Philadelphia's "Graffiti Pier" could become a public park after Conrail gets closer to selling property
Philadelphia's "Graffiti Pier" could become a public park depending on the outcome of a sale to a local nonprofit.
A portion of the pier collapsed into the river in late July 2024.
Dan Hafiz lives in the North Bank development across from the pier and likes the idea of a park.
"I think that's a great idea. I think you're balancing more public spaces with preserving the artistry of Graffiti Pier," Hafiz said. "I think Graffiti Pier is a Philadelphia landmark, and I look at it with respect."
Ram Reddy also lives in the North Bank development and supports a potential park.
"Oh, definitely, I would go there. I would go with my family. My wife would love that place," Reddy said. "I enjoy seeing the pier and its beautiful colors and paints."
Russ Torres is on the executive board of the homeowners association in North Bank and said they're cautiously optimistic about the potential sale.
"We look forward to it becoming a park that we can all enjoy," Torres said. "Extending that culture of art and public space into the neighborhoods, it's a win-win for us."
Joseph Forkin, the president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, said the plan is to keep the graffiti.
"You don't want to erase that past that it has," Forkin said. "We thought a really light touch, make it safe, well-lit, attract the public there, wrap programs, security and maintenance around it."
Rail company Conrail owns the pier, which was once used as a loading dock for ships hauling coal. The pier juts into the Delaware River near Cumberland Street in the city's Port Richmond neighborhood.
A spokesperson said the company is in talks with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and could reach an agreement by the end of 2024.
"We understand that the property would be integrated into the DRWC's parks and trails systems," a Conrail spokesperson said in an email.
Until its potential opening to the public, Brian Gorton, president and chief operating officer of Conrail, warned anyone who's on Graffiti Pier is trespassing.
"We're trying to do the best we can to control the entrance into that area, and truth be told, almost to no avail," Gorton said. "We really need to keep the people off the pier until it truly does become a city park."