Letters to the Editor

by the Readers

Holiday Miracles

Abby's story really hit a nerve ["Back to Life," Ralph Cipriano, Jan. 1, 2004]. I was in a very similar accident that left me in a coma for more than a week. I was also 18 and had just started college at Villanova University back in 1988. As a result of my injuries, I spent more than two years at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. Recovery was very long and hard but with good support, it can be done! Unfortunately, there are many tough roads ahead for Abby Padilla. My thoughts and prayers will be with her and her family. She seems like the person who has the strength and fortitude to beat any hardships that come her way. Thanks so much, you did a great job with this story.

Ray Gutowski
Bala Cynwyd

Lumps and Lumps

William Becker and Alan Greenberger are completely off-base in their comments about the Philadelphia Historical Commission ["Plums and Lumps," Cityspace, Jan. 1, 2004]. Their comments show a lack of knowledge of factual information, which they would have if either ever attended meetings of the Historical Commission or consulted with anyone who does.

There is substantial evidence to show that the quality of new construction in historic districts would be greater if the Historical Commission had stronger review powers over new construction in historic districts. One need only look at the number of mediocre buildings now being proposed in Old City over which there is no significant design review and which are, in most cases, destructive to the character of the Old City Historic District.

By comparison, the new development proposed by Matrix on the National Products site was reviewed by the Historical Commission and a higher standard of design quality was achieved as a result of that review. A strong case could be made for increasing the Commission's powers in this area. Design review by historical commissions in other cities also shows that historical commissions can increase the design quality of new construction.

Second, their comment that there are "far too many stories of folks being shut down at the Historical Commission for minor variations" is not based in fact.

I regularly attend Historical Commission meetings and Architectural Committee meetings; neither Becker nor Greenberger are ever there. What I see is careful judgment being exercised by the Commission and staff. I see far more inappropriate actions being prevented than I see being people shut down. Moreover, Becker and Greenberger seem to not even know that 75 percent of all approvals are given at the staff level and don't even go to the Commission. No "lower-level system" is needed because one already exists.

It's a shame neither author attempted to talk with anyone familiar with the workings of the Historical Commission before writing such an inaccurate and unhelpful article.

John Andrew Gallery

Executive Director
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

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