What’s happening at Cobbs Creek?

Councilman Curtis Jones Jr has introduced bill no. 220918 that would amend the zoning code to create a new overlay district for the Cobbs Creek and Karakung golf courses. This overlay removes the environmental protection for trees on steep slopes, allows for fences up to 150 feet in height with no setback from adjacent properties, and removes the public meeting requirement, eliminating the opportunity for the public to voice their support or opposition to the project.

This proposed ordinance creates a dangerous precedent that threatens to undermine legal protections for our environment and Philadelphia’s urban tree canopy, which were just recently consolidated by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson’s Philly Tree Fund Bill. If developers are allowed special carve-outs for their projects, our legal system for tree preservation will become a sieve through which any kind of irresponsible development can pass with enough money and political influence. Read the full statement issued by Cobbs Creek Environmental Justice here.

Join DAG and Cobbs Creek Environmental Justice to learn more about what’s happening at Cobbs Creek, Dec 7th @7pm via zoom. This meeting will be helpful for those planning to testify at the Planning Commission hearing Dec 8th at 1pm.

Be sure to register and attend!