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HARRISBURG, April 24 -- State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., welcomed today's settlement agreement between the city of Philadelphia and CSX railroad that ensures the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill River Park are kept accessible to the public at Locust and Race streets.
Josephs, who supported the citizen-organization Free Schuylkill River Park's efforts to keep these at-grade crossings accessible to the public, also joined in the fight as one of the plaintiffs who intervened in CSX's lawsuit against the city in the railroad's attempt to block access to the river and the park from those streets.
"This is a great day for both residents and visitors of Philadelphia," Josephs said. "It was a long fight, but we have a happy ending; public access to the river and park is maintained and it's safe."
The settlement involves the installation of two street-level crossings, complete with gating and signal technology, as well as construction of a new pedestrian bridge south of Locust Street to connect the next section of trail with the existing park. In addition, CSX will reroute several garbage trains so they no longer travel by the park.
"The Schuylkill River Park and the recreation trail are the type of amenities that draw and keep people in Philadelphia. The park is a connector to diverse neighbors in my district and beyond. It serves young families, children, dog walkers, runners and retired folks. The park also serves as an incentive to visitors and in bringing new residents to our city.
"All city residents have the right to access public parks and public waterways. I am pleased with this settlement and that the problems relating to public access to the park has been resolved," Josephs said.
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