Ghost Candidate

by Amy L. Webb

A mayoral candidateís forum last week designed to debate planned and future construction projects around Philadelphia started out as a targeted discussion about waterfront development, historic preservation and neighborhood renewal -- and ended in gridlock.

The Design Advocacy Group -- a congregation of architects, academics and urban planners -- held a Q&A-style public forum for incumbent Mayor John Street and challenger Sam Katz at the Franklin Institute.

Katz opened with a promise to make development a more comprehensive effort in Philly. He wants to hold off on the proposal process for Penn's Landing redevelopment until after the election, and in the future include the Planning Commission as well as local businesses, developers and neighborhood associations in the decision.

When asked about NTI, Katz argued that in order to draw in new investment, developers need to understand why inner-city space can work to their advantage.

We have to work on customer service, and that means listening to design groups, the public and developers about how to move forward, he said.

When it came time for the Street administration"s answers to NTI progress and how to handle Penn"s Landing, the discussion ended.

The reason? Street never showed. Instead, he sent Michael Sklaroff, chairman of the Historical Commission, to represent the Street campaign.

Unfortunately for public discourse on urban design issues facing Philly -- and for Sklaroff himself -- discussion centered on parking: why Sklaroff is the Commission chair while simultaneously acting as attorney for the Parking Authority. Why the city administration is green-lighting plans to increase off-street parking without reducing rates to consumers. Why the public's voice doesn't have more of a presence in hearings about parking.

To his credit, Sklaroff disclosed his relationship with the Parking Authority and several of the proposed garages he represents. And he attempted to speak for Mayor Street when asked about SEPTA, blight and ways to better use park space.

But it's difficult to give a definitive answer when you're not the guy signing off on those projects -- especially at a whistle stop during an already heated election campaign.

For some of the 400 architects and urban planners attending the forum, Street"s no-show cost him their votes. That was clear at a small reception after the event, featuring light refreshments and a continued discussion: The cookies are fantastic. Parking is a problem. If planning issues were important to the mayor, he would have been here.

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