Action Center

No Fence at Independence!

The National Park Service has plans to construct a 7-foot fence behind Independence Hall and convert Old City Hall into a permanent visitor security screening facility. Urge Park Superintendent Dennis Reidenbach to find a better plan for protecting Independence National Historical Park.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: No Fence at Independence!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to urge you to consider less intrusive plans for securing the national treasures housed in Independence National Historical Park. I recognize that coordinating community input on the park's security project is a substantial undertaking; nevertheless, it is the best way to end up with a plan that is both effective and widely accepted.

Fencing in our national symbols of freedom and democracy will make an area that is already restricted even more off-putting to visitors. Also, adversely impacting Old City Hall, the United States first Supreme Court, by removing its placards and exhibition materials denies people access to an important part of America's cultural heritage.

The extension of the public comment period on the security plan is appreciated, but it is only one step in addressing this issue. Another step is to have the best community alternatives be presented to the future park director in a favorable way. I ask for your commitment in considering and recommending the best of the community alternatives as an approach that shows itself to be effective and attractive is more advantageous to us all.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
August 15, 2006

Background Information

In response to a Homeland Security Directive, the National Park Service has issued security plans that include erecting a 7-foot iron fence behind Independence Hall and converting Old City Hall, the nation’s first Supreme Court, into a permanent security screening facility.

Independence National Historical Park, located between 5^th and 6^th streets in Philadelphia, houses several assets of importance to America’s heritage, including two widely known national icons, Independence Hall, the site where the Declaration of Independence was first read publicly, and the Liberty Bell.

There are three main problems with the proposed security plans.

The plans, a response to the 9/11 terror attacks, only offer a means to protect the parks assets from an attack on foot or by vehicle.
The plans defy a 1735 Act of Assembly declaring that Independence Park “remain a public green and walk forever.”
The plans defy the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, which states, “The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of historical materials or alterations of features, spaces, and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be avoided.” (Department of Interior Regulations, 36 CFR 67).

Several Pennsylvania legislators are opposed to the fence. U. S. Senator Arlen Specter is working with U. S. Representative Chaka Fattah on having alternative plans be considered by the nominee for Park Service director – the current director has resigned.

Governor Edward Rendell said in the 8/2/2006 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer that he thinks the fence “makes absolutely no sense, and to the extent I can try to turn it around, I’m going to try.” PA Senator Vincent Fumo has threatened litigation as a means to prevent the erection of the fence.

Mayor John Street, in the 8/2/2006 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer is quoted as saying, “...the fence that’s in dispute right now is not warranted, and we’ll [the City] work with them and see what we can come up with.” City Solicitor, Romulo Diaz Jr., is working to make certain that the City is involved park plans and Managing Director, Pedro Ramos, submitted a letter to Park Superintendent, Dennis Reidenbach, stating opposition to the fence and calling for an extension for the public comment period.

Several local businesses and residents are also opposed to the fence plans. Ann Meredith is leading a group called Independence Mall Business and Residents Coalition (IMPARC). IMPARC has offered an alternative plan developed by architect Laurie Olin.

A first pass at collecting public comments concluded on Tuesday, August 1, 2006. Since then, however, the public comment period on the Environmental Assessment report has been extended to September 1, 2006. If you would like to make a public comment, click here to review the report http://www.nps.gov/applications/parks/inde/ppdocuments/ea.pdf and submit your written comments either on this website http://parkplanning.nps.gov/parkHome.cfm?parkID=245 or directly to the postal or email address below:

Attn: EA Review of Security Project

143 S. Third Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Fax: 215-597-1003

Email: claire_rozdilski@nps.gov