The Big Move
Thank you for your continued support of the Irish Memorial.
Five Questions for Bob Gessler
President of The Irish Memorial Board of Director
1. Why is The Irish Memorial being moved from its present location and where is the proposed location and how was that determined?
There are currently two large development projects affecting the area. One is the long-term multi-phase initiative to rebuild and improve Interstate 95 in Pennsylvania. The other is part of a $225 million development project designed to reconnect the city to the waterfront.
PennDOT has been working on I-95 both north and south of Penn’s Landing. In the near future, development will start on the Penn’s Landing area. Part of the initiative is to replace the cover park going over I-95. The new cover will be integrated into The Waterfront Project; part of the City’s Master Plan to develop an 11-acre park that will run from Front Street to the river and from Chestnut Street to Walnut Street. In order to replace the cap over I-95, The Irish and Scottish Memorials will have to be temporarily re-located.
As a vital stakeholder in the project, we have been in conversations with the City, PennDOT, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and others over the past few years. The Board of The Irish Memorial is in support of development projects as they certainly will enhance and improve the area for all residents and visitors to the area. The Irish Memorial will be a key element in the newly constructed park, which will likely include restaurants, housing and hotels, and most importantly a large public space.
2. Who are the decision makers guiding this project?
The Board of The Irish Memorial is currently working with representatives from PennDOT, the City of Philadelphia and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, who are the key decision makers for the project. Each of these decision-makers have continually reiterated that all decisions will take into consideration the concerns and interests of all stakeholders, including The Irish Memorial. The Board of The Irish Memorial, supported by our legal counsel, will represent the interest of the Memorial.
3. Is the move to a new location permanent and if not will the Memorial be put back in the original location?
The Board of The Irish Memorial spent a significant amount of time in the original site selection process and determined that the current location was most desirable for the type of park contemplated. Since that time, we have invested significantly in promoting the site as a destination. The Board has had assurances for the various stakeholders that The Irish Memorial will be re-built on the original site. So, the short answer is a resounding NO to a permanent relocation and YES to returning to its original home.
4. Do you feel the City Administration is aware of the importance of the Memorial and its impact beyond the City?
Yes, there is no doubt that the City Administration is aware of the Memorial’s importance to the City and beyond. That vision was clearly understood by then Mayor Ed Rendell who was a huge supporter and champion of the Memorial. He saw this project as not only a great piece of public art, but as a destination for visitors from all over the country. The actual reach extends well beyond the US.
Today, we have some incredible advocates for The Irish Memorial including Mayor Kenney, Councilman Squilla and Councilman Henon. This support extends to the state and federal levels as well. The Irish Memorial has afforded the City…
