Proposed Land Swap in Eastwick Offers Hope for Residents Displaced by Flooding

The Eastwick neighborhood in Philadelphia has long been plagued by flooding issues, exacerbated by its location in a 500-year floodplain and the presence of a Superfund site, the Clearview Landfill. The aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 left many residents without adequate flood insurance or assistance, leading to a difficult recovery process.

In response to these ongoing challenges, a newly proposed land swap aims to provide a solution that allows residents to stay in their homes while mitigating future flood risks. Homeowners would transfer their property rights to the city in exchange for new homes built on vacant 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 transfer the land to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge for management, with proceeds from the sale of the wetlands going towards building new homes and providing tax credits for conservation efforts. This innovative approach aims to empower the community by giving them ownership of the land and control over their future.

Despite the challenges faced by Eastwick residents, there is hope for a brighter future. City officials, including City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson and U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, are supportive of the proposed land swap, signaling a potential path forward for the community. By working together and learning from past mistakes, Eastwick residents and city officials have the opportunity to create a more resilient and sustainable future for the neighborhood.

As Eastwick continues to navigate the aftermath of past disasters and ongoing environmental challenges, the proposed land swap offers a potential solution that prioritizes community empowerment and environmental conservation. With the support of local officials and residents, Eastwick has the opportunity to overcome its past struggles and build a more resilient future for all who call the neighborhood home.