FarmerJawnFeatureBlog

Navy Yard to be a Pick-up Location for a Community Supported Agriculture Program in 2023

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FJ-CSA-2023

We are excited to announce the Navy Yard will be a new pick-up location this upcoming spring for a Philadelphia-based community supported agriculture (CSA) program called FarmerJawn.

What is a CSA?

CSAs help local farmers prepare for the season ahead and with your share dollars, they can buy seeds, supplies, plan labor, and purchase equipment to grow all the food in the upcoming season. If you’re thinking about joining the CSA, you are making a powerful decision to support your community economics, your local farmer, and to provide organic nourishment to the mind, body, and soul of you and your loved ones!

Who is FarmerJawn?

FarmerJawn is a local agriculture company that follows regenerative farming practices that concentrate on soil health and increasing access to organic food to marginalized communities. The company has made a commitment to supporting sustainable farming practices in and around the Philadelphia region.

PIDC and FarmerJawn share a goal that highlights and supports local, small businesses, and FarmerJawn helps to support local businesses that take pride in producing organic and/or natural products for your lifestyle, body, and home.

FarmerJawn CSA Program Details

The 2023 CSA share season is scheduled to run from Sunday, April 16 to Sunday, July 2, 2023, with a variety of subscription options.

Each share consists of 8-10 weekly items including various organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, tea, honey, recipes and will feature an all-natural food, home, or body product from a local maker throughout the season.

FarmerJawns’ 2023 CSA options are detailed below:

  • Home-based CSA
    • Feeds up to 4 people
    • $400 Full CSA – 12 weekly pick-ups
    • $200 Half CSA – 6 bi-weekly pick-ups
  • Office-based CSA*
    • 12 weekly pick-ups
    • $1,000 – accommodates 10 people
    • $2,000 – accommodates 20 people

*The Office-Based CSA option is created specifically for offices. An example of an office-based CSA is companies investing in their teams with a healthy perk to show your team you care. These shares include fruits and veggies that are delicious raw or easy to prepare in an office setting and are made to accommodate between 10-20 people (depending on the chosen membership option).

The Navy Yard’s pick up is scheduled for

Wednesdays from noon – 6 p.m. beginning April 19

and will be on the porch of Building 101 at 4747 S Broad St.

Choose the option that best meets your needs and visit the FarmerJawn website for more information.

Example of FarmJawn CSA season.

Example of FarmJawn CSA season.

Navy Yard AV

Pennsylvania’s First Autonomous Shuttle Coming to the Philadelphia Navy Yard in December

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PRESS RELEASE

AV

Pennsylvania’s first autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttle is coming to Philadelphia this December. This comes off the heels of Governor Tom Wolf signing HB 2398, an AV bill which allows for the testing and full commercial deployment of AVs on Pennsylvania roads, into law November 3.

Beginning in December, the zero-emissions shuttle pilot will consist of testing, training, and analyzing the shuttle’s performance at the Navy Yard.

Once this testing is complete in early 2023, Phase 1 of the full deployment will augment existing transportation services between key locations within the Navy Yard, and then in Phase 2 will connect the Navy Yard to SEPTA’s NRG Station on the Broad Street subway line and adjacent to the Sports Complex and FDR Park.

The project took a step forward in February 2022 when PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation, awarded Perrone Robotics, Inc. a two-phased AV shuttle and services contract. The pilot AV shuttle is funded by the Travel Options Program, a grant program of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). The Travel Options Program is an ongoing regional initiative that awards funds for innovative projects to provide better access to more travel options, while meeting the goals of climate action and air quality improvement, equity, reliability, freedom of choice, and affordability.

“The idea behind the Travel Options Program is to fund innovative projects that expand accessibility to and encourage the use of alternatives to driving alone, and we are pleased to fund the first AV shuttle in Greater Philadelphia and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Barry Seymour, DVRPC Executive Director. “This exciting project will enhance accessibility to jobs and amenities in the Navy Yard and potentially cut the use of single occupancy vehicles while reducing emissions. It is the culmination of ongoing public-private partnerships, and many years of planning related to new technologies and is just the start of adding more electric and AV vehicles to the menu of travel options in our region.”

This project will enhance Navy Yard access and also help to reduce congestion and carbon emissions for the region. The Navy Yard AV shuttle deployment will include a backup operator on board during the pilot. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will oversee regulatory approvals and is partnering with researchers at Drexel University to analyze shuttle performance and rider feedback to inform future deployments. The infrastructure consulting firm AECOM assisted the grant proposal, and through its existing contracts with PennDOT will be providing overall program management, technical planning, testing, and deployment expertise.

“We are honored and excited to be part of this forward-thinking program with PIDC, DVRPC, PennDOT, AECOM, and Drexel University, to bring the world’s first automated Buy America, FMVSS, and ADA-compliant transit van to the city of Philadelphia,” said Paul Perrone, CEO and founder of Perrone Robotics. “This program will be a national example of the power of private-public partnerships to connect communities through safety-enhanced mobility solutions. We look forward to providing our TONY AV driver for the streets of Philadelphia and beyond to meet the growing demand across the United States and worldwide.”

“This is an exciting project, and AECOM is proud to partner with PennDOT, PIDC, the City,  and DVRPC to bring the AV shuttle to Philadelphia.” said Michael Girman, Senior Vice President, Transportation, AECOM. “Management of congestion, particularly during construction, is a substantial concern when creating more equitable and efficient transportation infrastructure, and we are always looking for innovative and collaborative ways to solve our region’s transportation challenges.”

“The Drexel University team, which includes Professors Dimitrios Fafalis and Divya Bhargava and their students in the College of Engineering, is delighted to be part of this pilot program,” said Jonathan Spanier, Professor and Head, Drexel University Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics. “Drexel’s participation is well-aligned with two strategic priorities of Drexel 2030. This project harnesses the power of partnership with PennDOT and other transportation infrastructure stakeholders in the region. It also supports the empowering of students to be purpose-driven global citizens through their involvement in activities that seek to understand the potential for AV technology to improve safety and mobility on city streets and through construction zones.”

“The City is proud to host the first AV shuttle in Pennsylvania. Shared autonomous vehicles, such as this zero-emission shuttle that will connect the Navy Yard and NRG station, will demonstrate how this innovative technology can support safe and sustainable cities in the future by supporting existing transit systems and expanding their reach,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “This shuttle will bring a new travel option to Philadelphians and support access to the jobs, parks, and opportunities within the Navy Yard.”

PIDC leads the development and site operations for the Navy Yard, including its Navy Yard Transit program, which currently operates two routes to NRG Station and Center City Philadelphia. As part of PIDC’s mission – to spur investment, support business growth, and foster developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth in every corner of Philadelphia – this AV project will support a growing community of 15,000 employees, 8 million square feet of mix-use facilities that includes office, industrial, R&D, life sciences, and institutional space, with plans to add additional office, laboratories and clean spaces, retail, restaurants and hotels, and residential buildings, parks, greenways, and amenities over the next 20 years.

PIDC reviewed a wide range of mobility options focused on proven reliability and safety, including conducting a public request for proposals (RFP) process. Perrone Robotics’ successful history of AV deployments across municipal, university, and community projects, made it a clear choice for the pilot project. Perrone’s portfolio of turn-key AV transit and transportation shuttles include small, medium, and large vehicles for use in geofenced and localized operations.

“We are thrilled to partner with DVRPC, PennDOT, Perrone Robotics, AECOM, and Drexel University to deploy Pennsylvania’s first AV shuttle at the Navy Yard,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “Not only will this shuttle provide the Navy Yard’s employees and visitors with additional safe and sustainable transit access around campus and connecting to the region via the subway connection, but it also showcases Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia as a leader in the latest technologies and innovation. We are excited to support this project at the Navy Yard.”

For the first phase of the project, Perrone will deploy the TONY-MEV (a medium electric transit vehicle), which will be fully ADA compliant, all electric, and fully FMVSS compliant. The vehicle will be integrated with Perrone’s TONY (To Navigate You) technology that converts the shuttle to fully automated capabilities for operations in the Navy Yard. The shuttle can seat nine passengers plus a wheelchair, aside from the operator. The wheelchair ramp feature will be accessible from a standard roadside curb.

“Automated technologies have tremendous potential to expand equitable transportation options and enhance safety,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “We are committed to safely developing this industry in Pennsylvania and look forward to partnering on this shuttle deployment.”

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About DVRPC
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Greater Philadelphia region, established by an Interstate Compact between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey. Members include Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, plus the City of Chester, in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties, plus the cities of Camden and Trenton, in New Jersey.

DVRPC’s vision for the Greater Philadelphia Region is a prosperous, innovative, equitable, resilient, and sustainable region that increases mobility choices by investing in a safe and modern transportation system; that protects and preserves our natural resources while creating healthy communities; and that fosters greater opportunities for all.

DVRPC’s mission is to achieve this vision by convening the widest array of partners to inform and facilitate data-driven decision-making. We are engaged across the region, and strive to be leaders and innovators, exploring new ideas and creating best practices. Learn more at www.dvrpc.org.

About PIDC
PIDC is Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation. Since acquiring the 1,200-acre site from the federal government in 2000, PIDC has led the development and site operations for the Navy Yard. PIDC’s mission—to spur investment, support business growth, and facilitate developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia—strongly informs its strategy for the Navy Yard, where the focus is on building a cohesive community that fosters employment, innovation, and production. PIDC manages all aspects of the Navy Yard, including planning, leasing, property management, infrastructure development, utility operation, and structuring development transactions. For more information about PIDC, visit www.PIDCphila.com and follow us @PIDCphila on Twitter. For more information about the Navy Yard, visit www.navyyard.org and follow us on Twitter @NavyYardPhila.

About PennDOT
PennDOT oversees programs and policies affecting highways, urban and rural public transportation, airports, railroads, ports, and waterways. More than three-quarters of PennDOT’s annual budget is invested in Pennsylvania’s approximately 120,000 miles of state and local highways and 32,000 state and local bridges. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and roughly 25,400 bridges, a system first established in 1911.

Roughly 7,200 of PennDOT’s complement of nearly 11,375 employees are engaged in the maintenance, restoration, and expansion of the state highway system. They work in central headquarters in Harrisburg and 11 engineering districts, with facilities in all 67 counties.

PennDOT also administers the state’s 11.8 million vehicle registrations and 10.3 million driver’s licenses and IDs, and oversees safety and emission inspection programs.

About Perrone Robotics, Inc.
Perrone is a leading provider of fully automated vehicle systems. The company delivers mobility excellence via TONY® (short for “TO Navigate You”), a vehicle independent retrofit kit for use in the automated transit of people and goods in geo-fenced and localized operations. TONY embeds inside any vehicle type or model, for any job application to provide a complete “artificial driver” solution that brings full autonomy in a safety certifiable framework. Proven, piloted and in commercial production, Perrone automated systems help commercial, municipal, and governmental customers increase transportation efficiencies, enhance safety, and accelerate zero-emission electric vehicle deployment. The company also offers a portfolio of existing turnkey automated shuttles and vehicles pre-integrated with the TONY retrofit kit. Learn more @ www.perronerobotics.com or follow us @perronerobotics.

About Drexel University College of Engineering
Founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, Drexel is a comprehensive urban university of more than 23,000 students, and a leader in experiential, technology-infused education, enriched by the nation’s premier cooperative- education program. Drexel is rethinking its institutional boundaries and creating a vibrant presence and ecosystem of innovation in and around University City while delivering on the University’s public purpose as an anchor institution for Philadelphia.

As the cornerstone of Drexel, the College of Engineering empowers students to engineer change in their lives and through their careers by emphasizing a balance of theory and practical experience. Faculty scholars and industry experts cultivate technically and theoretically trained adaptable engineers who are dedicated to the discovery and the application of technology, and who understand the global, social and ethical implications of creating sustainable solutions to societal challenges. Through industry and community partnerships, Drexel Engineering is committed to engaging students in capstone learning experiences and helping to drive the advancement of technology and automation in the region.

About AECOM
AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical expertise and innovation, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $13.3 billion in fiscal year 2021. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Media Contacts:

PIDC: Jacob Dillon, Director, Navy Yard Marketing and Communications
jdillon@PIDCphila.com / 215-218-2856 | Cell:  757-705-9281

DVRPC: Elise Turner, Manager, Office of Communications and Engagement
eturner@dvrpc.org / 215-435-0379 (cell)

PennDOT: Erin Waters-Trasatt, Communications Director
ewaterstra@pa.gov / 717-873-8800

Drexel: Britt Faulstick, Executive Director of Media Relations, Drexel University
britt.faulstick@drexel.edu / 215.895.2617

 

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PEC Award featured image

PIDC Receives Sustainability Award for Work at the Navy Yard

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PIDC received the Industry Innovation/Corporate Sustainability Award, which honors environmental excellence, leadership, and accomplishment, from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for more than twenty years of leadership in redeveloping a former military shipyard into a mixed-use campus with a focus on sustainable development.

Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President at the Navy Yard, accepted the award on behalf of PIDC at the 52nd Annual Environmental Partnership Dinner held in Philadelphia on Nov. 17. Watch the video about the Navy Yard’s sustainability efforts below or on YouTube.

Since PIDC acquired the shipyard on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in 2000, PIDC has remained committed to providing a sustainable, efficient, and green work environment for the 150 businesses on our diverse 1,200-acre campus.

Navy Yard businesses and employees work in adaptively reused buildings or LEED certified new construction, enjoy over 20 acres of open park space that reduces stormwater runoff, and have access to green transit options like Navy Yard buses, Indego bike share, car share, and EV chargers.

Sustainable site operations at the Navy Yard include:

  • SOLAR: More than 1,200 solar panels have been installed in our community solar power system that allows companies at the Navy Yard the opportunity to share the benefits of solar power without installing panels on their own property. The Navy Yard Community Solar project was the first of its kind in PA. When fully operational it will produce 930,000 of kWh of clean, reliable, and cost-effective power per year.
  • BUILDING RE-USE: PIDC and several private development partners have renovated many of the former Marine and Navy officers’ quarters and historic buildings. These now provide beautiful, historic, and eclectic office space to a wide variety of commercial tenants – examples include URBN Corporate HQ and the reuse of former Marine Barracks and Admiral Quarters.
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS: PIDC strongly encourages the design and construction of high-performance, sustainable buildings at the Navy Yard. We require our partners to construct highly sustainable projects that in most instances include LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) certifications, the rating system created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
    In total, 85% of existing buildings are LEED certified buildings, including Philadelphia’s first developer-owned LEED Platinum building built in 2005 and Philadelphia’s first double LEED Platinum building built in 2013.
  • STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: We have worked closely with the Philadelphia Water Department’s Watersheds Initiative; the Navy Yard has piloted the use of innovative stormwater management systems. Examples of demonstrated improvements include rain gardens, sidewalk and landscape buffers, and drainage swales, all of which prevent considerable levels of runoff from reaching city sewers.
  • ARBORETUM: The Navy Yard was certified as a Level-1 arboretum in 2018 by Arbnet with more than 2,000 trees already established demonstrates the Navy Yard’s commitment to public greenspace, sustainable landscapes, and resiliency. As one of only five arboretums in Philadelphia, it is especially important that the Navy Yard preserves and expands greenspaces at the Navy Yard. By building upon and sustaining green spaces, the Navy Yard can assure that future generations have a place to appreciate nature in an urban environment, while at the same time developing the Navy Yard to create equitable growth, jobs, and accessibility for decades to come.
  • FUTURE DEVELOPMENT: As we embark on our $6B, 15-20-year development, we have put sustainability at the forefront by thinking of and planning for:
    • Smart, interconnected system linking multiple transit modes
    • Parking & mobility hubs
    • Expanded transit, including autonomous
    • Enhanced bike & pedestrian amenities
    • Exploring LEED district
    • Incorporating sea level rise and climate change / Elevated buildings and infrastructure
    • Evaluating sustainable power alternatives
    • Pursuing pilot projects for advanced energy management (e.g., building-to-grid tech)
    • Integrated green stormwater management
    • Advanced energy management (e.g., building-to-grid tech)

 

Delegate visit feature image

The Navy Yard Welcomes Delegation of Leaders from India Focusing on Biomedical Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Innovation

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A delegation of biomedical leaders from India visited the Navy Yard on October 7 as part of a larger visit to understand biomedical entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation in the Philadelphia region.

During the visit, Navy Yard leadership briefed the group on the growing life sciences ecosystem, sustainability efforts, and future development plans at the Navy Yard. The group also enjoyed a guided tour to learn about the past, present, and future of the Navy Yard.

The Philadelphia tour was organized by Citizen Diplomacy International. Citizen Diplomacy International is a nonprofit organization that empowers its citizens to represent the city and the United States through person-to-person diplomacy. They showcase the best of Philadelphia and make global connections for Philadelphians; inspiring Philadelphia to be a global city and be globally recognized. Each year, its Citizen Diplomats volunteers welcome nearly 1,300 international visitors to Philadelphia on high school exchange programs, professional exchange programs, and trade missions.

Citizen Diplomacy International worked with the U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange program called the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).  The IVLP is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Each year nearly 5,000 International Visitors come to the U.S. on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). More than 200,000 International Visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 500 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government.

 

Dylan Langley, Navy Yard Director of Leasing & Development, briefs a delegation of biomedical leaders from India on the life sciences ecosystem at the Navy Yard. The group visited Philadelphia to better understand biomedical entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation in the region.

Dylan Langley, Navy Yard Director of Leasing & Development, briefs a delegation of biomedical leaders from India on the life sciences ecosystem at the Navy Yard. The group visited Philadelphia to better understand biomedical entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation in the region.

MED WEEK FEATURED IMAGE

Navy Yard Supports Diversity in Business Development through MED Week Workshop

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The Navy Yard hosted to members of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) community for a Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week workshop on October 7.

The workshop at the Navy Yard was part of more than 40 other events in the region during the 38th annual Philadelphia MED Week, which was organized by the City’s Department of Commerce Office of Economic Opportunity and recognized the outstanding achievements of MBEs and equipped them with resources and connections to help them grow. This year’s theme was Forging the Future: Growing Generational Wealth – “This is How We Do It!”

Philadelphia Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson spearheaded the event at the Navy Yard with the goal of expanding MBE opportunities at the Navy Yard and said coming to events such as MED Week are valuable because these events can lead to new contracts and contracts are key to growing business. MED Week helps small businesses gain capital and opportunity.

During the event, PIDC and Navy Yard leadership along with executives from Ensemble/Mosaic (the exclusive developer of a 109-acre mixed-use development at the Navy Yard) spoke and provided resources to the participants and discussed how they could play a role in the future development of the Navy Yard.

As part of the 20-year, $6-billion-dollar development of the Navy Yard, PIDC and Ensemble/Mosaic are committed to a robust and holistic equity strategy that will deliver meaningful economic opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses and traditionally under-represented individuals.

This commitment established a new standard at the Navy Yard and in development projects across the City. The agreement stipulates minimum obligations to promote equity and inclusion in the residential and retail development, including:

  • 15% of all residential units (representing approximately 450 units) will be made affordable to individuals or families at incomes ranging from 60% to 120% of AMI, with affordability covenant ensured for 40 years.
  • 25% of retail space will be made available for lease to local minority- and women-owned companies.
  • In addition, Ensemble/Mosaic has created The Navy Yard Empowerment Foundation, funded by ongoing contributions from each individual Ensemble/Mosaic project at the Navy Yard.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing education, job training, access to capital, mentorship, and wealth creation opportunities.

Philadelphia Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Sam Rhoads (PIDC Executive Vice President), Brian Cohen (Ensemble Real Estate, SVP, Regional Director East), and Greg Reaves (Founder & Co-Owner, Mosaic Development Partners) speak address attendees of a Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week workshop at the Navy Yard.

Philadelphia Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Sam Rhoads (PIDC Executive Vice President), Brian Cohen (Ensemble Real Estate, SVP, Regional Director East), and Greg Reaves (Founder & Co-Owner, Mosaic Development Partners) speak address attendees of a Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week workshop at the Navy Yard.

Trees donated by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society

Infrastructure Project to Bring Added Trees to Navy Yard

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With more than $40 million in infrastructure projects and approximately $500 million in new development for 2022, the recently released Navy Yard Plan is off to a fast start. In addition to new buildings and a rebuilt Broad Street, these projects will also bring new trees and greenery throughout the campus and thoughtful public amenities to the Navy Yard.

One of the projects we are most excited about is the long-awaited reconstruction of Broad Street, which begins July 25 and will restore four lanes of travel, as well as add a dedicated bike lane and pedestrian amenities. As part of the widening of this corridor, eight trees will need to be removed, but 90 new trees will be planted along Broad Street and throughout the campus to replace them.

The Navy Yard operations team will be working with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) to plant the new trees beginning this fall and throughout the duration of the project. PHS generously donated more than 20 trees and dozens of perennial plants that were featured in the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show.

Trees donated by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society

Trees donated by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society

The Navy Yard was certified as a Level-1 arboretum in 2018 by Arbnet and the addition of 90 trees to the 2,000 trees already established demonstrates the Navy Yard’s commitment to public greenspace, sustainable landscapes, and resiliency.

As one of only five arboretums in Philadelphia, it is especially important that the Navy Yard preserves and expands greenspaces at the Navy Yard. By building upon and sustaining green spaces, the Navy Yard can assure that future generations have a place to appreciate nature in an urban environment, while at the same time developing the Navy Yard to create equitable growth, jobs, and accessibility for decades to come.

Current treescape at the Central Green

Current treescape at Central Green

Current treescape at Crescent Park

Current treescape at Crescent Park

Current treescape at the Marine Parade Grounds

Current treescape at the Marine Parade Grounds

Broad Street Quay Wall Reconstruction Project
As announced on July 1, 2022, the Navy Yard will begin the reconstruction of the section of Broad Street between Crescent Dr and Intrepid Ave, also known as the “quay wall” on July 25. It’s a very complex project that has been in planning and procurement for many years, and once finished, will have four lanes for vehicles, a two-way raised bike lane, and a new, scenic pedestrian plaza overlooking the Reserve Basin.

This construction project will take approximately 12 months to complete. During this time, Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr and Intrepid Ave.

The $19 million+ total project cost is in part funded by PennDOT, the Economic Development Authority (EDA), City of Philadelphia, and PIDC.

Learn more about the Broad Street quay wall reconstruction project on the Yard BLOG.

Broad Street Quay Wall now

Broad Street “quay wall” now

Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

Future Broad Street between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

View of new Pedestrian Plaza overlooking elevated bike lanes and Broad Street

View of new Pedestrian Plaza overlooking elevated bike lanes and Broad Street

Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

Broad Street will be closed between Crescent Dr & Intrepid Ave

 

 

Pennsylvania’s first automated vehicle (AV) shuttle is coming to Philadelphia this summer. The zero-emissions shuttle will provide visitors and employees with transportation services within the Philadelphia Navy Yard and to SEPTA’s NRG Station located at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue.

Pennsylvania’s First Automated Shuttle Coming to the Philadelphia Navy Yard

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Pennsylvania’s first automated vehicle (AV) shuttle is coming to Philadelphia this summer. The zero-emissions shuttle will provide visitors and employees with transportation services within the Philadelphia Navy Yard and to SEPTA’s NRG Station located at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue. 

The project took a step forward this week when PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation, awarded Perrone Robotics, Inc. a two-phased AV shuttle and services contract. The pilot AV shuttle is funded by the Travel Options Program, a grant program of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). The Travel Options Program is an ongoing regional initiative that awards funds for innovative projects to provide better access to more travel options, while meeting the goals of climate action and air quality improvement, equity, reliability, freedom of choice, and affordability.

Pennsylvania’s first automated vehicle (AV) shuttle is coming to Philadelphia this summer! The zero-emissions shuttle will provide visitors and employees with transportation services within the Navy Yard and to SEPTA’s NRG Station.

“The idea behind the Travel Options Program is to fund innovative projects that expand accessibility to and encourage the use of alternatives to driving alone, and we are pleased to fund the first AV shuttle in Greater Philadelphia and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Barry Seymour, DVRPC Executive Director. “This project is the culmination of ongoing public-private partnerships, and many years of planning related to new technologies and is just the start of adding more electric and AV vehicles to the menu of travel options in our region.”

This project will enhance Navy Yard access and also help to reduce congestion and carbon emissions for the region. The Navy Yard AV shuttle deployment will include a backup operator on board during the pilot. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will oversee regulatory approvals and is partnering with researchers at Drexel University to analyze shuttle performance and rider feedback to inform future deployments. The infrastructure consulting firm AECOM assisted the grant proposal, and through its existing contracts with PennDOT will be providing overall program management, technical planning, testing, and deployment expertise.

“We are honored and excited to be part of this forward-thinking program with PIDC, DVRPC, PennDOT, AECOM, and Drexel University, to bring the world’s first automated Buy America, FMVSS, and ADA-compliant transit van to the city of Philadelphia,” said Paul Perrone, CEO and founder of Perrone Robotics. “This program will be a national example of the power of private-public partnerships to connect communities through safety-enhanced mobility solutions. We look forward to providing our TONY AV driver for the streets of Philadelphia and beyond to meet the growing demand across the United States and worldwide.” 

“The deployment of the AV shuttle in Philadelphia has been a vision AECOM has been partnering with the City on since 2018. We understand the important need to provide supplemental transit services to all Philadelphians and those visiting the Navy Yard and Sport Complex areas,” said Dan Corey, Vice President, Director of Strategic Solutions Global Transportation, AECOM. “We’re thrilled to support this important project with innovative, sustainable, and collaborative solutions that are accessible to all while leaving a positive impact on the environment and prioritizing safety.” 

The terms of the award include the delivery of the state’s and region’s first Level 3 (as defined by SAE J3016) automated, zero-emissions, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) compliant, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, Buy America compliant, and street-worthy shuttle to transport visitors and employees around the Navy Yard campus. The AV shuttle in Phase 1 will augment existing transportation services between key locations within the Navy Yard, and then in Phase 2 will connect the Navy Yard to SEPTA’s NRG Station on the Broad Street subway line and adjacent to the Sports Complex and FDR Park. 

PIDC leads the development and site operations for the Navy Yard, including its Navy Yard Transit program, which currently operates two routes to NRG Station and Center City Philadelphia. As part of PIDC’s mission – to spur investment, support business growth, and foster developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth in every corner of Philadelphia – this AV project will support a growing community of 15,000 employees, 8 million square feet of mix-use facilities that includes office, industrial, R&D, life sciences, and institutional space, with plans to add additional office, laboratories and clean spaces, retail, restaurants and hotels, and residential buildings, parks, greenways and amenities over the next 20 years. 

PIDC reviewed a wide range of mobility options focused on proven reliability and safety, including conducting a public request for proposals (RFP) process. Perrone Robotics’ successful history of AV deployments across municipal, university, and community projects, made it a clear choice for the pilot project. Perrone’s portfolio of turn-key AV transit and transportation shuttles include small, medium, and large vehicles for use in geofenced and localized operations. 

“We are thrilled to partner with DVRPC, PennDOT, Perrone Robotics, AECOM, and Drexel University to deploy Pennsylvania’s first AV shuttle at the Navy Yard,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “Not only will this shuttle provide the Navy Yard’s employees and visitors with additional safe and sustainable transit access around campus and connecting to the region via the subway connection, but it also showcases Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia as a leader in the latest technologies and innovation. We are excited to support this project at the Navy Yard and look forward to launching this summer.” 

For the first phase of the project, Perrone will deploy the TONY-MEV (a medium electric transit vehicle), built on the proven Ford 350HD chassis, fully ADA compliant, and equipped with a state-of-the-art battery-electric powertrain manufactured and installed by Lightning eMotors. The vehicle will be integrated with Perrone’s TONY (To Navigate You) technology that converts the shuttle to fully automated capabilities for operations in the Navy Yard. The shuttle can seat nine passengers plus a wheelchair, aside from the operator. The wheelchair ramp feature will be accessible from a standard roadside curb.  

The AV shuttle is expected to commence in summer 2022.

“Automated technologies have tremendous potential to expand equitable transportation options and enhance safety,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “We are committed to safely developing this industry in Pennsylvania and look forward to partnering on this shuttle deployment.”

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Media Contacts:

DVRPC: Elise Turner, Manager, Office of Communications and Engagement

eturner@dvrpc.org / 215-435-0379 (cell)

PIDC: Jennifer Tran, Director, Navy Yard Marketing and Communications

jtran@PIDCphila.com / 215-218-2854

PennDOT: Erin Waters-Trasatt, Communications Director

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Redevelopment of historic Building 624: Historic Core pedestrian plaza flanked by artisan makerspaces for authentic local retail. Credit: Grgoundswell

Ensemble/Mosaic Launches a Bold, Systemic $2.6B Environmental, Social & Governance Commitment at the Navy Yard

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Partnership has Committed $7.5 Million to 21 Certified Minority and Women, Design & Engineering Firms to Lift Off $1B Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Pledge

Ensemble Real Estate Investments and Mosaic Development Partners (Ensemble/Mosaic) today announced it has launched its ambitious Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) program at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the bedrock of its plan to develop 109 acres of the campus.

“We believe our $2.6B ESG initiative to be one of the most significant commitments by any developer for any development in our country,” said Kam Babaoff, Co-Founder and Chairman of Ensemble Real Estate Solutions & Investments. “And, as part of this ambitious plan, we are committing $1B to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives – again, likely the largest pledge ever in our industry. Dedication to ESG, and specifically the DEI principals within it, will drive lasting positive change in this city because it will be built by Philadelphians for Philadelphians.”

PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation and master developer of the Navy Yard, and Ensemble/Mosaic are partnering on the 2022 Philadelphia Navy Yard Plan Update. Ensemble/Mosaic will invest the $2.6 billion of development in the 1200-acre campus over the next two decades. The venture anticipates breaking ground on its first buildings – among them 1201 Normandy Place – in the fourth quarter of 2021.

A cornerstone of this ESG program is the partnership’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy.

“PIDC set the tone for DEI in their request for proposal, and we felt inspired to create a plan with great scope and depth,” said Leslie Smallwood-Lewis, Principal of Mosaic, a minority-owned business enterprise. “Our DEI commitment will provide meaningful equity and capacity-building contracting opportunities for minority, women, veteran and disabled-owned business enterprises (MWVDBE) over the next two decades and we are excited to help create lasting change.”

Ensemble/Mosaic began deploying this strategy in the initial phase of development through the hiring of 20 local and national MWVDBE design and engineering firms such as Moody Nolan – the largest African American architecture firm in the nation and the “2021 AIA Firm of the Year”, Kelly Maiello and Rodriguez Consulting. Those commitments, representing approximately 50% ($7.5M) of the total allocation for design, have been made since the partnership was awarded the development rights by PIDC less than four months ago.

ESG Criteria as the North Star

ESG is a set of criteria created by an organization to guide socially responsible decisions. It includes environmental sustainability, such as impact on climate change or carbon footprint, recycling and water management; social impact through diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and organizational values; and governance, including partnership diversity, the auditing of DEI initiatives and  representation on boards and committees.

“From the moment we committed to answering the request for proposal from PIDC, ESG has been our north star,” said Greg Reaves, Principal of Mosaic. “Every decision we make, from design to development to neighborhood creation is through the lens of our ESG strategy.”

After the naval base closure in 1996, the City of Philadelphia, PIDC and its partners envisioned the redevelopment of the space into a thriving mixed-use campus, restoring it as an economic engine for the city. Over the last two decades, the Navy Yard has successfully attracted 150 businesses employing more than 15,000 personnel to the site with new development planned to further its position as one of Philadelphia’s most unique business campuses and evolving neighborhoods.

Through its development agreement with PIDC, Ensemble/Mosaic will redevelop 109 acres  of land through renovation and ground-up construction. The 20-year project includes the creation of additional office, laboratories and clean spaces, retail, restaurants and hotels, and residential buildings, parks, greenways and amenities.

“The Navy Yard has reestablished itself as a successful platform for job creation with a focus on innovation, production, and sustainability, and I commend PIDC and Ensemble/Mosaic on their shared vision and alignment of goals, which will further spur equitable growth in Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “This unparalleled commitment to ESG sets the new standard for socially responsible, inclusive development in Philadelphia while providing countless benefits for Philadelphians for years to come.”

Bringing Meaningful, Measurable Change

Ensemble and Mosaic formed a partnership with the objective of focusing on redeveloping the Navy Yard by creating opportunities for diverse participants in every aspect of development.

To illustrate, Babaoff and Reaves broke down some of the many ESG-focused programs in motion or development, with a particular focus on DEI, such as:

  • Minority, Women, Veteran and Disabled-Owned Businesses Enterprises will equitably participate in every phase of the development cycle (design, construction and operations) at some of the highest levels ever achieved for a project of this size and scale. (See chart)
  • Minority Equity Investment ensures up-to-20% of the equity investment will be provided by minorities and minority-owned firms.
  • A Community Investment Platform will offer the opportunity for local low-and-moderate-income individuals to invest, through crowdfunding, collectively up to 5% of the equity in each project.
  • A Charitable Foundation, initially funded by a $1M commitment by Ensemble/Mosaic with continued funding from a percentage of the project’s net cash flow, will actively support and promote the development and economic empowerment of minorities and women.
  • An ongoing commitment to providing Housing Affordability for 15% of all residential units.
  • A minimum of a 35% Diverse Workforce during the construction of buildings with minority, female, veteran and disabled workforce.
  • A commitment to a minimum of 50% Local Workforce during construction from the Greater Philadelphia region.
  • MWVDBE Retail Opportunities by providing a minimum of 25% of all retail to firms with subsidized lease terms.
  • Internship program with local universities will bring opportunities to minority and female students in the Delaware Valley.

“The Navy Yard continues to be an economic engine for our region, and we are now focused on creating even more meaningful change. Ensemble/Mosaic is dedicating tremendous energy, time and financial commitment with its investment directed toward minority, women, disabled and veteran-owned companies,” said Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, who represents the Navy Yard within the Second District. “This $1B pledge and each individual commitment will make an enormous difference to companies and individuals over the next 20 years.”

Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainability

“There is a long history of leadership around sustainability at the Philadelphia Navy Yard – from pilot programs for stormwater and autonomous shuttles to an 8MW peak-shaving battery back-up and Pennsylvania’s first community solar project, just to name a few,” said Kate McNamara, PIDC’s Senior Vice President, Navy Yard. “The campus already contains more than a dozen LEED certified buildings ranging from Certified to Double Platinum, and Ensemble/Mosaic’s commitment to sustainable development and management will continue to set the pace in our region and across the nation.”

Each Ensemble/Mosaic development project will be designed to achieve a LEED Silver or higher standard, demonstrably saving energy, water and other natural resources for the city and its residents. To carry these goals further, Ensemble/Mosaic has assembled a team of progressive design leaders, placemaking idea generators, and transportation futurists to create Philadelphia’s first LEED Certified Neighborhood Development at the Navy Yard.

LEED Neighborhood (LEED-ND) Development is a program engineered to inspire and help create better, more sustainable, well-connected neighborhoods, looking beyond the scale of buildings to consider entire communities. The Navy Yard will be one of the first of its kind designed with this new approach.

“One of the first things that really struck us as we went through the selection process for a development partner was Ensemble/Mosaic’s shared passion for the creation of an intentional and inclusive economic opportunity initiatives plan,” added McNamara. “We are excited that Ensemble/Mosaic quickly launched this plan concurrent with its development projects. This fresh approach will support the Navy Yard’s growth and positively impact generations of Philadelphia residents and businesses.”

 

Appendix 1: List of 21 MWVDBE Firms (alphabetized)

These firms are currently participating and are included in the $7.5M commitments in process.

 

Appendix 2: MWBE Representation Chart

Sa Brevni "loves to ride"!

Cycle September is back at the Navy Yard!

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The Navy Yard is excited to join Clean Air Council, Bicycle Coalition and Indego for Philadelphia’s Cycle September Bike Challenge. Starting September 1st, Navy Yard employees and visitors can compete for great prizes, including a new Charge e-bike, by simply riding a bike. Logging your rides and encouraging your coworkers and friends to join in the fun earns you points and helps reduce pollution from cars. Cycle September also offers a great way to get your body moving in a safe, socially distanced way.

You can get cycling in the Navy Yard with a new self-guided bike tour created by the Clean Air Council. This five and a half mile tour starts at Broad Street and Langley Ave and will lead bicyclists through the Navy Yard, viewing historic and new architecture, significant landmarks, and bike path/lanes that loops back to the entrance. Bring a friend and learn about the history of buildings and ships with a special stop at the hidden goldfish pond. If you don’t have a bike there are three Indego bike stations that you can use in the Navy Yard. 

Iresha Picot rides Indego for Cycle September!

This year as part of the challenge Bicycle Coalition and Indego will offer a 90 minute virtual Urban Riding Basics on September 17th from 12:00 – 1:30pm. Attendees will learn about rules of the road, how to use Indego, riding safely in traffic, and riding to work during COVID-19. This class is relevant to bicyclists of all skill levels but is especially beneficial for beginner riders. Course attendees will receive a one month Indego30 pass which includes unlimited 60 minute Indego rides After registering here, you will be sent a link to join the class via Zoom. 

Love to Ride has saved over 260,000 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions from being released over the last four years. This September, make biking a part of your commute or take the opportunity to check out the Navy Yard and all it has to offer. Reducing your daily greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging your coworkers to do the same are two ways you can solve climate change!

Sa Brevni “loves to ride”!

CCPlan timeline

PIDC Embarks on the Navy Yard Connected Community Plan and Wants Your Input

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PIDC is excited to announce the embarkment on the next chapter of development for the Navy Yard’s future. PIDC and its consultant, AECOM, will collaborate with everyone in the Philadelphia community – including you! – to develop the Navy Yard Connected Community Plan, a strategic plan that will connect businesses, employees, visitors, and future residents through innovative initiatives, technologies, resources, and amenities.

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