The legislative intent of this article with
respect to the Riverfront Development District (RDD) is to recognize
the unique character and natural resources of the Schuylkill Riverfront
and to preserve and enhance the public's access to the area. It is
further the intent to establish reasonable standards for the height
and size of buildings, the areas and dimensions of yards and open
spaces, the provision of facilities to minimize traffic congestion,
noise, glare and pollution so as to lessen the danger to the public
safety and surrounding building values from traffic congestion, overcrowding
of land and inadequate transportation and to establish reasonable
standards for the riverfront area. It is further the intent of the
RDD to:
A. Allow mixed use development and redevelopment with
a distinction between the area that is riverfront and the supporting
area beyond (to be known as the "RDD-1 and RDD-2 Subdistricts" respectively).
B. Provide a uniformity of design and orderly arrangement
of buildings, land uses and parking areas.
C. Acknowledge the unique character of both the area
along the riverfront and the area immediately beyond the riverfront.
D. Recognize the proximity of the rail station and the
need for transit-oriented development and redevelopment.
E. Ensure greater public access to the riverfront and
provide for a greenbelt along the river.
F. Implement the Comprehensive Plan.
G. Implement transfer of development rights as a tool
to promote development and redevelopment while conserving land in
other areas of the Township.
H. Promote redevelopment to correct inadequate street
patterns and access, abandoned industrial buildings that are obsolete
in terms of economic feasibility, or are incompatible with surrounding
uses, in order to allow better use of the waterfront properties.