As a voluntary coalition of concerned citizens, DAG relies on digital communication tools to inform and communicate among its members. This website was developed to further enhance that capacity. We wish to thank the William Penn Foundation without whom this online forum would not be possible.

Michael Sklaroff's Remarks at the may dag meeting:

Michael Sklaroff, attorney and former Chairman of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, offered his thoughts on historic preservation in Philadelphia at the May DAG meeting.  To read his complete remarks, click here.  DAG members are invited to post their thoughts at our online forum.  To do so, simply log in at the top of this page using your email address.

DAG UPDATE - TAKE BACK OUR SIDEWALKS:

City Council is seeking testimony on the issue of construction-related sidewalk closures. This is a key issue of DAG's Take Back Our Sidewalks initiative. George Claflen coordinated the preparation of a report on this subject incorporating the views of many DAG members and friends. The report has been submitted to Councilman DiCicco, chairman of the Committee on Streets and Services. You may view the report (PDF) HERE.  To see other examples of blocked sidewalks, click here. 

DAG CHAIR ALAN GREENBERGER APPOINTED TO PLANNING COMMISSION

At its regular meeting on January 30, 2008, the Steering Committee of the Design Advocacy Group voted unanimously to commend Mayor Michael Nutter and to congratulate DAG chair Alan Greenberger on his appointment to the City Planning Commission. Greenberger's appointment helps to realize the first recommendation of the DAG Reform Agenda, to "appoint experts to the boards and commissions that work in the areas of planning and design."

The Steering Committee also voted unanimously to endorse Greenberger's continuing service as DAG chair. Appointment to the Planning Commission creates no systemic conflict of interest, and special arrangements can be made to avoid such conflict or the appearance of conflict on the rare occasions when they may arise.
 

DVRPC Report on Civic Design Excellence: 

This report, funded by the William Penn Foundation, and developed by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, looks at the state of civic design in Philadelphia in 2007 and makes recommendations as to how the City can strengthen its own functions to improve the quality of civic design that defines our urban landscape. Topics covered include elements of civic design, design review, design guidelines, design education and advocacy, and best practices from across the country.

Click here to see the report.
 

UPCOMING EVENTS:
DAG meetings are held at 8 AM on the first Thursday of each month, at Temple University Center City, 1515 Market Street. The room assignment is posted at the main lobby information desk.