Proposed 194
I would like to start by saying that I greatly appreciate this opportunity to address the LRC. As someone who believes in a transparent redistricting process, what I have witnessed from the LRC and Chairman Nordenberg is a masterclass in how to do this. I have tuned into some of the hearings and have been gratified to see concerned citizens speak up for their communities. This is a wonderful display of democracy at its best. (And I learned what a “Slater” is!). So thank you. But I am writing about a specific concern I have with the proposed 194. I live in Chestnut Hill which is currently in the 200th — made up of Chestnut Hill, Mt Airy and West Oak Lane — neighborhoods folks typically refer to as NORTHWEST Philadelphia. The proposed pairing of Chestnut Hill with Manayunk/Roxborough in the new 194 make no sense. Chestnut Hill and Mt Airy are virtually one community. We share a HOSPITAL, LOCAL NEWSPAPER, two RAIL LINES, the 14th POLICE DISTRICT, ROADS (Stenton Avenue, Lincoln Drive, Wissahickon Avenue, and cobblestoned-Germantown Avenue just to name a few), and a weekly FARMERS MARKET which literally straddles both communities. Absolutely none of this is true for Chestnut Hill and Manayunk/Roxborough. In fact, we live on different sides of the 2,042 acre Wissahickon Park which we both enjoy access to — but from opposite sides of a gorge. I rarely find myself in Manayunk/Roxborough and if I to go over there I first have to drive 8 minutes north to cross the Bells Mills Bridge or 12 minutes south to cross over the Walnut Lane Bridge. Both are heavily trafficked as they are the only 2 access points which link these communities. It’s a hassle and I rarely bother. Conversely, I am in Mt Airy on a daily basis. And if I need to venture outside my community (which I consider Chestnut Hill/Mt Airy) I typically head north to Lafayette Hill/Plymouth Meeting or east to Wyndmoor/Glenside versus driving west across the park. So looking at this new map it makes me wonder why this change? Why divide Chestnut Hill from Mt Airy (a natural community) and lump Chestnut Hill in with a community that we have no ties to? And as someone who follows PA politics, I have to question why two Philly Dems who both ran outside the sponsorship of the Democratic Party machine and won (which is a rarity) are being drawn together in this same district — a district which makes no sense geographically and effectively forces one of these independent-minded reps out of office. This circumstance can’t help but make me question whether something greater is at play. I appreciate the opportunity to express my concerns, I hope you will restore Chestnut Hill and Mt Airy to the same district. As someone who lives here it makes sense. Thank you, KW Tatum