Copy of View of Old City from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge Walkway in Philadelphia, Pennsy

Unite to Preserve Old City

Old City - the heart of America’s Most Historic Square Mile - is under threat. The City of Philadelphia plans to establish an inter-city bus terminal in the Parking Authority garage at 125 S. 2nd St., between Chestnut and Walnut Sts. It poses a grave threat to the health, safety, economy and quality of life in our historic neighborhood. Concerned Old City Neighbors (COCN) strongly opposes this decision. We need your support to reverse this unwise, poorly-planned and unwelcome decision.

Say NO to the Greyhound Bus Terminal

About Our MOVEMENT

Concerned Old City Neighbors (COCN) is a community action group formed in April 2024 to oppose the proposed relocation of the inter-city bus terminal to the Parking Authority garage at 125 S. 2nd St. in Old City. COCN is Governed by a volunteer steering committee of residents and business owners with expert legal representation. COCN strongly believes that the proposed location is incompatible with the area's infrastructure and historic character.

As proposed, dozens of buses would trundle for up to 19-hours a day on narrow streets first planned by William Penn. They would then board and discharge hundreds of passengers from a makeshift terminal and onto sidewalks directly next door to William Penn’s former residence in Welcome Park, which is set for a multi-million-dollar renovation.

Among its other failings would be its impact ln dozens of small, family-owned businesses and hundreds of residential units in the neighborhood. And, It will also have a potentially life-threatening impact on a pre-school that sits 20-feet from the terminal entrance. The school’s toddler students depend on safe sidewalks and the expansive lawns of nearby Independence National Historical Park for their recreation.

The proposed terminal’s exit is also immediately opposite the $350 million park that will soon cover I-95. Now under construction, the park will become the crown jewel of Philadelphia’s waterfront development – accessible to residents and tourists alike only as they dart between dozens of buses exiting the garage every day.

No matter how the proposed bus terminal is measured, it just doesn’t work.

50 or More Diesel Buses.

2,000-4,000 People Every Day at 2nd & Walnut in Philadelphia’s Most Historic Square Mile.

TOP REASONS FOR CONCERN

Safety Risks

Next to preschools, national parks, and historic sites, there is a risk of traffic-related accidents involving children, tourists, and residents.

Crime and Quality of Life

Intercity bus terminals are not known to contribute to the safety, appearance, cleanliness, and quality of their host communities.

Traffic Congestion

It will be almost impossible for residents, suppliers, and visitors to navigate our already overtaxed small streets designed for horse and buggies.

Air Quality Concerns

Diesel pollutants affect air quality, which is particularly concerning for preschool children, residents, tourists, and park-goers with respiratory issues.

Vibrations & Structural Integrity

The vibrations caused by heavy diesel buses could potentially affect the structural integrity of the historic buildings in Old City.

Economic Impact

Local retailers, homeowners, land developers, and other businesses will see their property values decline, and together, they firmly say NO to the Greyhound Bus Terminal.

Preservation & Environmental Impact

Increased carbon emissions, congestion, and overuse are incompatible with historic preservation, the natural beauty of our streets, and national parks which are for future generations.