia—the Far Northeast.

1 minute read

February 23, 2017, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Jake Blumgart reports on the new draft district plan for the Far Northeast in Philadelphia.

"The proposal focuses on making three key areas in the auto-centric area more pedestrian friendly. These include the two regional rail stations on the West Trenton line, Forest Hills and Somerton, and on an older corner of Bustleton near Pennypack Park," according to Blumgart's summary of the plan.

As Blumgart explains, the Far Northeast is one of the few parts of Philadelphia that was developed after World War II, so it's marked by less pedestrian infrastructure and density than the rest of the city.

The plan focuses much of the vision of the district plan on a Town Center proposal for the Busleton section of the Far Northeast, which Blumgart describes in detail. Also included in the district plan are proposals to remake the area's two regional rail stops.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in PlanPhilly

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist