Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant

Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant Rezoning and Reconstruction

The Philadelphia Water Department is preparing for a major, long-term project to demolish and reconstruct the Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant. Located on approximately 110 acres in East Falls, the facility is an important part of Philadelphia’s water infrastructure—but the size and duration of the proposed work could significantly affect nearby residents, surrounding streets and the character of the neighborhood for many years.

In late 2022, the Water Department requested that the property be rezoned from residential classifications to a Special Purpose Civic designation. On May 23, 2024, Philadelphia City Council approved the zoning change. However, the legislation did not include the stronger protections or enforceable community agreement requested by the East Falls Community Council and neighboring residents.

Why the Rezoning Matters

Under the property’s previous residential zoning, EFCC and nearby residents had opportunities to provide input on conditions along the boundaries and public-facing portions of the facility, including areas bordering sidewalks, streets and neighboring properties.

That community involvement produced meaningful results in the past. During security improvements in 2010, neighbors successfully negotiated for more appropriate fencing, improved lighting and substantial landscaped buffers around the site. These improvements helped the Water Department address its operational and security needs while also protecting the appearance and quality of life of the surrounding neighborhood.

EFCC is concerned that the new civic zoning could allow the Water Department greater freedom to place buildings, equipment or other infrastructure within the buffer areas separating the treatment plant from nearby homes and public spaces. Without a binding agreement, many of the protections the community currently values may not be legally guaranteed throughout the reconstruction process.

Protecting the East Falls Community

EFCC recognizes the importance of maintaining and modernizing Philadelphia’s water infrastructure. The organization is not opposing improvements to the treatment plant itself. Instead, EFCC is asking the Water Department and city officials to establish clear, enforceable safeguards that balance the needs of the facility with the health, safety and quality of life of East Falls residents.

The protections requested by EFCC and community members include:

• Sufficient landscaped buffers along the perimeter of the property
• Limits on excessive lighting and light spilling into neighboring areas
• Sound-reduction measures to control construction and operational noise
• Appropriate fencing that complements the existing single-picket fencing along Queen Lane
• Preservation of the historic stone walls that help define the character of the area
• Continued communication and meaningful community involvement throughout planning and construction
• Protections that remain in place before, during and after the demolition and reconstruction project

These concerns are especially important because the work could take a decade or longer to complete. Construction activity, lighting, noise, traffic, fencing and the placement of new facilities could have lasting effects on neighboring homes, property values and the broader East Falls community.

Community Support

More than 150 East Falls residents and supporters gathered at Wissahickon Brewing Company in May 2024 to ask Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. to withhold the rezoning legislation until the Water Department entered into an enforceable community agreement.

Residents have also signed petitions, displayed lawn signs and participated in public meetings and hearings. This strong response demonstrates that the issue is not limited to those living immediately beside the property. It is a community-wide concern about responsible development, transparency and the preservation of East Falls’ quality of life.

Although the rezoning legislation has passed, EFCC’s advocacy continues. The organization remains committed to seeking meaningful protections and ensuring that residents have a voice as plans for the Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant move forward.

Community participation remains essential. East Falls residents are encouraged to stay informed, attend future meetings, share updates with neighbors and support EFCC’s efforts to secure an enforceable agreement with the Philadelphia Water Department.