“Revolutionary Land Swap Proposal in Eastwick: Residents to Stay, Wetlands to be Preserved”

In Eastwick, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, a newly proposed land swap is offering a potential solution to the ongoing issues of flooding and environmental contamination that have plagued the community for years. The proposal would allow residents to stay in their homes by transferring property rights to the city in exchange for new homes built on city-owned land that is less prone to flooding.

The surrendered land, totaling about 128 acres, would become a community land trust, with the low-lying wetland portions being sold to a conservation foundation. The conservation foundation would then turn the land over to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge to be managed. Proceeds from the sale of the wetlands would go towards building new homes and providing tax credits for those invested in the conservation foundation.

The Eastwick neighborhood has been further complicated by the presence of the Clearview Landfill, a Superfund site that is undergoing a $76 million remediation process to clear and remediate toxic soil. The Environmental Protection Agency has deemed it one of the nation’s most contaminated areas.

Residents of Eastwick are still struggling with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias, which devastated the neighborhood in August 2020. Many residents were without flood insurance or were underinsured, leading to difficulties in recovery. The community did not receive sufficient aid after the storm, relying on volunteers and fundraisers for support.

Community leader Moseley highlighted the disparities in aid received by Eastwick compared to other communities, particularly noting the lack of assistance for communities of color. Despite the challenges faced by the neighborhood, politicians representing Eastwick, such as City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson and U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, are supportive of the proposed land swap.

Moseley emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and working together to create a better future for Eastwick. The proposed land swap offers a potential path forward for the community, allowing residents to remain in their homes while addressing the ongoing issues of flooding and environmental contamination.