PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — South and Southwest Philadelphia residents are demanding a seat at the table in the planned redevelopment of the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery, the site of a 2019 fire and explosion.
The day of action started with an interfaith prayer at the front gate of the former refinery, near 28th Street and Passyunk Avenue, now called the Bellwether District.
Nearby residents say they are worried about the future of that piece of land. They fear the current plan to use the land for a 10,000 square-foot warehouse space and loading docks will create high levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“It’s about money to them. All they care about is the almighty dollar. And that kind of thinking is the root of all evil,” said Mark Clincy, who lives in South Philly.
“They’re going about redlining and marginalizing by building stuff in our community which is forcing us out of our community.”
About 30 demonstrators then took to the streets, blocking traffic at the intersection of 28th and Passyunk for about 15 minutes, demanding the developer, Hilco, reinvest in the surrounding community and include residents in the planning of the project.
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Demonstrators claim the developer has canceled public meetings about the project in the past.
Organizers say corporate America has historically preyed on low-income, Black and brown communities and puts profit before their interests.
KYW Newsradio has reached out to the developer for comment and is awaiting a response.
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