Members of the Northwood Civic Association heard an update on the proposed neighborhood medical center at Friends Hospital during their Aug. 20 meeting.
The city is planning to build a medical center just 1.4 miles away at Friends and Frankford avenues and Pratt Street because of long wait times for appointments at the medical center at 2230 Cottman Avenue.
Northwood Civic doesn't disagree that one or two more centres are needed, but has a number of issues with the Friends site, which is estimated to attract 31,000 visitors a year.
The Philadelphia Historical Commission has voted to demolish the 175-year-old Lawnside Building, the former superintendent's residence, which is a National Historic Landmark along with the Friends of Philadelphia.
St. James Lutheran Church, the Frankford Historical Society and St. Mark Church in Frankford also oppose the demolition of Lawnside, which is located outside the proposed center site.
After an appeal, the city's License and Inspection Review Board voted 7-4 to uphold the Historical Commission's vote to demolish Lawnside.
Solicitor Sam Stretton is representing those challenging Lawnside's demolition and the matter is due to be heard in the District Court.
Meanwhile, the City Council, led by Councilman Quetsz Lozada, voted to change the zoning of the Friends site from single-family residential to public, education and medical use to allow for the construction of a new medical center. Mayor Sherrell Parker signed the measure.
Opponents of the Friends site believe the medical center would disturb the campus's peace and tranquility and scare away wildlife. They also cite the challenge of patients crossing 12 lanes of fast-paced traffic on Roosevelt Boulevard to reach the site.
Additionally, Native American artifacts, including arrowheads and tools, have been found at the Friends site, prompting archaeological investigation and excavation.
The center, located at the intersection of Frankford and Pratt across from the Frankford Transportation Center, is expected to serve 5,000 people annually.
Opponents of the Friends site believe the site at Frankford and Pratt could be expanded, plus they say customers can easily get to Frankford and Pratt by public transportation “from a variety of neighborhoods,” said Terry Heiser, vice president of Northwood Civic.
Despite Parker signing the bill, Northwood Civic could still appeal directly to the mayor.
Mari Carrasquillo, president of the Northwood Civic Association, suggested locating the center in Juniata because the Juniata Area Civic Association supports the plan.
