Politics & Government

Mayor Nutter, Councilman Jones Break Ground on Venice Island Storage Tank

Nutter said to "be excited" about this project, and others on the horizon.

A row of silver shovels stood Tuesday in the Lock Street parking lot, waiting to be used by Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilman Curtis Jones and other officials at the groundbreaking of the Venice Island underground storage tank.

Before the shovels would be put to use, Nutter, Jones, and representatives several city departments spoke about the significance of this project.

“I have two words for you: Be excited,” Nutter said. “This is going to be one of the most exciting developments, not just in Manayunk, but anywhere in the city once it is completed."

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The storage tank is one of many projects in the works over the next three years that will improve the storm water management and recreational use of Manayunk’s waterfront.

“Today we are celebrating the groundbreaking of a project that will keep the Schuylkill clean, hopefully keep the Schuylkill where it belongs, over in the Schuylkill, and provide great recreational and cultural needs,” Nutter said.

Find out what's happening in Roxborough-Manayunkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The tank itself is a four million gallon underwater storage compartment that will divert water from the sanitary sewer during heavy rains, reducing the amount of sewage that would end up in the river. The project is part of the Philadelphia Water Department’s Green Cities, Clean Waters initiative.

Nutter also discussed the recreational benefits that will go hand-in-hand with the storage tank project. Paths along the river will be renovated, a water garden will be created and parking and a performing arts center are planned for Venice Island.

Councilman Curtis Jones, who called the 4th District of Philadelphia “the best district in the city,” spoke of the long-term benefits the project.

“It’s hard to make storm water management and sewage sexy, but what you realize is that this Schuylkill River trail, this strip of land is becoming a destination for people who want to come to Manayunk,” Jones said.

Each representative who spoke mentioned the teamwork that went into progressing the waterfront projects. Jane Lipton and Bruce Cooper of the Manayunk Development Corporation were on hand as part of that team.

“I can’t believe we are actually here,” Cooper said. “The amount of time that this has taken and how much work has been put into this by the people of Manayunk and the City of Philadelphia and the mayor is just amazing. We are looking at this as a project that will not just put a cherry on the top of the cake but actually finish this whole end of the corridor from here to the bridge.”


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